The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 90

**JACE**

I blinked awake, momentarily confused by the unfamiliar ceiling. Then I felt Aria's warmth against my side, and everything came rushing back—the celebration, the announcement, the responsibility that now rested on my shoulders.

She slept peacefully, her breathing deep and even. The sheet draped loosely across her body, revealing the bruises on her shoulder from Warren's attack not long ago. I gritted. She needed rest now.

I glanced at the clock. We needed to leave soon, but after everything she'd been through, an extra hour of sleep seemed justified. I watched her, memorizing every detail of her face relaxed in sleep. The woman who'd turned my world upside down from the moment Gabriel brought her to Moon Shadow territory.

When the hour passed, I traced my finger along her arm. "Aria," I whispered. "Time to wake up."

Her eyelashes fluttered as she stirred. "Morning already?"

"Unfortunately." I pressed a kiss to her forehead. "We need to get ready to head home."

She stretched, wincing slightly as she moved her injured shoulder. "Aurora will be bouncing off the walls when we get back."

"Probably driving your grandparents crazy," I agreed, the thought of my daughter bringing a smile. "The arrangements are set. Gabriel's traveling with the new guards and some pack members. Lucas and Eliana are going with Conner."

"And us?" She sat up, holding the sheet to her chest.

"Ethan's driving. Jaspar's riding with us."

Her brow furrowed. "Security? We didn't have security when we came with Lucas and Eliana."

"Things changed." I ran a hand through my hair. "Everyone at the Gathering knows who we are now. What we are to become. It makes us targets."

"Right." Her expression clouded. "King of the pack alliance. Hard to believe."

I stood and walked to the window, pulling back the curtain to check the grounds. Old habits. "We have three months before the official ceremony. Plenty of time to prepare."

Aria slipped out of bed and headed for the closet. She chose simple clothes—leggings, a long shirt, and a hoodie. Practical, comfortable for the long drive.

We showered together, more for efficiency than anything else. My thoughts kept drifting to the responsibilities waiting at home. When I emerged, I pulled on jeans, a t-shirt, and my dark jacket.

Aria laughed as she looked at us both. "We don't look much like leaders of anything."

I smiled, pulling her close. "Not yet. The ceremony isn't for three months. Today, we're just heading home." I pressed my lips to hers. "Everyone else will be dressed the same. Promise."

*I promise a lot of things these days. Wonder how many I can actually keep.*

The hallbuzzed with morning activity. Packs from across the country were preparing to depart after the Gathering. Just as I'd predicted, most wore comfortable travel clothes.

*You were right,* Aria's voice echoed in my head through our mind link. *Even Marcus and Seraphina are dressed down.*

I followed her gaze to where Alpha Marcus sat with his Luna. Despite their casual appearance, their authority remained unmistakable. I guided Aria toward their table, where Marcus had saved us seats.

"The guests of honor," Marcus said with a smile. "Join us."

We settled at the table. Seraphina immediately engaged Aria in conversation while Marcus leaned toward me.

"Sleep well?" His tone suggested he knew exactly what had kept us awake.

"Well enough," I answered, reaching for coffee. "We need to hit the road early."

Marcus nodded. "A long journey back to Montana. Your pack must be eager for your return."

"And I'm eager to see my daughter." I couldn't keep the softness from my voice. "Six days is the longest I've been away from her."

He studied me for a moment. "You have an exceptional mate, Carter. She'll make an outstanding Luna."

I glanced at Aria, watching her animated conversation with Seraphina. "She already is."

"Aria speaks fondly of your daughter," Marcus commented, following my gaze. "Unusual for one not born to our ways to adapt so completely."

Pride swelled in my chest. "Aurora adores her. The feeling is mutual."

"You know," Marcus said, refilling his coffee, "among friends, there's no need for titles. Unless you insist on the formality of your new position."

"We've known each other too long for that," I replied. "Marcus it is."

**ARIA**

"Are you excited to return home?" Luna Seraphina asked, stirring honey into her tea.

I nodded, grateful for her warmth. "This has been incredible, but I miss home. Miss Aurora."

She smiled knowingly. "Your daughter must be counting the days."

My heart skipped at her words. "She's Jace's daughter."

"And yours," Seraphina said firmly. "Blood doesn't make a mother. Love does."

I stared into my coffee. "People might think I'm trying to erase Vanessa."

"Aurora needs a mother who won't abandon her." Seraphina's voice turned gentle. "From what Jace tells me, you two connected instantly."

"We did. From the first day, it felt...right."

Seraphina nodded. "I felt the same with Marcus's first daughter. She wasn't mine by birth, but she became mine in every way that matters."

"What if Vanessa returns?" The question escaped before I could stop it. The fear that had haunted me since falling in love with both Jace and his daughter.

"She might," Seraphina acknowledged. "But Jace holds the highest power in your pack. And everyone knows what she did. The community would never support her claim."

Her words calmed the anxiety that had been building since the announcement of our new positions. "Thank you, Luna Seraphina."

"Please," she smiled warmly, "just Seraphina between us. And you're just Aria."

I returned her smile. "Seraphina."

"The next three months will be busy," she continued, "but everything will fall into place. The council has planned this transition carefully."

Before I could respond, Jace's attention suddenly sharpened. He'd received a message through the pack's telepathic network.

"Everyone's ready," he announced. "We should go."

We said our goodbyes and headed outside. I gasped at the sight that greeted us—ten werewolves waited in the courtyard, some already in wolf form.

"What's this?" Jace asked, tension evident in his stance.

Marcus stepped forward. "My scouts reported that news of the new King and Queen has spread quickly. I'm sending my elite guards to escort you home safely."

"We appreciate the gesture," Jace said, his voice thick with unexpected emotion.

Seraphina embraced me tightly. "You'll be an exceptional Luna, leader, and mother," she whispered in my ear. "Never doubt that."

The weight of her words settled over me as we climbed into the SUV. Ethan took the driver's seat, Jaspar beside him, while Jace and I settled in the back. As we pulled away from Marcus's territory, we began our journey home. Our real home.