Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 117

Chapter 117

Elowen

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Returning to Kaius’s pack felt different this time. Though I hated to admit it, there was something almost… familiar about being here.

Like home, in a way that made me deeply uncomfortable.

Fuck. I can’t let Scarlett and Evelyn know I’m thinking like this. They’d never forgive me for even considering leaving them.

I’d already sent them a mindlink-now that my abilities had evolved, I could communicate across any distance without strain. I’d told them I was safe but needed a few more days here. Evelyn’s response had been typically cryptic, while Scarlett just seemed relieved I was

alive.

These past two days of reluctantly caring for Kaius had been… strange. Why the hell am I doing this? But his deathbed confession had done something to me. Some defensive wall I’d carefully maintained for four years had cracked, maybe even shattered.

The worst part was dealing with his shameless demands and bratty behavior, acting like I owed him my constant attention just because I’d

nearly killed him.

I’d finally escaped his room for a few hours to explore the castle when I ran into Frost in the corridor. His expression was panicked,

almost frantic.

I assumed he was afraid to face me, worried I’d bring up Scarlett. But instead he blurted out, “We have a problem! A serious one!”

I frowned, confused. The witch’s cave has been quiet since she disappeared. What could possibly-

“Follow me,” Frost said grimly, already heading toward Kaius’s quarters.

When we entered, Kaius immediately called out with obvious amusement, “What’s this? Come to bring comfort to the invalid again? And you brought company this time?”

Frost quietly closed the door, his voice dropping to something heavy and ominous. “Our spy Wraith sent word today.”

Kaius’s expression sharpened. “Did he confirm the Elder is working with the masked witch?”

Frost shook his head slowly. “No. He’s dead.”

Both Kaius and I went still with shock.

Kaius recovered first, his voice forcibly calm. “Then he’s dead. We’ll find another lead to investigate.”

“That’s not the issue,” Frost said, his discomfort obvious. “The other Elders suspect you killed him. And you know the authority they

hold…”

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Chapter 117

Kaius sat up abruptly. I found myself instinctively worried about his injuries, but he showed no sign of pain-just cold anger. “Let them suspect whatever they want! I didn’t do it! When are they coming?”

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Frost looked at the floor. They’re already on their way.”

“Fuck! Who’s the king here? Don’t they understand that? Kaius’s fury was barely contained.

I was confused. “On their way to do what? They can’t seriously think they can challenge you directly?”

Frost scratched his head awkwardly. “Worse. According to ancient law, if the King is suspected of serious crimes, the Elders have the right

to conduct a trial.”

“Trial?” I repeated slowly.

Kaius laughed bitterly. “But before the trial, they subdue you with a whip soaked in wolfsbane. To weaken you, make you… compliant.”

My blood ran cold. Frost continued, “Yes. The wolfsbane torture comes first, then the trial. If the trial proves innocence, you’ve only suffered immense pain. But if they determine guilt…” He paused. “The Elders have the right to dethrone or even execute the King.”

Cold sweat broke out across my skin. “Fuck! Then we avoid them! Kaius, you can stay in my pack for a while-*

Kaius rose from the bed, smiling despite the situation. “What’s this? Suddenly can’t bear to see your mate suffer?”

“This isn’t the time for jokes!” I snapped. “What are you planning to do?*

His expression turned ice-cold. “What am I planning? I’ll follow precedent and submit to their judgment. But if they dare convict me falsely… His voice dropped to something dangerous. “Then I’ll abolish the entire Elder system.

Frost looked genuinely shocked. “You understand how powerful they are, right? They’re not just authority figures-they practice forbidden rituals, dark magic. And their guards are specifically trained to counter werewolves!”

“So what?” Kaius’s voice was deadly calm. “Maybe it’s time for change. These old parasites have been bleeding us dry for too long. Do you know how much revenue we surrender to them annually for nothing?”

I was getting dizzy trying to follow the politics, but I could sense something terrible approaching-a storm of blood and violence.

Kaius walked over to me, placing his hands gently on my shoulders. His voice softened. “Elowen, you should go home. This is my trial to face. I don’t want you to witness it.”

But I set my jaw stubbornly. “I just saved your life. I’m not letting you die again so soon.*

He looked down, frustration evident. “Fuck! I’m not going to die! I just don’t want to be humiliated in front of you! Don’t you understand? Being punished while you watch is the worst degradation I could suffer!”

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Chapter 117

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I almost laughed at his wounded pride, but the situation was too serious. “Fine. I’ll wait here in your room. But I need to make sure those

Elders don’t tear you apart.”

Kaius nodded reluctantly. A messenger suddenly appeared at the door. “Alpha King, the Elders have arrived. They demand your presence in

the Judgment Hall immediately.”

Kaius’s laugh was sharp and humorless. “How eager they are.” He turned to Frost with clear command. “Stay with Elowen. Keep her in this room. Don’t let her anywhere near the Judgment Hall, no matter what you hear. I’ll be back soon.”

Frost hesitated, clearly doubtful that Kaius would return quickly-or at all. But he nodded his agreement.

I watched Kaius’s back as he strode toward the door, his posture proud despite everything. Anxiety twisted in my gut.

Fuck. When did this man start making me worry so much about him?

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Alpha’s STOLEN Mate