The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 70

Chapter71

JACE

"Babe, we gotta start prepping for Sacred Moonlight Gathering," I murmur against her hair, breathing in her scent that still drives me wild after all this time.

Aria groans, burying her face deeper into the pillow. "Five more minutes."

I chuckle, trailing my fingers down her spine. "The Sacred Moon Gathering won't wait, even for an Alpha."

She rolls over, facing me with those eyes that see right through me. "Fine. But you owe me later."

"Always," I promise, leaning down to kiss her. Phantom stirs inside me, always hungry for more, always protective. I have to force myself to pull away before I get too distracted. "Shower?"

"Together," she smiles, taking my hand.

Under the hot water, I can't stop touching her, kissing her shoulder, her neck, the mark that binds us together. Making her mine was the best decision of my life, regardless of what any traditional pack members think about our pairing. She's worth every fight.

"What's going through that head of yours?" she asks, turning to face me.

"Just thinking about you," I admit, "and how some Alphas might look at you during the gathering."

She laughs, placing her hand on my cheek. "Jealous?"

"Cautious," I correct her, "Some old-school wolves still have issues with a human Luna."

"Let them," she shrugs, confidence radiating from her. "I'm not changing for anyone."

Her bravery never ceases to amaze me. I kiss her forehead gently. "You never should."

---

The hall is already buzzing with activity when we arrive. The massive oak tables are loaded with food: roasted meat, fresh bread, piles of fruit. My hand rests on Aria's lower back, guiding her through the crowd.

Gabriel, Lucas, and Eliana are waiting at a table in the far corner. Gabriel sits with the straight posture of a veteran warrior, alert eyes scanning the room as we approach. Years of training and countless battles have shaped him into one of our most respected guardians.

"Morning," I greet them, making sure Aria sits on my right side, a position where I can protect her easily if needed.

"Sleep well?" Gabriel raises an eyebrow, a teasing glint in his eye. The old man definitely heard something. Damn werewolf hearing.

"Very well, thank you," Aria responds calmly, though I notice the slight flush at the tips of her ears.

"Will you stay with Aria while I get her some food?" I ask Gabriel, trying to change the subject.

He grins widely. "Of course, go get our Luna some food. Before she becomes more dragon than wolf."

Laughter erupts around the table, even Lucas and Eliana can't help joining in. Only Aria glares at her adoptive father, but soon her lips curve upward too.

"Better bring extra meat," she calls after me. "I need my energy today."

When I return with our food, we start discussing today's competition schedule.

"The simplest events are planned for today," Lucas explains, checking the list in his hand. "Running and hunting. Tomorrow's tracking competition will take longer."

"Are our competitors ready?" I ask, noticing the confidence gleaming in Gabriel's eyes.

"Conner's handling the race," he nods in confirmation. "That boy's fast as the wind. Alex will compete in hunting, older but experienced. Caleb's responsible for tomorrow's tracking event."

"What about Ethan and Cal?" Aria asks. She personally selected these two guardians for the combat competition.

Gabriel smiles. "They're warming up, eager to fight. But the combat isn't until three days from now."

"We'll win," Lucas states firmly. "Our guardians are well-trained."

Aria remains silent, but I can feel her worry. Through our bond, her thoughts open to me: she's concerned about the guardians' safety, especially against opponents who might fight dirty.

"They'll be fine," I tell her quietly, for her ears only. "I promise."

She nods slightly and continues eating her breakfast, but the tension remains. That's my Luna, always putting others before herself.

---

The training grounds are packed with members from all packs. Our guardians patrol around us, ensuring safety. I'm satisfied to notice that Richard's seat is positioned quite far from us. Keeping distance is best for everyone, especially after his disrespectful comments about Aria last night.

"Good seats," Aria comments, looking out at the field where the competitions will take place.

I help her sit down, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "Best view in the house, only for my Luna."

Aria and Eliana start talking quietly while Lucas goes to help Gabriel organize the final preparations for our guardians. I scan the surroundings, nodding to several friendly Alphas. The political game never stops, even during competitions.

"You think our competitors are ready?" I ask softly to Aria, noticing her thoughtful expression.

She nods, leaning against me slightly. "Gabriel trained them well. They're as prepared as they can be."

"We'll make this gathering count," I promise, wrapping my arm around her shoulders. Sometimes I forget how young she is, barely nineteen, already carrying so many responsibilities as Luna.

"Look," she points, straightening up. "Marcus is starting."

Alpha Marcus Ravenwood steps onto the central platform. His presence commands immediate silence. His battle scars show his experience and strength.

"Brothers and sisters of the moon," his voice booms across the arena. "Welcome to the Sacred Moonlight Gathering!"

Cheers erupt from every direction. Aria's hand finds mine, squeezing gently. Her heartbeat, faster than a werewolf's, stays steady and strong.

"For generations, our packs have gathered under the moon's watchful eye," Marcus continues. "Here, many have found their true mates." A knowing murmur passes through the crowd. "Alliances have been forged between territories. And most importantly," he pauses, grinning, "we come together to enjoy the traditions that bind us."

The crowd roars approval. Marcus raises his hands for silence.

"Today we celebrate speed and hunting prowess. Tomorrow, tracking skills. And then," his voice drops dramatically, "the ancient arena will witness our strongest warriors and Alphas in combat."

Beside me, Aria's heart beats faster. I squeeze her hand, feeling the calluses from her training sword.

"LET THE SACRED MOONLIGHT GATHERING BEGIN!" Marcus declares.