Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 16

Chapter 16

“Apparently your blood has some interesting side effects,” I said bitterly, taking another aggressive bite.

A slow, cruel smile spread across his face. “I’m glad you’re only feeling it now. If our bond had been this strong four years ago, you

wouldn’t have slept well for a single night.”

93

Rage flared in my chest, hot and immediate. I opened my mouth to tell him exactly what I thought of him and his revolting sex life, then caught myself. Getting into a screaming match right now would only make him more suspicious. I needed him gone so I could execute my

escape plan.

“Well,” I said instead, forcing my voice to remain casual, “at least you had the decency not to come here last night. Otherwise I might have

actually bitten your throat out.”

He laughed, the sound low and dangerous. “Oh, I wanted to. After that blood exchange, all I could think about was coming back here and

finishing what we started in the medical wing.”

Heat flashed through me despite my best efforts to remain unaffected. The memory of his hands on my body, his mouth claiming mine,

sent unwanted shivers down my spine.

“But, he continued, his voice dropping to something almost intimate, “I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to control myself. Afraid I might mark you before I’m satisfied that you’re truly innocent.”

I stared at him, torn between relief and indignation. Relief because being marked by him would be the ultimate humiliation—a bond I’d never be able to break. Indignation because he was still treating me like some kind of threat.

“Smart choice,” I managed to say, reaching for more food to cover my emotional turmoil.

Before Kaius could respond, urgent footsteps echoed in the corridor. A soldier appeared in the doorway, face flushed with exertion.

“Alpha King,” he panted. “The rogue attacks have escalated. Three more villages hit during the night. Beta Frost requests your immediate

presence in the war room.”

Kaius nodded curtly, but his eyes never left my face. “I have to go deal with the rogue situation,” he said, his tone casual but his gaze sharp as a blade. “I know exactly what you’re thinking, little wolf. But don’t even consider it.”

My heart hammered against my ribs, but I kept my expression carefully neutral.

from

I’ve stationed my most trusted warriors throughout the castle,‘ he continued, stepping closer until I could feel the heat radiating from his body. “Wolves who’ve served me for years, who would die before letting you escape. You’d better stay right here until I return.”

The threat was clear, but I nodded obediently. “Of course. Where would I go?”

His smile was sharp enough to cut steel. “That’s what I thought.”

1/2

10:27 Mon, Jan 12

Chapter 16

After he left, I forced myself to finish every strap of food on the tray. My body needed the fuel, and there was no thing when to p anther chance to eat. When the last crumb was gone, I moved to the window and begin a more caretul survey of the good workm

Two guards flanked the door to my chamber. Three more petrolled the corridor beyond, that movemente predte and wele My, I could see figures moving on the floors below–more guards, more catacles between me and treadom.

A direct assault would be suicide. The moment I started fighting my way on, every warrior in the castle would converge on my paren Within minutes, Kaius and Frost would be back, and my chance would be gone forever.

But I’d learned a few things during my years of independence. Sometimes the best weapon wasn’t strengh or speed.

I moved away from the window and positioned myself near the center of the room. Then I took a deep breath and began to implement the

plan forming in my mind.

First, I triggered my gag reflex, forcing up some of the food I’d just consumed. The retching wounds echoed off the stone walls, harsh and

comincing. Then I threw myself to the floor, clutching my stomach and letting out agonized groans.

Help! I gasped, making my voice as weak and desperate as possible. “Something’s wrong! The food-

More reaching, more pitiful moans. I curled into a ball, letting my hair fall across my face to hide any telltale signs of deception.

“Guards!” I called out, my voice breaking with apparent pain. “Please! I think I’m dying!”

Footsteps thundered in the corridor. Multiple voices called out in alarm. Within seconds, I heard the jingle of keys and the scrape of the

door opening

Perfect