The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 232

ATLAS

I walked into Dad's office for our meeting. Lawrence was already there, standing by the window. I could feel something off in my True King powers—a warning signal buzzing in my head.

"I'm still learning how to use this connection," I said, rubbing my forehead. "I can sense when something needs my attention, but I can't see the details yet."

Dad frowned. "France has reported more rogue wolf attacks. Many of these rogues aren't local—they're coming from Italy. Alpha Alexander and Leonard reported that many of Alpha Charles's supporters have left the central territories."

"Yes, they told us that when we visited," I confirmed.

Lawrence nodded. "Makes sense. Many know Alpha Louis helped with the paternity test. This could be retaliation."

"I think we should send some warriors to help, see how things develop," Dad said. "Lucas has a chief guardian he trusts... Lucas will go first to make sure everything is in place, then return."

My chest tightened. "And if that's not enough?"

"Then we all go," Dad replied firmly. He paused. "Your first shift was almost a year ago. Your Primal blood has settled since the Maja incident. We need to plan the ball that should have happened last year."

"I don't care about some ball, Dad," I snapped. "There are more important things happening."

The door opened, and Mom walked in. Despite being tiny, she commanded the room instantly. "But your people care," she said firmly. "They need to see their true King."

I bit my tongue. Arguing with Mom was pointless. She might have once been human, but now she was scary powerful. Dad had banned her from using her healing ability because it was too dangerous, but that didn't make her any less intimidating.

"They need to see you there, feel your presence," she insisted. "If the King who leads all Alphas and packs is hiding, they will worry, even fear."

She was right. Damn it. "Fine, let's have the ball. And let's invite Alpha Louis to show those attackers we stand with him."

Mom smiled. "That's a good idea." She kissed my head before leaving. I rolled my eyes, and both Dad and Lawrence chuckled.

I turned back to them, my mind already racing with possible scenarios. "If we're sending help to France, I want daily reports. No details spared, understood?" My voice carried the authority I'd been practicing—firm but not harsh.

Dad nodded with pride in his eyes. Sometimes I hated how easily he could read me. The weight of the crown I hadn't even officially received yet pressed down on my shoulders.

Later, I overheard my parents talking in the kitchen. Mom worried about me seeing different females. Dad defended me, saying I only saw women who'd already had their chance at finding mates. They also talked about Anthony's birthday celebration and the ball preparations. Dad wanted to invite Alpha Leonard and Alexander as thanks for helping Aurora find Lawrence. Mom had already done it.

I left quietly. Someone was waiting for me anyway.

Gina's scent hit me the second I opened my apartment door. I followed it to my bedroom and found her naked on my bed. I couldn't help the growl that escaped my throat.

Gina lost her mate in a rogue attack last year. We had a deal—physical release, no feelings. We both knew that if I found my true mate, this would end immediately.

"Hello, my King," she said softly.

"Hello, Gina. Still beautiful, I see," I replied, keeping my voice steady even as my body reacted.

"Only for you, my King," she whispered. I growled again, louder.

No need for small talk. After a day of royal headaches and worries about France, I needed to forget everything. I stripped quickly, my eyes locked on her.

She reached for me as I approached the bed. I caught her wrists and pinned them above her head. "Not yet," I whispered against her ear. She shivered.

Her scent filled my nose—sweet and warm but missing something essential. Not the scent of a true mate. I pushed that thought away. This was enough. Had to be.

I kissed her neck, tasting salt. She arched against me, impatient. I smiled against her skin. As King, everyone expected perfect control from me. Here, with Gina, I controlled things differently—because I wanted to, not because I had to.

"Atlas, please," she gasped as I moved lower.

"Patience," I ordered, my voice rough with need.

I explored her body carefully, watching her reactions. This wasn't love—we both knew that—but I made sure she enjoyed herself. Her breathing quickened as I found all the right spots.

My wolf stirred slightly, watching through my eyes but staying detached. Sometimes I envied Luke's simplicity—physical pleasure without the complicated emotions humans attached to it.

When I finally pushed inside her, it felt good but not complete. My wolf stayed quiet, just watching. This was just physical, nothing deeper. I set a pace that had her digging her nails into my shoulders, leaving marks that would heal in minutes.

"Look at me," I demanded. Her eyes—dark but not glowing with mate-bond—met mine.

I lost myself in feeling, grateful to escape my thoughts for a while. With every thrust, I forgot about France, the ball, being King. Here, I wasn't Atlas the True King—just Atlas, a guy looking for connection, even temporary.

She came first, tightening around me. I followed right after, closing my eyes as pleasure washed through me. For a few moments, my mind went blissfully blank.

After, I stared at the ceiling. Gina didn't try to cuddle—she knew better. She caught her breath, then got up and started dressing.

She left without lingering, exactly as agreed. I appreciated that about her.

I showered, hot water pounding my muscles. My mind filled again with everything waiting for me—trouble in France, the upcoming ball, endless royal duties.

I dried off and sat at my desk to read reports before morning. Being King wasn't what I expected. The work never ended, decisions were often hard, and the loneliness... well, I was still figuring that out.

But tonight, I'd found a brief escape. Tomorrow would bring new problems. I'd handle them one at a time. I always did.