Alpha's STOLEN Mate (by Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 86

Chapter 86

Kaius

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I still couldn’t wrap my head around why Elowen had let me into her hidden pack. This place had been a mystery I’d been dying to unravel for months. I’d wondered what she’d built, what she’d become-but seeing it firsthand left me speechless.

Following behind her and the red-headed woman, I took in everything as we walked toward the main house. Her military formations were flawless, disciplined. The hospital she’d constructed was state-of-the-art, and the dining hall could feed hundreds. But what struck me most was her people-relaxed, content, no trace of the constant anxiety that plagued my own pack members who lived under the shadow

of war.

Elowen’s a fucking natural-born leader. Everything I’ve been struggling to achieve, she’s mastered effortlessly.

The observation stung my pride, but I couldn’t deny the evidence before my eyes. Whatever Elowen had built here, it worked.

When we finally reached her office-a surprisingly modest space considering her obvious success-she turned to face me. That familiar mocking smile played on her lips, the one that always made my blood boil and my pulse race simultaneously.

“Now do you see the gap between our packs?” she asked, crossing her arms.

I forced a casual shrug, determined not to give her the satisfaction of my amazement. “I understand what you’ve accomplished-you’ve built a war sanctuary. Very impressive for a small operation. But in reality, this model would never scale to larger territories. It’s

unsustainable.”

The words felt hollow even as I spoke them, but my pride demanded I maintain some semblance of superiority.

Before she could fire back with what I knew would be a cutting response, the redhead stepped forward with an urgency that immediately

commanded attention.

“Alpha, I need to tell you something serious about today’s situation. Her voice carried weight that made both of us focus entirely on her. “That nagging sense of dread I’ve been ignoring all morning? It’s practically screaming at me now.” She paused, her expression growing more serious. “According to my… unfortunate predictions, if either you or your mate leaves this pack today, someone will die.”

The change in atmosphere was immediate and stark. Elowen’s face shifted from mockery to genuine concern, though I caught a distinct flicker of irritation beneath the worry.

“Evelyn!” she said sharply. “Are you seriously telling me that because of your sudden witchy intuition, I need to keep this dangerous man in my pack for an entire day?”

My heart jumped with realization and unexpected delight. So she’s the witch who created the Silent Forest-the magical barrier. God, this is perfect. She’s just handed me exactly what I wanted: more time.

Evelyn waved her hand dismissively, already backing toward the door. “I’ve said what I needed to say. Whether either of you chooses to

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Chapter 86

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leave or stay is entirely your decision-I won’t be responsible for the consequences. I’m completely exhausted and desperately need food.”

Without waiting for responses, she walked out, leaving us alone in suddenly charged silence.

I settled into the chair across from her desk with deliberate casualness, letting a grin spread across my face. “So, care to explain why you

really brought me into your pack? Or wasn’t last night’s private time together quite enough for you?”

“Fuck off,” she snapped, but I caught the slight flush on her cheeks. “Do you have any idea that I just saved your worthless life out there?”

I paused, remembering the faint but distinct scent of rogue wolves I’d detected near the border. But they were just rogues-predictable,

weak, disorganized. Even if I’d stood completely motionless, they couldn’t have posed a real threat to someone of my power level.

Elowen must have read the arrogant dismissal in my expression because her voice turned dangerously cold. “Clearly you still don’t understand the actual danger you were in. I should have left you there to get half-dead before stepping in to help. Maybe then you’d

realize I’m not engaging in empty threats or dramatics.”

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19:07 Wed, Jan 14

Alpha’s STOLEN Mate