The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 257

MADDIE

The past few weeks were a dream. I trained with Aria each morning, studied my "gift" from ancient scrolls, and spent evenings with Atlas. His mother genuinely helped me understand my abilities and promised to teach me better control when I was ready.

Today wasn't about training though. Today was goodbye.

Atlas held my hand as we approached the gathering where my father's pack waited. My throat tightened seeing my parents standing there, luggage packed in waiting vehicles. Dad looked strong as always, but Mom's eyes were red-rimmed.

"My daughters," Mom whispered, pulling Julie and me into her arms. "Saying goodbye isn't easy."

Atlas stepped forward. "This isn't goodbye, Jane. I'll make sure we visit often, until you're sick of seeing us."

Dad laughed at that. "You're a good wolf, Atlas," Mom said, hugging him.

"I'm glad you think so," Atlas replied. "Because I'll do everything possible to make her happy and safe."

Blake and Ben hugged us next. Then Dad embraced us one final time. "Time to go, my daughters. Take care of yourselves. We'll see you soon."

"Goodbye, Mom and Dad. See you soon," I managed to say as they climbed into their car.

I felt Atlas's arms around me while Julie held my hand. Together we watched my parents and old pack leave for their new territory. I looked at Julie, tears streaming down her face, and hugged her, grateful she'd chosen to stay.

---

"Where's Gina?" I asked Julie later that day.

She smiled. "At the healing center. The girl who was supposed to cover didn't show up, so Gina's helping Dr. Maya. I'm heading there too."

Julie had found her place at the healing center as Dr. Maya's apprentice. Everyone seemed settled in their new roles.

I was still figuring out my path. Aria mentioned Atlas would need help with royal duties, so I focused on learning queen responsibilities and werewolf traditions. Atlas wanted a formal coronation, and Aria was teaching me what I needed to know.

Life was good. Too good. Which is exactly when the universe decided to throw me a curveball.

-

I woke up feeling strange. My skin burned like I had a fever, but different. Heat radiated through my body in waves. Something was definitely wrong.

*Aria, I don't feel well. I don't think I can make it for training today,* I sent through our mind link.

Twenty minutes later, a knock at my door surprised me. Aria herself had come to check on me.

"My queen, you didn't have to come. I didn't want to trouble you with my condition," I said, embarrassed.

"Don't worry, my child. Let me see what's happening." She entered my room and touched my face, then smiled knowingly. "My dear, you aren't sick. But staying here was wise."

"I don't understand." My head felt foggy.

"You aren't sick, child. You're entering your heat. You've been marked for some time now, so this was inevitable."

"Heat?" The word came out as a squeak. "Already? But it's so soon."

Aria nodded. "It happens once the marking bond stabilizes. Your body is responding to Atlas now."

My cheeks burned hotter than the rest of me. "Oh god. What do I do?"

"You know what helps," she said gently. "I've already contacted Atlas. He'll be here soon."

I pulled the sheets up to my chin. "But I'm not ready to... I mean, I don't want to get pregnant yet."

The words tumbled out before I could stop them. Would she be disappointed? Did queens need to provide heirs immediately?

Instead, Aria squeezed my hand. "That's perfectly fine, Maddie. It doesn't make you less worthy. I'll have Dr. Maya prepare an herbal tea to prevent pregnancy. Being in heat doesn't mean you must conceive."

Relief washed through me. "Thank you."

Atlas appeared in the doorway then, his eyes instantly finding mine. "I felt your discomfort," he said.

"I'll leave you two," Aria said, rising. "Dr. Maya will bring the tea shortly. Don't worry, you won't be disturbed." With a reassuring smile, she left the room.

Atlas came to sit beside me, his proximity sending another wave of heat through my body. "Are you okay?"

"I'm not ready to be a mother," I blurted out. "Not yet. Is that... is that okay?"

He reached for my hand, his touch calming the fire under my skin slightly. "Of course it's okay. I'm not ready to share you with anyone else yet." His thumb traced circles on my palm. "Maybe in six months, or a year. But right now, I'm happy just being with you."

I leaned forward and pressed my forehead against his. "You're not disappointed?"

"Never," he whispered. "I want you to be happy, Maddie. That's all that matters."

Dr. Maya arrived shortly after, carrying a steaming mug. "This herb tea will prevent pregnancy and reduce your symptoms, princess," she explained, handing me the cup. "You won't feel the heat as intensely, though His Majesty's presence will still help."

"Thank you, Maya," Atlas said, his tone dismissive but polite.

After Dr. Maya left, Atlas took the mug from my hands. "Let me run you a bath. It might help with the temperature fluctuations."

I heard water running in the bathroom, smelled aromatic oils being added. When I walked in, Atlas was testing the water temperature with his hand.

"Are you upset?" I asked, unable to read his expression.

He turned to me, genuinely surprised. "Why would I be upset?"

"Because I don't want..." I struggled with the words. "I know I have a responsibility to give the pack an heir."

Atlas stood and came to me, gently untying the sash of my robe. "Maddie, don't think that way. We have a lifetime ahead of us. A year or five years doesn't matter. The pack needs my heir, yes, but I'm not going anywhere. Neither is Luke."

The robe slipped from my shoulders. Atlas helped me remove my remaining clothes, then guided me into the herb-infused water. He quickly undressed and joined me, pulling me against his chest.

"Thank you," I whispered, leaning back against him. The water soothed my heated skin, and his presence calmed the restless energy inside me.

"For what?" He took a cloth and gently washed my shoulders.

"For understanding. For not forcing anything." I closed my eyes as he moved the cloth across my collarbone. "For being you."

His lips brushed my neck, sending pleasurable shivers down my spine. "I love you, Maddie. I'll never force you into anything you're not ready for. My wolf chose you too. We respect your decisions."

His words and voice made me shiver again. The heat inside me had transformed into something different—a need, a desire, a wanting that wasn't just from the heat but from my feelings for him. The herbs had taken the edge off, but my body still responded to his closeness, his touch.

I turned in the bath, straddling his lap, and kissed him hard. He growled low in his throat but didn't stop me. Moving my lips to his neck, I heard him make that werewolf sound of pleasure that made me feel braver. This was my first time taking the lead.