Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 62

Chapter 62

Elowen

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I woke before dawn, my mind immediately focused on one thing: escape. The familiar weight of determination settled in my chest as !

mentally catalogued my options. Should I wait for the perfect opportunity to slip away unnoticed? Or make a bold dash for freedom while

I still had the element of surprise?

Even if I’m not at full strength, once I’m outside this massive castle, I can use the wind to carry me home.

But if a direct confrontation failed, I’d probably never see anything more comfortable than a dungeon cell again. The risk was enormous.

Think, Elowen. You need the perfect-

The door burst open without warning, and three imposing figures filled the doorway. Kaius stood in the center, flanked by Frost and

Cross, their combined presence making the room feel suddenly cramped.

My heart hammered against my ribs, but I forced myself to appear calm. “Well, well,” I said with mock cheerfulness, “what’s the special

occasion? Does it really take three grown men to handle one defenseless woman?”

All three looked slightly uncomfortable at my jab, but Kaius’s expression quickly shifted to something that made my blood run cold–pure,

predatory delight.

“You’re absolutely right,” he said, his voice carrying the satisfaction of a hunter who’d cornered his prey. “Today will be the day I claim you completely. After that, I’ll announce you as my queen to the entire pack.”

He gestured casually to Frost. “Bring in her breakfast.”

Frost’s face showed a flicker of what looked like guilt, but he nodded encouragingly in my direction before moving to comply. The small gesture of support was both comforting and terrifying–if even Frost wasn’t going to help me escape this fate…

I stared at him in disbelief, waiting for the punchline. Surely he couldn’t be serious. I forced a bright smile, my voice dripping with false

sweetness.

“You’re joking, right?‘ I said, tilting my head with exaggerated confusion. Because that’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all week.”

But Kaius’s expression remained deadly serious, his storm–gray eyes burning with absolute conviction. The smile slowly died on my lips as

the horrifying reality sank in.

He’s not fucking joking.

Fury exploded through my system like molten metal. I shot to my feet, ready to hurl the breakfast tray at his arrogant head, but something made me pause. The way all three alphas tensed, their bodies coiled for action, told me everything I needed to know.

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14:41 Tue, Jan 13

Chapter 62

Fuck. They came prepared for a fight. That’s why there are three of them.

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I slowly settled back into my chair, swallowing my rage with visible effort. Fighting them head–on would be suicide, and I was smarter

than that.

Besides, I reasoned, how could I stage an effective rebellion on an empty stomach?

I shot all three men a look dripping with sarcasm before attacking my breakfast with deliberate aggression, wolfing down every bite with

exaggerated enthusiasm. The way they watched me–like I might vanish into thin air at any moment–was both flattering and deeply

annoying.

When I finished, I shoved the empty plate away with unnecessary force. “There. Happy? I’m just a poor, fragile prisoner–what exactly are

you three big, strong men so terrified of?”

Kaius moved closer, close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from his body. He inhaled deeply, and I saw something shift in his

expression.

“Not lie to me. You’ve recovered considerably,” he observed, his voice carrying new appreciation. “Your scent is much stronger now.” Then

his nose wrinkled slightly. “Though you do smell rather… unpleasant.”

What the fuck? Heat flooded my cheeks. Of course I smell bad! You’ve been keeping me prisoner without proper bathing facilities!

But then inspiration struck. Maybe I could use this to my advantage.

“This room doesn’t have a bathroom,” I said, standing with as much dignity as I could muster. “I need to bathe.”

Cross immediately shook his head. “You can endure one more night. Tomorrow, after the Alpha has properly claimed you, you’ll have

access to whatever facilities you need.”

Kaius nodded in agreement, but I caught Frost hiding a smile.

I turned pleading eyes toward the beta, hoping he might be my salvation.

“Alpha,‘ Frost said smoothly, “surely you don’t want your queen reeking of dungeon when you mark her?”

I watched Kaius waver, clearly torn between maintaining control and his obvious distaste for my current state.

“Besides,” I added with a razor–sharp smile, “surely the strongest members of your pack aren’t cowering in fear of me trying to escape? That would be rather… embarrassing for your reputations.”

Kaius’s eyes flashed dangerously. “Fear? Who said anything about fear?” He gestured sharply toward the door. ‘Fine. Come on. Let’s get