The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 93

Chapter96

JACE

Something felt off from the moment we pulled into the lodge parking lot. This place was usually bustling with travelers—werewolves stopping for a night's rest during territory crossings. Tonight it stood eerily quiet, only a few cars scattered across the lot.

I've received quarterly financial reports since buying this place for Martha and Robert. They typically run at near capacity this season. The emptiness made my skin prickle with unease.

"What kind of help?" I asked, voice sharp with alertness.

Robert leaned forward, weathered hands clasped nervously together. "Alpha, you remember the trouble we had when we moved here."

I nodded, recalling the territorial dispute from years back. The local Alpha hadn't welcomed them—or me buying property on the edge of his territory.

"We hoped things would improve when the old Alpha stepped down," Robert continued. "He had no sons, so he arranged for his daughter to marry the Beta's son. Emma's mate is a good man, and so are his parents. They requested to leave and join Moon Shadow Pack, since they're only allowed to visit us once a month now. The request was denied, with threats of death if they attempted to leave."

Martha shifted closer, lowering her voice. "Emma's mate comes from a Delta family. That means the Beta has become Alpha now."

"So Emma's mate or one of his brothers should be Beta," I replied, connecting the dots.

"The eldest should be, but none of them want it," Martha sighed. "They hate how the pack operates. Emma's mate told us the three brothers once swore never to bring mates into this life, but someone was there when they met. If he didn't claim her, he would have been killed."

"They force high-ranking members to breed for power," Martha continued, disgust evident in her voice. "Females aren't allowed to leave the pack. They're taught to make everything look perfect so potential mates will relocate there."

Under the table, Aria's hand found mine, her grip tightening. I could feel her anger pulsing through our bond.

"What exactly do you need from me?" I asked directly. "I need to know."

"We want their family out," Robert stated firmly. "They should be safe. They also want to help others escape, to make the pack a better place in the long run."

"You understand this takes time," I explained. "I need to handle this correctly, especially considering everything that's going to happen in the next few months. But perhaps we can use these changes to ensure they leave safely. You'll need patience."

Robert and Martha bowed their heads respectfully.

"We can be patient," Martha pleaded, "but please get them to safety soon."

"Why the urgency?" I asked, noting her tone.

Martha dropped her voice even lower. "Emma's mate can't father children. The unmated new Alpha has been pursuing her, wanting her to bear his child despite her having a mate."

My anger flared instantly. "Are you telling me you're worried he'll force her?"

Robert and Martha stared at the floor.

"He's already tried," Robert admitted. "But Emma was secretly trained, unlike other females in that pack."

"Now he's threatening to kill her mate," Martha whispered. "She's not allowed to leave or contact us. A pack member was sent on an errand and sneaked this letter to us."

She pushed a folded paper across the table. The contents made my blood boil.

Aria read over my shoulder, her jaw tightening. "This is barbaric," she murmured.

I stood and paced, considering our options. I caught Aria's gaze, seeing understanding and determination there. She gave a slight nod.

"Do you still fight, Robert?" I asked.

He stood proudly. "Never stopped, Alpha."

"I need you two to do something," I said decisively. "Escort Aria home. I know you're both trained. I'll stay with the warriors borrowed from Alpha Marcus and contact him and others for support. We'll get them out, but first, I must ensure my mate and child are safe."

Robert and Martha bowed again. "We'll protect her with our lives, Alpha."

Aria began to protest but saw the determination in my eyes. She knew this point wasn't negotiable.

ARIA

Damn it. Seriously? I finally start feeling like I belong somewhere, and now I'm being sent away like some fragile human who can't handle herself. The warrior in me wants to protest, to demand my place in whatever rescue mission Jace is planning.

But I can't ignore the baby growing inside me. Or the way Jace's hand protectively covers my stomach when he thinks I'm sleeping. This isn't just about me anymore.

Robert and Martha moved quickly, making arrangements while Jace pulled me aside to a small sitting room off the main hall.

"I hate this," I said bluntly, crossing my arms. "I should be with you."

"I know," Jace replied, voice calm but firm. "But this isn't about your abilities, Aria. It's about priorities."

"I can still fight."

"That's what worries me. I know you would." His eyes held mine. "This Alpha sounds dangerous and desperate. I can't focus if I'm worried about you and our son."

The reasonable part of me understood. The stubborn part still hated it.

"What about you?" I challenged. "You think I won't worry about you charging into some twisted pack's territory?"

"I won't be alone. I'll have trained warriors with me, and I'll contact Marcus and other allied Alphas for support. This isn't just about Emma and her family anymore—this pack's practices violate our most sacred laws. No one forces mating bonds."

I placed my hand over my slightly swollen belly. A kick reminded me why I needed to accept this decision.

"Two days," I said firmly. "If you're not home in two days, I'm coming back with Gabriel and an army."

His mouth twitched in what might have been a smile. "Deal."

While Robert and Martha sorted through their belongings, Jaspar and Ethan helped organize everything into neat piles by the door. I noticed the relieved expressions on their faces when they learned I'd be traveling separately from Jace tomorrow. Clearly they preferred guarding one pregnant Luna over an Alpha bent on confrontation.

"You'll leave first thing in the morning," Jace instructed, his Alpha voice leaving no room for argument. "Drive straight to the destination. No unnecessary stops. Contact Gabriel regularly with updates every two hours."

"Yes, Alpha," they responded in unison.

The evening air felt cool as we finished our preparations. A sudden chill ran through me that had nothing to do with the temperature. Sage stirred inside me, anxious and alert.

When Jace pulled me into his arms, I buried my face against his chest, memorizing his scent, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

"I'll be right behind you," he promised, lips pressed against my hair. "I'll join you the following day, two days maximum."

I nodded against his chest. "Be careful when you come. This new Alpha sounds dangerous."

His kiss was fierce, branding me as his. "I'm more dangerous. And I'll be bringing reinforcements when I arrive."