# Chapter 269:

# Chapter 269:
Melinda's POV

The Alpha King's face softened into a meaningful smile, his eyes twinkling with something that looked like recognition.

"I had my suspicions," he nodded, "This explains many things."

I stood there, not quite knowing how to respond. It was strange to think that just weeks ago, I was simply Melinda Clarke, medical student with an ordinary life. Now I was apparently a werewolf princess with a mate. The word still felt foreign in my mind, but somehow right when associated with Michael.

As the meeting concluded, I noticed the Alpha King pull Michael aside. Though I couldn't hear what they were saying, Michael's expression was solemn and determined. I could only guess that the King was instructing him to take care of me. The thought both touched and embarrassed me—I'd grown used to taking care of myself, but there was something undeniably warm about being cared for.

The Alpha King approached me next, his eyes holding a kindness I hadn't seen in anyone else's. "Melinda," he said softly, "no matter where you choose to live, never forget your bloodline and your family. This kingdom will always be a sanctuary for you."

I felt a lump form in my throat. "Thank you. I'll remember that."

Before we parted, he pressed a ring bearing the royal crest into my palm. "Wherever you go, this signifies your identity and the kingdom's promise of protection." I accepted it, feeling my eyes grow moist—though we'd only just met, the bond of blood made me feel a belonging I'd never experienced before.

As we left the palace and stepped into the courtyard, I noticed Michael's gait was much steadier. His recovery abilities were truly remarkable; though I was certain his abdominal wound still pained him, he no longer needed support to walk.

"How are you feeling?" I asked with concern, unable to resist placing my hand gently on his arm, feeling the warmth and strength of his muscles beneath my touch.

"Much better," he smiled back, "compared to being stabbed with a dagger, this is practically heaven." He was trying to lighten the mood with humor, but the mention of that night still made me shudder, the image of him lying in a pool of blood flashing unwelcome in my mind.

I glanced back at Marcus and Selena. Marcus remained in his skeletal form, but something about his frail appearance gave me a solid sense of trust. Selena, on the other hand, looked completely different—without her magical powers, she seemed small and vulnerable, her eyes filled with fear and discomfort at her new identity.

"Ready to go back to Pine Ridge?" Michael asked softly. I took a deep breath and nodded, preparing to cast the transportation spell.

I concentrated, feeling the magical energy gather at my fingertips. A green portal stabilized before me, glowing with ethereal light. "I'll get it right this time," I said confidently.

Stepping through the portal, we emerged precisely in my apartment's living room. I felt a quiet pride—my control over magic was definitely improving.

"Melinda!" A familiar shriek pulled me from my thoughts as Zoe and Olivia burst from the kitchen and enveloped me in a tight hug. Tears welled in my eyes as I realized just how much I'd missed them.

"Oh my God, we were so worried about you!" Zoe exclaimed emotionally. "You disappeared for days, we thought—"

"I'm fine, I'm fine," I assured them, then was surprised to see Matthew also present, sitting on the couch and now rising to his feet at our appearance.

I watched as Matthew's gaze moved from me to Michael, then landed suspiciously on Selena. "What's... going on?" he gestured toward her, his voice filled with wariness. "Why is she here?"

"It's complicated," Michael stepped forward, positioning himself between my friends and us. I felt a rush of warmth—he was always protecting me, even in safe environments.

"Selena is human now. It was the Alpha King's punishment," I explained, noting their shocked expressions. "She'll be studying at Pine Ridge under my supervision. I know it sounds crazy, but trust me, this decision was carefully considered."

I detailed our experiences in the werewolf kingdom, including the confrontation with Luna, the Alpha King's judgment, and my request regarding Selena. By the time I finished, exhaustion washed over me—the events of the past few days had been so intense that even recalling them left me drained.

"So you're actually a real werewolf princess?" Zoe asked, her eyes sparkling with gossip-hungry excitement.

I couldn't help but laugh. "Yes. But here, I'm just me."

The atmosphere gradually lightened, and Matthew suddenly proposed, "Since everyone's back and it seems this crisis is over, we should celebrate. How about a small victory party here tonight?"

"Brilliant!" Olivia exclaimed enthusiastically. "We can order pizza, get some drinks, invite everyone who helped us."

A wave of warmth spread through me. This is why I loved my friends—even after experiencing so many unbelievable things, they could still find reasons to celebrate and bring life back to normal.

"I'll let the other guys know," Matthew volunteered, giving Selena one last serious look before leaving. "I hope you've really changed."

Zoe and Olivia also left to prepare food and drinks, leaving Marcus to watch over Selena. "I'll keep an eye on her," Marcus said, his metallic, raspy voice carrying unwavering determination that reassured me.

I observed Selena sitting silently in the corner, head bowed, completely stripped of the arrogance and confidence she once possessed. I felt both sympathy and caution toward her—she had tried to harm me, but now she looked so vulnerable, reminding me of my own fear and confusion when I first discovered I wasn't an ordinary human.

"We should rest for a while," Michael whispered to me. "So much has happened; you need time to process everything."

I nodded, leading him to my bedroom. Once inside with the door closed, I suddenly found myself at a loss for words.

"Thank you, Michael," I finally broke the silence, "for always being there, protecting me, supporting me." I meant it sincerely, reflecting on everything he'd done for me.

Michael moved closer, gently cupping my face. His touch sent electricity through my skin, and I could feel my cheeks burning. "Melinda, I will always be by your side. Whether you choose to stay in the human world or return to the werewolf kingdom, I'll follow you."

The distance between us decreased, and I could smell the faint pine scent of him, feel his breath against my cheek. My heart beat so fast I wondered if he could hear it.

"What do we do now?" I whispered, feeling both anticipation and uncertainty.

Michael didn't immediately answer, instead leaning forward until our lips were almost touching.

I closed my eyes, savoring the tension and sweetness of the moment.