The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 98

JACE

Mistake. Big mistake.

I pulled the blade from my arm, shifting partially back to speak, my voice a terrifying combination of human and beast.

"By the power of the Primal Wolves, I strip you of your title and dissolve your Pack." Blood dripped down my arm as I pointed the knife at him. "For your crimes, you will be imprisoned until death claims you."

His face contorted with rage and fear. "You can't—"

"I can. I am."

I nodded to Marcus and Randall. They seized him immediately. Outside, they bound him with silver chains—painful but necessary for a jerk.

Shifting back fully to human form, I pulled on the clothes Hunter handed me. "Find the Pack doctor," I ordered.

Minutes later, the doctor arrived with Emma's mother-in-law and sister-in-law. Their faces paled seeing Emma's condition.

"She needs family now," I said quietly. "The forced marking, the violation—she'll need time and love to recover."

The doctor nodded grimly. "We'll care for her."

Hours passed as we organized the disbanded Pack. I finally had a moment to call Aria. Her worried face appeared on my screen.

"It's done," I said. "We found her in time. Barely."

Aria closed her eyes briefly. "I'll speak with Elder Thorn and Elder Nina. We should prepare for refugees."

"Thank you." The simple words carried everything I couldn't express.

After ending the call, Marcus approached. "The women are ready to leave. I'll escort them home. Luna Seraphina is preparing everything for the remaining Pack members."

I nodded. "Did Randall find his niece?"

Marcus's expression darkened. "She's been dead two years. She and her mate tried to escape. They were killed."

My chest tightened. "Tell Randall he has my condolences."

"I will." Marcus clasped my shoulder. "Safe travels, Alpha."

I watched him walk away, the weight of today's events settling on my shoulders. So much pain caused by one corrupt Alpha. So many lives shattered.

I turned to my waiting guardians, eyes burning with determination.

"Let's go home," I called out.

ARIA

Seriously? Nothing. Not a single damn message. I jabbed at my communicator for the millionth time. Still blank.

I paced to the window, glaring at the treeline. A frantic rhythm surged through me.This always happens when he leaves. I turn into this anxious mess.

"He's fine," I muttered. "He's the Alpha. He's always fine."

I checked on Aurora's bed. She slept soundly, face buried in her pillow. At least someone could sleep around here.

Movement outside caught my attention. Voices at the main entrance. Warriors returning? I wanted to rush out for answers but couldn't leave Aurora. So I waited, fists clenched.

In the afternoon, I decided to check on Caleb. Since he'd returned after losing his mate, he'd been completely different—skipping training, avoiding pack gatherings, practically cutting himself off from the world.

I knocked gently on the Mitchell's door. After a moment, Thomas-Caleb's father opened it, his weary face brightening slightly when he saw me.

"Aria," he said with a slight bow of his head, "thank you for coming."

"How's Caleb today?" I asked, accepting his invitation to enter.

"Same as yesterday," Thomas shook his head, "and the day before."

In the living room, Jennifer, Caleb's mother sat beside Caleb, a book in her hands. Caleb just stared blankly out the window, as if seeing something only he could perceive.

"Hi, Caleb," I said softly, sitting across from him. No response, which didn't surprise me.

Jennifer quietly wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. "He's barely spoken in three days."

We sat in silence for a while. I thought about my idea, wondering if now might be a good time to bring it up.

"I've been thinking," I started, "maybe we could start a support group for those who've lost their mates."

Thomas and Jennifer both looked up at me.

"A place where people can share experiences, support each other," I explained. "No one should have to bear this kind of pain alone."

"That's... that's a wonderful idea," Jennifer's voice filled with hope. "What do you think, Thomas?"

Thomas nodded, approval shining in his eyes. "I think many would need that kind of support."

Caleb suddenly spoke, his voice so hoarse it was barely recognizable: "Water..."

All three of us turned to him in surprise. Jennifer immediately poured a glass and handed it to him. His first words today.

I stayed with the Mitchells for about half an hour, hoping to bring them some comfort. As I left, Thomas gripped my hand tightly. "Thank you, Aria. Truly, thank you.

Walking back along the forest path to the packhouse, my heart suddenly raced, an inexplicable excitement washing over me. I stopped, taking several deep breaths, trying to calm myself.

*What was happening? Why was I suddenly so excited?*

I looked around, seeing only trees and fallen leaves. But the feeling grew stronger, as if something important was about to happen.

Suddenly, strong arms wrapped around me from behind. I instinctively turned, fist raised, ready to strike—

Then I caught the scent. Pine and leather mixed with the warmth of sunshine.

"Jace!" I exclaimed, my body instantly relaxing.

"Hey, beautiful." His voice was low and raspy, his head buried in my neck, inhaling deeply.

"You're back." I struggled to keep my voice steady.

"I'm back." He held me tight, as if never wanting to let go.

We stood there on the forest path, silently embracing. Time stood still. Those days of anxiety and worry melted away in his arms.

"You're not hurt?" I finally stepped back to ask, quickly checking him for injuries.

"Just a few scratches," he smiled. "Nothing major."

I rolled my eyes. "Right, the mighty Alpha is never hurt."

He laughed, wrapping an arm around my shoulders as we walked toward the packhouse.

"I just visited Caleb," I said. "He's still in bad shape."

Jace's expression turned serious. "I'll see him tomorrow."

"I mentioned an idea to Thomas and Jennifer," I continued. "About starting a support group for wolves who've lost their mates. A place where they can share feelings, support each other."

Jace stopped walking, looking at me with an emotion I couldn't quite read.

"That's an amazing idea, baby," he said softly.

"You really think so?" I asked uncertainly.

"Absolutely," he said with conviction. "I believe many pack members would need that kind of support."

His approval spread warmth through me. Even as a human, I wanted to do something for the pack that had accepted me.

We'd barely stepped through the packhouse door when a small figure came racing down the stairs, shrieking, "Daddy!"

Aurora ran toward Jace with astonishing speed, hugging his legs so tightly she nearly knocked him off balance.

"I missed you so much!" She looked up at him, eyes sparkling.

"Princess," Jace knelt down, kissing her forehead. "Have you been good?"

"Super good, Daddy!" Aurora announced proudly. "I helped Aria clean up all my toys, and I even made my bed by myself!"

"That's wonderful," Jace smiled, ruffling her hair. "Daddy needs to take a shower first, okay? Stay with Aria for a bit."

Aurora nodded, disappointed but understanding, and released him. Jace winked at me before heading upstairs.