Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 72

Chapter 72

Kaius

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After Elowen’s parents departed and she vanished into the night like smoke, Frost’s tense posture finally showed a hint of relief. He moved toward the door with studied casualness, as if nothing earth–shattering had just occurred.

Not on my watch.

“Beta!” My voice cut through his escape attempt like a blade. “In such a hurry to leave? What’s eating at you that you can’t share with

your Alpha?”

Frost turned slowly, his expression cracking into a bitter smile that made my chest tighten with dread.

“You felt it, didn’t you?” he said quietly.

I took a deep breath, and the truth hit me like a physical blow. “Fuck! I should have noticed sooner, but now it’s undeniable.” My voice dropped to a growl. “Your scent is fading. The side effects from those forbidden enhancements are showing.”

Frost shrugged with practiced nonchalance, but I caught the tremor in his hands. “Yeah, well, that psychotic witch warned me something might happen. I knew the risks going in.” His attempt at humor fell flat. “Though I have to admit, I didn’t expect it to manifest quite like this. Guess it’s time to report back to her–she’s always been fascinated by my particular reactions to her little experiments.”

His casual tone made my blood boil. “So that’s why you ran from that blue–haired wolf?” I snarled. “You know she’s strong–beta level at least. Perfect match for you, and gorgeous as hell. Why would you throw that away?”

“What’s the point?” Frost’s mask slipped for just a moment, revealing the pain underneath. “I know how this ends. My scent is deteriorating rapidly–eventually it’ll disappear completely. No scent means no stable mate bond. Even if we connected tonight, it won’t last. His voice turned hollow. “Soon enough, that accidental bond will snap anyway. As long as I don’t die from this, I’ll consider it a win.”

“You realize what complete scent loss means?” I stood, fury radiating through my voice. “You won’t be a normal wolf anymore! You !! never find another mate! Ever!”

Frost’s smile was heartbreakingly serene. “Yeah, I got that memo. It’s fine, really.”

The hell it was fine. I could see through his facade–beneath that casual acceptance was a wolf slowly dying inside.

“You’re seeing that witch tomorrow,” I commanded, Alpha authority bleeding into my tone. Find out if there’s a way to restore your scent. And if she can’t fix what she broke…” My voice dropped to a lethal whisper. Til kill the bitch who cost you your mate.”

“Alright, alright,” Frost said, rubbing his temples. TI check in with her when I get a chance. But right now we have bigger problems than my love life. His expression grew serious. “What about the prisoners? The captured packs?

I ran my hands through my hair, weighing options that would have been simple just hours ago. Finally, decision crystallized.

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14:43 Tue, Jan 13

Chapter 72

“Execute the captured alphas–all of them,” I said firmly. “Release the regular rogue fighters. As for the allied packs…” I paused, tasting words that felt foreign on my tongue. “Send them home. Let them choose new leaders. Peaceful ones.

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Frost’s eyebrows shot up in theatrical surprise. “Well, fuck me sideways! Here I was expecting a good old–fashioned massacre, and you’re only taking out the ringleaders?” His grin turned wicked. “Dare I say you’re actually following our queen’s advice?”

“Don’t push it,” I warned. “This isn’t about going soft. My usual methods involve overwhelming retaliation–maybe it’s time to try a different approach. Doesn’t mean I’ve suddenly converted to merciful governance.”

“Sure, sure,” Frost said with a knowing smirk that made me want to throttle him.

“Get some rest, beta,” I said, suddenly feeling the weight of the night’s battles. “We’ve got a kingdom to rebuild. Destroyed buildings, dead wolves, traumatized survivors–the work’s just beginning.”

Something shifted in Frost’s expression–satisfaction, maybe even pride. It caught my attention immediately.

“What’s that look about?”

“Nothing major,” Frost said, his smile turning genuine for the first time tonight. “Just thinking your mate is already changing you, even without a completed marking. She’s getting under your skin in ways you probably don’t even realize.”

The observation hit closer to home than I cared to admit. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?*

“I knew white wolves carried different energy,” he continued, warming to his theme. “On that battlefield tonight, when she appeared in all her glory under the moonlight–every soul there felt it. The violence just… stopped. Like something primal in all of us recognized her authority and chose peace instead of bloodshed.”

I found myself nodding, remembering that moment when Elowen’s radiance had frozen an entire army mid–battle. Even the most bloodthirsty rogues had simply… submitted.

Could white wolves really be symbols of peace?

I shook my head, dispelling the romantic notion. “Don’t get ahead of yourself. That legendary mate currently hates my guts with the passion of a thousand suns.” The bitter truth settled in my chest. “And now she’s disappeared again. Finding her is going to be like starting from scratch.”

“Maybe,” Frost said thoughtfully. “But something tells me she won’t stay hidden as long this time, White wolves aren’t meant to turk in shadows–they’re meant to lead.”

From his lips to the Moon Goddess’s ears.

“We’ll see,” I muttered, but deep down, hope flickered like a candle flame in the darkness.