Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 15

Chapter 15

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Dawn crept through the massive windows like an unwelcome visitor, dragging me from restless sleep filled with phantom sensations and borrowed pleasure. My body felt fully restored now–no lingering weakness from the wolfsbane, no numbness in my limbs. Just pure, coiled energy that demanded action.

Today’s the day.

I rolled out of bed and began pacing the room like a caged animal, my bare feet silent on the plush carpet. This was it–my chance to get the hell out of this nightmare and back to my real life. But first, I needed to understand exactly what I was up against.

The room had multiple windows, each offering different vantage points of the fortress. I moved systematically from one to another, cataloging guard positions, noting patrol patterns, searching for weaknesses in their defenses.

Most of the views showed nothing but sheer drops and heavily fortified walls. But then I spotted it–a window on the far side of the room that seemed to offer a broader perspective. I dragged a heavy chair across the floor, wincing at every scrape against the stone, and climbed up to get a better look.

Holy shit.

From this height, I could see the entire layout spread out below me like a strategic map. The castle perched on the highest peak, surrounded by treacherous mountain faces on three sides. Impassable terrain that would kill anyone foolish enough to attempt a climb.

But the western approach… that was different. The mountains there were lower, more manageable, with what looked like natural handholds and ledges. And beyond those peaks, stretching to the horizon like a promise of freedom, was a vast forest.

Perfect.

Dense forest meant cover, meant places to hide and lose pursuers. If I could just reach those trees, I’d have a fighting chance. The thick canopy would mask my scent, the undergrowth would slow down any pursuit parties, and with enough of a head start, I could disappear completely.”

I was so focused on memorizing the terrain that I almost missed the familiar scent drifting under the door. Sandalwood and winter pine, with that metallic undertone that made my stomach clench.

Fuck!

I leaped down from the chair, shoving it back to its original position with perhaps a bit too much force. By the time the door opened, I was seated primly at the small table, hands folded in my lap like a perfectly behaved prisoner.

Kaius stepped inside carrying a tray, and I watched his eyes widen slightly as he took in my appearance. The deep blue dress Frost had provided fit me perfectly, and my silver hair fell in waves around my shoulders, catching the morning light. After days of looking like

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Chapter 15

something dragged through hell, I probably seemed like a completely different person.

That’s right, asshole. Get a good look at what you threw away.

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His gaze lingered on my face for several heartbeats, something unreadable flickering in those storm–gray eyes. When he finally spoke, his

voice was rougher than usual.

“The dress suits you.”

I blinked. “That’s it? Just the dress?”

He set the tray down without responding, and I got my first look at what he’d brought. Fresh bread still warm from the ovens, butter that looked like it had been churned that morning, honey that gleamed like liquid gold, and some kind of fruit preserve that made my mouth

water. Almost as appealing as my favorite honey cinnamon bread.

I didn’t wait for permission. I reached for the bread immediately, tearing off a chunk and stuffing it in my mouth. My body was running

on empty after yesterday’s ordeal, and I needed fuel for what was coming.

“Manners?” Kaius said dryly. “You’re not the mistress of this castle, you know. You’re still a prisoner until you explain-”

“I have limited energy,” I interrupted around a mouthful of bread. “Limited capacity. I’m fucking starving here. Not like some alphas who

had unlimited energy last night–enough to fuck two whores before finally burning it all off.”

The words hit their mark. Kaius went completely still, that predatory mask slipping just enough for me to see the surprise underneath.

“Who I fuck, and how many, is none of your business,” he said after a moment, his voice carefully controlled.

I grabbed another piece of bread, slathering it with butter and honey. “Except I felt it through the goddamn mate bond! You know how

hard it was to fall asleep last night? Feeling you taking turns with two different bitches, releasing all that ‘energy‘ on them?”

His eyebrows shot up, genuine surprise replacing his usual calculation. “The bond is that strong now?”