Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 258

Chapter 258

Elowen

Five days in this golden cage.

My new quarters were adjacent to Zane’s own chambers—a suite of rooms so opulent they made my previous accommodations look

modest. Silk sheets, velvet curtains, furniture inlaid with precious metals. An entire wardrobe of gowns appeared overnight, each more

elaborate than the last. Servants attended to my every need before I could voice it.

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It was suffocating.

Every morning, Zane allowed me to see Evelyn-but only from a distance, through the enchanted glass barrier outside the ritual chamber.

I wasn’t permitted to speak with her, only to watch as the extraction slowly drained her life away.

Every morning, I asked the same question.

“When will you release her?”

And every morning, Zane gave the same answer with that cold, satisfied smile.

“When the energy collection is complete. These things take time, Elowen. Patience.”

Today was no different. I stood outside the ritual chamber with Zane beside me, watching through the enchanted glass as Evelyn floated in her prison, visibly weaker than yesterday. The extraction was killing her slowly, despite Zane’s promises.

“It’s been five days,” I said, fighting to keep my voice level. “How much longer?”

“As long as necessary.” Zane stood beside me, his presence a constant reminder of my powerlessness. “The process cannot be rushed

without risking the purity of the extraction.”

“You said partial extraction. You promised-*

“And I’ll keep that promise.” His tone was mild, but the underlying steel was clear. “Eventually. When I’m satisfied with the yield.” He turned to face me. “Unless you’d like to renegotiate our arrangement? Perhaps offer something more… substantial?”

The implication made my skin crawl. “Our deal stands. I stay, you spare her life.”

“Indeed.” His smile widened. “Speaking of which, I’ve taken the liberty of selecting your attire for this evening’s gathering. The emerald

gown, I think. It will complement your eyes beautifully.”

I stared at him. “You’re choosing my clothes now?”

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“Of course. You’re to accompany me as my companion. Appearance matters.” He said it so casually, like discussing the weather. “The other vampire lords are gathering tonight. They’ll want to meet the legendary White Wolf who’s chosen to grace our court.”

‘I’m not your companion-”

“You agreed to stay in my territory. Under my protection. As part of my court.” His voice hardened. “Did you think that meant sitting in your rooms indefinitely? No, my dear. You’re here to be seen. To demonstrate my… hospitality.”

“That wasn’t part of our deal.”

“It’s implied in the very nature of the arrangement.” Zane’s eyes gleamed with dark amusement. “You belong to my court now. Which

means you attend court functions. Smile. Make pleasant conversation. Show the other lords that Zane Corvinus has achieved what they could not-the White Wolf’s allegiance.”

My hands clenched into fists. “I never agreed to be your trophy.”

“Then you should have negotiated more carefully.” He stepped closer, his voice dropping. “The emerald gown. Tonight. Eight o’clock. Don’t

disappoint me, Elowen. Remember what happens when you’re… uncooperative.”

He didn’t need to gesture toward Evelyn’s chamber. The threat was clear.

The banquet hall glittered with obscene wealth-crystal chandeliers, golden plates, goblets studded with gems. Vampire lords from across

the eastern territories filled the space, all of them ancient, powerful, and radiating predatory interest.

I wore the emerald gown because I had no choice. It was beautiful and I hated it-silk that clung to every curve, a neckline that plunged lower than I’d ever worn, sleeves that left my shoulders bare. I felt exposed. Vulnerable. On display.

Which was exactly what Zane intended.

He kept me at his side all evening, one possessive hand at the small of my back as he paraded me from group to group. “Allow me to introduce the White Wolf,” he’d say, his tone warm and proud, like showing off a prized possession. “She’s chosen to honor my court with

her presence.”

The other vampires looked at me with barely concealed hunger and amusement. One lord-ancient and skeletal-actually laughed.

“The great White Wolf, reduced to a court ornament? How delightfully ironic.” His smile revealed fangs that looked diseased. “Tell me,

does she perform tricks as well?”

Laughter rippled through the nearby vampires.

Scarlett, standing a few feet away in the shadows, tensed. I could feel her rage building, saw her hand move toward the blade hidden

beneath her cloak.

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Chapter 258

“Scarlett.” I didn’t raise my voice, but the Alpha command was clear. “Stand down.”

She froze, conflict written plainly on her face. But she obeyed.

“Very well trained,” another vampire observed. “Perhaps there’s hope for the wolf yet.”

More laughter. Each jibe hit like a physical blow, but I kept my expression neutral. Kept my rage buried deep where they couldn’t see it.

Zane’s hand tightened on my waist-warning or reminder, I couldn’t tell.

“My lords,” I said, my voice carrying across the sudden quiet. “I appreciate your… colorful observations.” I turned to the skeletal lord. “Though I must say, for creatures who claim to be sophisticated and eternal, you seem remarkably insecure. One would think that true

power wouldn’t need to constantly assert itself through childish mockery.”

Silence. Absolute, shocked silence.

The skeletal lord’s smile vanished. “How dare you-”

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“How dare I speak truth?” I met his gaze steadily. “You’re right. That was terribly rude of me. Almost as rude as treating a guest-even an unwilling one-as entertainment.” I looked around at the gathered vampires. “But I suppose when one lives in shadows for millennia, one forgets basic courtesy. How sad.”

Zane’s hand had gone rigid on my waist. For a moment, I thought he might strike me right there.

Then he laughed-a genuine sound that startled everyone present.

“Magnificent,” he said, something like real appreciation in his voice. “You see, my lords? This is why she’s worth keeping.” He looked down at me. “Very well played, White Wolf. You’ve earned a small concession. Tonight, you may actually visit your friend-speak with her, not

just observe through glass.”

It wasn’t much. But it was something. A tiny victory in an ocean of defeats. “Thank you,” I forced out through gritted teeth.

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of forced smiles and veiled insults. By the time Zane finally allowed me to leave, I felt like I’d

fought a battle-and lost.

Evelyn looked worse than this morning. Her skin had taken on a translucent quality, veins visible beneath like dark rivers. Her hair,

normally glossy black, had faded to charcoal gray.

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“God, Evelyn-* I pressed my hand against the barrier keeping me from reaching her,

“I’m fine.” Her voice was weak but still carried that characteristic bite. “Mostly. Just a little… drained.”

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Chapter 258

‘A little?’ I couldn’t keep the anguish from my voice. “You’re dying. He said partial extraction-

“Yeah, well, Zane’s definition of partial seems pretty flexible. Evelyn tried to smile. “How are you holding up? You look…” She squinted at me. “Is that an evening gown? What the hell happened?”

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