The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 113

Freya’s POV

I felt the tension crackling in the air like electricity after Thorne's cold rejection of the ceremonial robe. His voice had carried that unmistakable Alpha command—harsh and final. Selena's smile faltered slightly, but she recovered with professional grace that I couldn't help but admire.

"Of course, Alpha Thorne," she said smoothly, gently taking my elbow. "Let's try something else, shall we, Freya? I have several other designs that might be more suitable."

She guided me back toward the changing room, her touch light but supportive. I could feel Thorne's golden gaze burning into my back as we retreated, and my wolf cowered at the intensity of his disapproval.

"Mary," Selena called to one of her assistants, "please bring Alpha Thorne the midnight ceremonial suit with silver threading. It would complement the next robe perfectly."

The assistant nodded and moved toward a separate section of the boutique, but Thorne's voice stopped her.

"That won't be necessary," he said firmly. "I'm only here to approve Kaelin's robe."

Selena turned, her smile unwavering as she faced the Alpha. "With all due respect, Alpha Thorne, my designs are created as matching sets. The ceremonial binding is about unity—how can I ensure the perfect ensemble if I only see half of it?"

I held my breath, shocked by her boldness. No one spoke to Thorne that way, especially about something as significant as his binding ceremony attire. Even Mark looked uncomfortable, shifting his weight from one foot to another.

Thorne's jaw tightened, but Selena continued before he could respond.

"It will only take a moment," she insisted, her voice pleasant but determined. "And it would help me tremendously in finalizing the perfect design for your special day."

After a tense moment, Thorne gave a curt nod. "Fine."

Selena's smile brightened. "Excellent! Mary will assist you, Alpha."

As we entered the privacy of the changing room, I released the breath I'd been holding. "That was brave," I murmured.

Selena chuckled softly as she closed the door behind us. "Alphas respect conviction, even if they don't like being challenged. Now, let's find something that won't upset him quite so much."

She moved to a rack of robes, her fingers dancing over the fabrics. "Though between us," she added in a lower voice, "you looked absolutely stunning in that first design. I've never seen moonstone thread complement someone's coloring so perfectly."

I didn't know how to respond to the compliment, so I simply stood there as she selected another robe—this one a silvery white with more subtle embroidery.

"Let me help you out of this one," she said, stepping behind me to unfasten the rejected garment.

As the fabric slipped from my shoulders, Selena's fingers brushed against the nape of my neck, lingering over the moon-shaped white patch that marked my bloodline.

"This birthmark," she said softly, "it's quite distinctive."

I stiffened, my heart rate accelerating. The moon-shaped patch was a Riley family trait, something that had once been a source of pride but was now a dangerous identifier.

"It's unusual to hide such a beautiful bloodline mark," she continued, her voice casual but her eyes sharp with interest. "Most high-born wolves display them proudly. This dress design actually conceals it completely."

She helped me into the new robe, her movements deliberate as she arranged the fabric around my shoulders and neck.

"You know," she said thoughtfully, "I could design something that showcases it instead. A backless style would be stunning. It seems a shame to hide something so unique."

"I prefer it covered," I said quietly. "It's... safer that way."

Selena's eyes met mine in the mirror, understanding flickering in their depths. "I see," she said simply, then began adjusting the silver-white fabric around me.

Her fingers were gentle as she worked with my hair, arranging it to better frame my face. "Your hair is a bit dull from stress," she observed, "but the natural waves are lovely. With proper care, it would shine again."

There was no judgment in her voice, only professional assessment. It reminded me of how I used to be treated before my exile—as a person worthy of care and attention, not as a criminal or servant.

"There," she said finally, stepping back to survey her work. "This one is more subdued, but still elegant. Let's show Alpha Thorne."

When we emerged from the changing room, Thorne was already wearing the dark gray ceremonial robe with intricate silver embroidery. The fabric was exquisite, depicting the phases of the moon and stylized wolves running beneath them. It was traditional yet commanding, befitting an Alpha of his status.

"What do you think, Alpha Thorne?" Selena asked proudly. "The set works beautifully together, don't you agree? The contrast between dark and light, strength and grace—it's the essence of the binding ceremony."

Thorne's eyes flickered with something I couldn't quite identify as he looked at me. I kept my gaze lowered, adopting the submissive posture expected of someone in my position, but I could feel the weight of his attention.

"It's... suitable," he said, his voice rougher than usual.

"Excellent!" Selena clapped her hands together. "Now, would you both mind standing together? I'd like to see the full effect."

My eyes widened, and I took an instinctive step backward. "I don't think—"

"It's just for a moment," Selena insisted, gently guiding me toward Thorne. "I need to see how the fabrics interact in close proximity."

Reluctantly, I moved to stand beside him on the raised platform. I could feel the heat radiating from his body, and my wolf trembled with a confusing mixture of fear and something else I refused to acknowledge. The scent of him—pine and mountain air and that unique Alpha musk—was overwhelming at such close proximity.

"Perfect," Selena breathed, circling us with a critical eye. "Absolutely perfect. The proportions, the contrast—you look like you were designed for each other."

I stiffened at her words, feeling Thorne do the same beside me.

"Is this sufficient for your assessment?" he asked, his voice clipped.

"Almost," Selena said, retrieving a camera from a nearby table. "Would you mind if I took a photograph? For reference purposes, of course, but also... well, a pairing this striking would make an excellent showcase piece for my boutique window."

"No," I said immediately, panic flaring within me. "I'm only here as a stand-in for Miss Brooks. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to be photographed in her place."

I stepped away from Thorne, putting much-needed distance between us. "And my photo displayed in your shop would hurt your business, not help it. I'm sure you're aware of my... status."

"She has a point," Thorne said coldly. "You're quite self-aware for a servant, aren't you, Riley?"

The sting of his words was familiar but no less painful. I kept my expression neutral, years of practice hiding my feelings serving me well.

"I'll change back into my clothes now," I said quietly, turning toward the changing room.

"Wait," Selena called, her expression thoughtful. "Freya, would you consider coming back another day to model these designs? Just for some portfolio photographs? You wear them beautifully, and it would be tremendously helpful for my collection."