Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 169

Chapter 169

Kaius

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After the Assembly concluded, the Alphas began filing toward the exit, their expressions considerably more settled than when they’d

arrived. I followed them to the castle entrance, playing the role of gracious host seeing off important guests.

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At least they’re leaving with a plan. Lock down territories, protect their people, wait for my signal.

As they reached the grand doors, several Alphas turned back. I straightened my posture, arranging my features into what I hoped was a

dignified smile.

Good. They’re following protocol. Showing proper respect to their King before departing.

Then, one by one, they walked right past me.

Straight to Elowen.

“My Queen!” The first Alpha-Amir, the one I’d nearly strangled earlier-bowed deeply. “Wait, no-forgive me. You attended today as Alpha of The Misfit Alliance, didn’t you?” He corrected himself with obvious respect. “Alpha Ravencrest.”

Another Alpha stepped forward. “Today has been truly eye-opening. I’ve heard legends of the White Wolf, of course. Stories of power

gifted by the Moon Goddess herself.”

“But we never imagined,” a third Alpha chimed in, “that the White Wolf would be so… approachable. So reasonable. Your abilities are

heaven-sent, certainly-

-but your character, your way of conducting yourself, the first Alpha continued, “that’s entirely natural. Entirely your own. You communicate without pretense, without superiority.”

“You’re a born leader,” Helena added warmly. “Truly. It’s an honor to serve under your guidance.”

Elowen’s laughter was genuine, tinged with embarrassment. “Oh, please! I still have so much to learn. I’m hardly-

“Nonsense,” Amir interrupted. “Today proved your worth beyond any doubt.”

Elowen’s expression shifted, becoming more diplomatic. More formal. “Well, thank you all for your kind words. But let’s not forget-we’re all crucial members of this kingdom. We share a common enemy now. I hope we can work together to overcome this crisis and protect all

our people.”

I watched the exchange with growing amusement.

God, Elowen. How many roles are you playing today? First the rebellious Alpha refusing to sit beside me, now the perfect diplomat smoothing

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Chapter 169

over political tensions.

She sounded exactly like Frost when he was doing damage control after one of my more…

impulsive decisions.

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But beneath the amusement, something else stirred. Something uncomfortably close to jealousy.

They never smiled at me like that. Never looked so eager to cooperate.

Finally, the last of the Alphas departed. Elowen turned back toward me, and her hand came down on my shoulder in a companionable pat.

“What’s wrong?” She was grinning. “Feeling a little jealous watching your mate steal the spotlight?”

My face heated immediately. Fuck. Was it that obvious?

“Well… I suppose I’ll need time to adjust to having a Queen who commands more respect than I do.” I tried for a self-deprecating smile. “You know how it is. Kings tend to have fairly significant egos…”

Elowen laughed, the sound bright and unguarded. “Alright, enough about that. What about your research with the bookish Elder? Have you

and Faelan made any progress?”

“Actually, yes. We’ve had some promising breakthroughs-” I started, then gestured toward the corridor. “But let’s discuss it over food. I had the kitchens prepare something special.”

We’d barely taken three steps when a blur of red hair came barreling around the corner.

“Evelyn!” Elowen’s voice carried a note of exasperation. “Where the hell have you been? You disappeared halfway through the Assembly!”

Evelyn skidded to a stop, grinning without a trace of shame. “Well! That meeting was boring as hell. All that talk about defensive protocols and strategic positioning-not exactly riveting entertainment for someone who’s not a wolf.” She waved a dismissive hand. “So I took myself on a little tour of the castle. Wanted to see how luxuriously our Alpha King lives.”

She paused for dramatic effect. “Specifically, I went to check out Kaius’s bedroom. Had to see if it lived up to the hype.”

“What-” I started.

“Spoiler alert,” Evelyn continued, her tone dripping with mock disappointment. “It doesn’t. Pretty standard, actually. Nothing special.”

“God, Evelyn!” I felt my jaw clench. “You can’t just wander into private chambers! How did you even get past the guards? How did you find

my room?”

Evelyn pulled a key from her pocket and tossed it to me with a cheeky grin. “Easy! I’m the Queen’s best friend, aren’t I? Plus I gave myself about seventeen impressive-sounding witch titles when I introduced myself to your guards.” She struck a pose. “They practically tripped over themselves to accommodate me.”

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“You said what-” I began.

“Hold on! Elowen cut in, her voice sharp. “Did you just call yourself my best friend?”

Evelyn blinked. “Well… yeah?”

“You’re my second-best friend,” Elowen corrected firmly. “Scarlett is first. Obviously.”

Evelyn rolled her eyes so hard I was surprised they didn’t fall out of her head. “Oh my God, what are we, twelve? Are we really ranking

friendships like it’s middle school?”

Elowen opened her mouth to respond, then closed it again. Her cheeks flushed slightly.

I couldn’t help it. I burst out laughing. The image of these two powerful women-an Alpha and a highly skilled witch-bickering about friendship rankings like teenagers was too absurd.

But my laughter died quickly.

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Evelyn had started walking again, chattering as she went. “Anyway, Kaius, I have to say—the selection of adult magazines under your bed is terrible. Like, genuinely disappointing. If you’re going to collect that kind of thing, at least have some taste. Those women weren’t even

attractive.

My face went from amused to mortified in record time. “Fuck, Evelyn! You went through my-under my bed-”

“And your drawer organization is a mess,” she continued cheerfully. “Seriously, who mixes socks with-”

I felt Elowen’s eyes boring into the side of my head. When I glanced over, her expression could’ve frozen fire.

Oh God. She thinks I actually-

“Those aren’t-I don’t-” I stammered. “Evelyn is making shit up! There are no magazines! There’s nothing under my bed except-

“We’ll discuss this later,” Elowen said, her voice dangerously calm.

I’m going to kill that witch. I’m going to literally murder her.

Comments

R Visitor

we need more characters like Evelyn in werewolf stories!! absolutely brilliant

1 days ago

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Alpha’s STOLEN Mate