Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 252

Chapter 252

Elowen

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My mind raced through options. I could fight-take Scarlett and Faclan and cut our way through. We’d done worse odds before.

I felt my wolf rising, ready to transform, ready to tear through these pale bastards until-

Faelan’s hand clamped on my wrist. Hard.

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“Don’t,” he whispered urgently. “Look at their formation.”

1 forced myself to focus. The vampire warriors had arranged themselves in a pattern I’d never seen before-interlocking positions where each soldier covered another’s blind spot. But it was more than that. Their weapons weren’t raised in standard combat stance. They were angled inward, creating what looked like… channels? Pathways for something to flow between them?

“Blood magic formation,” Faelan breathed. “If you transform, if you show aggression, they’ll activate it. Your own wolf’s power will be

turned against you through their connection.”

Zane smiled, clearly seeing my hesitation. “Smart man, your scholar friend. Yes, our warriors train in formations designed to counter supernatural transformations.” He took a step closer. “So. Will you attack and prove you came here for violence?”

My wolf snarled inside me, but I forced myself to still.

Zane’s smile widened. “Your silence speaks volumes. You infiltrated our sacred grounds. You brought a spy.” He gestured, and guards

seized Faelan. “He’ll be held until we determine the extent of his espionage.”

“No!” I moved forward, but weapons shifted toward me. “He was looking for someone-”

“Then he should have used diplomatic channels.” Zane’s voice was iron. “Not skulked like a criminal.”

Faelan met my eyes as they dragged him away. “Don’t worry about me,” he said calmly, though I could see fear beneath the composure.

“Find her. That’s what matters.”

Then he was gone, and I was left standing in that courtyard surrounded by vampires, Scarlett tense beside me, and Zane looking at me

with cold satisfaction.

“You and your companion may return to your quarters,” he said. “We’ll discuss the… diplomatic implications of tonight’s incident in the

morning.”

It wasn’t a suggestion. It was a dismissal.

I had no choice but to go.

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14:48 Thu, Jan 22

Chapter 252

Back in our luxurious prison, I paced like a caged animal. Scarlett sat on the bed, her head in her hands.

“We’ve lost them both now,” she said quietly. “Evelyn and Faclan.”

“No.” I stopped pacing, my mind churning. “We haven’t lost anything. We just need to think.”

I collapsed into a chair, forcing myself to analyze rather than react. The letter Evelyn left-the psychic imprint that had triggered for me

specifically. Why me? Why had the magic been keyed to my signature?

Unless… unless it wasn’t Evelyn’s magic at all.

“The letter,” I said slowly. “What if Evelyn didn’t cast that spell? What if someone else did?”

Scarlett looked up. “Who else would have access to her letter?”

“Her mother.” The pieces clicked together. “Arabella. She left with them. What if she’s the one who embedded that warning?”

“But why would she do that?” Scarlett’s expression shifted from confusion to something harder. “From what Evelyn told us, Arabella only cares about her political ambitions. She spent years trying to mold Evelyn into her perfect successor, then didn’t even come after her when she ran away.” She shook her head bitterly. “That’s not the behavior of someone who’d secretly help her daughter.”

“Maybe she-”

“And there’s something else.” Scarlett stood, pacing now. “Before we left, I overheard some of the other witches talking. Apparently Arabella owes massive debts to vampire courts. Political loans, favors, resources she borrowed for her power plays.” She met my eyes. “The kind of debt that’s impossible to repay with money alone.”

Something cold settled in my stomach. “How much are we talking?”

“Enough that people were whispering about what she might have to offer instead of coin.” Scarlett’s voice dropped. “Artifacts. Bloodlines.

Access to rare magical resources.”

“You think-”

“I think we need to find out exactly what arrangement Arabella made with Zane.” Scarlett’s jaw set with determination. “Because if she did leave us that warning, there’s a reason. And if she didn’t…” She didn’t finish the sentence.

We both knew what the alternative meant.

I stood abruptly, “Tomorrow. I’ll talk to Zane. Feel him out about the vampires’ relationship with the Coven, about Arabella’s debts.”

“And if your suspicions are right?”

“Then we’ll know exactly what we’re dealing with.” My hands clenched into fists. “And we’ll find a way to get both of them back.”

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14:48 Thu, Jan 22

Chapter 252

Morning came too slowly. I was at Zane’s door the moment the sun rose, demanding an audience.

He received me in a study that overlooked the estate, lounging in an ornate chair like this was all some amusing game.

“White Wolf. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“I want to discuss business.” I remained standing, keeping my tone neutral and professional. “Trade opportunities between our kingdoms. My pack has resources that might interest vampire territories.”

His eyebrows rose with genuine interest. “Oh? And what brings this sudden desire for commerce?”

“Politics.” I shrugged, playing the pragmatic leader. “Despite last night’s… misunderstanding, I recognize the value of vampire alliances. Your connections span continents. Your trade networks are unmatched.”

Zane leaned back, studying me. “Interesting. Most wolves view us with superstition and fear.”

“Most wolves aren’t trying to build a kingdom.” I moved closer to his desk, noting the papers scattered there-contracts, ledgers,

correspondence. “I’ve heard rumors that the vampire courts have been expanding their influence lately. Acquiring new resources,

strengthening positions.”

“We have our ventures, yes.” His tone was carefully neutral.

“Must be expensive.” I kept my voice casual, like making small talk. “I know the witch Coven has been making moves too. Political

restructuring, new alliances. That kind of ambition requires significant capital.” I paused deliberately. “I imagine their leader must have

had to secure substantial backing for her initiatives.”

Something flickered across Zane’s face-just for an instant. Satisfaction? Amusement?

The Coven’s finances are their own concern,” he said smoothly, but there was a new edge to his tone.

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1428 Thu Jan 22