The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 221

LAWRENCE

I watched Aurora move around our bedroom. Something about her was different today - she had a secret, I could tell. Her eyes sparkled whenever she glanced my way. Whatever it was, it made her happy, so I didn't push.

"Are you almost ready?" I called, adjusting my black suit jacket. God, I hated formal clothes. Give me training gear any day. The collar felt like it was choking me, and these shoes pinched my toes. How did humans wear this crap regularly?

"Just a minute!" Aurora disappeared into the walk-in closet.

When she emerged, I froze. She wore a blood-red dress, silk hugging her curves with lace extending to her elbows. Her hair was pulled up, my mark visible on her neck. My wolf, Rocky, rumbled with approval inside me. My heart actually skipped a beat - something I'd never admit out loud.

"Wow, you look beautiful," I said, my voice rougher than I intended.

Aurora blushed. "Thank you. You clean up pretty well yourself. Who knew you could look so handsome in formal wear?"

I tugged at my collar. The black suit with a shirt matching Aurora's dress felt like a straitjacket. "Don't get used to it. I'm not dressing like this every day." I'd rather face a dozen rogue wolves than wear this outfit weekly.

Her laugh made my discomfort worth it.

We left our home and walked toward the castle. Aurora's hand in mine kept me grounded. A year ago, I never imagined this life - mated, father to Anthony, part of a pack. Sometimes I still couldn't believe it. Rocky agreed, sending waves of contentment through our bond.

"There they are," Aurora waved.

Jace and Aria approached with Atlas between them. They looked every inch the royal family. Jace and Atlas wore suits similar to mine but with ties, their black jackets a shade lighter. Atlas seemed uncomfortable, constantly adjusting his tie and rolling his shoulders like he was preparing for a fight, not a party.

"Ready for your big night?" I asked Atlas, clapping his shoulder.

He nodded, tension visible in his jaw. After what Aurora told me about his worries over finding his true mate, I understood his stress. The kid had the whole True King thing weighing on him, and now this added pressure too.

Marcus and Seraphina waited at the castle entrance. We entered the banquet hall in formation - Jace and Aria led with Atlas beside them, followed by Marcus and Seraphina, then Aurora and me, with the twins, Lucas, Eliana, and their children behind us.

The hall was packed. I'd never seen so many Alphas and Betas in one place. The scent of different territories mingled in the air - northern packs with their pine undertones, southern packs with warmer, earthier notes. Each Alpha stood a little straighter as we passed, eyes following Atlas with curiosity and respect. We took our seats at the table on the raised platform.

Atlas scanned the crowd constantly. Looking for his mate? I couldn't relate to that particular anxiety. Finding Aurora had been unexpected - a shock that upended my whole existence. But for Atlas, the anticipation must be overwhelming.

Jace stood. The hall fell silent immediately.

"Welcome, everyone," his voice carried authority. "We gather tonight to celebrate my son Atlas's eighteenth birthday, though this celebration comes a year late."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"Last year, circumstances prevented us from properly honoring Atlas's coming of age. My son's situation required our full attention."

I appreciated how Jace avoided mentioning the chaos of Atlas's power awakening.

"Today, we make up for that delay. We celebrate not just his nineteenth year, but the responsibility the Moon Goddess has placed upon his shoulders and the awakening of his True King power last year."

More murmurs, edged with awe.

"I won't pretend his first manifestation of power was pleasant," Jace continued with a slight smile. "But he has spent the past year learning control, and I couldn't be prouder of the strong, kind, and just King he is becoming."

I glanced at Atlas. His back was straight, but color rose in his cheeks. His hands gripped the edge of the table, knuckles white. The kid carried more responsibility than anyone his age should.

"Please, enjoy the food and company. At midnight, under the Moon Goddess's blessing, Atlas will present his wolf form to you all."

Jace raised his glass. "Enjoy your meal, everyone."

As he sat, servers brought food. I squeezed Aurora's hand under the table, proud to be part of this family.

AURORA

The food tasted amazing. The hall buzzed with conversation. I smiled watching everyone enjoying themselves. This was what Atlas deserved - recognition, not last year's chaos.

Suddenly, Kaila let out a low, deep, hate-filled growl in my mind. The sound was so visceral I nearly choked on my wine.

*They're here.* Her voice was tight with anger. *That bastard Romeo. His wolf is trying to communicate with me.*

My body tensed. I scanned the room table by table, my heart pounding against my ribs. Then I saw him - Romeo, staring directly at me from across the hall. My stomach dropped to my feet. He looked exactly the same - that arrogant tilt to his chin, those cold eyes that had once looked at me with disgust when he thought I had no wolf.

I turned to Lawrence. "Romeo," I said quietly. "The wolf I told you about."

Lawrence's eyes hardened. "The one who rejected you because he thought you didn't have a wolf?"

"Yes. He's here." I swallowed hard. "His wolf is trying to talk to Kaila. She's not happy about it."

Lawrence tensed. "Rocky says he feels someone trying to force a connection, but as you said, she's not happy and isn't letting it through. He's helping her."

He took my hand, his thumb rubbing circles on my palm. "Hey, look at me. It's going to be fine. I'm right here."

I nodded, forcing myself to ignore Romeo's stare. Kaila settled as Rocky connected with her. The ugly memories of rejection and humiliation tried to surface, but I pushed them down. I wasn't that girl anymore. Maybe we could get through this without drama.

Then I spotted friendly faces approaching - Alpha Leonard and Alpha Alexander. My smile returned, genuine this time. Their visits had become more frequent this past year, strengthening our alliance.

They bowed to us. Lawrence's face showed surprise and pleasure.

"Your Highnesses," Alpha Leonard said formally, "we wanted to thank you for inviting us to this celebration. Both of us pledge our loyalty to the True King."

Alpha Alexander nodded. "We and our territories are at your service. You helped bring peace. We are grateful."

The hall quieted, waiting. Atlas stood and approached them.