Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 79

Chapter 79

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Elowen

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Q75)

I made the journey back to pack territory in record time, adrenaline and residual magical energy carrying me through the forest like a silver shadow. By the time I reached our borders, the fire had completely faded from my claws, leaving only the throbbing agony of the

wounds on my back.

Shifting to human form sent fresh spikes of pain through my nervous system. The enchanted claw marks were definitely infected with something unnatural–I could feel poison spreading through the damaged tissue like slow acid.

Don’t let anyone see how bad this is.

I slipped through the pack house’s side entrance, avoiding the common areas where Scarlett and Evelyn might be waiting with questions I wasn’t ready to answer. The medical wing was mercifully empty except for Lyra, who looked up from her supply inventory with immediate

concern.

“Elowen!” She was at my side in seconds, professional instincts overriding any curiosity about why I was sneaking around injured. “What

happened to you?”

“Ran into some hostile wildlife,” I said through gritted teeth, allowing her to guide me to the examination table. “Nothing too serious.”

“Bullshit,” Lyra said bluntly, helping me remove my shirt so she could assess the damage. “These aren’t animal claws–this is magical

trauma. And it’s spreading.”

She was right. Dark veins were already creeping outward from each wound, carrying corruption deeper into my system.

“Jesus, Elowen,” Lyra breathed, her hands moving with practiced efficiency as she gathered medical supplies. ‘Whatever hit you, it was designed to bring down any powerful creature. Even an Alpha. The magic is trying to prevent your natural healing, make the wounds fester until…” She met my eyes gravely. “Until your body gives up fighting.”

Great. Enchanted weapons designed specifically for creatures like me.

“But,” Lyra continued with growing confidence, “your white wolf physiology is fighting back harder than they probably expected, I can see your healing factor trying to purge the toxins.” She began applying a salve that immediately dulled the burning sensation. Give it a few hours, and you should be fine.”

Relief flooded through me. I’d been worried the magical polson might be beyond even my enhanced healing abilities.

“There,” Lyra said with satisfaction as she finished bandaging the wounds. “But next time you decide to investigate mysterious supernatural threats? Maybe don’t go alone.”

Before I could respond, familiar footsteps echoed in the corridor outside. Scarlett burst through the door with Evelyn close behind, both wearing identical expressions of worry and exasperation.

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“What the hell happened out there?” Scarlett demanded, her warrior instincts immediately cataloging my injuries. “You look like you got

in a fight with a wood chipper!”

I shot an accusatory look at Evelyn. “I thought you said there was no immediate danger!”

“I said the future is always in flux,” Evelyn replied with infuriating serenity. “Besides, the fact that you returned safely proves this trip was worthwhile, doesn’t it? If I had stopped you from going to test the waters, you probably wouldn’t have been able to rest easy anyway.” Her smile turned mysterious. “I’d call that a successful reconnaissance mission.”

Despite my irritation at her casual attitude, she had a point.

“She’s right about one thing,” I admitted reluctantly. “I did learn something important about these rogue wolves.”

I quickly summarized the encounter, watching their expressions grow increasingly grim as I described the artificial creatures and their horrifying abilities.

“They felt no pain, showed no fear, and actually grew stronger as they bled,” I finished. “And when I managed to kill two of them, the third escaped through some kind of portal magic.”

Evelyn’s playful demeanor vanished completely. “Necromantic enhancement,” she said with disgust. “Some witch has been experimenting with forbidden flesh magic–turning living wolves into tireless, emotionless weapons.”

“That’s possible?” Scarlett asked, horror creeping into her voice.

“Theoretically.” Evelyn’s expression darkened. “But any practitioner twisted enough to actually attempt it…” She shuddered. “We’re dealing with someone completely insane. The kind of witch who sees other sentient beings as raw materials for magical experimentation.”

The thought of those empty red eyes, the mechanical way they’d attacked without regard for their own survival, made my stomach turn. Somewhere out there, wolves who’d once been people were trapped in their own bodies, forced to hunt and kill without any control over

their actions.

“That’s horrible,” I whispered.

“It gets worse,” Evelyn continued grimly. “This kind of magic requires a constant supply of test subjects. Whoever’s doing this has been capturing wolves for months, maybe years.” Her green eyes met mine. “And now they know exactly how powerful you are.”

Scarlett’s jaw tightened with protective anger. “So what do we do? We can’t let them keep experimenting on innocent wolves, but we also can’t risk our pack in a direct confrontation.”

I thought about the moment when fire had erupted from my claws, the rush of elemental power that had turned the tide of battle.

“Actually,” I said with growing confidence, “I think I can handle enhanced creatures now. My abilities are evolving faster than they can probably adapt their weapons.” I looked at both my friends seriously. “But that doesn’t mean I’m taking unnecessary risks.”

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“Good,” Scarlett said firmly.

Until we know more about who’s behind this and what they ultimately want,” I continued, “no one leaves our territory alone. No patrol routes that take you near that cave. And absolutely no engagement with these artificial wolves without my direct authorization.”

Both women nodded, recognizing the Alpha command in my voice.

“We stay alert, we gather information, and we protect what’s ours,” I said with finality. “But we don’t go looking for fights we don’t

understand.”

Yet, I added silently, flexing my fingers and remembering the sensation of flames dancing along my claws.