Chapter 33 

I stared at my phone screen, replaying the video for the third Time. The clip Eliana sent captured everything free, the Alber in front of the pack house with werewolves keeping their distance. 

I told you to stay away from me, his voice deep with unmistakable Alpha authority. This is your final warning, Scarlett. 

The red–hatred she wolf’s lips trembled before she ran away humiliated. Jace surveyed the onlookers with a sharp gaze. Everyone back to work. Therefo show Then he turned and walked up the stairs toward his private quarters. 

I closed the video, conflicting emotions rising in my chest. Jealousy? Relief? I shouldn’t feel either. I had no right or claim to the Alpha. I was just a human, living here only because of Gabriel’s protection. 

But since that private shower… I couldn’t get him out of my head. 

The sun was setting, golden–red light falling on the distant snow–capped mountains. I changed into my favorite forest–green suede pants and cream colored linen top, turning once in front of the mirror. The neckline was a bit low, but it worked. 

I braided my hair loosely and grabbed my phone to text: [Gabriel, see you at dinner? Lucas said he’s back today.J 

Walking downstairs, I spotted a familiar figure on the path toward the pack house. 

“Eliana! Wait up!” I jogged over. 

“Hey, wild girl!” She hugged me. “How are you? Adjusting to Moon Shadow life?” 

“Working on it. We walked side by side. “Warrior training is tougher than I expected.” 

“I’m heading to help Jace with Aurora, Eliana said. “The little princess has a fever today.” She hesitated, “Want to come too? You’re great with stories.” 

The pack house was unusually quiet, the normal busy conversations replaced by tense whispers. The Alpha’s low commands came from the main hall. 

“I want double vigilance from every patrol. If any werewolf from Black Forest crosses our border, notify me immediately.” 

We entered to find Gabriel standing with Hunter and Jace, all wearing leather gear, clearly just returned from border patrol. 

Suddenly, a deafening shout broke the tense atmosphere. 

“TRUE MATE!” 

Lucas burst from the hallway, rushing toward us. But his gaze bypassed me, locking onto Eliana. He approached her, his movements almost reverent, touching her cheek gently. 

‘How is this possible…” Eliana whispered, eyes wide with surprise. “I felt it. Like electricity.” 

Lucas nodded, eyes shining. “You’re my true mate. The other half of my soul.” 

They retreated to a corner, their conversation becoming low and private. I pretended not to eavesdrop, but could hear every word clearly. 

“But I’m human,” Eliana worried. “I can’t shift, can’t hunt with you.” 

“Your humanity makes you more precious, Lucas held her hand. “Your healing hands have saved how many lives? Our pack needs your talents.” 

“Will the other she–wolves accept me?” she asked hesitantly. “I’m not strong or beautiful like them…” 

“You’re more beautiful than any woman I’ve ever seen, Lucas said softly. “Your eyes, your kindness that lights up a room. Who cares if you have fur or 

Gabriel approached me, approval flashing in his eyes. “Looks like your brother found his true mate.” 

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Chapter 33 

And a good berron, 1 amitted to reapons. Fliera. 

ની જેમ 18. 

You we should find a quiet place to talk: Gabitel told Laven. True mates nerd Ume të cilablish diet rannett 

“But Aurora still has a fever Eliana besitated. I promised The Alpha I’d look after her. 

Jace walked over, interrupting gently: 111 take care of my daughter. You two go. 

1 can help if needed, I blurted out, then regretted my impulsiveness. 

Jace turned to me with an expression I couldn’t interpret. “Thank you for the offer, Aria. 

His voice made my heart race. Lucas and Eliana left, beginning their new journey, while I fell into the depths of face’s intense gaze 

JACE 

Watching new mates find each other never gets old. The pure joy on their faces, that moment of recognition–it’s what keeps our traditions alive. I smiled as the newly bonded pair left the pack house, their hands intertwined, futures suddenly aligned. 

But my good mood evaporated when I glanced at Aria across the room. She’d been avoiding my gaze all evening. This shit was getting ridiculous. Three days of her dodging me, three days of Phantom going crazy every time I caught her scent. 

Damn that Scarlett and her theatrical display at training. Aria had the wrong idea completely, but how could I explain when she wouldn’t even look at me? 

Phantom paced restlessly inside me. Go to her. Make her listen. For once, I agreed with my wolf. But a direct approach would only push her further away. I needed an excuse. 

“I need to make a call,” I said, loud enough for her to hear. “Would you mind watching Aurora until I finish?” 

Finally, she looked up. Her eyes flickered toward me, then away quickly. “Sure, no problem. I’ll stay with Aurora.” 

She stood and headed upstairs to my daughter’s room. Maybe it wasn’t right to use Aurora this way, but I was desperate. If spending time with my daughter softened her up enough to hear me out, I’d take it. 

ARIA 

“Do you have experience with sick children?” Jace asked as we climbed the stairs to his private quarters. 

“Some. I helped with the pups back in Black Forest.” I tried to keep my voice steady despite my hammering heart. 

The third floor was different from the rest of the pack house–møre personal. A small figure sat propped up in bed surrounded by stuffed animals when we entered the bedroom. 

‘Aria! Aurora’s excited voice cracked slightly from her fever. “Daddy, look who’s here!” 

‘I see her, princess.” Jace’s tone changed completely when speaking to his daughter–all the Alpha authority replaced by gentle fatherly concern.. 

I sat beside Aurora’s bed. “Hey there. I heard someone isn’t feeling great today.” 

“My throat hurts,” she pouted, clutching a stuffed black wolf. “And Daddy won’t let me have ice cream.” 

“That’s because you need warm tea for your throat, I explained, noticing the untouched mug on her nightstand. “How about a deal? You drink your tea, and I’ll tell you a special wolf story.” 

Her eyes lit up as she reached for the mug. “Promise?” 

*Cross my heart.” I made the gesture, earning a giggle. 

Jace watched our interaction with an unreadable expression. “I need to discuss border security with Hunter. Will you be okay with her for a while?” 

2/3 

Chapte

Chapter 33 

“We’ll be fine,” I assured him. Go do your Alpha thing 

After he left, Aurora’s small hand reached for mine, her touch hat with fever. What followed was fast heartbroken and helpless. 

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The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King.