Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 75

Chapter 75

Elowen

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Back in my room, I finally allowed myself to truly relax. The bonfire celebration had been exactly what I needed–laughter, friendship, and

the warm reminder of what I was fighting to protect. Now, settling into my familiar bed, I remembered I hadn’t touched my phone in

days.

Might as well check what I missed.

The moment I powered it on, notifications flooded the screen. All from Cassius.

Cassius: “Made it to Chicago safely?”

Cassius: “How’s the windy city treating you?”

Cassius: “Busy with work already? You always were dedicated.”

Cassius: “Elowen, are you alright? I tried calling but it went straight to voicemail.”

Cassius: “Where did you disappear to this time? I’m getting worried.”

Shit. I completely forgot about my fake business trip.

I needed to maintain my cover story–couldn’t have humans getting suspicious about my mysterious disappearances. After a moment’s

thought, I typed back:

Me: “I’m so sorry. I was robbed the first day I arrived, and they took my phone. I only got back late last night, so I haven’t been able to

contact anyone.”

Perfect. Explains the silence and gives me an excuse for any inconsistencies.

I was about to set the phone aside when it buzzed immediately.

Jesus, was he waiting by his phone?

Cassius: “That’s terrible! I was so worried. I contacted the company you were supposed to meet with, but they said they never saw you!”

My stomach dropped. Fuck. He actually checked up on my story?

Panic made me type faster than my brain could filter.

Me: “Actually, it wasn’t just my phone they took. My wallet too… you know how Chicago can be. So I never made it to that meeting. I

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Chapter 75

barely scraped together enough money to get home.”

A pause. Then:

Cassius: “God, what a nightmare. I’m just relieved you’re safe now. Don’t worry about the boss–I’ll explain what happened.”

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Despite his tendency to overstep boundaries and misread our relationship, Cassius genuinely cared about me.

Me: “Thank you so much. I wasn’t looking forward to facing Patricia empty–handed. I’m feeling much better now–I’ll be back in the office

soon.”

Cassius: “Good. I’m looking forward to seeing you Monday. I’ve missed you.”

There it is. The casual intimacy that made our friendship complicated. I kept my response professional.

Me: “Good, then I’ll see you Monday.”

I powered off the phone before he could respond with anything more loaded. A few days of rest had been nice, but I couldn’t keep avoiding my human responsibilities. I needed that job to fund the pack, especially now with potential threats circling.

Monday it is.

I was just drifting off to sleep when soft knocking echoed through my door. My eyes snapped open with irritation.

“Go away, Evelyn!” I called out. “It’s past midnight! Not all of us are nocturnal creatures like you!”

“It’s me,” came Scarlett’s voice, small and uncertain.

That got my attention immediately. I padded to the door, opening it to find my fierce beta standing there in cotton pajamas decorated with little wolves. The contrast between her imposing height and the adorable sleepwear was so endearing it made my heart clench.

“Of course you can stay,” I said before she could ask, stepping aside to let her in.

She climbed into bed with the careful movements of someone trying not to impose. I settled beside her, knowing this wasn’t about

wanting company for sleep.

“So,” I said gently, ‘what’s keeping you awake?”

“Nothing’s keeping me awake,” she said defensively. “I just felt… lonely.”

My heart ached for her. “Well, you have me. Always.”

Scarlett turned toward me, her usual boldness replaced by something fragile and vulnerable. “Elowen, can I ask you something? Promise you won’t laugh?”

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:.

Seeing my normally straightforward beta looking so uncertain was both touching and heartbreaking. ‘About Frost?”

She nodded, wrapping her arms around herself. “I know I’m not going to accept him, but I…” She paused, gathering courage. “Do you think

my mate is a good person?‘

The raw hope in her voice made my chest tight. I considered my answer carefully.

“He’s the gentlest and bravest wolf I’ve ever met,‘ I said honestly. “He would die before letting harm come to someone he loves. That

much I’ve seen firsthand.

Scarlett’s expression crumbled slightly. “So he really is a good man. Her voice dropped to barely a whisper, so quiet I almost missed it. “If

only… he could love me.”

“Silly beta, don’t overthink this! I said softly but firmly. I believe the Moon Goddess doesn’t make mistakes with these things. Maybe you

two still have a chance! Maybe time will reveal why she paired you together.”

“Don’t.” Scarlett shook her head firmly. ‘Don’t comfort me with false hope. Whether he accepts me or not doesn’t matter. I was just…

curious about what kind of person he is. Now I know, and that’s enough.”

The pain she was trying so hard to hide broke my heart. I pulled her into a fierce hug.

“Whoever ends up as your mate–if anyone ever does–they’ll be the luckiest wolf alive,” I said against her hair.

She laughed, but the sound was forced, the kind of laugh that tried to mask heartbreak. “You really know how to sweet–talk a girl.”

“It’s the truth.” I pulled back to look at her seriously. “But speaking of the future–I need you to increase patrols while I’m gone. Whatever those rogue wolves want, we can’t take chances. If there’s any sign of real danger, don’t engage. Wait for me.”

“Gone? Her brow furrowed with concern.

“I have to go back to work in a few days. Keep the money flowing so we can maintain all this.” I gestured around us. “The human world

requires maintenance.”

Scarlett’s expression turned fierce with determination. “I can’t balance budgets worth shit, but protecting this pack? That’s what I was

born to do. Leave the security to me.”

I reached over and turned off the bedside lamp, plunging us into comfortable darkness.

“Sleep well, my dear beta,” I murmured.

“You too, Alpha.”