The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 179

AURORA

I stared at the ceiling in my old bedroom, watching sunlight creep across it. Today was finally happening. After years of wondering, of feeling incomplete, I was heading to Italy to find the woman who gave birth to me—and then abandoned me without a second thought. What if she laughed in my face? What if she didn't even remember me?

Two weeks ago over dinner, Dad told me about his contacts with the Italian packs. He'd asked all three Alphas for safe passage. Two welcomed me, but one refused.

"He doesn't want you in his territory," Dad had said, "Another Alpha told me he lost his mate years ago. He rarely allows outsiders now."

"So I can access two territories but not the third," I'd said, hiding my disappointment. Even across the ocean, my defect—my missing wolf spirit—followed me. Every time I thought I could escape it, reality hit me again.

I got out of bed, stretching my shoulders. The floor was cold on my feet. I hadn't slept well. I'd had the usual nightmares—my birth mother rejecting me, pack members gossiping, Romeo's disgust when he learned I couldn't shift.

My mind turned to my twin sisters. Things had been difficult between us until our confrontation a few days ago.

*The flashback pulls me in completely...*

I'd stood outside Natalie's door, knocking firmly. "We need to talk. Now."

"Oh great, now she wants to talk," Bree had complained from inside.

When Natalie finally opened the door, I marched in to find them sitting side by side on the bed, refusing to look at me. Natalie picked at a loose thread on her sweater while Bree glared at the wall.

"Okay, out with it," I demanded, arms crossed over my chest. "What's your problem? Why are you both acting like I killed your favorite toy?"

Bree snapped, "Let's see. You're obviously miserable with us, your family, since you're desperate to find your 'real' mom."

"What? Who said I'm miserable at Ancient Moon Shadow?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Bree continued, her fourteen-year-old face scrunched in hurt. "You're leaving to find someone who doesn't even care about you."

I felt my heart crack right down the middle. "Please, just listen to me," I begged. Natalie remained silent while Bree huffed, crossing her arms in a perfect mirror of my own stance.

"That's not it at all," I explained, voice breaking. "I love our pack. I love Aria—she raised me, she'll always be my mom. I love Dad, Atlas, and you two brats... you're my family. But my wolf spirit is damaged because of Vanessa. She hurt me, took away my future as a complete werewolf. Some pack members treat me like garbage because of it." I took a breath. "I'm going to find answers, not my birth mother. My mom is here with you. But I need to know why she didn't want me."

They'd immediately rushed forward, hugging me as we all cried together. "We're sorry," Natalie had sobbed, her brown eyes swimming with tears.

"I'm sorry too," I'd whispered, holding them tight. "I never meant to make you feel I don't love you."

*Back to the present...*

I showered quickly, the hot water failing to wash away my anxiety. Scrubbing my skin almost raw, I tried to prepare mentally for what lay ahead. I'd slept in my old room at my parents' house last night, wanting to spend my final night close to my family. My apartment in the castle suddenly felt too empty, too lonely for my last night here.

After dressing in comfortable jeans and a soft blue sweater, I triple-checked my suitcase. I wasn't taking much—just essentials. Three changes of clothes, my toiletries, my phone, some cash, and a small family photo I'd tucked into the inside pocket. I zipped it closed with a finality that made my heart race.

When I entered the kitchen, Mom was already making pancakes, her hair pulled back in a messy bun. The sweet smell of batter and maple syrup filled the air, reminding me of countless family breakfasts.

"Morning, sweetie," she said, stopping to hug me. Her embrace felt extra tight today, her fingers lingering on my back.

"Need help?" I offered, though I knew the answer.

"No, sit. I'm almost done." She flipped a pancake with expert precision. Mom might not have been born a wolf, but she moved with a natural grace that many born wolves envied.

Dad entered next, his imposing figure softening when he saw me. "Morning, princess." His hug lifted me off my feet. His scent enveloped me, and I closed my eyes, memorizing it.

Atlas shuffled in behind him, hair messy from sleep. At seventeen, he was already almost as tall as Dad, but lacked the morning enthusiasm. He mumbled something that might have been "morning" before collapsing into a chair and dropping his head on the table.

The twins bounced in last, their energy lighting up the room as they tackled me with simultaneous hugs. At fourteen, they were bundles of perpetual motion, hair flying as they jumped around.

During breakfast, Atlas stabbed a pancake and asked, mouth half full, "Who's gonna keep me out of trouble now?"

I pointed to the twins, making everyone laugh.

"Yeah, after they get me into trouble first," he added, and Dad chuckled, ruffling his hair.

Mom watched us with that look she gets—part pride, part wonder—as if she still can't believe this is her family. It made my throat tight. Would I ever have that? A family who looked at me that way? Or was I destined to be the defective princess forever?

Dad tilted his head slightly—receiving a mind link. "Marcus and Seraphina are outside," he announced, his voice shifting to his more formal King tone.

We all stood, Atlas grabbing my suitcase as we headed out. Outside, a black Land Rover waited with Marcus and Seraphina beside it. Marcus stood tall and serious as always, while Seraphina offered me a warm smile. Marcus took my luggage, placing it in the trunk with efficient movements.

Atlas hugged me hard. "Love you, sis. Stay safe or I'll come show them what the Moon Goddess's heir can do." His tough talk couldn't hide his shaky voice.

I hugged him back. "No trouble, little brother. Stop making people think you're the bad guy."

The twins spoke together, "We love you; come back soon," hugging me so tight I could barely breathe. Their small hands gripped my sweater, not wanting to let go.

Mom fought tears as she held me. "No matter what happens, I love you. You're my daughter... a strong wolf woman. Don't forget to mind link us."

Dad pulled me close, his scent familiar and comforting. "Your mother's right, we're proud of you. If you need anything, mind link immediately. I love you, princess."

They hugged me together, their warmth surrounding me. Mom's tears dampened my shoulder, and Dad's arms held us both securely.

"I love you too, all of you. That won't change. You're my family. I promise I'll mind link."

After one final group hug, I turned toward the car without looking back. I couldn't. If I did, I might never leave.