Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 240

Chapter 240

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69

She sat up straighter, her voice taking on a sharper edge. She believes magic exists to maintain balance, preserve order, secure resources,

and forge alliances. It’s a tool for political negotiation and power brokering.”

“And you?” Scarlett prompted gently.

“And I-” Evelyn’s voice was fierce now, I believe magic is intensely personal! Magic is part of who I am, not some bargaining chip!”

Scarlett smiled with understanding. “You’ve always felt that way. Magic as something sacred and individual, not to be leveraged for

political gain.”

“Exactly!” Evelyn’s eyes lit up with passion. “That’s my core principle: magic should be personal, intimate, and free from external interference or exploitation.”

She took a breath before continuing with the harder part. “When I was little, I showed exceptional magical talent from a very young age.

Freakish amounts of power for a child, honestly. My mother had such high hopes-saw me as this golden opportunity.” She picked at the

grass absently. She wanted to groom me as her successor, to eventually take over leadership of the Coven.”

My heart sank, understanding flooding through me. “Oh no. That’s the complete opposite of everything you believe in…”

“Bingo.” Evelyn’s laugh was bitter and sharp. “She didn’t train me to create beautiful illusions for the sake of art or joy or wonder. No, she

taught me how to use illusions to hide army movements during conflicts, or how to fabricate political scandals to discredit rivals.”

“That’s horrible,” Scarlett whispered.

“It gets better,” Evelyn said sarcastically. “She didn’t teach me to commune with nature or explore the spiritual aspects of magic-things I

was actually interested in. Instead, she drilled me on how to assess the commercial value of magical mineral deposits, how to calculate

the profit margins on enchanted artifacts, how to negotiate resource extraction deals.”

Her voice grew harder, more clipped. “And the ‘social events’ she arranged for me? Those weren’t fun parties where kids could be kids.

They were strategic diplomatic meetings with heirs of other powerful species. Incredibly boring vampire princes who talked about nothing

but bloodline purity. Ambitious Alpha sons who wanted to discuss territorial expansion.”

She looked up at us, her eyes reflecting old hurt. “I was seven years old when she started this. Seven.”

I grabbed her hand without thinking, squeezing tight. “God, Evelyn. I had no idea you went through all that as a child. I’m genuinely so

sorry I suggested you should see her. That was incredibly insensitive of me, pushing you toward someone who hurt you like that.”

And she never asked what you wanted?” Scarlett’s voice was thick with emotion. “Never cared about your dreams or feelings?”

“Oh, she cared,” Evelyn said darkly. “She cared very much-about molding me into her perfect successor.” She pulled her knees up to her

chest. “When I finally ran away at fourteen, she didn’t come after me. Didn’t send anyone to bring me back. I think part of her was

relieved to be rid of such a disappointing daughter.”

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14:47 Thu, Jan 22

Chapter 240

The three of us sat in heavy silence for a moment, the cheerful sunshine suddenly feeling at odds with the darkness of Evelyn’s

revelation.

My heart ached for Evelyn-for the little girl forced into a mold she never fit, for the teenager who had to run away to find herself. But

what disturbed me more than her past was how clearly it still haunted her present. The pain in her voice, the tension in her shoulders,

the way she’d reacted so strongly just to the mention of seeing her mother again.

If she doesn’t face this now, it’s going to follow her forever.

I couldn’t stay silent.

*Evelyn,” I said carefully, “you’re one of the most powerful witches I’ve ever met. You’re brilliant, independent, and you’ve built an incredible life on your own terms.” I met her eyes. “So why are you still letting her have this much power over you?”

Evelyn’s head snapped up, surprise flickering across her face.

Scarlett immediately reached for my arm. “Elowen, maybe we shouldn’t-”

69

“No, I need to say this.” I leaned forward, my voice firm but gentle. “I’m stating facts here. Last night, when your mother talked about

you? She was completely composed. Cold, even. No emotion whatsoever.” I gestured at Evelyn. “But you? You’re still hurt. Still angry. Still

affected by what she did all those years ago. And I don’t want-”

“God.” Evelyn let out a shaky breath, cutting me off. She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, then looked up at the sky like she was

searching for an escape route. “Fuck. I want to tell you you’re full of shit right now. I want to laugh in your face and say you don’t know

what you’re talking about.”

Her voice cracked slightly. “But I can’t. Because you’re right. You’re so fucking right it hurts.”

She dropped her hands and looked at both of us, something fierce sparking in her eyes. “Why the hell am I still letting that old woman

control me? It’s been ten fucking years!” Her jaw clenched. “She gets to move on while I’m still carrying this around like dead weight.”

When she spoke again, her voice was hard with determination.

“Fine. I’m going to see her. March right up and have this out once and for all.”

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14:47 Thu, Jan 22

Alpha’s STOLEN Mate