The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 226

AURORA

Six months later

I hummed while stirring the stew, adding another pinch of seasoning. The rich aroma filled the kitchen, reminding me of childhood. Male voices approached - Lawrence's deep rumble, my father's authoritative tone, and Atlas's younger voice. I'd set the table for three but made enough food for six. My cooking instincts rarely failed me.

Lawrence entered first, looking slightly apologetic. "Hey, baby, hope you don't mind," he said, gesturing to my father and brother behind him.

"No, it's fine. We have plenty of food," I assured him, giving the pot one final stir. "And I know this must be important." I always understood when pack business took priority.

Our eyes met, and warmth spread through my chest. After all this time together, just seeing him still made my heart flutter. He winked at me before helping my father and Atlas sit.

"I'll go upstairs and call Anthony," Lawrence said, heading toward the stairs. I watched him go, appreciating how naturally he'd taken to fatherhood.

I served Dad and Atlas large bowls of stew, noting Dad's serious expression. Something was wrong - his forehead creased the way it always did when pack troubles brewed.

"How are we handling the situation in France?" Lawrence asked between bites. "From what we've heard, there are rogues from other countries involved in these attacks. Things could get worse."

Dad nodded grimly. "I believe we should send aid, but we need to investigate where these rogues are coming from and why they're targeting French packs."

Atlas stared into his bowl thoughtfully. "Who should we send? I don't think we should send Lawrence, Lucas, or Marcus."

My heart swelled with gratitude toward my brother. He knew how much I needed Lawrence here with me and Anthony. After everything we'd been through, separation wasn't something I handled well anymore.

"I think we should send a small team first," Dad suggested. "If necessary, one of us can go later."

"What's happening in France?" I asked, sitting beside Lawrence, my shoulder pressing against his for comfort.

Lawrence squeezed my hand. "France has been under heavy attack. All the Alphas have been targeted. But Louis got hit hardest. His wife was injured, but thankfully she survived."

I gasped. "That's terrible." The thought of pack families being torn apart made my stomach clench.

Atlas set his spoon down, his expression resolute. "I think your plan is good, Dad. If needed, I'll go."

"Son—" Dad began, but Atlas raised his hand.

"Dad, I feel drawn there. I don't know why, but I feel it deep in my soul. I need to go if things escalate."

I watched Dad's face carefully. It was still difficult for him and Mom to see Atlas growing into the powerful king he was becoming, but they knew they had to let him go. Atlas had proven himself as the True King these past months.

Dad sighed in defeat. "Alright, I understand. But we'll try the small team first, or your mother will kill me." Everyone laughed, breaking the tension.

"That's the plan," Atlas agreed, and Dad's shoulders visibly relaxed.

"I'm sure Atlas will be fine if it comes to that," I added supportively. Atlas shot me a grateful look. Dad nodded, accepting my reassurance.

After lunch, Dad and Atlas prepared to leave. They both hugged me goodbye. Atlas leaned close to my ear.

"Thank you," he whispered, his gratitude warming my heart.

**ATLAS**

Stepping outside Aurora's house, I inhaled deeply. Choosing Lawrence as my Beta had been my best decision yet. He was level-headed, thoughtful, and knew when I needed him without me saying a word. Just like at the party, when I needed a moment, he handled Tina and Romeo without being asked.

I still couldn't believe Tina was my fated mate. The pull toward her made my stomach turn. After rejecting her, I felt better than expected. The pain wasn't nearly as bad as stories claimed, which confirmed I'd made the right choice. No way in hell would I accept someone who had treated my sister so cruelly.

The past months had been busy, thank the Moon Goddess. Being True King meant endless responsibilities – treaties to review, disputes to settle, training with Dad to control my powers. Sometimes it felt overwhelming, but then I'd remember Dad and Mom's faith in me.

The situation in France needed handling. I didn't know why, but something pulled me there. A voice inside told me I needed to go, regardless of what Dad decided. Maybe it was the True King instinct everyone talked about – the knowing without explanation.

*I feel like I need to be there,* I thought, my wolf Luke agreeing with a low rumble inside me.

**LAWRENCE**

Being Beta challenged me every day, but damn, I loved it. The responsibility, the training sessions with warriors, even the paperwork – all of it gave me purpose. Jace suggested I spend the afternoon with Aurora and Anthony since we'd be swamped dealing with these attacks soon. I grabbed a basket with desserts and Anthony's toys, then headed outside where Aurora set up a blanket. Anthony toddled around her, clutching his stuffed wolf, his dark curls bouncing with each step.

"This is nice," Aurora said, smiling as I approached.

"Yes, it's good we get to spend this afternoon together." I pulled her against my chest, watching Anthony play. My chest swelled with pride seeing my son with his dark hair and Aurora's blue eyes. He squealed with delight when he spotted me, abandoning his toy to run toward me with outstretched arms.

"Dada!" he cried, and I scooped him up, tossing him gently into the air before catching him securely. His laughter was the sweetest sound I'd ever heard.

Aurora leaned back against me after I set Anthony down to play again. "You smell good," she murmured, her fingers tracing patterns on my arm.

"So do you," I replied, kissing her head. Her scent always centered me - honey, wildflowers, and that spicy note that drove me crazy. "This year will be busy with these attacks."

She turned in my arms. "I know, but everything will be fine." Her confidence steadied me, as always.

I held her face between my hands, suddenly serious. "Promise me something. If you ever feel or think I'm away too much, I want you to tell me."

"I will, I promise." Her sincerity eased the tension in my shoulders.

"Good, thank you. I love you, Aurora. Don't forget that."

"I love you too, Lawrence."

We spent the afternoon outside, watching Anthony play and talking about everything and nothing. Rocky purred contentedly inside me, completely at peace with our mate and pup nearby. After dinner, we put Anthony to bed together, tucking him in and kissing his forehead as he clutched his wolf toy.

When he was asleep, I led Aurora to our bedroom. I closed the door behind us and turned to her, my intentions clear. She smiled knowingly, coming into my arms without hesitation.

"You're everything to me," I whispered against her lips before claiming them with mine.

I spent the evening showing her how much I loved her, until we both fell asleep, exhausted and completely satisfied.