The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 245

ATLAS

I stepped out of the shower, water droplets still clinging to my skin as I reached for a towel. The hot water had helped wash away the exhaustion from our journey back from France. The rescue mission, the flight home—everything had been intense. Just as I wrapped the towel around my waist, I felt it—a soft ripple of sadness that wasn't mine.

Maddie.

I closed my eyes, focusing on our connection. Ever since we'd found each other in France and confirmed our mate bond, this connection had grown stronger each day.

*You okay, beautiful?* I sent through our mental link.

There was a moment of surprise before her response came. *Yes, I'm fine. Just finished taking a shower.*

*Good. I asked because I could feel you were a bit sad.*

*Oh, nothing serious. I was just talking to your mother about my sister.*

Julie. The poor girl hadn't spoken since the attack on their pack. I felt my chest tighten at the reminder of what Maddie's family had endured.

*I understand. I'll be there soon, and if you want, I can take you out for a walk,* I offered.

*Sounds nice, thank you.*

I smiled, feeling Luke, my wolf, rumble with satisfaction inside me. Even he had grown attached to Maddie in the short time since we'd found her. I quickly dressed in clean jeans and a dark blue henley before pulling on my boots. As I left the castle, the biting mountain breeze filled my lungs.

The walk to Maddie's temporary home took less than ten minutes. I entered without knocking—a habit from being, well, me—and immediately froze. My enhanced werewolf senses picked up multiple scents: Maddie and her family, of course, but also my mother's scent, Dr. Maya's, and... Gina's.

Shit. My mind raced. I hadn't expected them to meet so soon. Was this why Maddie had been sad? Not because of Julie, but because Gina was here?

Before I could process further, Maddie appeared at the top of the stairs, a small smile on her face as she descended. She wore simple jeans and a pale blue sweater that made her green eyes stand out even more.

I opened my mouth to speak, but she silenced me with a shake of her head.

"I know, it's okay. She's here to help my sister. And you were right, she does seem like a nice person."

I pulled her into my arms, trying to quiet Luke who was becoming agitated. "I'm sorry," I whispered against her hair.

She shook her head against my chest. "No, don't be. I'm not upset." She stood on her tiptoes and pressed a light kiss to my lips. I lowered my head to meet her halfway, feeling our mate bond pulse stronger.

A moment later, my mother appeared at the bottom of the stairs with Maya, Gina, and Jane, Maddie's mother. Maddie gently pulled away from my embrace but kept hold of my hand, her fingers intertwined with mine in a way that made my heart race.

"Make sure Julie gets plenty of rest. The last few days have been hard on her," Maya said to Jane, who nodded with worry shining in her eyes.

"Thank you both," Jane said, gratitude evident in her voice.

"Call us anytime," Maya replied. Gina merely bowed her head, remaining silent.

I noticed how pale Gina looked, almost like she might be sick. Maddie noticed too and released my hand to walk over to her. My chest swelled with pride at her natural compassion.

"Gina, are you okay? You look pale," Maddie asked with genuine concern.

"I... yes, I'm fine. Thank you," Gina answered, but Maddie wasn't fooled.

"Please, you look like you might faint. Take care of yourself, make sure you rest properly." I could feel Maddie's concern through our bond—she truly cared about Gina's wellbeing despite knowing about our past.

"I will, I promise," Gina said, her voice weak.

"Good, I hope you feel better soon." Gina bowed again before leaving.

"I'll take care of her, princess," Maya assured Maddie, who looked surprised at the title but thanked her nonetheless.

After brief conversations with my mother and Jane, Maddie and I left the house for our walk. Towering trees lined the path as we strolled toward the small town that bordered our territory.

"This place is amazing," Maddie said, excitement lighting up her face as I showed her around the town, taking her into any shop she wanted to see. I made sure the shopkeepers knew who she was—my mate, their future queen. "You have everything here."

I smiled, enjoying her delight and curiosity about pack life. "There's one more store I want to show you," I said, leading her to an old shop that specialized in traditional werewolf craftsmanship. Inside, silver pieces and gemstone jewelry lined glass cases.

"Oh, there are so many beautiful pieces," she breathed.

"This shop has been making custom jewelry for my family for generations. I wanted to give you something." I cleared my throat, suddenly nervous. "After I discovered you were my mate, I commissioned this. I hoped it would be ready by the time I brought you here."

The shop owner brought out a small wooden box decorated with traditional Ancient Moon Shadow Pack patterns. When he opened it, I saw the pendant I had ordered: a warrior in wolf form cradling an elegant she-wolf, their eyes embedded with tiny green and blue gemstones matching our eye colors. It was more beautiful than I had imagined.

"It's beautiful," Maddie whispered, her voice trembling.

"I wanted you to have something that represents us," I said. She smiled at me, tears glistening in her eyes.

"I love it!" Her emotions flowed through our bond, nearly overwhelming me.

"We need a fine titanium chain," I told the shopkeeper, who brought a chain that gleamed like silver. He attached the pendant and presented it.

"For you, my King and princess," he said, bowing as was customary.

I fastened it around Maddie's neck, feeling our mate bond grow even stronger as the pendant settled against her skin.

"Thank you, I really love it," she said, reaching up to kiss my cheek. I smiled, feeling Luke rumble contentedly in my chest.

"You did an amazing job, thank you," I told the shopkeeper. "I'll arrange payment when I return to the castle."

"Thank you, my King, no rush. It's my honor to serve you." We left the jewelry store and stepped back into the sunlight.

Later, I walked Maddie home, giving her time with her family and to rest. I placed a gentle kiss on her forehead before leaving.

Back at the castle, I lay on my large bed, unable to stop smiling as I thought about how incredible Maddie was. Luke growled contentedly in my mind.

*Our mate is special.*

I couldn't agree more. I closed my eyes, looking forward to our future together in Ancient Moon Shadow.