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.

should’ve known he wouldn’t come

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

feel the sparks.

you think it’s time to go home now, little fox?” He whispered and I could

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

chasing me

was over. He had me now. (1)

could practically feel his smug smile. Just as I knew I’d

around to face him. I had

as I’d suspected, he was wearing a victorious smile. “Let’s go.”

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

I couldn’t bring myself to call the castle “home,” but I assumed that’s where he was

to take me.

flickered to the main road and I watched as a sleek black SUV pulled up to the

up and from

has a car

me towards the car, I took one last glance

and now, I was going to just disappear into thin air. How was

her know I was

protest when Griffin placed his hands on my hips and helped me into the SUV (even though I

not need it).

the far window and watched Griffin

form and height were

I felt my face go red with embarrassment when

driven Alessia and me away

he known who I was the

fate. I’d never get away again, I could feel it. If he was willing to chase me to another country, he wouldn’t

reading this

story. Head over there to dive into the

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

felt like I should’ve

recognized us. It would’ve saved

would never have gotten to spend time with your mother.

our time together had

— and to

how worried she’d be when I never

about my disappearance, but

is dead, but maybe there’s still a

know you must be angry at

I was hoping I

eyes lit up with amusement. “Oh,

couple of weeks tracking me

incredibly hard to believe.

not?” I asked

It wasn’t a happy smile. It was the smile of a predator who’s finally

It felt like he was

on me

you’re not mad?” J

to caress my face. His fingertips

am disappointed in

My stomach dropped.

that disappointment was better than anger, but somehow, I could just

going to be worse

you wanted to ask

foolish for even asking. In fact, I just felt

think I’d get away from him?

been too blinded by the possibility of a life without werewolves and

Pull yourself together, Clark.

I wanted to just curl up into a ball and hide my face in the corner, I