The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 114

Freya’s POV

I hesitated, caught off-guard by the request. Part of me was flattered—it had been so long since anyone had valued me for anything beyond my ability to clean or serve. But the practical part of me knew it was impossible.

"Surely Alpha Thorne could spare you for an afternoon?" Selena pressed, turning to Thorne with a persuasive smile. "It would be a personal favor to me, and to my brother Sebastian. You know how much he's supported your initiatives on the council."

I looked at Thorne, expecting an immediate refusal. He studied Selena for a moment, then glanced at me, his expression unreadable.

"Stay a bit longer, Freya," Selena urged, her voice warm and genuine. "You're perfect for these two wedding gowns. Just help me out, please?"

I felt torn. The idea of wearing beautiful clothes again, of being treated like a person of value rather than a criminal or servant, was tempting. But I knew my place in Thorne's world all too well.

"I appreciate your kind words, Miss Price," I said softly. "But I still have unfinished tasks at Grey Estate. I'm afraid I can't."

My eyes instinctively sought Thorne's, silently asking for his intervention. His jaw was tight, his posture rigid.

"Grey Estate doesn't lack servants," he said, his voice low and threatening. "But that doesn't mean you can abandon your duties whenever you please."

I lowered my gaze, my brief moment of hope extinguished. "Of course not, Alpha. I understand."

Selena looked between us, her expression calculating. "Perhaps another time, then," she said smoothly. "Let me help you change back, Freya."

In the privacy of the changing room, Selena helped me out of the ceremonial robe with careful hands.

"You know," she said conversationally as she hung the garment, "I've always loved designing clothes. Even as a pup, I would sketch outfits for everyone in the pack. My dream was to create pieces that made each wolf feel special, that highlighted what made them unique."

I slipped my simple dress back over my head, appreciating her attempt at normal conversation. "Your designs are beautiful," I said honestly. "You're very talented."

"Thank you," she smiled, helping me zip up the back of my dress. "I believe clothes should serve the wearer, not the other way around. Each piece I create is meant to celebrate the wolf who wears it."

Her eyes met mine in the mirror, serious now. "Even those wolves society has cast aside."

I felt a lump form in my throat at her words. Was she offering me some kind of alliance? Or was this just polite conversation?

"That's a kind philosophy," I managed. "But I'm not a potential client, Miss Price. I'm just a servant trying on clothes for someone else."

"Selena, please," she corrected gently. "And everyone deserves beauty in their life, Freya. Even—perhaps especially—those who have suffered."

I didn't know how to respond to that, so I simply finished adjusting my clothes and gathered my things.

When we emerged from the changing room, Thorne was already back in his usual impeccable suit, looking impatient.

"We need to go," he said curtly.

"Of course," Selena nodded, but then added, "About those portfolio shots, Alpha Thorne—"

To my surprise, Thorne cut her off with, "Not today. But arrange a time with Mark later this week. She can come back for your photographs."

My head snapped up in shock, but Thorne was already walking toward the door, clearly expecting me to follow.

Selena beamed, squeezing my hand quickly. "Wonderful! I'll be in touch through Alpha Thorne's office."

She walked us to the door, her professional smile never wavering. "It was lovely meeting you, Freya. I look forward to working with you again soon."

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Thorne's POV

I couldn't explain why I'd agreed to let Freya return to model for Selena's photographs. The words had come out before I'd fully processed the decision. Perhaps it was to repay Sebastian for his loyalty, or maybe it was the genuine pleasure I'd seen in Freya's eyes at being valued for something other than servitude.

Whatever the reason, I was already regretting it as we settled into the back of my car. Freya sat as far from me as the seat allowed, her posture tense, her scent a complex mixture of confusion and wariness.

"Thank you," she said softly after several minutes of silence, "for allowing me to help Miss Price with her portfolio."

I grunted noncommittally, unwilling to acknowledge the decision. My phone rang, saving me from having to respond further. Edward Brooks' name flashed on the screen.

"Grey," I answered, my voice automatically shifting to its professional register.

"Alpha Thorne," Edward's voice came through clearly. "I apologize for the interruption, but Olivia asked me to call. Kaelin has returned from her check-up at the hospital, and she's asking for you."

I frowned slightly. "How is she?"

"The doctor says she's healing well, but she seems... agitated. Olivia thinks your presence would calm her."

I glanced at Freya, who was staring out the window, pretending not to listen. "I'll come by now," I decided. "We're not far from your estate."

"Thank you, Alpha," Edward sounded relieved. "Olivia will be grateful."

I ended the call and leaned forward to speak to my driver. "Change of plans. Take us to the Brooks estate."

Freya's head turned slightly, and I caught her questioning glance.

"Kaelin needs me," I said shortly, not owing her an explanation but providing one anyway.

"I can wait in the car," she offered, "or perhaps your driver could take me back to Grey Estate first?"

I studied her for a moment, noting the hope in her voice. Did she think I'd give her an opportunity to slip away again?

"No," I said firmly. "You'll remain with me."

Her shoulders slumped slightly. "You don't trust me to return to Grey Estate alone?"

"Should I?" I countered, raising an eyebrow. "After your last unauthorized excursion to meet Jasper Stone?"

She flinched at the reminder, turning back to the window. "I could just wait outside," she murmured. "I don't think Miss Brooks would want to see me in her home."

"You'll wait in the car," I conceded, "but don't get any ideas about wandering off. This isn't an opportunity for escape."

A bitter smile touched her lips. "What, you think I'll jump out at a traffic light and make a run for it? Leave me on the side of the road to escape?"

"The thought had occurred to me," I admitted dryly.

She shook her head, defeated. "Don't worry, Alpha. I won't try to escape your territory again. I've learned that lesson."