The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 238

ATLAS

I flexed my shoulders, feeling the satisfying burn of muscles pushed to their limits. Lawrence and I had been training together for more than six months since my birthday, and the results showed. He'd mastered Rocky's werewolf form techniques, and our coordination had become seamless. On the battlefield, we'd be unstoppable.

"That's enough for today," Lawrence said, wiping sweat from his brow. "Your counter-attacks are getting faster. I barely saw that last move coming." He rolled his shoulder where my punch had connected moments ago.

"Your defensive stance has improved too," I replied, grabbing a towel to wipe my face. "Rocky's influence on your fighting style is impressive."

"Any plans for the evening?" Lawrence asked as we collected our gear.

"Just heading to the waterfall. Need some quiet time." The constant weight of being the True King sometimes felt suffocating. Those moments alone helped me breathe.

He nodded and left me to my thoughts. I made my way to the waterfall peak, letting the night's tranquility wash over me. The moon cast silver light across the water as I sat at the edge, enjoying the rare moment of peace. The scent of pine and fresh water filled my nostrils, and the distant howls of pack members on patrol created a comforting backdrop.

Then it hit me.

My entire body seized up. My soul felt like someone had reached in and grabbed it. My breathing turned ragged, and a wave of terror—not my own—crashed through me. In my mind, I saw Maddie's beautiful green eyes, wide with absolute fear.

Shit!

I launched myself off the waterfall, not bothering with the path. I hit the ground running, sprinting toward my parents' house. Once there, I shifted to human form and burst through the door.

Mom stood in the hallway. "He's in his office," she said quickly. "Just got a call."

I stormed past her and into Dad's office. Jace looked up from his phone call when I entered.

"How many dead?" he was asking.

The voice on the other end responded, "Hundreds, possibly over a thousand..."

I went cold. What the hell happened? Why was I sensing Maddie's fear?

Lawrence appeared in the doorway, his expression matching my concern. "Luke called me," he mind-linked.

I nodded. My wolf must have sensed my distress and summoned my Beta.

"What about the Alpha and his family?" Dad continued.

"Alpha Louis and his family are missing, sir. Reports say they escaped during the chaos. Our men report that the Alpha rescued his daughter Maddie from the Rogue leader just after her eighteenth birthday. The Rogue was attempting to mark her."

My rage exploded. The chair arm in my grip shattered to splinters. That fucking bastard tried to touch MY Maddie? I'll rip him apart!

Dad ended the call and turned to me. "Four days ago, Alpha Louis and his family were ambushed and captured. Today is Maddie's birthday." He paused. "The Rogue leader forced her to choose him as her mate in exchange for her family's and pack's safety. Her family told her to refuse. Louis fought to protect her."

"His youngest son escaped and sought help. When our warriors arrived, it was too late. Most of the pack members and smaller packs seeking refuge were dead. Alpha Louis and his family are missing. The son is with our warriors now."

"Maddie's alive," I stated with absolute certainty, "and she hasn't been marked."

Dad nodded. I'd never been more certain of anything. If she'd been marked, I would've felt it—the pain would have torn my soul apart.

"I'm going to France," I declared. "You can't stop me this time."

Dad studied me, then smiled slightly. "Son, you won't be going alone."

Lawrence nodded in agreement.

"We leave tomorrow morning," Dad said. "Go pack."

On my way back to the castle, I ran into Gina. Six weeks ago, we'd had a long talk where I'd hurt her feelings, but she'd proven stronger than I expected.

"I felt your anger," she said softly. "I wanted to make sure you're okay."

"I'm fine. I'm going to France."

"For your true mate," she stated, understanding in her eyes.

"Yes, Gina. I never wanted to hurt you, but you knew this day would come. I never lied to you about that."

"I know," she smiled gently. "I'm happy for you... I'll never be a burden to you, Atlas, I promise... I hope you find that happiness."

Her words warmed me. "Someday you'll find someone who will love you the way you deserve."

We hugged briefly before parting ways. Back in my room, I packed quickly—we were flying to France at dawn.

"Don't worry, Maddie," I whispered. "I'm coming. I'll find you and keep you safe."

'Those who hurt her will either hide or die,' Luke growled in my mind.

"Yes," I agreed. "If they want to live, they better hide well."

Luke retreated to the depths of my consciousness as I tried to rest, but sleep evaded me. All night I attempted to reach Maddie through our connection, hoping she could somehow feel I was on my way.

At first light, I dressed and grabbed my bag, heading to my parents' house. Everyone was already bustling about—Aurora, Lawrence, Anthony, Marcus, Lucas, Eliana, even my cousins.

"Marcus will stay with Aria and our frontline warriors," Dad announced. "We're taking five hundred warriors with us." The warriors were already en route to the airfield.

"My son will send two hundred fifty warriors to assist us," Marcus promised. "I'll keep our home safe."

I nodded gratefully, exhaustion from my sleepless night weighing on me.

"I believe we're ready," Dad declared. "Let's go."

Everyone embraced their mates goodbye. Aurora hugged me. "Everything will be alright, little brother."

Mom hugged me next, and I felt energy flowing from her into me. "Be careful, my son. Don't be reckless."

"Thanks, Mom," I kissed her forehead.

After nodding to Marcus, I followed the others to the waiting vehicles.

On the plane, every minute felt like torture. Maddie was out there somewhere, possibly in danger, while we were trapped in this metal box.

"We'll find her," Lawrence said quietly beside me.

I nodded. "I can still feel her, and the feeling is getting stronger. That must be a good sign."

"It is," Lawrence confirmed. "It means you're getting closer to her."

I closed my eyes, trying again to sense Maddie, but something still blocked me. I thought of her, sending a silent promise: 'I'm coming soon.'

I gripped the armrest tighter, my jaw clenched with determination.