Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 34

Chapter 34

There.

A thread of vanilla and wildflowers, mixed with something herbal and deliberately obscured. But unmistakably hers.

“FUCK! ELOWEN! I roared into the silent trees. “I know you’re here! Come out!”

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Z.7)

For a moment, nothing changed. Then I felt it—a spike of panic through the mate bond, followed immediately by her scent beginning to fade as she activated whatever ability allowed her to suppress her presence.

“Damn it!” I slammed my fist against the nearest tree trunk. “She’s using that fucking scent–masking trick again!”

But Frost had gone rigid beside me, his head tilted like a hunting dog catching wind of prey. “We have bigger problems,” he said quietly. “Multiple wolves approaching from the east. Fast.”

I inhaled again, this time catching the acrid smell of unwashed bodies, motor oil, and the metallic tang of weapons. Lots of weapons.

“ELOWEN!” I bellowed again. “Are you seriously going to fight me? Fine! I’m ready! Come out and face me!”

“No,” Frost said urgently, his usual calm cracking. “That’s not her pack approaching. That’s rogue wolves–and they’ve been tracking us.”

The rumble of engines grew audible, a mechanical growling that seemed obscene in the magical silence of the forest. Through the trees, I could see dust clouds approaching–multiple vehicles moving fast.

“We need to leave. Now,” Frost said, already moving toward our car. “They’ve been following us since we left the castle, waiting for us to

be isolated and vulnerable.”

‘I’m not leaving!” I snarled, my entire body vibrating with frustrated energy. “She’s right here! I can smell her! I’m not walking away when

I’m this close!”

‘Kaius!” Frost rarely used my given name, and never with that tone of absolute authority. “This isn’t about just you anymore! Your decisions affect our entire pack! We leave now, or we risk starting a war we’re not prepared for!”

The sight of my normally composed beta actually raising his voice made me pause. Frost never lost his temper–never. But even as rational thought tried to reassert itself, the mate bond pulled at me like a physical rope.

The first vehicles broke through the tree line–modified trucks and motorcycles bristling with mounted machine guns and improvised armor plating. These weren’t desperate refugees or scattered rogues. This was a coordinated military force with serious firepower.

“Well, shit,” I muttered, reassessing the tactical situation. “Those are some impressive toys they’re carrying.”

“Yes, and they’re pointed at us,” Frost snapped, yanking open the driver’s door. “Get in the fucking car!”

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Chapter 34

The rogue wolves were positioning themselves in a classic encirclement pattern, cutting off our escape routes with practiced efficiency. Whoever was leading them knew what they were doing.

Fuck. This was the last thing I needed right now.

“Well,” I said, frustration bleeding into my voice. “Looks like I’ll get a little warm–up battle before I catch Elowen.”

“Are you fucking insane?” Frost exploded, his usual composure completely shattered. “Those are military–grade weapons! Mounted

machine guns, armor–piercing rounds! This isn’t some tavern brawl!”

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I clenched my jaw, torn between tactical sense and desperate need. “I can’t leave, Frost. She’s right here–I can smell her. If I walk away now, God knows where she’ll disappear to next. This might be my only chance.”

“Kaius!” Frost grabbed my arm, desperation evident in his voice. “I am not watching you commit suicide over your mate obsession! We’re

leaving, now!”

I was about to tell him that nothing could change my mind when the wind shifted, carrying a fresh wave of Elowen’s scent. This time it was stronger, clearer–and moving rapidly toward the west.

She’s running.

The knowledge hit me like a physical blow. She was right there, close enough that I could probably reach her in minutes, and she was fleeing again. The thought of letting her slip away when I was this close was intolerable.

I vaulted into the passenger seat with predatory grace. “Drive west! Fast!”

“Thank God,” Frost breathed, relief flooding his voice as he dove behind the wheel. “You’re finally willing to leave this death trap!”