The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 65

ARIA

The last month has gone so fast. I am now showing, and you can easily see that I am pregnant. Honestly, this whole "carrying a baby while also having a wolf spirit" thing is weird as hell. One minute I'm exhausted, the next Sage's energy has me wanting to run through the forest all night.

We're heading to the Sacred Moonlight Gathering, and I'm trapped in this SUV with Lucas, Eliana, and Jaspar. Four hours so far. My back hurts, and I've peed at every gas station between here and Montana. Pregnancy sucks sometimes.

"I think we should have a spring wedding," Eliana says, leaning against Lucas. "When the flowers are blooming in the meadow."

"Whatever you want, babe," Lucas replies, kissing her forehead.

They've been discussing wedding plans for the last hour. It's sweet but also making me miss Jace even more. He and Gabriel headed to the Gathering four days ago to help with preparation and registration.

"Did you hear Dylan Warren is already there?" Jaspar mentions from the driver's seat, eyeing me in the rearview mirror.

My stomach tightens. "What about his father?"

"No sign of Alpha Warren yet," Jaspar answers.

Thank the Moon Goddess for small mercies. I still remember the look in Warren's eyes when I rejected him—like I was property he'd been denied. Now that I'm carrying Jace's child, I'm sure his obsession has only worsened.

I rest my hand on my swollen belly. Our son kicks against my palm as if to reassure me. I smile despite my worry.

"They're still planning the ceremony?" Eliana asks, bringing me back to their wedding talk.

I try to focus on their conversation, but the steady motion of the car and my pregnancy fatigue pull me under. The last thing I hear is Lucas talking about honeymoon destinations.

---

"Aria, wake up. We're here."

Eliana's gentle voice pulls me from sleep. I blink, disoriented, until I register the commotion outside.

"Holy shit," I mutter, sitting up straight.

The Ravenwood Pack territory stretches before us—a sprawling compound nestled against mountains. Hundreds of werewolves move about, setting up camps and training areas. The energy is electric.

"This... is a lot more people than I expected," I say, suddenly self-conscious about my very human origins.

"Only the biggest gathering of the year," Lucas reminds me with a grin.

We pull up to a large cabin structure. Werewolves pause to watch our arrival, curious about the Moon Shadow Pack's representatives. I spot several warriors in shifted form, their massive wolf bodies prowling the perimeter. Security is tight.

Jaspar parks, and before I can even reach for the door handle, it swings open. Jace stands there, his face breaking into a wide smile that makes my heart race.

"You're finally here," he says, pulling me into his arms.

I breathe him in, letting his presence calm my nerves. "I missed you."

"Missed you more," he whispers against my hair. His hand finds my belly, and our son responds with a strong kick.

Jace laughs. "He's getting stronger."

"He never stops moving. Takes after his father."

After greeting Lucas and the others, Jace explains the arrangements. "The warriors have set up camp in the fields. Alphas and Betas get cabins. Hunter couldn't make it, so Lucas and Eliana can use what would have been his room. Gabriel's with the warriors."

I look around, taking in the beauty of the Ravenwood territory. The mountains rise majestically behind the compound, and forests stretch in every direction.

"It's beautiful here," I say.

"Indeed it is," comes a deep voice behind me.

I turn to find an older werewolf watching me with interest. His presence commands respect—clearly an Alpha.

I bow my head slightly. "Alpha."

Jace steps forward. "Aria, this is Alpha Marcus Ravenwood, our host. Alpha Marcus, this is my mate Aria, Luna of the Moon Shadow Pack."

Alpha Marcus studies me for a moment. "The human Luna I've heard so much about. Welcome to Ravenwood territory."

"Thank you for hosting us," I reply, trying to mask my nervousness.

"Jace, why don't you show your mate to your quarters? She must be tired from the journey."

Jace nods and leads us toward a cluster of cabins. He carries my bags effortlessly, punching in a code at our door.

"Remember this—8735," he says. "Security's tight with so many packs around."

After settling in, we head to the training grounds to find Gabriel. The field is packed with warriors from different packs, some in human form sparring, others shifted into massive wolves racing across the grounds.

I scan the crowd for Gabriel, pride swelling as I watch our Moon Shadow warriors outperforming most others.

Suddenly, a familiar figure approaches. My breath catches.

"Aria! Is that you?"

I turn to see Dylan Warren walking toward us, a genuine smile on his face.

"Alpha Dylan," I say formally.

He shakes his head. "Just Dylan, please. I'm not Alpha yet."

I gesture to Jace. "This is Alpha Jace, my mate."

Jace extends his hand. "You may not officially hold the title yet, but you're next in line. In my book, that's enough to warrant respect. It's good to meet you, Alpha Dylan."

Dylan seems surprised by Jace's respect but shakes his hand firmly. "I'm glad to see you found your true mate, Aria. I always thought you had Luna potential. Just needed it to happen the right way."

My cheeks warm at his words. I'd never considered myself "Luna material" when living in the Black Forest Pack.

"Will you be competing this year, Aria?" Dylan asks. "I know it's been your dream for years."

I rest a hand on my belly. "Not this year. I'm pregnant."

Dylan's eyes widen before a genuine smile spreads across his face. "Congratulations to you both!"

"She'll compete next year," Jace says, squeezing my hand. "Being my Luna doesn't mean giving up her dreams."

"That gives me a year to find warriors who might stand a chance against her," Dylan jokes, but his expression suddenly turns serious.

"You should know—my father is here. He arrived this morning." His voice drops. "I don't know why, but he seems fixated on you, Aria. Be careful."

My stomach knots. Warren's obsession with making me his Luna had driven us from Black Forest territory months ago.

"Don't worry, Alpha," Jace says, his body tensing beside me. "I've taken every precaution to keep her safe. But thank you for the warning."

"I don't agree with his actions," Dylan says firmly. "If there's anything I can do to help, just ask. When I become Alpha, I hope our packs can have peace."

Jace nods. "Alpha Dylan, you have no need to bow to me. I know you helped Aria and her family escape your pack. You have my gratitude for that. Without it, we might never have found each other. When you become Alpha, you'll have the full support of the Moon Shadow Pack."

Dylan's eyes reflect surprise and gratitude before he excuses himself.

"Thank you for that, Jace," I say once he's gone. "Dylan's a good man."

"You don't need to thank me. He helped you. That's all I need to know." Jace's expression grows serious. "But I need you to promise me something. Don't go anywhere without me, Gabriel, or Lucas with you. Okay?"

The intensity in his voice leaves no room for argument. "I understand. I promise."

We turn our attention back to the training grounds, watching our warriors. Although we know Alpha Warren is somewhere in the compound, we haven't seen him yet. Maybe, just maybe, we'll make it through the Gathering without a confrontation.

But deep down, I know better. A storm is coming. I can feel it.