Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 191

Chapter 191

Elowen

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The past few days had been exhausting. Rebuilding. Burying the dead. Tending to the wounded. Every moment filled with the weight of

responsibility and grief.

I walked through the makeshift hospital we’d set up in the one building that had survived the attack relatively intact. Wolves in various states of recovery filled the cots-burns, broken bones, claw wounds. The smell of healing salves and pain couldn’t quite mask the

underlying scent of fear.

I found Frost in one of the private recovery rooms, and the scene that greeted me made me stop in my tracks.

Scarlett sat on the edge of his bed, carefully spooning broth into his mouth. And Frost-stoic, reserved Frost-was letting her. More than that, he was looking at her with such open tenderness that it made my chest ache. He smiled softly with each bite, his eyes never leaving

her face.

I’d never seen them like this. So comfortable. So… together.

He’s really accepted her. Accepted the bond. Accepted happiness.

It was the only beautiful thing that had happened in the midst of all this horror.

They noticed my presence and broke apart awkwardly, Scarlett nearly dropping the bowl.

“Alpha!” She shot to her feet. “How’s the reconstruction going?”

“The immediate chaos is mostly cleared,” I said, moving closer. “Debris removed, bodies buried, ceremonies held. Now it’s just the rebuilding that’s left.” I paused, my smile fading. “But…”

Scarlett understood immediately. “But our location is compromised. We’re not safe here anymore.”

“Exactly.” I leaned against the doorframe. “And this place-after what happened-it’s too painful. Every corner holds memories of the attack. The pack needs a fresh start.”

Scarlett nodded slowly. “So we need new territory. Somewhere to settle five thousand wolves.”

Frost sat up straighter in bed, wincing slightly. “Why not just move to Kaius’s territory? You know the King’s lands are always the most secure. The best protected.”

“Are you serious?” Scarlett rounded on him. “The King’s territory is the biggest target! That witch wants Elowen and Kaius-bringing everyone together just makes us one convenient hunting ground!”

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I’d been thinking about this for days. Turning it over in my mind while I helped clear rubble and comfort grieving pack members. The fear of another attack. The constant looking over our shoulders. The feeling of being hunted.

I’m done hiding. Done reacting. Done being prey.

“You’re right that it makes us a target,” I said firmly. “But it also simplifies things for us. Morgath won’t have two separate objectives to

pull her focus. One target means her movements become more predictable.”

Scarlett frowned. “What are you saying?”

I met her eyes. “I’m saying we temporarily relocate to Nightfall Pack territory. We consolidate our forces, combine our strength, and after we eliminate Morgath-” I let steel enter my voice. “After we destroy her completely-then we find new permanent territory.”

Frost was already standing, surprisingly steady despite his recent injuries. “Elowen, if that’s your decision, I’ll head back now to prepare for your arrival. Make sure everything’s ready for the integration.”

“Good.” I nodded. “Scarlett and I will bring everyone shortly. Tell your Alpha King to ensure there’s adequate food and housing. We may be temporary residents, but I expect my pack to be treated with the same dignity as his own wolves.”

Frost’s smile turned slightly amused. “My Queen, I’m more worried that Kaius will prioritize your pack’s comfort over his own. Your Beta’s accommodations will probably be better than mine.”

I couldn’t help but grin. “Well. He’d better.”

Within two days, we were ready to move.

I’d expected chaos-five thousand wolves packing up what remained of their lives, preparing for a mass migration. But Scarlett had trained our pack well. Despite the tragedy, despite the trauma, they moved with military precision.

Everyone carried weapons-swords, bows, daggers. Fresh from battle, no one was willing to be caught defenseless again. We’d commissioned matching uniforms for the journey: dark leather armor with our pack emblem emblazoned across the back in silver thread. The Misfit Alliance-no longer hidden, no longer apologizing for our existence.

The sight of us moving through the forest was formidable. A river of armed, organized wolves stretching for miles.

Word of our movement spread quickly. Neighboring packs sent scouts, then messengers, then delegations.

The larger packs-those with established territories and political clout-sent representatives bearing gifts. Rare herbs, fine weapons, enchanted talismans. They bowed formally, acknowledging me as both Alpha and Queen, offering words of support and alliance.

The smaller packs took a more pragmatic approach. They lined our route with food and water-hunted meat, fresh bread, barrels of clean water. Their leaders met us with barely concealed anxiety, clearly worried we might decide to claim their territories by force.

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I accepted everything graciously and took time to reassure each small pack personally. “Close your borders. Stay vigilant. Very soon, I will

eliminate the witch that threatens all of us. You have my word.”

Scarlett rode beside me on horseback, grinning as yet another delegation departed. “Alpha, I’m starting to think this migration is also a

declaration of your power. You’re not just moving-you’re making a statement.”

“Maybe.” I watched our disciplined ranks march past. “And if it makes Morgath angry enough to come out of hiding-”

“That’s an extra bonus?”

“Exactly.”

Scarlett’s expression turned more serious. “You know she’ll see this as a direct challenge. A public provocation.”

“Good.” I met her eyes. “I’m done hiding from her. Let her come.”

As we approached Nightfall territory, I saw them waiting.

Kaius stood at the border with Frost beside him, both dressed in formal ceremonial armor. Guards flanked them in perfect formation. The

banners of the kingdom flew overhead.

It looked like one monarch receiving another. Like this was a state visit rather than a desperate relocation.

He’s making a statement too.

We came to a halt before them. I dismounted smoothly, and Kaius stepped forward to meet me.

“God, Elowen,” he murmured under his breath, just loud enough for me to hear. “Anyone who didn’t know better would think you’re here to challenge me for the throne. Or declare war.”

I smiled sweetly. “Well, I won’t say I never had that ambition.”

His eyes swept over the ranks of armed warriors stretching behind me, and I saw genuine shock flicker across his face. “How many people are with you? Two thousand? Three? Five?” He looked back at me with something like awe. “Your pack is this massive? One of the three largest in my entire kingdom? And you managed to keep it hidden all this time?”

“We preferred subtlety.” I glanced back at my people-MY people-standing proud despite their recent trauma. “I hope you’ve prepared adequate accommodations.”

“Of course.” Kaius’s formal expression cracked into a genuine smile. “Though I have to say-arriving like this, with this display of force and organization- He stepped closer, voice dropping. “You’re magnificent.”

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Heat crept up my neck. “Flattery will get you nowhere, Alpha King.”

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“Won’t it?” His eyes glinted with mischief before he turned serious again. “But you’re right to come here. To consolidate our strength.” He

straightened, projecting his voice so both our assembled forces could hear. “The Misfit Alliance is welcome in Nightfall territory. Your

presence honors us, and together-” His eyes found mine again. “Together, we can finally put eliminating Morgath on the agenda.”

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19:48 Wed, Jan 14

Alpha’s STOLEN Mate