Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 71

Chapter 71

Elowen

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The private chamber felt cramped with all four of us inside, but I could barely focus on the surroundings. Scarlett stood near the window, her usually vibrant energy dimmed to something that made my chest ache with protective fury.

“I’ll find Frost and demand an explanation,” I said, moving toward her. “He’s clearly your mate! Whatever game he’s playing-*

“No need,” Scarlett interrupted, forcing a brittle smile that fooled absolutely no one. “His behavior told me everything I needed to know.”

“Scarlett-

“I’ll wait outside,” she said quietly, already moving toward the door. “You and your parents must have a lot to catch up on.”

The soft click of the door closing behind her felt like a verdict.

My father’s eyes were wide with wonder and something that looked like awe. “Elowen! You’re truly a white wolf! What you did out there…

you saved all of us!”

I couldn’t help smiling at his expression. “I knew you’d be proud of me, Dad.”

Guilt flickered across his weathered features. “Whether now or before, I’ve always considered you a brave warrior. I never stopped being proud of you, even when…” He swallowed hard. “Even when you couldn’t shift. That didn’t change who you were to me.”

“Alright, enough of this emotional nonsense,” Mother interrupted with a fond smile. “I haven’t seen my daughter in four years- let’s not

waste time on regrets.”

Father nodded sheepishly. “I should go discuss military matters with the Alpha King. We’ll talk more later, sweetheart. He pressed a quick kiss to my forehead before departing.

The moment we were alone, Mother grabbed my hands, her amber eyes–so like mine–sharp with concern.

‘What’s wrong? Is that tyrant still threatening you?” Her gaze turned predatory. “I saw how he looked at you during the battle. Has he been hurting you?”

I couldn’t help laughing, Trust my mother to see right through everything.

“The damned bond still isn’t broken,” I admitted wearily. “So he keeps trying to force me to accept his mark.”

Mother nodded grimly. “What are your plans? I know you’re strong–willed, but if this is the Moon Goddess’s gift… and if it hasn’t severed after four years, that might mean something.”

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Chapter 71

“No,” I said sharply, cutting her off. “I refuse to continue this bond. I won’t be his queen, no matter what. You know how stubborn he is,

how controlling-

“Don’t worry,” Mother said fiercely, her protective instincts flaring. “I’ll handle him. I’ll make it clear that he cannot mistreat my

daughter!”

Warmth flooded through me at her fierce loyalty.

Then her expression softened into something more maternal. “Though I have to admit, my precious daughter, you truly have the bearing

of a queen. You should have seen how magnificent your wolf looked under the moonlight–like something out of ancient legends!”

I was still laughing at her shameless bragging when Frost appeared in the doorway, his expression carefully neutral.

“The Alpha King requests your presence in the war room, along with Lady Lydia,” he said formally, avoiding my eyes.

Coward.

The war room buzzed with post–battle energy. Kaius sat at the head of the massive oak table, my father standing at his right hand. The Alpha King’s injuries had healed remarkably well, but I could feel his gaze tracking my every movement with an intensity that made my

skin crawl.

I didn’t come back to save you, I reminded myself, deliberately avoiding eye contact.

‘I never expected you to return for me,” Kaius said, his voice carrying layers of meaning I didn’t want to interpret.

I started to respond, but he continued smoothly, “This victory belongs to you. Without your intervention, my pack would have fallen. And now, other packs have witnessed the power of a white wolf firsthand.”

Mother’s expression darkened. “That’s hardly good news! White wolves have always been targets for jealousy and persecution. Everyone wants to capture or control legends!”

Kaius ignored her objection, his storm–gray eyes never leaving my face, “Which means your pack won’t remain hidden much longer. Your identity will bring danger to everyone you’ve sworn to protect.”

I caught the subtle threat in his words. “I can protect my pack just fine. I can protect myself too. Don’t worry about me, Alpha King. I let sarcasm drip from his title. “Oh, that’s right–I mean the Alpha King who barely survived tonight.”

Father’s jaw tightened at my disrespect, but Kalus only smiled.

“So let me be direct,” he said, leaning forward with predatory intent. “My pack–this kingdom–needs you as queen. It would stabilize our territories, and I could offer protection to both you and your wolves.”

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Hypocrite.

4. 4.

D

“That decision requires my daughter’s consent!” Mother snapped before I could respond. “Alpha King or not, mate or not–if she refuses,

then that’s final!*

Kaius’s expression grew dangerous. “Is that so, Elowen? You intend to keep running from fate? Because every time you try, destiny proves

stronger.”

I lifted my chin defiantly. “Then I’ll break it every single time. I’ll shatter this so–called destiny!” I stood abruptly. “My pack needs me. I

have responsibilities. I’m leaving.”

Father looked mortified by my boldness, but Mother hid a proud smile behind her hand. Kaius’s face had gone stone–cold.

“This time, I owe you a debt,” he said quietly. “You’re free to go. But before you leave…” His smile turned razor–sharp. “As a participant in tonight’s battle, you have the right to weigh in on how we handle the prisoners and the allied packs that supported this assault. What’s

your recommendation?”

I blinked, caught off–guard. Of course. Only mercy can bring lasting peace.

“Release the prisoners,” I said without hesitation. “As for the other packs–no retribution. Find peaceful alphas to replace the

warmongering ones.”

Kaius’s smile widened. “I thought you’d say that. Though my preferred method would be executing all prisoners and wiping out every pack

that dared challenge me.”

The casual brutality of his words sent ice through my veins. “You-!”

“If you were my queen,” he interrupted smoothly, “perhaps I’d consider your counsel. But right now, you’re just a stubborn little wolf who

refuses to accept her destiny.”

He’s baiting me. Don’t fall for it.

I kept my voice level. “Do whatever you want. Just remember–this is the last time I’ll save you.”

I moved to Mother’s side, whispering quick arrangements for future meetings, then gathered Scarlett with my eyes.

“Until next time, sweetheart,” Mother murmured, pressing my hand.

As we walked toward the door, Kalus’s voice followed us like a blade.

*Running away again, little wolf? How predictable.”

I didn’t look back.