Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 188

Chapter 188

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But even now-even in the midst of combat-Aldric was holding back. I could see it in the way he positioned his strikes, always pulling his

blows at the last instant. His Lycan strength could have torn Kaius apart with a single swipe, but instead he was using just enough force

to deflect, to redirect, to survive without seriously harming his son.

His eyes held nothing but sorrow.

Kaius, on the other hand, fought with absolute abandon. No restraint. No mercy. His teeth found purchase in Aldric’s shoulder, tearing

deep. Blood sprayed across Kaius’s muzzle and chest as he ripped away a chunk of flesh.

And suddenly, I remembered. Frost had been trying to tell me something. Something important about the golden wolf.

Fuck. What if it wasn’t Aldric who attacked my pack?

But then why was Aldric here? Why now? And why was he covered in my pack’s scent?

I need to know the truth before we execute him.

I shifted back to human form, scooped up the dagger from where I’d dropped it, and shouted, “Kaius! We need to find out what really

happened!”

But Kaius wasn’t listening. His eyes had gone completely black-no recognition, no reason, just rage. He drove Aldric backward relentlessly, backing him into a corner formed by two massive trees.

Aldric’s resistance was fading. Blood loss and injuries were taking their toll, and his continued refusal to truly fight back meant wounds were accumulating faster than his Lycan healing could manage.

He was giving up.

No. No no no. Something’s wrong. This doesn’t make sense.

“KAIUS!” I screamed. “STOP! WE NEED ANSWERS!”

But Kaius lunged for the killing blow-claws aimed directly at Aldric’s throat.

On pure instinct, Aldric’s tail whipped around, catching Kaius in the ribs. It was barely a hit-gentle by Lycan standards-but the impact

was still tremendous.

Kaius went flying. His wolf form shattered, reverting to human as he hurtled toward a tree trunk that would have broken his spine-

Aldric moved faster than thought. One moment he was cornered and bleeding; the next he’d crossed the distance and caught Kaius in his arms, cradling his son against his chest to absorb the impact.

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19:47 Wed, Jan 14

Chapter 188

I ran toward them, my heart in my throat. “Kaid! Ace you-

And Kalus-human, vadnerable, held in his father’s protective embrace-looked up with eyes will burning red with mindless burg.

His hand shot out and grabbed the dagger from my belt.

“No!” I shouted, “Don’t kill him! Use the Blade to restore his mind fint! We need to know-

But Kaius wasn’t listening. His bloodshot eyes saw only an enemy. The berserk rage still had him completely in its grip.

The blade plunged into Aldric’s chest.

Aldric’s body convulsed. The Lycan form began to collapse inward, shrinking, returning to wolf, then to human. Be fell to his knees, still clutching Kaius against him even as the dagger protruded from his heart

“Son,” he gasped, blood bubbling at his lips. It wasn’t me. I didn’t… I didn’t slaughter your mate’s pack.”

Kaius’s rage faltered, confusion breaking through. “What-

“Even controlled by that witch’s magic,” Aldric continued, his voice weakening with every word, “my Lycan nature… it maintained… maintained a baseline. A core that couldn’t be corrupted.” He coughed, more blood. ‘I never… never harmed… any wolf. Not a single one. I

swear it.”

My heart stopped.

Oh God. Oh no.

“Aldric,” I said urgently, dropping to my knees beside them. “If it wasn’t you, then who? Who destroyed my pack?”

Kaius was still gripping the dagger, his madness finally receding as horror took its place. “There’s no other golden wolf that powerful. No one else matches the description-

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19:48 Wed, Jan 14

Alpha’s STOLEN Mate