Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Elowen

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Understanding flickered across his features. “I have all the time in the world to speak with you,” he said, gesturing toward the door. “Shall

we?”

I followed him through corridors that grew progressively more luxurious as we walked. Gone were the stark medical facility walls, replaced by rich tapestries and gleaming fixtures that screamed of wealth and power. When Frost finally stopped at an ornate door, I knew without being told that we’d reached the heart of the fortress.

The room beyond was stunning–all dark woods and midnight blues, with windows that offered a commanding view of the mountains.

“The bathroom is through there,” Frost said, pointing to another door. “Take all the time you need.”

I nodded and slipped inside, closing the door behind me with a soft click. The bathroom was a study in luxury–marble surfaces, a tub large enough to swim in, and mirrors that reflected my haggard appearance back at me with brutal honesty.

But I didn’t care about any of that. All I cared about was washing the last few days off my skin.

The hot water was pure bliss, washing away blood and grime and the lingering scent of wolfsbane. I scrubbed until my skin was raw, trying to erase every trace of Marcus’s torture, of Kaius’s possession, of the fear and pain and humiliation.

When I finally emerged, pink and clean and feeling more human than I had in days, I caught sight of myself in the mirror and almost smiled. The silver hair that had always marked me as different gleamed like moonlight, and my amber eyes held a spark that had been missing for too long.

I’m getting out of here, I promised my reflection. They’re waiting for me out there. I just need to be smart about this.

The dress fit perfectly, the deep blue bringing out the silver in my hair in a way that was almost ethereal. For a moment, I allowed myself to feel beautiful again. To remember what it was like to be more than just a prisoner or rejected mate.

When I emerged from the bathroom, I took a moment to really look at the room I was in. Everything screamed of power and wealth–the kind of luxury only an Alpha King could afford. The realization hit me like a punch to the gut.

“Yes, Frost said, appearing beside me with that uncanny ability to read thoughts. “This is his room. I imagine you’ll be spending quite a bit of time here.”

Like hell I will. But before I could voice that particular sentiment, my attention was caught by something far more pressing–the plate of food in Frost’s hands. My stomach chose that moment to remind me that I hadn’t eaten a proper meal in days, and the scent that reached my nose made my mouth water.

Honey cinnamon bread. The same pastry that had started this whole nightmare.

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Chapter 11

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“How did you-” I reached for a piece before I could stop myself, biting into the sweet, perfect texture and nearly moaning with pleasure. It was even better than I remembered.

“Please, sit,* Frost said, guiding me toward a comfortable chair by the window. “You must be starving.”

I was too busy devouring the bread to argue, tearing through piece after piece like a starving animal. Only when I’d taken the edge off my hunger did I look up to find him watching me with obvious amusement.

“How did you know I wanted this?” I asked around another bite.

His smile was enigmatic. “When you work closely with the Alpha King for as long as I have, you develop certain… insights. Where he grows blunt, I become more perceptive. Where he relies on force, I learn to read between the lines.”

Curiosity got the better of me. “I’ve never seen you before. You didn’t grow up in this pack, did you?”

“No.” His expression grew thoughtful. “The Alpha King liberated my mother and sister from a pack that had enslaved them. After that… following him seemed like the natural choice.”

I nodded, understanding blooming in my chest. No wonder he’s so different from the others. He knows what it’s like to be powerless.

*If you stay with our pack,” Frost continued smoothly, “I could arrange to have this bread prepared for you daily. Among other comforts.”

I shook my head quickly, then caught myself. I couldn’t let him know I was planning to leave–that would make escape impossible. “I… that’s very kind of you.”

“You mentioned wanting to ask about the pack,” he prompted, settling into the chair across from me. “You seemed to have something particular in mind?”

10:26 Mon, Jan 12

Alpha’s STOLEN Mate