The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 185

AURORA

I jerked awake from a nightmare, my heart pounding against my ribs. Something had been chasing me through darkness, its breath hot on my neck. I'd been running as a wolf—impossible for me—then suddenly human again, vulnerable and slow. Opening my eyes, that sensation of being watched didn't fade with consciousness. I scanned the room, seeing nothing unusual, but the feeling clung to me like a second skin.

"Great. Just what I needed." I muttered, rubbing sleep from my eyes.

I got up and packed my backpack with essentials—clothes, snacks, water bottle, map, phone charger. Double-checked everything twice. No room for mistakes when you're traveling alone through unknown territory.

After dressing in my travel outfit, I grabbed yesterday's dinner plate and my bag, heading toward the main building. That weird pulling sensation returned, tugging at something deep in my chest. Just like at the market yesterday. Damn annoying. I stopped, turned a full circle, and sniffed the air. My werewolf senses should detect anything unusual, but they caught nothing. What the hell was happening to me?

Anna spotted me immediately when I entered the dining area.

"Good morning, Aurora Miss. Oh, silly girl," she said, noticing the plate in my hand. "You could have left that in your room, but thank you anyway."

"It's fine. Least I could do." I handed her the plate, which she placed on a table with other used dishes.

Anna guided me to a corner table. "Aurora Miss, this is Elias, my mate and husband. He's Alpha Leonard's assistant in this town."

I nodded politely. "Hello, sir. Nice to meet you."

"Just Elias will do, child," he said with a warm smile that reminded me of my father when he wasn't in Alpha mode. "Happy to help. I know the northern part of the second territory inside out. I promised Alpha Leonard I'd help you find the safest route I know."

"Thank you. I appreciate it." I sat across from him and dug into the breakfast Anna placed before me—eggs, bacon, and something that tasted like heaven.

Elias spread a detailed map on the table. "See this line here? This is the safest path. Takes longer but keeps you away from trouble."

"Avoid the deep forest areas," he warned, circling several spots with a red marker. "And try not to draw attention when entering the new territory. Keep your head down, speak only when necessary."

"What about these villages?" I asked, pointing to small dots along the route.

"Most are neutral, trading posts mostly. You'll be safe enough there. But here and here—" he pointed to two larger settlements, "—avoid them entirely. San Marina and Firenze. Most dangerous for a lone wolf."

By the time he finished, I felt prepared for the four or five days ahead. I stood and thanked them both.

"May the Moon Goddess watch over your journey," they said in unison.

That mysterious pull hit me again as I crossed the lobby, stronger this time. I paused, looking around. Still nothing. This was really starting to piss me off.

I followed Elias's directions to the town exit where two werewolf warriors stood guard. They recognized me immediately—something about my scent or maybe just my face.

"King Jace Carter's daughter," one said, bowing his head slightly. "Safe passage."

The moment I entered the new territory, everything felt different—quieter, tenser. Even the birdsong changed. The trees seemed to lean in closer, watching. Beautiful but somehow threatening.

I stood at a fork in the road, checking the map for Elias's marked route. Had to avoid San Marina and Firenze—too dangerous for a lone wolf. My route would take longer, but better safe than sorry.

After walking all day, my legs ached and my back felt like it might snap. I reached a small settlement as dusk fell. No accommodations for travelers here—Elias had warned me about that. I found a spot shielded by tall bushes outside the settlement and set up camp, trying to ignore that creepy feeling as I ate Anna's food.

I lay in my sleeping bag but couldn't sleep. That sensation of being watched intensified, making my skin crawl. I kept opening my eyes, scanning the darkness. Nothing. Just shadows and moonlight filtering through leaves. But I knew—I absolutely knew—someone was out there.

"Show yourself," I whispered, then felt stupid. If someone wanted to hurt me, challenging them wasn't smart.

The night stretched endlessly. Every sound made me flinch—breaking twigs, rustling leaves, distant animal calls. By morning, my eyes burned from exhaustion, and my muscles felt tight from being on alert all night.

At first light, I hurriedly ate more food and packed my sleeping bag. No more stops until the next safe stronghold, even if I had to walk in darkness. Better to keep moving than be a sitting target.

LAWRENCE

I guarded Aurora's camp all night in wolf form, eyes never leaving her spot. She had no wolf of her own—she needed protection. Worry kept me awake, but I didn't care. My muscles remained tense, ready to attack any threat that might emerge from the shadows.

*She feels us,* Rocky, my wolf, observed. *She senses something but doesn't understand what.*

I sensed she wasn't sleeping either. I felt her unease like it was my own. What was she afraid of? This territory held many dangers, especially for a woman traveling alone.

At dawn's first light, she started packing with quick, nervous movements. I retreated deeper into the trees but kept her in sight. I'd been following her since she left the inn. I had to protect her—she wasn't safe in this pack territory.

*She is beautiful,* Rocky said. *And brave.*

Brave indeed. Yesterday I watched her stop to help an elderly human woman who had fallen, sharing her water and food. She didn't have to do that, but she did. My chest had warmed at the sight. She cared for others, even strangers.

Rocky had been certain from the moment we sensed her—Aurora was our true mate. I'd worried she wouldn't want to stay here in Italy, but Rocky's answer was simple: we would follow her. He was right. I would follow her anywhere.

*We should approach her,* Rocky urged.

Not yet. She had too much on her mind. I needed to know more about her first. For now, I decided to remain hidden, protecting her from a distance.

She walked down the path, her stride determined despite her obvious exhaustion. I followed silently behind, my paws making no sound on the fallen leaves. My eyes tracked her—memorizing her movements, the way she carried herself, the tilt of her head as she checked her surroundings.

I will protect you, Aurora Carter. No matter where you go.

I quickened my pace, staying just close enough to intervene if needed, just far enough to remain undetected by her human senses. My heart raced with a purpose I hadn't felt in years.