Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 249

Chapter 249

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“Don’t.” I held up a hand, anger still burning hot in my chest. “Whatever apology you’re about to make, whatever excuse you’ve prepared-

save it. I don’t have time for your political maneuvering right now-

“I saw them.” The words came out rushed, desperate. “Late last night, after everyone was asleep. I saw Evelyn slipping away from the castle grounds with the vampire-with Zane.”

My heart stuttered, then began racing. “What do you mean?”

Kaius stepped fully into the room, and for the first time I saw genuine guilt etched into every line of his face. Your friend Evelyn, the vampire Zane, and…” He hesitated, like he knew how badly this would go. “And Arabella. The witch leader. All three of them left together,

before most of the castle was awake. I saw them from my window.”

The room tilted. “What?!” The word exploded out of me with enough force that Kaius actually flinched. “Arabella went with them? Evelyn

and her mother together?” I crossed the space between us in three strides and grabbed his shoulders hard enough to hurt. “Are you

completely insane? Why didn’t you tell me this immediately?! The moment you saw it?!*

“I didn’t think it was important-it seemed like some kind of diplomatic escort situation-*

“You didn’t think I shoved him away, my hands shaking with fury so intense I could barely see straight. “Evelyn hates her mother! They

haven’t spoken in ten years! She told me yesterday she never wanted to see that woman again!” My voice climbed higher with each word. “The fact that they left together voluntarily is the single most alarming, suspicious, absolutely WRONG thing you could have possibly

witnessed, and you said NOTHING?!”

Kaius looked genuinely bewildered, which only made me angrier. “I assumed they’d reconciled after their conversation-

“They didn’t reconcile!” I was shouting now. “Evelyn left because she was terrified! She embedded a psychic distress signal in her farewell letter! And now Faelan’s missing and his study looks like a war zone!” I thrust the map at him. “Does any of this seem normal to you?!”

Understanding-and horror-finally dawned on his face. “Oh God. Elowen, I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize-

“Of course you didn’t realize. You were too busy managing me politically! I turned to Scarlett. “Get our things. We’re leaving immediately

for the Crimson Sanctuary.”

I’m coming with you.” Kaius’s voice was firm.

“No, you’re not-

“KATUS!

Aldric’s voice boomed from the corridor. Kaius’s father appeared in the doorway, face grim. “Emergency council session. The northern

border-there’s been an incident. You re needed immediately.”

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THÁP Thư, Jan 22

Chapter 249

Father, this isn’t a good time-

“Now, Kaius. This is not a request. Aldric’s tone brooked no argument. “We have a potential war situation developing.

Kajus looked between his father and me, conflict written plainly on his face.

“Go. My voice came out cold. “Handle your kingdom business. Scarlett and I will handle saving our friends.”

“Elowen, please-

“I said go.” I met his eyes, letting him see every ounce of my disappointment and fury. “You made your choice in that council chamber. You chose polítics over defending me. Now I’m choosing my friends over staying here.”

I grabbed Scarlett’s hand and pulled her past both men toward the door.

“When I get back- I threw the words over my shoulder, -if I get back-we’re having that conversation. The one about what kind of Queen you really want. Because I’m done compromising who I am for a crown.”

“Elowen!” Kaius tried to follow, but Aldric blocked his path.

“And Kaius?” I paused at the threshold. “Don’t wait up. I might not come back at all.

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