The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 82

ARIA

Thank god for the break. My nerves couldn't take watching another second without a breather. Through our bond, I could feel Jace's exhaustion mixed with determination. The guy just fought multiple Alphas at once, and now he has to face Marcus? Talk about stacked odds.

Elder Thorn continued, "We'll reconvene in twenty minutes to determine our champion."

The crowd dispersed, buzzing with excitement. I pushed through, desperate to reach Jace before handlers and admirers surrounded him. Too late. Three elders already cornered him, probably giving "advice" he didn't ask for.

I caught his eye over their heads. His face softened immediately, and he politely excused himself, striding toward me with purpose. God, that walk still makes my stomach flip.

"Hey," he said, reaching for me. His arms encircled my waist, pulling me close. I breathed in the scent of him—sweat, earth, and something uniquely Jace.

"You've got this," I whispered against his chest.

His body tensed. "We need to talk. Somewhere private."

He led me away from the crowd to a secluded spot behind the pavilion. Alarm bells rang in my head. Jace didn't do "private talks" unless something was seriously wrong.

"What is it?" I asked, studying his face. A bruise was already forming along his jaw where Marcus had landed a punch during their earlier skirmish.

Jace ran a hand through his hair, a rare gesture of uncertainty. "If I win this final match—"

"When you win," I corrected.

A ghost of a smile touched his lips. "When I win, things will change for us, Aria." His gaze held mine, intense and unwavering. "I must accept becoming King of Moon Shadow. The Moon Goddess expects it."

I nodded slowly. "I know."

"Do you really understand what that means?" His voice dropped lower. "Not just Alpha of our pack, but true King. Responsible for all the packs in our territory. It will completely change our lives."

My heart hammered against my ribs. Of course I'd heard the whispers, seen the way other pack members had started treating us differently. King and Queen. The titles terrified me. I wasn't born for this. Hell, I wasn't even born a werewolf.

But Jace needed my strength now, not my doubts.

"I understand," I said, forcing conviction into my voice. "And we'll face it together. You, me, Aurora, our son, Gabriel, Lucas, Eliana—even Hunter. Our entire pack stands with us."

Jace studied my face, searching for any hesitation. Finding none, he nodded and pressed his forehead against mine.

"How did I get so lucky?"

"You didn't. You got stuck with a stubborn human who gives you endless grief."

He actually laughed at that, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Wouldn't have it any other way."

The warning horn sounded, signaling five minutes until the match resumed.

"I should go," Jace said, brushing his lips against mine. The kiss was gentle but carried a promise of more later. "Watch carefully. This one's for you."

"Kick his ass," I replied, making him grin.

I returned to my place beside Gabriel, who'd been keeping a respectful distance. He raised an eyebrow at me.

"Everything alright?"

"Just pre-fight encouragement," I said, not ready to discuss the whole King thing yet. Gabriel nodded, not pushing further.

The arena filled quickly as spectators rushed back to their seats. Elder Thorn returned to the center, flanked by members of the council. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation.

Jace and Marcus entered from opposite sides. They met in the middle, clasping forearms in the traditional warrior's greeting, heads bowed in mutual respect.

"Remember, this is an exhibition match," Elder Thorn reminded them. "The purpose is to display skill and honor, not cause permanent injury."

Both Alphas nodded their understanding. Then they stepped back, bodies instantly shifting into fighting stances.

"Begin!"

Neither moved immediately. They circled each other slowly, calculating, assessing. Marcus, though older, showed no signs of fatigue from the earlier fights. Jace looked focused, completely in the moment.

The crowd grew restless with the lack of action. Someone shouted, "Fight already!"

As if triggered by the outburst, Marcus lunged forward with unexpected speed, throwing a powerful punch. Jace barely dodged it, surprise flashing across his face.

"Too slow, pup," Marcus taunted.

Jace shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. He countered with a strike of his own, targeting Marcus's ribs instead of his head. The hit connected with a thud that made me wince. Marcus hadn't expected that move—it showed in his momentary grimace.

They exchanged blows, each landing solid hits. Both were breathing harder now, sweat glistening on their skin. Marcus connected with Jace's jaw, snapping his head back. I gasped involuntarily.

Jace recovered quickly, retaliating with two rapid strikes that forced Marcus to stumble backward. Blood trickled from the older Alpha's nose, but he wiped it away without concern.

"Not bad," he acknowledged.

What happened next stunned everyone. Marcus moved with speed that defied his age, slipping past Jace's guard and locking an arm around his throat. Jace struggled briefly before grabbing Marcus's arm and executing a perfect throw.

They crashed to the ground together, rolling in the dirt. When they separated, both sprang back to their feet, circling again.

"Luna Aria chose well," Marcus said, loud enough for nearby spectators to hear.

"I chose her," Jace corrected.

Marcus shook his head. "We both know that's not how it works."

Their exchange distracted me. I'd unconsciously shifted position, moving away from Gabriel to get a better view. Not far—I could still hear him nearby—but enough to be on my own.

The fighters clashed again, their movements almost too fast to follow. Jace landed a powerful kick to Marcus's knee, causing it to buckle. He pressed his advantage, tackling the older Alpha and pinning him to the ground with a precise grappling technique.

Marcus struggled, testing Jace's hold. Finding no escape, he freed one hand and tapped the ground twice in clear submission.

The crowd erupted in cheers. Jace immediately released Marcus and offered his hand. The older Alpha accepted it with grace, allowing Jace to pull him to his feet.

"A worthy successor," Marcus announced, clasping Jace's shoulder.

Elder Thorn stepped forward. "The victor—Alpha Jace Carter!"

I clapped and cheered with everyone else, feeling prouder than I'd ever admit aloud. Jace had done it. He'd proven himself against the most respected Alpha in the territory.

As Jace and Marcus shook hands again, I felt something sharp press against my back.

"Move backward quietly," a voice whispered against my ear. "Or I'll drive this silver dagger into your spine. It's long enough to reach your stomach."

My body went rigid. I didn't dare turn around.

"What do you want?" I whispered.

"Silence. Step back slowly."

I complied, trying to reach Jace through our bond. Just as our connection sparked to life, I felt a sharp prick in my neck.