The Alpha King's Human Mate by HC Dolores

Chapter 41 Chapter 41

“The world consists of predators and prey. You are either hunting or running.” (1

Unknown

Lused to volunteer at the animal shelter with Uncle Steve when I was seven or eight. Most of my time there is a blur, but I

remember how we captured feral cats so they could be spayed or neutered at the shelter.

We’d buy those live traps, stick a little cat food inside, and wait for the next hungry stray to wander by. I remember how

those feral cats would look when they stumbled upon the trap.

First, they’d wander into the trap cautiously and sniff out the food. There would be a split second where their animal eyes would light up, and you could tell they thought they’d just found the cat-version of the lottery.

But just as they began digging in, the trap would swing shut. The cats always knew they were trapped immediately. They would paw at the door and hiss when you got too close. But they knew they were caught.

The terror in their eyes used to bother me as a kid — even if Steve was always quick to remind me that we were helping

these cats. Sometimes I would wonder what it felt like to be that afraid, to know there was no escape.

But as I stared up at Griffin, I felt exactly like one of those feral cats. I’d wandered into a trap without realizing it, and just

for a moment, I had believed I’d gotten away with it unscathed. I had believed that I could live a life away from

werewolves and mates and crowns.

But now that I was looking into Griffin’s eyes, I knew there was no escape. Nowhere for me to run or hide. He’d caught me.

“Griffin,” I breathed his name out. As scared as I was, I couldn’t help but notice how gorgeous he was. The streetlights of

Yorba Linda illuminated his bronze skin and highlighted his dark hair. His jawline was sharp enough to cut glass, it made

him look like some kind of beautiful sculpture crafted by an artist, not a real person.

He was also dressed just as casually as the first time I’d met him ~ a hoodie, light jacket, jeans, and boots.

I didn’t miss the way his eyes lit up when he heard me say his name. “Little fox,” he said, and I’d forgotten how husky his

voice was.

He looked like he was about to say something else, but just as he opened his mouth, a laughing couple walked by us.

There was one of the outdoor benches just feet away and they looked like they were making a pitstop there.

Adrenaline was pumping through my veins. Fight or flight, Clark?

I barely had time to think, but just as Griffin’s eyes flickered to the strangers walking by, I stepped back.

Flight it is. I pivoted on my heel, getting ready to run. But I never got the chance.

Just as I tensed my body to run, Griffin’s hands ensnared me like a cage. He pulled me back toward his chest, and I felt

him push his nose into my hair, breathing in my scent. (2)

My heart continued to pound like a drum, and I wondered if he could hear it. Probably ~ werewolves did have

heightened senses.

“| wouldn’t do that if 1 were you,” Griffin whispered in my ear. I held back a shiver but it wasn’t one of fear. It was

something else his voice was doing to me. “You can’t see them, but I have my guards surrounding us. You won’t get

away from me, not again.”

I practically deflated in his arms. I had known it was fruitless even to try, but part of me had been hopeful after seeing the

strangers walk by.

he wouldn’t come alone. Of course, he’d bring guards with

grip on me was gentle but firm. His hands were running up and down my arms and I tried to pretend

feel the sparks.

to go home now, little fox?” He whispered and I could

~ his tone was even and calm. But I couldn’t imagine that he was

me

He had me now. (1)

face, but I could practically feel his smug smile. Just as

he turned me around to face him.

wearing a victorious

his arms from me, and instead, grabbed my hand in his. I hated to admit it, but his

couldn’t bring myself to

to take me.

road and I watched as a sleek black SUV pulled up to the sidewalk. It wasn’t unlike

I’d ridden up and from the castle

course he has

I took one last glance back at my shattered phone sitting on the

I was going to just disappear

and let her know

fight or protest when Griffin placed his hands on my hips

not need it).

the leather seat closest to the far window and watched Griffin climb

and height were more

and I felt my face go red with embarrassment when I saw

~ the same driver who had driven Alessia and me away

who I

him and it felt like he was sealing my fate. I’d never get away again,

a friendly reminder that if you’re not reading this book on n𝘰𝚟el5s.com, you might be missing

there to dive into

first time when he told me that he’d never let anything get between us.

been lying. (! Part of me felt like I should’ve stopped the entire escape plan

recognized us. It would’ve saved me plenty

then you would never have gotten to spend

time together had been, I

again — and to know

how worried she’d be when I never came home from

connect the dots about my disappearance,

dead, but maybe there’s still a way for me to

I said, and he immediately turned to me. “I know you must be angry

I was hoping I could ask

and his eyes lit up with amusement.

had just spent the past couple of weeks tracking me down

incredibly hard to believe.

not?” I asked

then he smiled at me. It wasn’t a happy smile. It was the

ease my mind. It felt like he was trying to lure

pounce on

sure you’re not mad?” J

His fingertips left tingles everywhere they touched. “No, little fox,”

I am disappointed in you.”

My stomach dropped.

suppose you could argue that disappointment was better than anger, but somehow,

to be

the favor you wanted

foolish for even asking. In fact, I just

away from him? Everyone

them. ’d been too blinded by the possibility of a

Pull yourself together, Clark.

how much I wanted to just curl up into a ball and hide my