Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 63

Chapter 63

20

Despite his bravado, the journey to the bathing facilities still required all three men as escorts. I walked between them, acutely aware that any sudden movement would trigger an immediate response. Pack members we passed stared with obvious curiosity until Kaius’s murderous glare sent them scurrying away.

As we walked, I realized the castle was far larger than I’d imagined. We traversed corridor after corridor, climbing staircases I’d never seen before, until we reached a level that took my breath away.

This isn’t a castle. It’s a palace.

The entire floor was a masterpiece of luxury–soaring ceilings, intricate tapestries, marble floors polished to mirror brightness. Everything screamed of wealth and power beyond imagination.

“This level is designed for the king and queen,” Frost explained, noting my stunned expression. “Since there’s never been a queen, Katus

has never used these chambers.”

We stopped at massive double doors that opened to reveal a room that belonged in fairy tales. The bedchamber was enormous, dominated by a bed that could have accommodated six people comfortably. Rich burgundy and gold fabrics draped every surface, while crystals suspended from the ceiling cast rainbow patterns across the walls.

But more striking than the visual splendor was the scent that hit me like a physical force. Something in the air made my skin tingle, made my wolf stir restlessly, made every nerve ending come alive with unwanted awareness.

What the hell is that smell?

Frost was watching me with obvious amusement. “Cross and I can’t detect anything unusual, but you’re feeling it, aren’t you?” His smile turned knowing. “This room has been prepared with herbs that have a… particular effect on destined mates. The fact that you’re responding to it proves what we already knew.”

The implications made my stomach drop. They’ve been planning this. The room, the timing, everything.

“It’s also,” Frost continued cheerfully, “the perfect location for a marking ceremony,

At the far end of the massive chamber, another set of doors led to what had to be the most opulent bathroom I’d ever seen. Marble surfaces gleamed, and a tub large enough to swim in dominated the space.

All three men stopped at the bathroom threshold. Kalus turned to his companions with casual authority.

“You can go. I’ll handle things from here.”

As Frost and Cross departed, I caught the look of anticipation in Kaius’s eyes, the way his entire body seemed to vibrate with barely controlled energy. He’d made some kind of decision, and whatever it was, it terrified me.

1/3

14:41 Tue, Jan 12

Chapter 63

But with the other two gone, maybe I had a chance…

220

Just wash quickly and look for an escape route.

“Go ahead, Kaius said, his voice rough with something that made my pulse quicken. Tlll be waiting.”

I stepped into the bathroom, immediately searching for windows or any other means of escape. But the mom was sealed tight–no openings except the door I’d entered through

Shit.

The herbal scent was even stronger in here, making my head swim with its intoxicating effects. I stripped quickly and sank into the warm water, trying to ignore how the perfumed air seemed to be clouding my judgment.

By the time I finished bathing and emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a plush towel, my desire to escape had been replaced by something far more dangerous–a building heat that had nothing to do with the warm water.

The herbs. They’re affecting my mind.

And then I saw him.

Kaius stood in the center of the room, completely naked, his powerful body on full display in the crystal–scattered light. Every muscle was perfectly defined, from the broad shoulders that tapered to a narrow waist, to the strong thighs that spoke of countless hours of training. Battle scars marked his skin like badges of honor, and the way he held himself radiated pure masculine confidence.

Oh, fuck.

My body’s response was immediate and mortifying. Heat pooled low in my belly, my skin became hypersensitive, and suddenly the towel felt like it was made of sandpaper against my overwrought nerves.

Part of me was still furious, still wanted to fight him with everything I had. But another part–a part that was growing stronger with every breath of that intoxicating air–wanted nothing more than to close the distance between us.

The escape plan. Focus on the escape plan.

But as I stared at him, at the promise in his storm–gray eyes, I realized with growing horror that my carefully laid plans were crumbling. The herbs, his proximity, the mate bond that had been strengthened by his blood–it was all combining into a perfect storm that threatened to wash away my resistance entirely.

I’m in trouble. I’m in so much trouble.