Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 239

Alpha’s STOLEN Mate

Chapter 239

Elowen

Z(69)

Hearing Evelyn’s cold response, I felt a pang of sympathy-but more than that, an overwhelming curiosity. I forced myself to suppress the

urge to immediately bombard her with questions about her background.

“Well,” I said carefully, keeping my tone light, “I’m just saying you have the opportunity to see her if you want. But if you don’t want to,

that’s completely your choice. No pressure.”

Scarlett seemed to pick up on the tension, placing a comforting hand on Evelyn’s shoulder. “Exactly! If you don’t want to see her, then she

doesn’t exist as far as we’re concerned!” She forced a bright smile. “Besides, focusing on your vampire adventure sounds way more fun

anyway!”

Evelyn looked at both of us treating her like fragile glass and immediately bristled.

“Oh for fuck’s sake! I’m FINE! Seriously!” She threw her hands up in exasperation. “Stop looking at me like I’m some wounded bird! I don’t

need your pity!” She pointed at us accusingly. “You know what the lowest form of witch is? One who wallows in sympathy! It’s absolutely

pathetic!”

I couldn’t help but laugh at her indignant expression. “Alright, alright! Since you’re clearly doing just fine and definitely don’t need our

sympathy…” I leaned forward with undisguised interest, grinning wickedly. “Then you know what that means, right? We’re going to—”

“Oh God.” Evelyn saw exactly where I was going and groaned dramatically, running her fingers through her hair. “You two are relentless.”

She waved a hand in mock surrender. “Fine. Fine! You win. Ask whatever the hell you want. I’ll answer.”

Scarlett practically bounced in her seat with excitement. “YES! Evelyn, you’re the BEST! Do you have any idea how insanely curious we’ve been about your story? Please, please tell us EVERYTHING about your past! Don’t leave out a single detail!”

Evelyn made an exaggerated show of reluctance, examining her nails with theatrical indifference. “Well, you know, storytelling is quite exhausting. It takes considerable effort and energy, especially when it involves ripping open old wounds and putting them on display for your entertainment…” She sighed like a martyr. “But I suppose for my dearest friends-”

“Oh my God, Evelyn, stop being so dramatic!” I laughed, shoving her shoulder lightly.

Still, I wanted her to be comfortable. I led them both out to a quiet spot in the forest near the pack territory, bringing along a picnic

blanket and-most importantly-a huge basket of Evelyn’s favorite snacks.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, dappling the blanket where the three of us sat surrounded by food and drinks. Evelyn lounged back,

sipping juice and letting the warm breeze wash over her face.

“Better,” she murmured contentedly. “Much better. This place is way more suitable for confession than some stuffy bedroom.” She took

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Chapter 239

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another sip, clearly stalling. “You know, proper storytelling requires the right ambiance. And snacks. Definitely snacks. Speaking of which,

did you remember to bring those honey cakes I like? Because if we’re doing this whole tragic backstory thing, I’m going to need-”

*EVELYN!” I practically shook her arm, laughing in exasperation. “Come ON! We’re dying of curiosity here! Stop stalling and just START

TALKING already!”

She smiled, finally opening up. “Alright, alright. So, my mother-Arabella-isn’t just any witch. She’s the highly respected leader of the

Witch Coven. She paused dramatically. “But do you know why she became the leader?”

Scarlett jumped in immediately. “Based on the magical abilities you inherited from her, she must be the most powerful witch in

existence!”

I nodded in agreement. That seemed like the obvious answer.

But Evelyn’s smile turned knowing as she shook her head. “That’s what everyone assumes, but no. See, the Witch Coven isn’t a tightly organized hierarchy. It’s not like your wolf packs where the strongest automatically leads. Powerful witches are scattered everywhere, and

plenty of them never join the Coven at all.” She leaned forward. “My mother’s secret weapon? Political savvy.”

That actually made sense. I remembered watching Arabella smoothly negotiate with Zane last night-she had the demeanor of a seasoned

diplomat.

Evelyn continued, “She’s one of the rare witches who can communicate effectively with other species without immediately alienating them. After she became leader, she dramatically improved living conditions for countless witches. She reduced the hostility other supernatural beings felt toward us. She even made the Witch Coven itself more respected and legitimate in the eyes of the broader

community.”

“If she’s such an excellent leader,” I asked carefully, “then why are you and she like strangers? What went wrong?”

Evelyn’s expression flickered with something complicated-old pain, maybe, or lingering anger. “Good question. It all comes down to our fundamental disagreement about what magic should be used for.”

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