The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 233

ATLAS

I twisted the shower knob, letting steam fill the bathroom as I thought about tonight. My first public appearance as the True King.

Today was also Anthony's birthday. My nephew. Born on the same day I underwent my transformation. I couldn't help but smile as I imagined his chubby face covered in cake.

The bathroom door opened, and I turned to see Gina standing there completely naked, her curves impossible to ignore. No knock, no hesitation. Just Gina being Gina.

"My King," she purred, moving closer. "Let me help you relieve some stress."

I couldn't help the growl that escaped my throat. "Please, Gina. But it'll be quick today."

I stepped into the shower, and she followed. My hands found her neck, her shoulders, then settled in her hair. I guided her movements as she knelt down, her mouth working its magic. The hot water cascaded down my back, washing away the tension of the coming evening.

"Mmm, yes, that's a good girl," I murmured.

When I'd had enough of that, I pulled her up, turned her to face the wall, and entered her from behind. I wasn't gentle. Gina didn't want gentle. She moaned as I gripped her hips tightly, the sound echoing off the bathroom tiles.

"Oh, my King, don't stop," she breathed.

I didn't stop until she came, her body shuddering against mine. Then I pulled out, finishing on her backside. She'd told me once she preferred that. No risk, no mess inside.

I handed her a towel as I rinsed myself under the spray. The water felt good against my tense muscles, washing away the evidence of our encounter.

"My King, if I may be so bold," Gina said, wrapping the towel around herself.

"Gina, you can always speak freely."

She smiled, but there was something sad in her eyes. "I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday, and to say that if you find your true mate tonight, I will truly be happy for you."

Her words caught me off guard. Gina had been a constant in my life the past few months. After losing her mate to rogues last year, we'd found comfort in each other's bodies. No strings, no expectations.

"Thank you, Gina," I said softly. "You have been, and still are, a very dear friend. No matter what, we will always be friends."

She finished dressing and headed toward the door. "Have a good day, my King."

"You too, Gina. Thank you."

After she left, I finished my shower quickly. The day was just beginning, and I had a birthday party to attend.

---

My parents' living room smelled like freshly baked cake and something savory cooking in the kitchen. Mom had prepared a traditional werewolf birthday cake for Anthony – honey-sweetened with berries and nuts, nothing artificial. The decorations were minimal but thoughtful – small wooden figurines of wolves placed around the table, hand-carved by Dad.

Aurora, Lawrence, and Anthony hadn't arrived yet. I hugged Mom, breathing in her familiar scent. Even after her transition from human to wolf, she still smelled faintly of the herbs she loved to grow.

"Happy birthday, my son," she said, squeezing me tight. "The Moon Goddess blessed us the day you were born."

"Thanks, Mom," I replied, taking a seat on the couch. She had prepared some simple food – cheese, bread, fruit – to tide us over until the cake.

The front door opened, and Aurora's scent filled the room, followed by Lawrence's and the sweet baby smell of my nephew. Anthony toddled in on unsteady legs, his face lighting up when he saw me, a streak of chocolate already smudged on his cheek.

"Unca A!" he squealed, making a beeline for me.

I scooped him up, tossing him gently in the air. He giggled, and the sound made something in my chest loosen. Aurora hugged me next, and I nodded respectfully to Lawrence. Good man. Took care of my sister. Couldn't ask for more.

I had carved a wooden wolf for Anthony, spent weeks getting it just right, sanding it smooth so his little hands wouldn't get splinters. When I handed it to him, his little eyes widened with wonder.

"If there's anything worth celebrating today, it's that your birth brought new hope to the pack," I told him, though he was too young to understand. "Happy birthday, little pup."

Anthony grabbed the wooden wolf, his laughter filling the room. We ate cake, shared stories, and for a while, I forgot about being the True King. I was just Uncle Atlas, part of a family.

When it was time to leave, Aurora caught up with me in the hallway.

"Are you okay, brother?" she asked, her eyes searching mine.

"Yes, sister, I'm fine. Just looking forward to getting tonight's gathering over with." I hesitated, then added, "I have a strange feeling, like something's calling to me."

Aurora smiled, that knowing look she sometimes gets. "If she's here, she's a visitor from another pack. You'll find her at the ball tonight. It's the Moon Goddess's way."

I felt a weight lift from my shoulders. Aurora had always understood me better than anyone, even when we were kids.

"Thank you, sister. I love you."

---

Back at my place, I sat in the chair, closed my eyes, and breathed slowly. The burden of being the "True King" and the heir to the Primal Wolf bloodline felt heavier tonight. Sometimes I wished I was just a regular wolf. Hell, even just a regular prince.

I wanted to find my true mate. But what if she only wanted the King? What if she only wanted the Primal Wolf bloodline? I knew the soul bond of true mates was supposed to be pure and real, but doubts crept in anyway.

Luke stirred within me, his presence warm and reassuring. *She will want you for you,* he seemed to say, though not in words. *Our mate will see our soul, not our crown.*

I felt comforted, but still anxious. Everyone would be watching me tonight – Alphas from across the country, Betas, Elders. All eyes on the True King, seeing if I lived up to the prophecies. The pressure made my shoulders tense. What if I disappointed them? What if I wasn't the leader they expected?

Luke, my wolf spirit, stayed quiet in my mind, giving me strength just by being there. He'd been more active lately, more present. I felt his anticipation for tonight.

I realized it was almost time. I stood and put on the suit Mom had made specially for tonight. Not my usual style, but tonight wasn't about what I wanted. I adjusted the cuffs, fighting the urge to rip the whole thing off and throw on my usual jeans and t-shirt.

As I prepared to leave for the ceremony, a powerful voice echoed in my head. Not Luke's voice – something older, stronger.

*Do not worry, my King. Destiny will guide you to your true mate. Your souls have been connected in the stars.*

The voice vanished. I thought briefly about its message, then walked away ready to finish this.