The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 183

AURORA

I woke up to sunlight streaming through unfamiliar curtains. For a second, I forgot where I was—then yesterday's memories flooded back. Right. Pine Lodge. The search for my birth mother.

I dragged myself out of bed and headed for the shower. The hot water felt amazing on my tired muscles. Yesterday's conversations about Vanessa swirled in my mind. So she was a home-wrecker who tried getting close to mated Alphas. Great. Just great. What a stellar reputation to discover about the woman who gave birth to me.

After toweling off, I pulled on comfortable clothes for today's journey—athletic pants, a tank top under a hoodie, and my most reliable sneakers. I'd planned my route last night, mapping the best path through the second territory to reach the border town where Vanessa was last seen.

"You need to be cautious," Matthew had warned me yesterday. "Stay away from the main cities where the Alpha resides. That middle territory... rumors say once you move in, you can't leave or the Alpha kills you. He trains his members to be killers."

Those words echoed in my head as I zipped my backpack closed. No pressure or anything.

Downstairs, Matthew, Maxwell, and Penelope were already at the table.

"Good morning, little princess," Matthew greeted with a warm smile.

I fought the urge to roll my eyes. "Please just call me Aurora. Good morning."

Penelope rose immediately. "I made you breakfast, and packed some sandwiches and homemade cookies for your journey."

"Thank you." I hugged her, surprised by her kindness. "You didn't have to do that, but I really appreciate it."

"You've all been so good to me, helping me so much. Thank you," I said, sitting down at the table.

Maxwell nodded. "You're welcome, Aurora."

We ate in comfortable silence. I stuffed myself with Penelope's delicious food, knowing I'd need the energy. After breakfast, they walked me to the edge of town, making sure I found the right path.

"Thank you again for everything," I said, hugging each of them goodbye. Then I turned and started walking alone, feeling their eyes on my back until I rounded a bend in the path.

As I walked, I pulled out my phone to text Dad and my siblings. Better keep them updated before they freaked out and sent a search party.

My phone pinged almost immediately. A group chat notification from Atlas: [Hey, sis, this is a group chat with all of us, including the twins and Dad of course. Figured this would be a good way for you to talk to all of us.]

I smiled, typing back: [Hey, bro. Nice, thanks. Good idea, but remember I'm walking a lot so might not respond right away.]

Dad replied next: "Hey, princess. Good idea, son. Don't worry, we know you can't be on your phone constantly."

Then Natalie (probably speaking for Bree too): [Love you, sis. Stay safe, big hugs from us.]

My chest tightened. God, I missed them already. [Love you all. I'll message when I stop for the night.] I put in my earbuds and cranked up some music to distract myself from the ache in my chest.

The Italian countryside was beautiful—rolling hills, patches of forest, old stone buildings dotting the landscape. According to Matthew's directions, I was heading toward either Piacenza or Cremona.

"Go to Cremona," Matthew had suggested. "It belongs to Alpha Leonard. Piacenza is partly in the middle territory."

Cremona it was, then. Better safe than sorry, especially before entering potentially dangerous territory. I checked the map again, confirming my route. I'd rest there before continuing my search.

After about four and a half hours of walking, my feet screaming in protest, I reached Casalpusterlengo. From here, I could take a road toward Cremona. I sat down on a bench, pulling out one of Penelope's sandwiches and a cookie. The walk to Cremona would be even longer than what I'd already done. Better fuel up.

As I ate, I felt a strange tugging sensation, like an invisible string pulling at my chest. I frowned, touching my sternum. Was I getting sick? No, it didn't feel like illness—more like something was drawing me forward, compelling me to follow. I couldn't resist it.

I packed up my half-eaten lunch and started walking, following this weird feeling toward what looked like a large outdoor market. My rational brain screamed this was stupid—I should stick to my plan—but my body moved on its own.

Werewolves passing by nodded and bowed slightly. "Hello," some murmured, as if they knew me. What the hell? I kept scanning faces, trying to figure out what was happening. Was this a mate bond? No, impossible. My one shot at that had ended in humiliating rejection years ago.

"Hello, you must be the girl Alpha told everyone about," an elderly man approached with a woman at his side. "I'm Philip, and this is my mate and wife, Sophia."

"Hi, I'm Aurora. Yes, that's me," I replied, surprised they knew who I was.

Sophia smiled warmly. "Welcome to Casal. That's our nickname for the town—shorter, easier."

"Thank you. I'm not staying though. I need to continue to Cremona today," I explained.

Philip's eyes brightened. "Yes, Matthew let me know you'd be passing through. I asked around at the market. There are several people who live between here and Cremona. A farmer offered to give you a ride to a small supply town. From there, it's only about three hours to Cremona on foot instead of seven."

My jaw nearly dropped. "Really? Thank you. That's amazing."

"He and his daughter will be leaving in about an hour and twenty minutes. I'll take you to meet them, and you can look around while you wait."

I bowed slightly, genuinely grateful. "Thank you so much. This helps tremendously. I really appreciate it."

They led me to a middle-aged farmer and his teenage daughter, and we agreed on a time to meet back here. The strange pulling sensation had faded, leaving me confused but relieved.

"Would you like some help?" I offered, but the farmer shook his head.

"No, no. Enjoy our little town while you wait. Experience some Italian werewolf culture."

I nodded, suddenly eager to see more of this place. Maybe I was one step closer to finding Vanessa after all.