The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 266

ATLAS

I was discussing patrol schedules with Dad and Lawrence when it hit me - Lily's panicked mind-link sliced through my thoughts. Red-hot killing rage flooded my system as Maddie's wolf sent frantic images of danger.

"Maddie," I growled, already moving. "Someone's in our apartment."

We sprinted through the castle, my heart hammering against my ribs. Luke, my wolf, howled inside my head, demanding we move faster. When we burst through the door, Aria was already there facing off with a strange woman. The intruder's scent hit me - rogue wolf. In our home. Near my mate.

Dad grabbed the rogue, dragging her backward. "She won't survive the day," he muttered, his Alpha tone making it a death sentence.

I barely registered them leaving. Maddie sat in a chair, eyes closed, her skin too pale. Guilt crashed over me in suffocating waves. My mate in danger again because of me. What kind of Alpha can't protect his own mate? What kind of King lets threats walk right into his home?

She opened her eyes when I approached. "I'm okay," she whispered, but the tremor in her voice betrayed her.

"I'm angry," I admitted, dropping to my knees before her. My hands shook as I reached for hers. "Mostly at myself. My mate is in danger again."

"Look at me, please." She took my face in her hands, forcing me to meet her gaze. "I'm fine. Nothing happened."

I leaned into her touch. "Using Lily to contact us was smart."

"I didn't want her to know I called for help," she said quietly.

I kissed her then, desperate and hungry, needing to feel her alive and safe under my hands. The relief that she was unharmed transformed into primal need. I tore her underwear in my haste, but before I could lift her, she stopped me, sliding to her knees.

She took me into her mouth with gentle devotion. Her soft lips and tender touches melted away my fears. I caressed her hair, my touch reverent rather than demanding.

"I need you," I whispered.

I helped her up, guiding her to the sofa. Our bodies joined slowly, deliberately. Each gentle movement was a promise of protection. Her soft sighs filled the room as I held her close, our foreheads touching.

"You're everything to me," I murmured against her lips.

In her arms, the danger seemed distant, powerless against what we shared.

She arched her back and took me deeper. "Atlas," she said my name, voice breaking.

I touched her breast, her nipple hard under my palm. Her hips moved in a steady rhythm that drove me wild. I hit a spot that made her gasp. Her nails dug into my shoulders.

I wanted to stay inside her forever, where we were safe from everything. Our bodies connected in ways words couldn't. The fear disappeared, replaced by something only we shared.

-

The memory of what followed burned hot in my mind, making it damn near impossible to concentrate as I walked into Dad's office later. Lawrence and Marcus were already there, their expressions grim.

"Dad, any news?" I asked, forcing myself to focus on the threat instead of replaying Maddie's moans in my head.

Dad's face hardened. "I received a letter. From the so-called rogue king."

My blood froze as he continued, his voice stretching out the words. "He wants the books, scrolls..." He paused, a growl building in his throat. "And Maddie and your mother."

Luke snarled inside my head, a sound of pure rage that matched my own. I clenched my fists so hard my nails broke skin. That bastard wanted my mother and my mate? I'd rip his throat out first. I'd tear him apart with my bare hands.

But then clarity cut through the rage. This was exactly what he wanted.

"Stop," I said, cutting off Dad and Lawrence's angry words. "This is what he wants. For us to be angry, furious, to act rashly. That's probably how we'll make mistakes, making it easier for him to get what he wants. We need to think clearly and act correctly."

Dad's eyes widened slightly. "You're right." After a moment of silence, he nodded. "We need to think before we act. That's how we protect your mother and Maddie."

We discussed our plans. "Let the packs know any special wolves need protection, or send them here for safety," I suggested, my mind racing ahead to all possible weak points. "We'll build an underground facility from the castle's basement. We'll station more warriors there, making sure no one except those approved can enter."

Lawrence immediately began searching for wolves to handle construction. At least we were doing something concrete besides sitting around worrying.

Dad mentioned coordinating with other species. "We need to talk to Victor, have him protect his clan members with stronger gifts." He frowned. "We tried contacting the elves, but they won't talk. The witches know how to protect themselves, but if they don't want to, they won't help him. Some might want to work with him to strengthen their bloodline."

"Witches are the biggest variable," I agreed, trying to think through every angle. "Elves remain a mystery, no one knows where they are. We need to focus on ourselves and the vampires."

The door opened, and mom entered with Maddie. My heart jumped at the sight of her. God, I just wanted to wrap her up and hide her somewhere safe forever.

"What's happened?" Aria asked.

Dad explained everything while Maddie walked to me, sitting beside me. I felt her fear through our bond, saw it in her eyes. Even Luke whimpered in my head - he hated her distress as much as I did.

*I'll protect you,* I mind-linked to her, pushing all my determination into the words.

*I know you will,* she answered. Then, quieter: *But I'm not a good warrior.*

The admission twisted in my gut. *You never needed to learn,* I assured her. *Fighting as a human isn't easy, especially against wolves. All you can do is keep trying. If attacked, use Lily. She's an ancient soul. She knows how to fight.*

*Okay, but I want to learn my powers, Atlas,* she pleaded, her mental voice desperate.

I couldn't deny her that. *Alright, we'll check those books and scrolls. I promise we'll find a way to help you understand and learn.* I would help her train, master her powers. Maybe Greta, our pack witch, could help. Anything to make her feel stronger, safer.

Dad's phone rang, breaking into my thoughts. His face darkened as he listened, his knuckles whitening around the phone.

"The vampires were attacked," he announced, hanging up. "Four are missing, presumed kidnapped."

My rage surged back, hot and fast. The enemy was moving. First infiltrating our home, now attacking our allies. How many more would he take? How close would he get to Maddie before we stopped him?

I reached for Maddie's hand and squeezed it tight. I would die before I let him take her.