The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 260

MADDIE

"Stop blaming yourself," Aurora said quietly beside me, slicing vegetables. "I can see it in your face."

"Hard not to," I muttered. "If Romeo is behind this, it's because of me."

"No," she said firmly. "It's because he's a vindictive, jealous wolf who can't accept rejection. That's not on you."

I gave her a grateful smile, but the tension inside me remained.

*This is all my fault. Stupid, annoying special abilities.*

I glanced at Atlas across the room, his face set in determination as he discussed strategy with his father. Our eyes met briefly, and he gave me a reassuring nod. Despite everything, my heart skipped a beat.

Whatever danger approached, I wouldn't face it alone.

ATLAS

The forest around us grew denser as Lawrence and I approached Black Forest Pack territory. Mother had never returned here. Her adoptive parents were buried somewhere in these woods—a painful reminder of loss she couldn't face again.

"You okay?" Lawrence asked, sensing my tension.

"Yeah. Just thinking about what Mom said about this place." I rolled my shoulders, trying to shake off the heaviness.

We reached a clearing where a large packhouse stood. Alpha Dylan Warren was already waiting there. His stance was confident but not threatening.

"King Atlas and Beta Lawrence," he said with a slight bow. "Welcome to Black Forest Pack."

I nodded. "Thank you for having us, Alpha Dylan."

"Please, come inside. I've prepared accommodations for you both."

The packhouse was well-maintained but lacked the grandeur of our castle. The wood paneling gave it a rustic feel, and the scent of pine permeated everything. Pictures of pack members lined the walls—a family portrait of sorts. They seemed happy, peaceful.

Alpha Dylan led us to a spacious office. "I want you to know, King Atlas, that I promise to help you. I have no desire to see history repeat itself with your mate's family."

I appreciated his directness. "Thank you. I'm here to protect my mate from experiencing fear. The scrolls you mentioned might help her."

"She's special, your mate?" he asked carefully.

"Very. She has abilities we're still trying to understand." I didn't elaborate. The fewer people who knew the extent of Maddie's powers, the better.

"Of course." He gestured to a shelf of old books. "My pack has kept records for generations. If there's information about wolves with special abilities, it's here."

"Your daughter?" I asked, remembering my father mentioning she was next in line for Alpha.

Alpha Dylan's eyes softened. "She's visiting allied packs. Looking for her mate, I hope." He paused. "She's all I have left. Her mother, my Luna, died bringing her into this world."

"I'm sorry," I said, meaning it.

He shrugged. "It was many years ago. Your father approved my request to let her become Alpha after me. Not all Kings would allow that."

"My father understands that strength comes in many forms," I replied.

Lawrence remained silent beside me, always vigilant. I knew he was assessing every corner of the room, every exit. It's why he was my Beta. Nothing escaped his notice.

"I'll show you to your rooms," Alpha Dylan said. "You must be tired from your journey."

---

My room was decent—bed, dresser, window facing the forest. I sat on the bed, thinking about Alpha Dylan. His mate died in childbirth, leaving him alone with their daughter. The thought of losing Maddie like that made my chest hurt.

I missed her. Our mate bond stretched tight with distance. I closed my eyes and sent a thought. *I'm safe. I miss you.*

A faint warmth responded—she'd felt me. That was enough for now. Though honestly, it wasn't. I wanted her in my arms, where I could protect her. These rogues targeting her made my blood boil. I'd tear apart anyone who threatened her.

A knock on my door signaled dinner time. Lawrence stood outside, face impassive as always.

"Ready?" he asked.

"As I'll ever be." I straightened my shirt. "Keep your eyes open. We're still in foreign territory."

The dining hall was filled with pack members. Alpha Dylan stood as we entered, raising his hand for silence.

"My pack," he announced, "this is King Atlas, whom you've all heard about, and his Beta, Lawrence."

All eyes turned to us. Most were curious, some respectful, a few wary. Standard reception for visiting royalty. I nodded politely, keeping my expression neutral. Kings don't show uncertainty.

We took seats at the head table with Alpha Dylan. The food was good—venison, fresh bread, and vegetables from their gardens. I ate heartily, hunger finally catching up to me.

"Tomorrow I'll have the scrolls brought to my office," Alpha Dylan said between bites. "Some are quite old and fragile."

"I appreciate it," I replied. "The sooner we find what we need, the sooner we can return home."

"Your mate must be worried," he observed.

"She's stronger than she knows," I said, pride evident in my voice. "But yes, I don't like being away from her with threats looming."

Three female wolves entered the dining hall late. Two were around my age, one older. The younger ones immediately took notice of Lawrence and me, whispering to each other. I ignored them, focusing on my conversation with Alpha Dylan about the territory.

The older woman—probably their mother—gave them a disapproving look but didn't stop them as they separated from her and moved toward our table. Great. Just what we needed.

After dinner, as people began to disperse, the two younger females approached our table. One leaned forward, deliberately giving me a view down her shirt.

"My King," she said, voice dripping with suggestion, "my friend and I would be honored to provide you and your Beta with... additional services during your stay."

The other one giggled, placing her hand on Lawrence's shoulder. "We could make your visit very memorable."

I felt Lawrence stiffen beside me. Alpha Dylan looked uncomfortable but didn't intervene—this was my battle to fight. I wasn't surprised by their boldness. Power attracts people, and being King makes some forget about respect and boundaries.

I stood slowly, meeting their eyes with a cold stare. "You can see we're both marked. So please don't disrespect us by suggesting we would betray our mates."

The women stepped back, shocked by my rejection. One tried to speak, but stopped when Lawrence stood beside me, eyes dangerous.

"I apologize for them," Alpha Dylan said quickly.

"No need. We're clear now." I turned to Alpha Dylan. "I'll review those scrolls tomorrow morning."

The females hurried away, embarrassed. Good. They should be. I didn't care about offending them—nobody disrespects my bond with Maddie.

In my room later, I sent a thought to Maddie. *I love you. Only you.*

The mate bond hummed back. I smiled and lay down, staring at the ceiling.

Being King meant dealing with unwanted attention. Women had always pursued me, even before my coronation. But since finding Maddie, other women mean nothing to me.

Tomorrow we'd get what we needed and go home. Back to my mate. Where I belong.

"No one compares to you, Maddie," I whispered. I fell asleep with her image in my mind.