Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 235

Chapter 235

Elowen

I stared at Arabella, my jaw hanging open in shock.

:

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Evelyn. My sarcastic, chaotic, troublemaking witch friend-was the daughter of this woman? Not just any witch, but an Arch-Witch? The

leader of the entire Witch Coven?

Suddenly so many things made sense. Evelyn’s ridiculous power. Those complex illusion barriers. The way she could manipulate reality

itself. She wasn’t just some talented outcast-she came from supernatural royalty.

I pulled away from Kaius’s embrace and practically ran to Arabella’s side.

“Do you know Evelyn is here? Right now, at this celebration!” The words tumbled out in a rush. “Would you like to see her? I can take you

to her right now-”

Arabella’s smile was warm and gentle, but something about it felt wrong. Like sunshine over ice.

“Oh, my dear Queen, of course I know she’s here. I’ve known she was hiding in your pack for quite some time.” She sipped her wine

delicately. “But I don’t think there’s any need to make a fuss. Honestly, I believe we both prefer it this way-no reunion necessary.”

The contrast between her maternal tone and her cold words left me reeling.

Zane, the vampire, let out a low chuckle. “Arabella, sometimes I think you’re colder than any of us bloodsuckers could ever be.”

Arabella didn’t even flinch. “Zane, darling, don’t drink too much. We still have that business matter to discuss-regarding your castle

situation. We’ll need clear heads for those negotiations.”

She’d dismissed the topic of her daughter like it was nothing. Like Evelyn was some minor inconvenience rather than her own child.

Fury burned through my chest. “God, Arabella! You’re a mother! You’re Evelyn’s mother!” I couldn’t keep the accusation out of my voice. “Do you have any idea how young she was when she started wandering alone? And you-you knew where she was this whole time and

just… let her struggle by herself?”

Kaius touched my arm gently, his voice low with warning. “Elowen. Mind your tone. They’re our guests—”

But I couldn’t stop. “Even if you two don’t get along-even if you have some kind of falling out-aren’t you worried about her safety? Do

you have any idea how dangerous the world is for a young woman alone?”

Arabella actually laughed-a light, musical sound that made me want to scream.

“Oh, my dear Queen! I’m so pleased Evelyn has such a caring friend in you. Truly.” She set down her glass. “But worried about her safety?

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Chapter 235

Please. If anything, I worry about what damage she might inflict on others! You know how cunning she is, how powerful. That girl can

take care of herself better than most adults.”

I opened my mouth, closed it, completely at a loss for words. The casual dismissal, the complete lack of maternal concern-it was

incomprehensible.

Kaius took advantage of my stunned silence to wrap his arm firmly around my waist and pull me away from the table.

“My apologies, everyone. The Queen has had rather a lot of wine tonight. I should get her to bed.” He steered me away despite my half-

hearted protests. “Our deepest apologies for any offense.”

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He brought me to his chambers-the same opulent bedroom where he’d performed the marking ceremony months ago. The space was massive, decorated with rich fabrics and dark wood, dominated by an enormous bed that could probably sleep five people comfortably.

“I cannot believe a mother could act like that!” I was still fuming, pacing across the plush carpet. “Just completely indifferent to her own

daughter!”

Kaius sat on the edge of the bed, watching me with amusement. “We don’t know their history, love. As outsiders, it’s not really our place

to judge-”

“But I need to tell Evelyn!” I spun to face him. “She deserves to know her mother is here!”

“Are you certain about that?” Kaius’s expression turned serious. “You understand how dangerous a conflict between two powerful witches.

could be-”

“You know I can’t keep secrets!” I threw my hands up. “Now that I know Evelyn comes from such an influential family, that her mother is the Arch-Witch herself-how am I supposed to pretend I don’t know? It’ll eat at me!” I crossed my arms. “It’s going to come out eventually. I’d rather tell her now and get it over with. At least that way my conscience will be clear.”

Kaius tilted his head, a small smile playing at his lips. “Well. You make a fair point.”

“Good. I’m going to find her right now-” I turned toward the door.

His hand shot out and caught my wrist, pulling me back onto the bed beside him.

“Really?” His voice dropped to something lower, more intimate. “My Queen. My mate. You’re going to leave me alone on our coronation

night?”

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