The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 181

AURORA

I woke up early, determined to start searching for Vanessa. My mother—if I could even call her that—had abandoned Dad and me when I was just a baby. Now I needed answers about why.

I pulled on my training clothes and tucked my phone in one pocket, Alpha Leonard's new map in the other. Mentally reviewing my plan, I headed downstairs.

Marcus and Seraphina were already in the kitchen. She stirred something that smelled amazing on the stove while he sipped coffee at the counter.

"You two know you're allowed to sleep in as guests, right?" I teased, masking my nervousness.

Seraphina turned with a warm smile. "We wanted to make sure you had breakfast before you left and to give you a hug."

Marcus nodded, then said, "Alpha Leonard asked me to give you this phone number. He said to call if you need any help. He'd appreciate a text from you so he has your number, in case he finds anything more about your mother."

I immediately sent a text: [ Alpha Leonard, thank you for all your help and continued assistance. I appreciate it very much. This is my number if you need to reach me. - Aurora]

While eating, Seraphina handed me a small pack. "I made a few sandwiches and packed water. There are energy bars too. Your metabolism needs plenty of fuel."

My throat tightened. "Thank you both for coming with me. You've made starting this journey so much easier."

Marcus gave me a quick hug. "Anytime, princess. Remember, you can reach us through the mind link if needed."

I nodded, suddenly terrified of what I was about to do. What if she didn't remember me? What if she confirmed my fears—that she left because I was defective? I forced myself to walk out the door anyway.

Four and a half hours later, my legs burned from constant walking. I stopped to rest, drink water, and eat half a sandwich. Pulling out the map, I checked my position. I was heading toward Pine Lodge, one of the small towns Alpha Leonard had marked—a settlement with only werewolves, hidden from human eyes.

I took a deep breath, suddenly aware of how alone I was. Rogue werewolves could be dangerous, and without a wolf spirit of my own, I had no extra protection. No enhanced strength. No rapid healing. Just me, my training, and my determination.

Dad would absolutely lose his mind if he knew I was traveling through areas where rogues might lurk. But this was something I needed to do myself.

I put away the map and continued walking, my mind circling the same questions: Would Vanessa remember me? Would she be happy to see me? Or would she confirm what I'd always feared—that she had left because something was fundamentally wrong with me?

---

By early evening, I reached Pine Lodge. The small settlement nestled among towering pines had rustic cabins scattered throughout. The main street was quiet, just a few werewolves visible.

As I walked down the street, someone called out, "Miss Aurora?"

I turned to see a male werewolf approaching. He appeared to be in his early thirties with sandy hair and a friendly face.

"Welcome to Pine Lodge," he said. "Alpha Leonard mind-linked us that you might arrive today."

"Took longer than I expected, but yes," I replied. "He told me this might be a good place to start looking for my mother."

"I'm Maxwell," he introduced himself. "My father was Beta to Alpha Anthony before their territory was attacked and lost. Alpha Leonard's father, Alpha Bradford—I believe it was him who spoke with your father King Jace—he and my father talked about a woman you're looking for. I believe it's your mother Vanessa."

My heart pounded faster. A real lead already? "I don't know exactly who my father spoke to about her," I admitted. "He rarely discussed the topic."

Maxwell nodded sympathetically. "Well, I promised Alpha Leonard you could stay at my place while you're here. My mate has been cooking all day and is excited to meet you."

Maxwell's home was cozy and smelled of fresh-baked bread. His mate Penelope welcomed me warmly, and I immediately detected she was pregnant. Their home felt familiar—full of pack bonds I recognized—which made me miss my family with a sudden sharp ache.

During dinner, I asked Maxwell directly, "Did you know Vanessa? You must be seven or eight years older than me, so you might remember her."

"I have to admit my memories of her are vague," Maxwell said thoughtfully. "She wasn't around my family much. When the territory was attacked, all pack members scattered... some sympathized with the attackers, but most sought refuge with Alpha Bradford and Alpha Alexander."

"The attacker was the Alpha of the last territory?" I asked, trying to piece together this history.

Maxwell nodded grimly. "Alpha Charles. The reason for the attack was... unusual. Both Alpha Charles and Alpha Anthony were true mates to the same female wolf."

"Wait, what? That can happen?" I almost choked on my water. "That must have been a disaster."

"Extremely rare in our world," Maxwell explained. "She ultimately chose Alpha Anthony through the soul binding ceremony. Charles hated him for it and swore revenge."

My stomach tightened, already dreading what came next.

"He waited many years," Maxwell continued, "then on a Blood Moon night, he killed the female and the pups she had with Alpha Anthony. Alpha Anthony went mad with grief and disappeared. Some say he died, but rumors claim he gave up his human form and lives as a wolf deep in the mountains."

A cold shiver ran through me. Such violence over a mate bond. It made my rejection by Romeo seem almost merciful. At least that hadn't ended in bloodshed—well, except for when Atlas broke Romeo's nose and ribs for hurting me. My little brother might be young, but nobody messes with his big sister.

"That's horrible," I whispered, thinking of the mother and her pups. Had Vanessa been caught in this conflict somehow? Was that why she'd left us?

After dinner, Maxwell showed me to a guest room where I could stay for a few days. It was decorated with traditional pack totems and handcrafted items. I was exhausted from the journey, and after a quick shower and changing into pajamas, I practically collapsed onto the bed.

My first day of searching was over, and I had no idea if I was any closer to finding Vanessa. But at least I'd made it this far. I closed my eyes and surrendered to exhaustion.