The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 244

MADDIE

The plane shuddered as it began its descent. Anxiety gripped me, not from the turbulence but from the crushing reality that in minutes I'd be stepping onto American soil. Into my new life. With my true mate. The freaking King of all werewolves.

I glanced across the aisle where Mom sat with Julie, whose vacant eyes stared at nothing. My heart ached. Julie hadn't been the same since that night. Blake sat behind them, jaw tight, probably thinking about the pack members we'd lost. Ben slept beside him, somehow finding peace despite everything.

Atlas squeezed my hand, his thumb stroking my knuckles. "We're almost there."

"Great. Because I totally look ready to meet your royal family," I muttered, trying to smooth my wrinkled shirt.

He smiled. "You look beautiful."

Liar. But a sweet one.

The landing gear touched down with a jolt. This was happening. I was about to meet Atlas's family as his mate. God, I wasn't ready.

"There are ten warriors waiting outside," Atlas said as we taxied. "They all know who you are. So we'll exit first, then Lawrence and my uncle Lucas will come out with your family."

I swallowed hard. "Okay."

"Don't be nervous." His eyes locked with mine. "I'll be right beside you."

Easy for him to say. He wasn't the one who looked like they'd been dragged through hell and back.

When the door opened, Atlas took my hand and led me down the stairs. Ten warriors stood in perfect formation, their postures straightening when they saw Atlas. The one in front stepped forward and bowed.

"Welcome home, Atlas King." His eyes shifted to me. "Please allow me to say, we are proud to welcome your true mate and future queen."

Future queen. The words made my head spin.

Atlas kept his voice steady. "Thank you all. You'll be formally introduced to Maddie when the time is right. For now, we'd like to go home. It's been a long flight, and for one of our passengers, it's been a difficult journey."

The warrior nodded. "The cars are ready, Your Highness. I know your mother is waiting for you."

My heart hammered harder. His mother. Queen Aria. Perfect.

In the car, I watched forests and mountains pass by. I'd seen them once before, when Dad brought me for that ball.

"Last time I was here, I fell in love with these forests," I said, breaking the silence.

Atlas looked surprised. "You did?"

"During that ball, I snuck away while Dad wasn't looking. I found this huge waterfall and thought it was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen."

A smile spread across his face. "I know. I saw you."

"What?" My cheeks burned hot. "You saw me get in the water?"

"Yes, sorry." His expression turned boyish. "If it helps, I was busy trying to figure out if what I was feeling from you was fragments of a true mate bond."

We pulled up to a cluster of wooden cabins instead of the castle I remembered. A beautiful woman with red-gold hair waited on the porch. Queen Aria. My future mother-in-law.

When Atlas helped me from the car, Queen Aria approached. She hugged Atlas first, then turned to me. To my shock, she pulled me into a warm embrace.

"Finally," she said, pulling back. "I hope your journey was peaceful. Welcome to Ancient Moon Shadow and our home."

"Thank you," I managed, stunned by her warmth.

She turned to my family as they emerged from the second car. "We have an empty cabin here that I've prepared for you. Until Alpha Louis joins you and you move to your new territory, please consider it your home."

Mom looked overwhelmed. "Thank you, Your Highness. The house looks beautiful."

"Please, call me Aria or Ria. You're all family now." She smiled. "We built these cabins away from the pack house for privacy."

She looked at Julie's blank expression. "Jace briefed me about your daughter. I've arranged for our healers to examine her."

"I know you've lost much," Aria continued, "so I've spoken with Louis and prepared clothes and necessities. They're in the rooms with names on them."

"This is too much," Mom whispered, tears forming.

"It's not enough," Aria replied. "Sometimes we all need help."

Inside, Blake led Julie to a bedroom while I checked the room with my name. The bed looked softer than anything I'd slept on in weeks.

Atlas knocked on my door minutes later. "This was my grandfather's house," he explained. "Mom thought you'd be more comfortable with your family for now. When you're ready, you'll stay with me at the castle."

My face heated. "Thank you. I thought you'd expect me to go with you right away."

"I want you there," he said seriously, "but I'll never force you. If you want to go with your family to the new packlands, I won't stop you—but I will go with you to keep you safe."

After he left, I sat touching my lips where he'd kissed me. I missed him already. This wasn't just the mate bond—I was falling in love with him.

After showering and changing into clothes Aria had provided, I went to find Mom. Near the stairs, I overheard voices.

"I'm sorry, Queen Aria. I didn't expect her to be here. I thought she'd be with Atlas." A female voice.

"I'm not sure your presence is a good idea right now, Gina." Aria sounded concerned.

"I promise I mean no harm. Whatever happened between Atlas and me ended the day he felt his second-chance mate. I'm happy he found her... I would never hurt his mate."

"I know, dear child. You're not a troublemaker... but I don't want Maddie feeling uncomfortable."

"I understand... I can leave, let someone else help Dr. Maya."

I took a deep breath and walked downstairs. "Your Highnesses."

"Maddie, please call me Aria or Ria," she corrected gently.

I faced the dark-haired girl. "Gina, yes, I know. I overheard. Atlas told me about you two."

Gina's eyes widened in alarm.

"Atlas said you're a good person. I can feel how sincere you are. I'm not angry about the past, and I trust Atlas. You can stay and help the healer. Maybe you could even become friends with my sister Julie. You understand her pain now."

Gina looked stunned. "Thank you, miss. I'm sorry, I don't know what to call you."

"Just Maddie is fine."

"Atlas was right when he first told me he felt your bond," Gina said, bowing slightly. "He said you were kind and good. I'll prove I mean no harm." She hurried upstairs.

When she'd gone, Aria squeezed my hand. "You're quite remarkable. Most wolves in your position would have sent her away."

I shrugged. "I've watched Julie suffer for months, watched her slowly disappear. I understand seeking comfort or just forgetting. I don't like it. But I understand."

Aria wrapped me in another tight hug, and for the first time since the rogues attacked, I felt like I might actually belong somewhere again.