Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 164

Chapter 164

Elowen

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70

“What? Professional interest!” Evelyn shrugged. “The magical craftsmanship alone-the biological transmutation spells, the mind control

enchantments-it’s incredibly sophisticated work. I’d love to pick her brain about technique.”

“You can ask her yourself when you meet her,” I said dryly. “I’m sure she’d love to demonstrate her techniques. On you. Personally.”

Evelyn shook her head with a knowing smile. “Well, you know how it is with witches-like repels like. She’d probably take one look at me,

another witch who’s chosen to work for an Alpha rather than dominate them, and kick me across the room.” She popped another candied nut into her mouth. “Though, you know how we witches are. Always saying the opposite of what we mean. So maybe if she kicked me, it

would actually mean she likes me! Ha!”

Both Scarlett and I just stared at her.

“What?” Evelyn grinned. “I’m being realistic about the social dynamics of-”

“You have the most absurd logic I’ve ever heard,” I said, rubbing my temples.

But even as I said it, a troubling thought occurred to me. I studied Evelyn-her wild red hair, her irreverent attitude, her brilliant, amoral mind that saw magic as pure intellectual challenge rather than moral responsibility.

Thank God she’s been with my pack all these years.

If Evelyn had ever gone to study under someone like Morgath, if she’d been exposed to that kind of dark knowledge without the grounding influence of pack loyalty…

She’d be worse than Morgath. So much worse.

Evelyn caught me staring and raised an eyebrow. “What’s that look for?”

“Nothing,” I said quickly. “Just… grateful you’re on my side.”

“Well!” She grinned wickedly. “I can promise you one thing-if I were Morgath, I definitely wouldn’t have let you leave that laboratory

alive.”

The casual way she said it-like she was discussing baking techniques-made me shudder.

Scarlett, however, had gone very quiet. She was staring down at her hands, her expression distant and troubled.

‘Scarlett?” I prompted gently.

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Chapter 164

She looked up, and I saw the worry in her eyes. “You said… you said Frost is safe now? He’s recovering at Lysandra’s cave?”

Oh.

Guilt stabbed through me. Frost. Who loved me. Whose former mate was my best friend. Who’d nearly killed me because of a curse designed to make him destroy what he loved most.

The Heartbound Hex. That’s what Lysandra had called it.

“Yeah,” I said, keeping my voice steady. “I believe he’ll be back to normal soon. Lysandra’s the best. If anyone can break that curse and

restore his strength, it’s her.”

Scarlett nodded, but her eyes… there was so much concern there. So much barely concealed longing.

She still cares about him. Even after he rejected the bond.

I thought about telling her the truth-about the curse, about what it revealed about Frost’s feelings. But the words stuck in my throat.

What good would it do? He rejected her. Whatever he feels for me is pointless and tragic. Telling Scarlett would just hurt her more.

Better to change the subject. Fast.

670

“Actually!” I sat up straighter, forcing brightness into my voice. “There’s an Alpha Assembly in three days. Kaius is calling all the packs together to discuss the threat, coordinate our response.” I looked between my two best friends. “I want you both to come with me. I know it’s serious business and everything, but there will be tons of Alphas and Betas there.” I waggled my eyebrows. “You might finally meet your mates! Or at least find some interesting… company.”

Evelyn’s eyes lit up like I’d just offered her front-row seats to the apocalypse. The half-chewed snack in her mouth got crushed between her teeth as her jaw dropped in excitement.

“Really?!” She bounced in her seat. “Oh my God, I’ve been so bored lately! Yes! Absolutely yes! Take me, Alpha! I promise I’ll be on my best behavior!” She paused. “Well. Relatively best behavior.”

I laughed. “Deal. As long as you maintain the pack’s protective barrier, you can have the day off to socialize.”

Evelyn made an exaggerated OK gesture with her fingers, grinning like a kid promised candy.

But when I turned to Scarlett, I found her staring at nothing, her expression distant and conflicted.

‘Scarlett?” I prompted.

She blinked, focusing on me. “I… I think I should stay here. Someone needs to watch over the pack. Make sure everyone’s safe while you’re

gone.”

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Liar.

I could read her like a book. This wasn’t about responsibility or duty. This was about Frost.

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She didn’t want to risk running into him. Or maybe she was hoping to slip away to Lysandra’s cave while I was gone, to check on him

without me knowing.

Damn it.

“Well,” I said carefully, “if that’s what you think is best… then you stay here. You’re my Beta. I trust your judgment.” I squeezed her hand.

“Thank you. For everything.”

Scarlett nodded, but her smile didn’t reach her eyes.

She stood, suddenly restless. “Alpha, I’m… I’m actually really tired. Would it be okay if I-

“Go,” I said immediately. “Rest. You’ve earned it.”

“Thank you.” She moved toward the door, but paused with her hand on the handle. “Elowen? I’m really glad you’re safe. When you’re at

that Assembly…” She looked back at me, her expression fierce. “Be careful. Promise me.”

“I promise.”

The door clicked shut behind her.

The moment she was gone, I turned to find Evelyn already laying out different outfit options on my desk-somehow having produced an

entire wardrobe from thin air.

“So!” She held up a deep green dress with a dangerously low neckline. “Are we going for ‘dignified Alpha’ or ‘walking temptation that

makes the King forget his own name’? Because I have options for both.”

I dropped my head into my hands. “You two are going to be the death of me.”

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Alpha’s STOLEN Mate