Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 158

Chapter 158

Elowen

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Sunlight streamed lazily across my face, warming my skin in the most delicious way. I stirred, feeling completely satiated-muscles pleasantly sore, body humming with residual pleasure.

God, I slept so well. When did my bed get so big and warm?

Then the memories crashed over me like a tidal wave.

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Oh. Oh fuck.

Last night. The moonflower tree. Kaius’s confession. The mind-blowing sex against the bark, then somehow stumbling back here- wherever “here” was—and doing it again. And again. Until I’d passed out in a tangle of limbs and sheets, completely exhausted.

I bolted upright, looking around wildly. This wasn’t my room. The massive four-poster bed, the dark furniture, the distinctly masculine scent permeating everything—

I’m in Kaius’s chambers. In his pack. Fuck!

I should have gone back to my own territory last night. Should have maintained some distance, some dignity. Instead, I’d let him carry me here like some lovesick teenager and-

The door opened.

Kaius entered carrying a tray, his expression so openly happy it made my chest ache. He looked younger somehow, lighter, like a weight

had been lifted from his shoulders.

‘Good morning, my mate,” he said, his voice warm with affection.

Heat flooded my face. I wasn’t used to this-this soft, attentive version of Kaius. It threw me completely off balance.

I scrambled out of bed, grabbing clothes scattered across the floor. “Um, about last night-

He was already moving toward me, pulling something from the tray before I could finish. A pastry-my absolute favorite kind-appeared in front of my mouth.

“I went to that bakery the moment they opened,” he said, gently pressing it against my lips until I had no choice but to take a bite. “Fresh

out of the oven.”

Then he produced a cup of steaming milk from behind his back, setting it on the bedside table with careful precision.

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Chapter 158

I chewed mechanically, my brain short-circuiting. Fuck! It IS honey cinnamon bread! God, this man is serving me breakfast in bed like he’s

some combination of Frost’s devotion and his own intensity? What is happening?

I moved to the table, sitting down to eat while Kaius stood there watching me with undisguised adoration. His eyes never left my face,

tracking every bite, every sip.

It was unnerving.

I ducked my head and ate faster, suddenly self-conscious.

“Eat up,” he said with amusement coloring his tone. “We have work to do once you’re finished.”

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I swallowed the last bite of bread and downed the milk in several large gulps. Standing abruptly, I crossed my arms. “I knew this was too

good to be true. What do you want?”

Kaius smiled at my suspicion. “It’s not bad, I promise. Just something only you can help me with.” His expression turned serious. “Rowan’s dead, but the other Elders are still here. We need to give them an explanation.”

Understanding dawned. “If you tell them what happened-about Morgath, about Rowan’s death-they’ll think you’re making it up. Especially the part about a witch transforming wolves into pets.” I tilted my head. “You need me to corroborate your story. To prove that Morgath exists and that Rowan was working with her.”

“Exactly.” He moved closer, his hands gentle on my shoulders. “I know eliminating all the Elders would make ruling easier. But we already have enough enemies. If we alienate the entire Elder Council, we risk creating another Rowan-someone who’ll turn to darkness and conspiracy because we’ve pushed them into a corner.”

I pinched his waist hard, making him wince. “Oh, so you don’t want another Rowan? Another convenient fuck buddy?” My voice dripped with sarcasm. “I’m sure the Elders have plenty of tricks after living so long-

“God, Elowen!” Kaius looked genuinely panicked, grabbing my hands. “I’m being serious! I swear-swear-that will never happen again!*

Seeing him so flustered was oddly satisfying. I released his waist, my expression softening slightly. “Fine. Morgath is everyone’s enemy anyway-not just ours. I’ll tell them the truth.”

Relief washed over his face. “Thank you.”

The council chamber was imposing-all dark wood and high ceilings, designed to remind visitors of the Elders’ ancient authority. Three of them sat waiting when we entered, their expressions curious and calculating.

I recounted everything-Morgath’s laboratory, the caged wolves, her enhancement experiments, Rowan’s death at the witch’s hands. The Elders listened with varying reactions.

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Alpha’s STOLEN Mate