Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 12

Chapter 12

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I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what might be painful answers. “My parents. Are they… are they well? Do they know I’m here?”

Frost’s expression softened with something that might have been sympathy. “Your mother and father are stationed at the southwestern border. The Alpha King’s ambitions have expanded our territory considerably–we need warriors like your father to maintain security on

multiple fronts.”

Of course. Even now, after everything that had happened, duty came first for him. I shouldn’t have been surprised, but it still stung.

“I know it’s difficult,” Frost continued gently, apparently reading the sadness in my expression. “But I want you to know–I may not have been with this pack long, but I know your history. Elowen, daughter of Commander Theron, one of our greatest warriors. After you left, your parents searched for you constantly. Every lead, every rumor–they followed them all, hoping to find some trace of where you’d

gone.

The words hit me like a physical blow. All this time, I’d assumed they’d simply accepted my disappearance, chosen their loyalty to the

pack over their concern for me. To learn that they’d been looking, that they’d cared enough to keep searching…

But it doesn’t change anything, I reminded myself harshly. Kaius is still the reason I had to leave in the first place.

*I understand your anger toward him,” Frost said quietly, once again demonstrating that unsettling ability to read my thoughts. “But I

believe there’s a reason the Moon Goddess bound you two together. You should have seen him when he carried you to the medical facility

-I’ve watched him face our most dangerous enemies without flinching, but I’ve never seen him look so terrified as he did in that

moment.”

I looked up from my bread, surprise flickering across my face despite my best efforts to remain impassive.

Frost noticed, and his smile turned slightly predatory.

“Do you know,” He said, leaning back in his chair with that calculating look, “in the four years since you left, the Alpha King has never

taken a Luna?”

I nearly choked on my bread, staring at him in disbelief.

“Daughters of other Alpha families, powerful she–wolves from conquered packs, even royalty from neighboring kingdoms have all tried,”

Frost continued smoothly. “But he’s rejected every single one. No ceremonies, no marking, no official mate bond with anyone.”

I set down my bread, momentarily stunned by this revelation. Four years… no Luna at all? For a split second, something treacherous

stirred in my chest–hope, maybe, or vindication.

Then reality crashed back in, and my mind cleared. Of course he hasn’t. The mate bond might be damaged, but it still existed. Other

women probably felt like pale shadows compared to what the bond demanded, even if he’d never admit it. It wasn’t sentiment keeping him

alone–it was simple biology.

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Chapter 12

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“I’m sure he’s fucked countless wolves though,” I said bluntly, watching Frost’s composed expression flicker with discomfort.

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The crude words hung in the air like a challenge. Frost cleared his throat, clearly not expecting such directness, his cheeks actually

coloring slightly.

I stood up abruptly, using his momentary awkwardness to regain control of the conversation. “I appreciate your insight, Beta. I can see

that you care deeply for your Alpha. But I need to be very clear about something–I will never become his Luna. That part of my life is

over.”

Frost nodded gracefully, rising as well. “I understand. I hope you’ll be comfortable here while you… consider your options.”

Something in his tone made me look at him more sharply, but his expression remained perfectly pleasant.

“I should mention,” he continued conversationally, “there’s been increased activity along our borders recently. Rogue wolves have been harassing some of the outer villages, and the Alpha King is coordinating our military response. During times like these, it’s particularly important that all pack members remain where they can be protected.”

The warning was delivered with such gentle courtesy that it took me a moment to process the steel underneath.

“The guards throughout the castle have been instructed to ensure everyone’s safety,” he continued, still smiling. “Any… inappropriate behavior during such a delicate time could result in rather serious consequences.”

I met his gaze steadily, reading the message loud and clear. Try to run, and see what happens.

“Of course,” I said sweetly. “I wouldn’t dream of causing any trouble.”

“I’m certain you wouldn’t.” His smile never wavered. “Rest well, Elowen. Tomorrow will be a very interesting day.”

10:26 Mon, Jan 12