The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 189

AURORA

 

Hours later, I woke up in bed with Lawrence's voice breaking the silence of the room.

 

"You want to live with your family in America," he said. It wasn't a question but a statement. I hadn't mentioned this to him, so how did he know?

 

"Yes. I'm sorry," I apologized instinctively, then mentally kicked myself. Why was I apologizing? This was my choice, and I shouldn't feel sorry for wanting to go home.

 

"Don't apologize," Lawrence said calmly. "I don't mind moving... I only ask that I can still train."

 

His response surprised me. He was willing to leave his home for me? We had just met!

 

"My father would definitely agree," I quickly confirmed. "He's always valued training, says it's essential for survival."

 

Lawrence nodded. "I don't expect to gain a high position just because I'm your mate."

 

"I know, and I'll let my father decide about that," I replied, relieved by his attitude. At least he wasn't one of those wolves expecting to use a mate bond to gain power.

 

I took a deep breath, deciding to voice my honest thoughts. "I think we should get to know each other before marking and fully bonding." God, this was awkward, but it needed to be said.

 

"Of course," Lawrence responded immediately, showing no displeasure. His eyes met mine without hesitation.

 

"And I want to continue training with my mom... she says it's important that I can protect myself." Especially for someone like me, without a wolf.

 

Lawrence nodded, smiling in agreement. His understanding gave me a strange warm feeling. Not all males would accept their mates wanting to learn to fight.

 

"Your mother sounds wise," he commented. "Self-defense is crucial, especially when traveling between territories. I've seen too many wolves rely solely on their strength and pay the price."

 

I wondered what experiences had taught him that lesson, but decided not to push. We had time to learn about each other's pasts.

 

After a moment of silence, he asked, "Are you looking for your mother?"

 

The question stung. "Vanessa is my birth mother, but she hurt my soul when I was still a baby, refusing to acknowledge me as her child," I explained, my throat tightening. "Aria is my mother, my father's true mate. She raised me, loved me, protected me, even though she was human then."

 

Lawrence listened quietly, not interrupting. His silence gave me courage to continue.

 

"When I didn't get my wolf at eighteen, I felt broken," I forced myself to say the words, each one filled with pain. "The pack members changed toward me, some started mocking me. My first mate rejected me too... said I was defective. It made me wonder how Vanessa could reject and abandon a baby only months old. I need answers."

 

Lawrence's gaze became firm yet gentle. "I think I understand. I'll be by your side, helping you find her."

 

His promise nearly made me cry. "Thank you. Last night, if it wasn't for you, I don't know what would have happened." The fear of those men's hands on my skin still lingered.

 

"You don't need to thank me... I won't let anyone hurt you. I promise," Lawrence's tone held unquestionable determination.

 

I smiled at him, feeling a strange sense of security. We discussed our plan to travel south. I had originally wanted to go to Pisa that day, but hesitated considering it was already nearly noon.

 

Lawrence suggested, "We could go to Massa today. It's a human settlement, about halfway to Pisa, and would be safer for you."

 

"Sounds good. I trust your judgment," I said. I had no reason not to trust him; he had proven himself worthy of it.

 

He further suggested taking a train to Grosseto the next day, then to Fonteblanda, allowing us to leave this territory and enter the southern pack territory the day after.

 

"The human transportation systems are useful for crossing territory lines," he explained. "Less chance of encountering territorial wolves who might question us. Plus, you wouldn't have to walk so far."

 

"I like that idea," I agreed, feeling a wave of relief. "The sooner we leave this place, the better. I don't like it here." Every second made me uneasy.

 

"Many visiting wolves don't like it here," Lawrence responded, his expression telling me he understood my feelings. "This territory has... complicated politics. The Alpha tolerates visitors but doesn't welcome them. His enforcers can be harsh."

 

That explained the prickling sensation I'd felt since arriving. This wasn't a place that welcomed strangers.

 

Later, I got up and dressed in clothes and shoes. I noticed Lawrence watching me the entire time, his gaze intense. Damn, it made me blush. He chuckled softly, seemingly enjoying my embarrassment. Before leaving, we found a small bakery where Lawrence bought sandwiches for food.

 

As we left the town, we walked in silence for a while. Eventually, Lawrence asked about my family. I told him about how my father and Aria met, how she loved me from day one, protected me, treated me as her own despite being human.

 

"My father is amazing," I said, the memories making my chest tight. "He tried his best to be a good parent, taking care of me, Atlas, Bree, and Natalie. After losing our daughter Eleanor, they had the twins."

 

I described my overprotective brother Atlas and my "real troublemaker" adorable sisters Bree and Natalie.

 

"Atlas is seventeen now and training to be a warrior like Dad. You should see him—spitting image of our father, same serious face and everything. The twins are fourteen and absolutely wild. Bree is the mastermind, and Natalie executes their pranks to perfection. Last month they put blue dye in the warriors' shampoo bottles. Dad was furious but couldn't stop laughing when he saw his entire guard with blue hair."

 

Lawrence chuckled at this, his eyes crinkling at the corners. It made him look younger, less serious. I realized I liked making him laugh.

 

"What about your pack? Will they miss you?" I asked, suddenly curious about what—and who—he might be leaving behind.

 

His expression darkened slightly. "I don't have many ties here. My parents died when I was young. The pack took me in, trained me. I became valuable as a fighter, but..." He shrugged. "No real family, just duty."

 

The admission made my heart ache. No wonder he was willing to follow me—he had no roots holding him here.

 

"They're my family, and I'll always fight for them," I said, suddenly emotional, my voice shaking with intense loyalty. "And now you can be part of that too, if you want."

 

Lawrence smiled, saying he looked forward to meeting them. Then he did something simple yet heart-racing—he took my hand.

 

I felt shy and yet my entire body filled with excitement. My heart pounded as the soul connection felt too good to describe. I didn't know what awaited us ahead, but at least I wasn't alone anymore. I squeezed his hand tightly in return.