I thought about Warren, how his obsession had driven us to flee. The terror I’d felt when he’d made his intentions clear. Then I thought about lace how different he was. Powerful, yes, but also gentle. Respectful of my boundaries. The way he looked at me made me feel valued, not hunted. 

Every moment with him deepened my feelings. His tenderness with Aurora. His fierce protection of the pack. Even his struggle to control Phantom showed his strength of character. 

I was just a human girl, raised by werewolves. I couldn’t shift. I couldn’t mindlink. But here in Moon Shadow territory, I’d found something I never expected -belonging. 

Later that day, I met Hunter near the training grounds. His usual stoic expression softened slightly when he saw me. 

“Good to see you up,” he said. “You gave everyone quite a scare.” 

“Thanks for your concern,” I replied. “How are things in the pack?” 

“Adjusting,” he said, scanning the area. “Your quick action saved Aurora and that other pup. The pack won’t forget that.” 

I just did what anyone would do.” 

Hunter shook his head. “No. Most wouldn’t have sensed the danger in time. You did.” 

The pack house library was quiet when I entered. Ancient volumes lined the shelves, containing centuries of Moon Shadow history. I ran my fingers along the spines, selecting books about pack traditions and ceremonies. 

I needed to understand this world better – especially with the blood moon approaching. If what Jace said about transformations was true, I needed to be prepared. 

As I read about ancient rituals and prophecies, one passage caught my attention: “When human blood carries wolf spirit, the moon’s blessing awakens what lies dormant.” 

Could it be? Was there something about me I didn’t know? I thought of the wolf–paw birthmark on my wrist that Gabriel always said was just a coincidence. 

The rhythmic sound of my fists hitting the punching bag filled Jace’s private training room. Sweat dripped down my face as I worked through the routines Gabriel had taught me since childhood. 

My back had healed completely – no scarring, no pain. The mystery of 

of my rapid healing drove me to push harder, testing my body’s limits. 

1of my 

I threw a series of complex combinations, my muscles burning pleasantly with the exertion. Training always cleared my head. 

That’s when I felt it – a shift in the air, a presence that made my skin tingle. I didn’t need to turn around to know Jace was watching me from the doorway. I could feel his gaze like a physical touch. 

“How long are you going to stand there?” I asked without breaking rhythm. 

“How did you know I was here?” His deep voice sent shivers down my spine. “Most humans can’t sense a wolf that way.” 

I stopped, turning to face him. “I’ve never been like most humans, have I?” 

Jace stepped into the room, his eyes intense. “No, you haven’t. He moved closer, stopping just inches away. “The blood moon is in seven days now. 

“What if I’m not who I thought I was my entire life?” I whispered, voicing my deepest fear. “What if everything I believed about myself is a lie?” 

Jace cupped my face in his hands. “You’re Aria Silverbrook. Brave, loyal, fierce. Human or wolf or something else entirely that won’t change who you are inside. 

As he leaned down to kiss me, one thought blazed through my mind: what if I wasn’t just a human girl raised by wolves, but something else entirely? And if so, what would I become when the blood moon finally rose?. 

The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King