Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 160

Chapter 160

Elowen

Faelan cleared his throat nervously and continued, pushing his spectacles up. According to the Codex Carnifex Antiquus, Flesh-Weavers rely on two primary elements for their transformations-alchemical compounds and their dark magical energy.” He spoke faster as he warmed to his subject, the nervousness fading into scholarly enthusiasm. “Their power primarily flows from enchanted gemstones located within their territory-typically buried in the foundation of their stronghold. If we could disrupt or destroy these power sources, and

combine that with the White Wolf’s purification abilities, theoretically we could—”

“GOD!” Lachlan exploded from his seat, his gnarled hand sweeping across the table and sending Faelan’s book flying. It hit the floor with a resounding thud. “Faelan Willowbrook! You useless, pathetic bookworm! You think reading garbage makes you qualified to speak?!” His face had gone purple with rage. “Can you protect this kingdom? Do you have any idea how dangerous antagonizing a witch already is?

And you want us to rescue those wolves too?! FUCK! IDIOT!”

Vivienne rose as well, her finger jabbing toward Faelan accusingly. “We only brought you here because every other Elder in our homeland couldn’t stand you! You think we included you because you have some advantage? Because we like you?” Her laugh was cruel. “You’re here

because no one else wanted to deal with you!”

Faelan visibly deflated, his shoulders hunching. “I was just… I just thought it might help…” His voice had gone small, uncertain.

I felt a surge of protectiveness for the pudgy scholar. I started to stand, ready to defend him-

But Kaius cut through the tension with commanding authority. “Well! I believe I understand your perspectives clearly now. His voice carried an edge that made both Lachlan and Vivienne go still. “Let’s move on to today’s most important matter. Since Rowan is dead… I need a new Elder to serve as my chief advisor. The position of Royal Chief Elder.”

My head snapped toward him. Royal Chief Elder? Memories of Rowan-her manipulation, her seduction, her betrayal-flooded my mind

uncomfortably.

Kaius caught my expression and smiled reassuringly. “Of course, nothing like Rowan’s excessive authority. This will be similar to the previous occupant’s role-providing appropriate counsel, maintaining cooperative relations between wolves and Elders. He paused deliberately. “Naturally, the salary and benefits are quite generous.”

Lachlan’s anger transformed instantly into calculating interest. He smoothed his beard with practiced dignity. “By seniority, this position should fall to me, Alpha King. I assure you, under my guidance, the Elder Council and Your Majesty will enjoy a harmonious working

relationship.”

I studied the old man with growing distaste. Too set in his ways. Too dismissive of anyone who challenges him.

Vivienne placed a hand on Lachlan’s shoulder with a patronizing smile. “With all due respect, Lachlan, seniority is one thing. But competence?” Her eyes glittered dangerously. “When it comes to mastering the Elder’s secret arts-specifically the Ritual of Seven Veils and the Binding of Ancestral Spirits-no one surpasses me.”

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Chapter 160

Lachlan’s expression darkened, but he swallowed whatever retort he’d been planning.

Kaius surveyed all three of them slowly, then turned deliberately and walked toward Feelan. “And you? What are your strengths?

Vivienne and Lachlan exchanged incredulous looks.

Alpha King, you misunderstand!” Lachlan sputtered. “This one is the most notorious failure of our younger generation! Low social

intelligence, zero practical experience, no political acumen whatsoever!” His voice dripped with contempt. “He hasn’t even mastered the

most basic Elder technique-the Aura of Ancestral Wisdom! His ranking is barely Level One!”

I stared at Faelan with growing fascination. A complete bookworm. Devoted entirely to study at the expense of everything else.

But Kaius seemed completely unbothered. He smiled gently at the uncomfortable scholar. “Ignore them. I’m asking you.”

Faelan scratched his messy hair, looking oddly unbothered by the insults. “Well… they’re not lying. Apart from having Elder blood, I’m completely useless.” He spoke matter-of-factly, without self-pity. They’re both Level Ten Elders. I’m still Level One. My hobby is reading. I

don’t understand politics or any of that complicated nonsense.”

There’s something refreshing about someone so brutally honest about their limitations, I thought. No posturing. No false confidence.

Kaius’s smile widened. He began circling Faelan slowly. ‘Good. Very good.”

Vivienne and Lachlan immediately went on alert, sensing where this was heading-

“Perfect, in fact,” Kaius continued. “I’ve made my decision. Faelan Willowbrook-you are hereby appointed as the new Royal Chief Elder!”

Faelan’s mouth fell open, his eyes going wide behind his spectacles.

*This is absurd!” Lachlan started forward. “Alpha King, you cannot possibly—”

Kaius’s eyes locked onto both objectors with unmistakable authority. “You’re dismissed. With Faelap as my advisor, I’m confident our cooperative relationship will not only continue but flourish. He’ll be invaluable to our efforts.”

Vivienne’s face had gone pale with barely suppressed fury. Lachlan looked like he’d swallowed something rotten. But neither dared openly defy the Alpha King. They shot poisonous glares at Faelan before sweeping from the room with as much dignity as they could muster.

The door closed behind them with decisive finality.

Faelan closed his mouth slowly, then immediately opened it again. “But… I don’t know how to do anything!” The panic in his voice was genuine. “I can’t provide political counsel! I don’t understand court intrigue! I’ve never-*

I caught on to what Kaius was doing and smiled. “Well, in this complicated political landscape, maybe someone who doesn’t understand politics, doesn’t play social games, and only knows books is exactly what we need.”

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Chapter 160

Kaius nodded approvingly. “More importantly, I need your knowledge of those ancient texts.” His voice turned serious. “Your understanding of Flesh-Weaver magic, historical precedents, obscure rituals-that’s going to help me save my father and return him to normal.” He placed a hand on Faelan’s shoulder. “And you’re not afraid of Morgath. That alone makes you perfect for this position.”

Something shifted in Faelan’s expression. The nervous uncertainty faded, replaced by something deeper-vulnerability mixed with desperate hope. His eyes grew suspiciously bright behind his spectacles.

“I’ve accumulated so much knowledge over the years,” he said quietly, his voice trembling slightly. “Spent countless hours in dusty archives, memorizing texts no one else cared about. And most of the time, I wondered what the point was.” He looked between us. “The

other Elders mock me. Call me useless. Weak. A waste of Elder blood.”

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He straightened slightly, squaring his shoulders. “But if you-if the Alpha King and his Queen-if you actually value what I know… if I can

finally use all this learning to accomplish something meaningful…” His voice cracked slightly with emotion. “Then my entire life will have

been worth it.”

The raw sincerity in his words hit me unexpectedly hard. Here was someone who’d been dismissed and belittled his entire life, finally

being told his gifts mattered.

Kaius and I exchanged a glance, a wordless understanding passing between us.

“Well then,” Kaius said with genuine warmth, “it seems we’ve found ourselves a treasure.”

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Alpha’s STOLEN Mate