Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 54

Chapter 54

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That’s when I heard it–the soft sound of footsteps approaching through the corridor. But it wasn’t the measured tread of guards making their rounds. These steps were different. Purposeful. Familiar.

And then his scent hit me.

Sandalwood and winter pine, mixed with something darker and more complex–power, possession, and an intensity that made my skin

prickle with unwanted awareness. My body reacted before my mind could stop it, a subtle shiver running down my spine that had nothing

to do with the cold stone beneath me.

Kaius.

I kept my breathing steady, my body completely relaxed, even as every nerve ending went on high alert. He was close now–I could feel

his presence like electricity in the air, could sense the weight of his attention settling on me like a physical touch.

I waited for him to enter the cell, for the confrontation I’d been both dreading and anticipating. I’d already planned what I’d say, how I’d

tear into him for this latest betrayal. Maybe he’d try to force himself on me, try to claim me properly this time. The thought made my

skin crawl, but I was ready to fight him with everything I had.

But the footsteps stopped outside my cell.

He didn’t come in. He just… stood there.

What the hell?

Minutes passed in absolute silence. I could feel him watching me, studying my supposedly sleeping form with an intensity that made my skin burn. The great Alpha King, too much of a coward to face his captive? Or maybe he was smart enough to know I’d try to claw his

eyes out the moment I got close enough.

Probably both.

His scent continued to fill the space around my cell, growing stronger and more complex. I could detect layers I’d never noticed before- frustration, longing, something that might have been regret. It was intoxicating and infuriating in equal measure.

And that’s when my body started betraying me.

The mate bond might be suppressed by wolfsbane, but it wasn’t broken. His presence, his scent, the simple fact of his proximity–it was having effects I absolutely did not want to acknowledge. The aches and pains from my capture seemed to fade slightly, as if his nearness provided some kind of biological comfort.

Worse, other parts of my body were responding in ways that made me want to scream with frustration. Heat pooled low in my belly, my skin became hypersensitive, and I had to fight to keep my breathing steady as arousal crept through my system like poison.

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14:40 Tue, Jan 13

Chapter 54

I hate this. I hate him. I hate that I can’t control this.

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How was it possible that the same man who’d kidnapped me, imprisoned me, and was probably planning God knows what other violations,

could make my body feel safe and wanted just by existing in the same space?

The minutes stretched into what felt like hours. Still he stood there, silent as a statue, just watching. I began to wonder if he’d stay all

night, if this was some new form of psychological torture designed to drive me insane.

Finally–finally–I heard movement. His footsteps retreated slowly, reluctantly, and his scent began to fade. Only when I was certain he

was gone did I allow myself to release the breath I’d been holding.

Fuck.

I rolled onto my side, pressing my face against the thin pillow as emotions warred in my chest. Relief that the confrontation had been postponed. Fury at being trapped like an animal. And underneath it all, a treacherous sense of comfort that made me hate myself.

How had the mate bond become this strong? Four years ago, I’d been able to walk away from him. Now, apparently, just breathing the

same air made my body respond like he was some kind of drug.

I need to get out of here. Soon.