The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 186

AURORA

I'd been walking for fifteen straight hours, my feet screaming with each step. The darkening sky warned of approaching nightfall, adding urgency to my pace. All day that creepy feeling of being watched had followed me—eyes on my back, someone tracking my movements. But every time I turned around? Nothing. Just trees and shadows that seemed to shift when I wasn't looking directly at them.

"Just keep moving," I muttered, adjusting my backpack straps that had been digging into my shoulders for hours now.

My muscles ached and my throat felt parched despite the water bottle I'd been rationing. Each step became heavier than the last. I needed shelter before complete darkness. That's when I spotted it—distant lights flickering through the trees, a beacon of hope in the growing darkness.

"Finally!" I whispered, feeling a surge of energy rush through my exhausted limbs.

As I got closer, buildings emerged against the twilight sky. The sign read "Santo Stefano" in faded letters, paint peeling at the edges. I touched the sign briefly, relief washing over me.

Entering the town, I scanned for anything resembling a hotel or inn. My body was beyond tired, every muscle screaming for rest. I just needed a shower and bed—somewhere safe to collapse. So focused on finding lodging, I completely missed the three young men following me from the moment I stepped into town, their footsteps matching mine.

I turned down a narrower street, hoping it led to the town center. The cobblestones were uneven beneath my feet, making my tired ankles wobble. Instead of finding an open plaza, I faced a brick wall. Dead end.

"Damn it," I muttered, turning around, frustration adding to my exhaustion.

Three men blocked my path. Young, muscular, dressed in dark clothes. The way they stood—confident, predatory—told me immediately they were werewolves. They spoke to each other in Italian, laughing while looking me up and down.

"Hello, beautiful," the tallest one said in English. "I don't think you're from around here."

I shook my head, keeping my face neutral despite my racing heart. "No, I'm just a traveler passing through."

"You smell like a werewolf," another one said, stepping closer.

"That's because I am one. If you'll excuse me, I'm looking for a hotel," I said, trying to sound calm.

They exchanged glances, smirking. The first one gestured slightly. "Of course, dear." They moved aside a bit, creating a narrow path.

"Thank you," I said, starting to walk past them.

The moment I passed the first man, he grabbed my arm, yanking me back. "Why not stay with us tonight?"

I pulled my arm free. "You're very kind, but I'd rather not."

My heart pounded as I tried to move forward again. Suddenly, strong hands shoved me against the stone wall. The two others grabbed my arms while the first man took my backpack.

"Let me go," I said, struggling against their grip. "I have your Alpha's permission for safe passage."

"He's not here right now, is he?" the leader said, and they all laughed.

He extended his claws and slashed open my shirt. I'd taken off my hoodie earlier due to the warm evening. He eyed my exposed bra, grinning. "Perfect."

His hands touched my chest, making me freeze. "Please stop," I whispered, panic rising.

He leaned in, sniffing my neck. I couldn't move, couldn't breathe.

"Mmm, unmarked, and the best surprise—untouched. I'm going to enjoy this," he whispered.

They spun me around, forcing me to face the wall. I fought back, managing to break free enough to strike one of them hard. He groaned in pain, but the other two quickly overpowered me again, slamming me back against the bricks.

I felt one of them press himself against my backside, his hands grabbing at my pants. Tears sprang to my eyes as terror gripped me.

"Help!" I screamed. "Somebody help me!"

"Shut up," one hissed, covering my mouth.

"Stop."

The voice came from the alley entrance—deep, commanding. The pressure against me suddenly disappeared as the first attacker was yanked away. The man covering my mouth rushed to help his friend.

I seized the opportunity, turning and kicking the remaining attacker hard. We struggled briefly before I managed to land a solid punch. He stumbled back, then turned and ran.

I slid down the wall, shocked and trembling, trying to cover myself with the torn fabric of my shirt. Behind me, I heard fighting, but couldn't bring myself to look. When silence fell, terror gripped me again.

"Please don't hurt me," I whispered, staring at the ground. "I won't say anything, I won't look, just leave."

I heard footsteps approaching. My body tensed, ready to fight again if necessary. Something soft landed across my shoulders—my hoodie. As the stranger's fingers accidentally brushed my neck, an electric current shot through me.

I quickly pulled the hoodie on, zipping it up before slowly standing and turning around.

The man before me was breathtaking. Tall, muscular, with black eyes and matching hair. His face could have been sculpted from stone—perfect angles and planes.

He stared at me for a long moment, then something changed in his expression. He moved forward suddenly, grabbing my face between his hands.

"True mate! Mine." The growl in his voice should have frightened me. Instead, it sent heat through my body.

Then his lips crashed against mine. Without thought, I kissed him back. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me closer as the kiss deepened. It felt right, natural—as if I'd known him forever.

He pressed me gently against the wall, lifting me so our faces were level. My legs wrapped around his waist instinctively. His lips moved from my mouth to my jaw, then my neck, drawing a growl from deep in his chest.

He stopped kissing me but didn't move away, his face still pressed against my neck as he breathed deeply.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. "I shouldn't have done that. You were just attacked."

"It's okay. I'm fine. Thanks to you," I whispered back.

He slowly lowered me to the ground but remained close, his forehead resting against mine.

"I'm Lawrence Fitzgerald. Everyone calls me Lawrence."

"I'm Aurora Carter. From Ancient Moon Shadow Pack." The words came out barely audible.

Lawrence smiled. "I know. You're the American Ancient Moon Shadow King's daughter."

I stared at him, shocked, as everything clicked into place. "I felt you at the market," I blurted out.

He nodded.

"You've been following me?" I meant it as a statement, but it came out as a question.

My heart raced as I waited for his answer.