  We compute the fermionic contribution to the strong coupling $\alpha_{qq}$
extracted from the static force in Lattice QCD up to order $g^4$ in
perturbation theory. This allows us to subtract the leading fermionic lattice
artifacts from recent determinations of $\alpha_{qq}$ produced in simulations
of two dynamical charm quarks. Moreover, by using a suitable parametrization of
the $\beta_{qq}$-function, we can evaluate the charm loop effects on
$\alpha_{qq}$ in the continuum limit.
