The Human Girl Who Tamed Alpha King Chapter 276

ATLAS

I hadn't sensed Alex in three days, and it was making me antsy. Standing outside the castle waiting for the Crimson Pack's arrival, I kept scanning the distant road. My wolf Luke paced restlessly in my mind, equally concerned about our missing pack member. Maddie fidgeted with her sleeve beside me, clearly nervous.

"This is my first formal meeting," she whispered. "I don't know what I'm supposed to do."

"Just be yourself," I squeezed her hand. "You don't need to say anything. Just being there is enough."

Dad, Mom, Marcus and Lawrence waited with us. The tension was thick enough to cut with a claw. We all knew the real purpose of this meeting. Friendly visit? Yeah, right. This Alpha had answers to give and justice to face.

Dust kicked up in the distance as a black SUV approached. When it stopped, a man with deep brown hair stepped out. Alpha Harrison. He carried himself with arrogance that made my skin crawl.

A woman followed behind him. Had to be Gabriella. She looked uncomfortable and embarrassed, eyes fixed on the ground. Damn, she looked terrified. The sight of her downcast eyes and hunched shoulders made my blood boil.

"Welcome to Ancient Moon Shadow Pack, Alpha Harrison," Dad said.

Harrison barely glanced at Mom, shaking Dad's hand instead. "Thank you for the invitation, King Jace."

When he turned to me, Luke growled inside my head. *Kill him now. Make him suffer first.* This bastard hurt Leo, cut out his tongue. I wanted to rip his throat out, but I restrained myself.

We led them to the meeting room. Throughout the walk, Harrison acted like the women didn't exist, even his own mate. What an asshole. Every time he dismissed Gabriella, my anger spiked higher.

The meeting room fell silent as we entered. Harrison took his seat like he owned the place, sprawling in his chair. His eyes darted around, assessing exits and strengths. Typical paranoid Alpha behavior, but there was something more predatory about it. Something wrong.

"I notice you never ask your mate for input," Dad said once we were seated.

Harrison raised an eyebrow. "A woman's duty is to obey, not provide opinions."

"I enjoy when my Luna offers ideas or opinions," Dad countered. "It makes me a better Alpha and King."

Harrison snorted dismissively, then ordered Gabriella, "You may leave."

"No," Dad's voice was firm. "Everyone attends this meeting. Including the women."

Harrison was clearly unhappy but didn't dare challenge the King. His jaw clenched so tight I thought his teeth might crack. Good.

"About the alliance," he changed topics, "my Pack can offer—"

"We didn't invite you here for an alliance," Dad interrupted.

Harrison's eyes narrowed. "What?"

"We want to talk about Leo," I said bluntly.

Harrison's expression changed instantly. "I don't know who you're talking about."

"Stop lying," Dad's voice turned cold. "We know what you did to Leo—cutting out his tongue because he tried to protect his mate. Then forcing his mate to stay."

Gabriella's body went rigid. I noticed her hands trembling beneath the table. Her fear radiated through the room as a palpable force, and Luke snarled in my mind, demanding retribution.

"Who gives you the right to tell me what's right and wrong?" Harrison roared, standing up. "I am Alpha of my Pack! How I handle my wolves is my business!"

"When you abuse your Pack members, it becomes everyone's business," Dad replied. "As King, I cannot allow such behavior."

Harrison suddenly lunged toward Maddie and Gabriella. I jumped up to intercept, heart hammering with panic, but was shocked to see an invisible barrier stop him. He bounced back, landing hard on the floor with a satisfying thud.

I seized the opportunity, grabbing his throat with one hand. The power surged through my arm, hot and electric. My vision sharpened, the room taking on a reddish tint as Luke's influence grew stronger.

"Alpha Harrison," I growled, feeling Luke's power surge through me. "I strip you of your Alpha status and rank."

Power flowed from me into his body. He screamed and twisted, but couldn't break free. I felt the Alpha essence leaving him, flowing through my hand like liquid fire. I watched the Alpha glow fade from his eyes, feeling nothing but satisfaction. The pathetic excuse for an Alpha went limp in my grasp, just a regular wolf now.

"Leave our territory," I commanded. "Never return."

Guards came in and dragged him away. His shouts echoed down the hallway, growing fainter as they took him out. He struggled against them, but without his Alpha strength, he was no match for our warriors.

Gabriella stood there, looking lost and hopeful at the same time. Tears streamed down her face, but they weren't tears of sadness.

Mom walked to her, taking her hands: "It's over. You're free, and so is your family."

"Leo..." Gabriella's voice trembled. "Do you know where he is?"

"He's with the rogues," Dad answered. "We won't judge his choices."

"We'll try to help you reunite with him," I added. "But I can't promise anything."

Gabriella nodded, tears of gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you. You have no idea what this means."

-----

Back in our quarters, I held Maddie close, checking she wasn't hurt. My hands ran over her arms, her shoulders, needing to confirm she was safe. The adrenaline was still pumping through my system, making my movements quick and jittery.

"What was that?" I asked. "The barrier that protected you and Gabriella."

Maddie shook her head. "I don't know. I just saw him coming at us, then... something blocked him."

"It came from you," I said. "Must be one of your abilities you haven't learned to control yet."

"Me?" She looked shocked. "But I didn't do anything."

"Sometimes when we're in danger, instincts take over," I explained. "Your power was protecting you. Protecting us."

"Do you think it's related to my nature gifts?" she asked, her fingers nervously twisting in her lap. "Or something else entirely?"

"I'm not sure," I admitted. "But we'll figure it out together. You're getting stronger every day, Maddie."

She nodded, but I could see she was exhausted. Using that kind of power, even unconsciously, takes a toll. Her eyelids drooped, and she swayed slightly against me. Dark circles had formed under her eyes, and her skin was paler than usual.

"Sleep," I pulled her onto the bed.

She curled against me and quickly fell asleep. I stroked her hair, thinking about everything that happened today. We'd solved one problem, but bigger troubles were waiting.

Luke stirred in my mind. *We protect what's ours. Always.*

Right now, though, I just wanted to hold my mate and feel her warmth. I kissed her forehead and pulled her closer, letting her steady heartbeat lull me into a sense of temporary peace.