Chapter 43 

The crash from downstairs jolted me fully alert. Damn it. More problems. 

I’d just dealt with Laura sneaking into my bedroom, and now angry voices echoed up the stairwell. One voice in particular made my blood run cold – Alpha Samuel. This night was going from bad to worse. 

I took the stairs two at a time, following the comntotion to the main hall. Lucas and Gabriel stood with the elders, facing off against Samuel and Laura. The tension was thick enough to choke on. 

‘You dare accuse my daughter of such behavior?” Samuel shouted, his face contorted with rage. 

Laura stood beside him, tears streaming down her face, the silk robe now replaced with proper clothes. She pointed at me as I entered. “Alpha Jace invited me to his room and then humiliated me!” 

“That’s a lie,” I said, my voice deadly calm. “Your daughter broke in 

my private quarters uninvited and was waiting in my bed. 

Samuel’s eyes narrowed, looking between me and his daughter. “Laura, tell me the truth. Now.” 

“I was just following the elders‘ advice,” Laura stammered. “They said you needed to see Jace’s private quarters… 

“We said no such thing!” Elder Thorn protested. “We merely suggested you might speak with the Alpha about your interest. 

“I was mortified when he rejected me,” Laura continued dramatically. “He threatened to drag me out himself!” 

“Because you insulted Aria,” I growled. “Called her worthless because she’s human.” 

Samuel grabbed Laura’s arm. “Did you do that? After I explicitly warned you?” 

Laura’s silence was all the confirmation needed. 

“We came here so I could become Alpha Jace’s mate and Luna,” Laura finally blurted, her act crumbling. “What’s wrong with asking how to get to his room?” 

Samuel’s grip tightened. “Because Alpha Jace already told you and me he’s not interested. You disrespected that. I didn’t raise 

behave this way. 

Laura yanked her arm free. “It’s just because he’s hanging around that useless human girl. I can change his mind, father. I’m better than her.” 

The crack of Samuel’s hand against Laura’s cheek echoed through the hall. Everyone froze. 

“Pack your things. We’re leaving immediately, Samuel ordered, his voice cold. “Before your disrespect gets us both killed.” 

Gabriel stepped forward, nodding respectfully to Samuel. “Thank you for stopping your daughter’s disrespect toward my daughter.” 

Samuel’s expression softened. “I apologize for her behavior. My second mate may have influenced her character. I take responsibility.” 

‘No apology needed, Alpha Samuel,” I replied. 

Samuel looked at me directly. “How is the human girl doing?” 

‘She’ll recover. She just needs rest.” 

Samuel nodded, a knowing look crossing his face/“Cherish this second chance mate, Alpha Jace.” He extended his arm, and we clasped forearms in the traditional wolf greeting before he led his daughter away. 

Hours later, I sat in my office, still fuming about the morning’s events. My sheets had been changed, but the room still felt violated. A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. 

“Enter,” I called, not bothering to get up, 

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The wives of Elder Thorn and Elder Kemp entered, both looking apologetic. 

*Alpha, we want to apologize for our husbands actions, Mrs. Thorn said, her hands clasped in front of her. “They had no right to try forcing a mate on you.” 

Mrs. Kemp nodded. “Yes, they shouldn’t have interfered in your personal life, 

I leaned back in my chair. “Why would they do this? I know I need an heir, but I already have Aurora.” 

The women exchanged glances before Mrs. Thorn spoke. ‘We wanted to help you, Alpha. We all know about your Primal Wolf bloodline. For centuries, the Carter family has maintained its power, but no one has been able to fully access the primal form like your ancestors. Legend says if an Alpha of your bloodline is strong enough and marks and bonds with their true mate, it breaks the limitations, releasing your full power.” 

I straightened. “You mean I would fully awaken Phantom’s potential?” 

“Yes, Alpha,” Mrs. Kemp confirmed. “You would unleash the full power of the Primal Wolves.” 

I stared at them for a long moment. ‘I already know who my true mate is. I’ve known since she stepped into our territory.” 

Their eyes widened in surprise. 

“Aria Silverbrook is my true mate,” I said firmly. “I haven’t told anyone because I wanted her to experience finding her mate naturally. She deserves that.” 

“You mean Gabriel’s adopted human daughter? The one who saved Aurora?” Mrs. Kemp asked. 

I nodded. “Yes. And I have no doubt I will accept her and our bond.” 

The women exchanged smiles. “Congratulations, Alpha. And again, we apologize for our husbands‘ meddling.” 

“They understand my position better now,” I replied, dismissing them with a nod. 

Back in Aria’s room, I checked on her still–sleeping form. Three days since the rogue attack at Aurora’s birthday party, and she remained unconscious. The claw marks had faded to faint red lines. 

I reached for my phone and called Eliana. 

“The wounds are almost completely healed,” I said when she answered. “Should I remove the bandages?” 

‘How does she feel?” Eliana asked. 

“Still unconscious,” I replied, studying Aria’s peaceful face. 

‘I’ll come check on her soon,” Eliana promised. 

An hour later, Eliana arrived with her mentor. Gabriel joined us, his face etched with concern for his daughter. 

“The wounds have healed remarkably fast,” Eliana said, examining Aria carefully. “No trace of medications in her system. 

‘What’s causing this?” I asked. 

Eliana shook her head. “There seems to be some energy in her body that’s aiding the healing process. I can’t explain it.” 

“This isn’t normal for humans, Eliana,‘ I said, frustration edging my voice. 

“It’s the only explanation we have. We’ll have to wait until she wakes naturally.” 

“Check on her daily,” I ordered. 

“Of course, Alpha. We’ll ensure she stays hydrated.” 

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Chapter 43 

After they left, Gabriel prepared to join the border patrol. “If she wakes up- 

I’ll tell you immediately,” I promised. 

1 

Once alone with Aria, I went to my office to grab some work materials. I’d been managing pack business from her bedside for the past three days, unwilling to leave her side for long. 

When the IV bag emptied, I carefully removed the needle Eliana had placed in Aria’s arm. 

Night fell, and I stretched out beside Aria’s bed, watching her peaceful face. My mind kept returning to what the elders‘ wives had said about awakening my full potential. 

The Blood Moon was approaching. Eight more days until Aria turned eighteen. Perfect timing for marking a mate. 

Would she be shocked to learn she was my true mate? Would a human even accept the mark and bond with a werewolf? The thought troubled me. 

I’d have to tell her about my bloodline. She’d already mentioned sensing my power was different from other wolves she’d known. I couldn’t keep secrets from her. She deserved to know who I truly was. 

Phantom stirred inside me, unusually calm in Aria’s presence. The powerful wolf spirit that normally demanded action seemed content just being near her. 

I leaned forward and gently pressed my lips to her forehead. 

“Please wake up, little one,” I whispered against her skin. “I miss 

you.” 

I settled beside her, letting sleep finally claim me. Just before consciousness faded, I felt something unexpected – the lightest touch of fingers against mine, and Aria’s voice, barely audible. 

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