Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 104

Chapter 104

Kaius

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As we walked toward the dining hall, Elowen and I naturally fell into step together, leaving a conspicuous space between us for Frost and

Scarlett. Evelyn was especially dedicated to this matchmaking scheme, physically herding Scarlett back whenever she tried to drift away

from Frost’s side.

I watched Frost’s expression gradually shift from mortification to composure. He even managed a few brief exchanges with Scarlett- casual observations about the weather, neutral comments about pack security. My heart lifted with cautious optimism.

That’s it, Frost. I know your wolf wants her. Stop fighting what’s natural.

But even as relief washed over me, I caught the subtle wrongness beneath Frost’s carefully maintained facade. His smile was too relaxed, too practiced. He kept a deliberate physical distance from Scarlett, as if afraid any accidental touch might trigger something he couldn’t control. The avoidance was so calculated it made my chest ache.

What are you so afraid of?

We arrived at what I’d assumed would be a private dining room befitting an alpha’s hospitality, but instead found ourselves in a massive communal hall filled with pack members eating together. No separate accommodations, no special treatment-just wolves of all ranks sharing space and conversation.

Even more shocking, we had to serve ourselves from a buffet-style setup.

I grabbed a tray with barely concealed disbelief, loading it with what appeared to be simple fare: vegetable stew, roasted chicken that looked suspiciously lean, some kind of grain pilaf, and two pieces of dense brown bread that had clearly seen better days.

Settling across from Elowen, I couldn’t resist a jab. “I thought your pack’s food situation would be better than this. My omega wolves eat

more luxuriously.”

Elowen glared at me while aggressively tearing into her bread, “Maybe if you hadn’t disrupted my life repeatedly, and if those damn rogue wolves weren’t constantly threatening my territory, I’d have better resources! It’s not enough-I can barely feed myself properly, let alone the entire pack! We’ve been rationing supplies for weeks because I can’t safely go to human society to earn money!”

I smiled and pushed one of my bread pieces toward her. “Not enough? Here, have mine.”

She snatched it without hesitation. “I won’t be polite about this-it’s my bread now. No point feeding outsiders for free.*

Her sharp tongue didn’t bother me in the slightest. I was enjoying this too much-the casual banter, the domesticity of sharing food. “About your supply shortage, I can arrange shipments from my territory. We have plenty-premium cuts of venison, smoked salmon, aged cheeses, fresh produce from our southern farms, honey from our apiaries, grain stores that could feed an army…” I let the list flow, painting an increasingly extravagant picture.

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Chapter 104

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But I felt Frost’s skeptical gaze boring into the side of my head. My confidence wavered. Our pack’s food situation was… adequate. Calling

it abundant was generous at best.

Elowen’s expression softened into something almost friendly. “If you’re actually serious about that, maybe I’ll let you stay for dinner too.”

I was about to eagerly accept when Frost’s boot connected sharply with my shin under the table. The message was clear: We need to leave

as soon as possible.

I shot him a warning look before turning back to Elowen with renewed enthusiasm. “Of course I’m staying. In fact, I was thinking we should investigate that mysterious cave together. Two alphas are better than one when dealing with unknown magical threats.”

Elowen seemed to consider this, her expression thoughtful.

I pressed my advantage with deliberate mischief. “Besides, we still have certain… emotional matters to resolve between our respective

parties.”

“What emotional matters?” Elowen bristled immediately. “We agreed this is strictly business! We’re temporary allies at best!”

I quickly redirected, letting my gaze drift meaningfully toward Frost transformed into a conspiratorial smile.

and Scarlett. Elowen caught my meaning and her irritation

“Well,” she said slowly, “I suppose you’ll need to stay a while then.”

Frost had been watching Scarlett’s increasingly flustered expression with growing rigidity. Something in his face hardened with determination as he turned to Elowen.

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19:09 Wed, Jan 14

Alpha’s STOLEN Mate