The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 67

Chapter68

ARIA

That look sent chills down my spine. Alpha Warren. His eyes locked on me like I was his damn prey. Even across the banquet hall, I could feel the possessiveness in his stare. This wasn't the look of a man who'd moved on. This was a predator who'd found his target again.

Sage, my wolf, restlessly stirred inside me. This was bad. How dare he stare at me like that? I was Jace's mate, his Luna, carrying his child for God's sake. What the hell was wrong with this Alpha?

Just as I swallowed hard, trying to calm myself, Jace returned to our table, plate full of food in hand.

"Here you go, extra meat," he said, placing it in front of me. His brow immediately furrowed. "Baby, what's wrong?"

His voice echoed directly in my mind through our mind link. I didn't answer out loud, just responded in thought: "Alpha Warren, he's staring at me."

Jace released a low growl, scanning the banquet hall for Warren. I could feel Phantom, his wolf, stirring beneath the surface too. But Warren was already gone from his seat.

Jace swept his gaze across the hall again before sitting down. His expression shifted to alert, and I guessed he was mind-linking with Gabriel, my adoptive father.

"It's okay," Jace gave me a reassuring smile, taking my hand. "I won't let him near you."

I nodded, but the tension didn't leave my body. I knew everyone around us had noticed Jace's change in mood. Luna Seraphina's expression suggested she was mind-linking with Alpha Marcus.

"Do you have a problem with Alpha Warren from Black Forest Pack?" Alpha Marcus asked directly, his tone casual but wary.

Jace looked at me, seemingly asking for permission. Then he turned to Alpha Marcus. "I'd like to say no, but that would be a lie. Aria and her father and brother fled from his pack to mine. He's obsessed with Aria, tried to force her to be his chosen Luna."

Alpha Marcus's face turned serious. "I have heard he's grown cruel and evil. Yet I never saw these signs when we met."

"Honestly, neither did I," I chimed in, my hand unconsciously moving to my swollen belly. "But my father did. Alpha Warren tried to bribe him with the Chief Warrior position in exchange for me."

Talking about it made my stomach twist. I didn't want to remember that time, that feeling of being traded like property.

Jace must have sensed my discomfort because he suddenly stood up, extending his hand to me. "Want to dance?"

The suggestion brought me relief. The dance floor was a good idea, at least to get away from the heavy conversation. "Sure."

I smiled and followed him to the dance floor where many people were already moving to the slow music played by the live pianist. Jace gently pulled me into his arms, his embrace providing safety.

"You okay?" he asked quietly.

"Yeah, better now," I leaned against his shoulder. Over these months, as the baby grew, my stamina had decreased. But right now, in Jace's arms, I just wanted to savor this moment of peace.

We danced through several songs, Jace's hand protectively around my waist. His movements were careful, making sure I didn't get too tired. But even so, my feet started to hurt. Damn high heels.

"I need to rest," I said softly.

Jace nodded immediately. "Let's head back then. You go to the table, I'll grab some drinks. What do you want?"

"Just water."

As I walked toward our table, I felt a sharp prickling at the back of my neck. A powerful presence approached from behind, but I knew it wasn't Jace. The scent was different, sharper, more aggressive.

Before turning around, I already had a bad feeling. Sure enough, when I did turn, there stood Alpha Warren. He seemed bigger than I remembered, his eyes burning with desire I couldn't ignore.

"Hello, Aria. It's been a while," his voice sounded almost pleasant, but something dangerous lurked underneath.

I gave a slight bow, trying to stay polite. "Alpha Warren, hello. Yes, it has been a while."

His gaze burned over my body, lingering on my stomach. "You're still as beautiful as ever."

A shiver ran up my spine. I didn't know what to say, so I chose to remain silent.

"Is your father here?" he asked, anger suddenly flashing in his eyes. "I need to talk to him about his decision to take you away from the pack, away from a home and a place where you had a great future."

Anger surged through me. "He's here. As Chief Warrior and trainer, that's the position he earned after proving himself to our new Alpha."

Alpha Warren's expression darkened, and I felt him trying to use his Alpha aura to influence me. "Aria, don't forget who you're talking to."

"It won't work, Alpha," I stared directly into his eyes. "I'm mated. And Luna. I only obey one Alpha, my mate."

He sneered, annoyed. "You were supposed to be my chosen mate, Aria. You could have been the Luna of 'our' pack."

"No, because I would never have accepted," I answered firmly. "Now I'm returning to my table. Good luck in the Sacred Moonlight Gathering."

I turned to leave, but Alpha Warren grabbed my arm. His grip was so tight it hurt; I knew it would leave bruises.

"Don't turn your back on me, Aria," he commanded again, voice full of threat.

I was about to fight back when I sensed three powerful auras approaching. From the scent, I knew the most dangerous one was Jace.

"Take your hand off my mate. Now." Jace's voice was low and full of power, not just his own but Phantom's too.

Alpha Warren released my arm as if burned. He bowed his head slightly, but rebellion still flickered in his eyes. He tried to resist but couldn't.

I immediately walked to Jace, who pulled me into his arms, carefully examining my arm.

"Are you okay?" he asked through our mind link.

"I'm fine," I assured him, though the pain in my arm told a different story.

Jace turned toward Alpha Warren, eyes filled with undisguised threat. The other two men—Alpha Marcus and his son—both nodded and smiled at me, showing support.

Alpha Marcus broke the tense atmosphere. "Luna Aria. My mate and daughter are at our table. I'm sure they're waiting for you. I just told the warriors at the door to let your father in."

I looked up at Jace, who nodded in agreement.

"Don't worry, baby. I'll be right there," he said gently.

I nodded, then walked toward our table, my heart still racing from the confrontation. I knew tonight wouldn't end so easily. Alpha Warren's look told me he wasn't done yet.