Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 155

Chapter 155

Elowen

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We materialized in the forest outside Morgath’s lair, the lightning rift collapsing behind us. The moment we were safe, I shifted back to

human form and circled Frost’s unconscious body-still in his gray wolf shape, breathing but unresponsive.

My white wolf’s healing light poured from my hands, washing over his injuries. The gash across his ribs sealed itself. The bruises from Kaius’s blows faded. Within minutes, his fur was pristine again, unmarred by any sign of violence.

He shifted back to human form naturally, his expression finally peaceful as he lay there with closed eyes.

Thank God.

I let out a breath I’d been holding and immediately rounded on Kaius, my hands going for his throat.

“What the FUCK did you do to him?!” I shoved him hard enough that he stumbled back.

But Kaius barely reacted. He was checking Frost’s pulse, his pupils, the rhythm of his breathing-completely focused on making sure the

Beta was stable.

“If it were him,” Kaius said quietly, almost to himself, “he’d have made the same choice. He wouldn’t want to hurt you.”

The words hit me unexpectedly, stealing some of my anger. My hands loosened on his collar.

“But you still-you can’t just-” I couldn’t finish the sentence.

Kaius wasn’t listening anyway. His eyes were distant, haunted by something I didn’t understand.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” I demanded. “Why are you—”

Then I remembered. The golden wolf. That magnificent, enormous creature that had appeared just as we were escaping.

“You knew that wolf, didn’t you? The gold one.”

Kaius finally focused on me, his expression carefully blank. “That was my father. Aldric Blackthorne. The former Alpha King.”

The revelation hit me like a physical blow. I knew the stories-Aldric had been legendary, powerful beyond measure. His death three years ago had shaken the entire werewolf world. And now…

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“Kaius, I-

“Not now.” His voice was sharp, final. “We can’t afford to be distracted. Frost needs proper care, and we need to figure out our next move.”

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Chapter 155

He looked at me directly. “Take us to your pack. We’ll regroup there.”

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“No.” I shook my head. “I’ve healed his physical wounds, but he’s under some kind of magical compulsion. What if he wakes up still trying to kill me? I’m taking him to Lysandra. She’s the only one who can break whatever spell Morgath put on him.”

Kaius opened his mouth to argue, then closed it. He nodded once.

Lysandra was waiting at the cave entrance when we arrived, as if she’d known we were coming. Her white hair caught the fading sunlight, and her expression-usually so aloof and sardonic-held something I’d never seen before.

Sympathy.

“Frost’s curse will take time to purge,” she said without preamble, her eyes moving over his unconscious form. “He’ll need to stay here

while I work. Days, possibly weeks.”

Kaius looked genuinely surprised. “Lysandra, I know your reputation. You don’t… you’re not known for charitable acts.” He studied her carefully. “You’re really willing to care for him?”

She rolled her eyes with theatrical annoyance. “Well! My decisions are my own, Alpha King. Don’t presume to understand my motivations.” Her voice softened almost imperceptibly. “I consider Frost… a kindred spirit. And I’m the only one skilled enough to help him properly.” She gestured for us to follow. “Besides, hiding here in my cave will be good for his mental and physical health. Do you have any idea how much his life force has deteriorated since he got involved in your mess?”

The accusation hung heavy in the air. Kaius’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing.

My own guilt surged. “Lysandra, I trust you. Please-please-take care of him. He’s incredibly important to us.”

Lysandra led us through winding tunnels to a private chamber I’d never seen before. The bed was unlike anything in the human world- woven entirely from living vines and moss, with luminescent flowers blooming along the frame. It pulsed with gentle magic, clearly

designed for healing.

“Important?” Lysandra’s laugh was cold. “You have no idea how important you are to him.” She gestured sharply. “Put him down. Gently.”

Kaius lifted Frost carefully and laid him on the botanical bed. The moment his body made contact, the flowers brightened, their glow intensifying. Frost’s expression relaxed further, a small smile playing at his lips even in unconsciousness.

He looks at peace. More than I’ve ever seen him.

“I’ll do more than just break the curse,” Lysandra announced, already preparing various herbs and crystals. “I’m going to try extending his life force. A soul this good doesn’t deserve to fade so young.”

Relief flooded through me so intensely my knees nearly buckled. Kaius’s shoulders visibly relaxed.

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I grabbed Lysandra’s hand impulsively. “Thank you! Seriously, if you need anything-resources, protection, magical components-just name

it and we’ll-”

“Well!” She jerked her hand away. “The best help you can give is to leave him alone. Stop visiting. Stop pulling him into your drama.” Her eyes were sharp, accusatory. “His body and mind will heal faster without you two around. Especially…” She glanced between us meaningfully. “If he’s not caught in the middle of whatever complicated emotional tangle you’ve created.”

Heat flooded my face. Kaius stared intently at the floor.

She knows. Of course she knows.

“Now get out,” Lysandra said, not unkindly. “I need to begin the treatment. And remember-don’t touch any of my plants on your way out!

Some of them bite.”

We moved toward the door, but just as Lysandra was about to close it, I turned back.

“Wait-what kind of curse was it? Why did he attack me specifically?”

Lysandra paused, her hand on the door. A strange, sad smile crossed her face.

“It’s called the Heartbound Hex,” she said softly. “An ancient, cruel spell. It forces the victim to destroy what they love most in the world.” Her eyes met mine with unexpected gentleness. “The curse could only make him attack you, Elowen. Because you’re the one he-

She closed the door before finishing the sentence.

But she didn’t need to.

I stood frozen in the corridor, the implications crashing over me like a tidal wave.

The curse makes you destroy what you love most.

And it made him attack me.

Which means-

“Come on,” Kaius said quietly behind me. “We should go.”

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Alpha’s STOLEN Mate