The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 97

JACE

Damn mind links at this hour. Who even needs sleep anyway?

Hunter's voice pierced through my dreams, yanking me back to consciousness. *Alpha, we've been waiting outside for twenty minutes. Everyone's already here.*

I forced my eyes open, squinting at the bedside clock. 4:30 AM. Great.

*On my way,* I projected back, swinging my legs over the bed.

I grabbed my clothes from the chair, dressing quickly while my mind cleared. The warriors had arrived early—even earlier than the ungodly hour we'd planned. Despite my irritation at the rude awakening, pride swelled in my chest. My Pack never disappointed.

The floor felt cold against my bare feet as I pulled on my boots. No time for coffee. Duty called.

The pre-dawn air bit at my skin as I stepped outside. Dozens of warriors stood in perfect formation, their breath creating small clouds in the cold morning. The sight stopped me for a moment—their dedication, their loyalty.

I squared my shoulders, pushing aside fatigue as I addressed them.

"Thank you for coming," I began, my voice carrying across the silent gathering. "What we're doing today matters."

Their eyes remained fixed on me, unwavering. I took a deep breath.

"Three and a half years ago, one of our own found her true mate in another Pack." I said. "She called for help. Her final words revealed her mate had been murdered."

Tension rippled through the group. I continued, each word heavier than the last.

"She refused to bear the Alpha's pups after discovering her mate couldn't father children. For that, she was persecuted." My hands clenched into fists. "Today, we end their reign of terror."

A collective growl rose from the warriors—low, threatening, unified. Hunter stepped forward, his face set in grim determination.

"Moon Shadow stands with you, Alpha. Command us."

My chest swelled with fierce pride. These weren't just warriors—they were family.

"Rest for a few hours," I ordered. "Study the plans we've created with Alpha Marcus and Alpha Green. Know your positions. Be ready."

As one, they bowed their heads in submission. The sight was both humbling and empowering.

I turned away, heading back to my quarters. The absence of Aria hit me harder in the quiet of my room. Empty bed. Empty space. I couldn't wait to get this mission done and return home to her and Aurora.

Something warm brushed against my consciousness, pulling me from a dreamless sleep. Aria's presence—gentle but unmistakable.

I blinked, orienting myself. The clock read 6:13 AM. Still time before departure.

My phone lit up on the nightstand, vibrating with an incoming video call. Aria's name flashed on the screen. I grabbed it, answering immediately.

Her face appeared, smiling. The sight of her alone eased the tension in my shoulders.

"Morning, sleepyhead," she teased.

"Daddy!" Aurora's excited voice came through before her face pushed into view, crowding the screen. Her smile was missing a tooth—when had that happened?

"Hey, princess." My voice softened automatically. "You taking care of Mommy for me?"

The word slipped out naturally—Mommy. Aria was slightly shocked, but her smile grew. Aurora nodded enthusiastically.

"Mommy said I don't have to go to school today! We're gonna make cookies and watch movies and—"

"And not drive Mommy crazy, right?" I interrupted with a grin.

Aria laughed, running her hand through Aurora's hair. "We'll be fine. Don't worry about us."

"How's everything there?" she asked, her expression turning serious.

"Going according to plan. Everyone arrived early."

She nodded. "Come home safe."

"Always do."

A knock at the door interrupted us. Hunter's voice called through. "Alpha, it's time."

The reality of the day crashed back. I sighed, looking at my girls one last time.

"I have to go."

"We love you," Aria said, Aurora echoing her words.

"Love you both. I'll call when it's done."

I ended the call, the room suddenly colder without them. Setting my phone down, I straightened my shoulders and opened the door.

Hunter stood waiting, his expression all business. "Teams are ready."

Time to be Alpha again.

The morning sun broke through the trees as our three teams approached the target Pack's territory. Each team moved with precision—Alpha Marcus leading from the east, Alpha Randall from the west, and me from the south. We'd strategically mixed warriors from different Packs to ensure communication remained open.

We advanced toward the packhouse, our movements synchronized and determined. My senses heightened, catching every sound, every scent.

The first Pack members appeared—confused, disheveled, clearly just waking. They stared at us wide-eyed, backing away as we passed.

Guards emerged from the packhouse, taking defensive positions. They didn't attack, but tension crackled in the air like electricity before a storm.

I kept my eyes forward, focused on the main building. This wasn't a war party—not unless they made it one.

An elderly warrior with white hair stepped forward from the guards. Despite facing three Alphas at full strength, he maintained his composure, bowing deeply.

"Rise," I commanded, my voice carrying across the now-silent yard. "Your name?"

"Matthew, sir," he answered, his voice surprisingly steady. He kept his eyes down, appropriate respect for an Alpha.

He straightened, eyes downcast. "What brings three Alphas to our territory unannounced?"

I stepped forward. "We've received disturbing reports about how this Pack treats its members. Particularly the females."

Gasps and whispers spread through the gathering crowd. The old warrior's face remained impassive.

"We're here to offer sanctuary to anyone who wishes to leave," I continued. "No one should live in fear within their own Pack."

Silence fell. Pack members exchanged glances, some hopeful, others fearful.

"Where is your Alpha?" I asked, scanning the growing crowd.

"He's in the packhouse. Yesterday, he... he took my nephew's mate, Emma."

A chill coursed through me. "Explain."

"He killed her mate—my nephew Johnny—then took her," Matthew said. "My other nephews tried to save her. He nearly beat them to death."

Hunter growled beside me. I felt Phantom stir within, furious.

"The Alpha's quarters?" I kept my voice controlled despite the rage building inside me.

"North wing. Office first door on left, bedroom right behind it," Matthew answered.

I nodded to Hunter and Randall. They understood immediately.

The shift happened fast—bones reshaping, skin stretching, power surging. Several female Pack members screamed as Phantom emerged. Good. Let them fear what comes for those who abuse power.

I stalked toward the north wing, my paws silent despite my size. The office door yielded easily to my strength. Empty.

The bedroom door next. I ripped it open.

The scent hit me first—blood, fear, violation. Emma lay naked on the bed, bound at wrists and ankles. Blood trickled from a fresh bite mark on her neck. A forced marking. The ultimate violation.

A male figure emerged from the adjoining bathroom, sneering.

"You're trespassing," he spat. "This female is mine now. I've marked her."

I growled, low and dangerous.

"Back off," he continued, emboldened by my silence. "She's in heat now. Already carrying my pups, most likely."

Phantom's rage exploded through me. One powerful swipe severed the ropes binding Emma. She immediately scrambled behind me, trembling violently.

I grabbed a sheet with my teeth, dropping it beside her. She clutched it gratefully, covering herself.

The Alpha lunged suddenly, a silver blade flashing. Pain seared through my forearm as the knife sank deep.