The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 115

Thorne’s POV

The Brooks estate was smaller than Grey Manor but still impressive, with manicured gardens and a stately main house. As our car pulled up to the entrance, I noticed Freya sink lower in her seat, as if trying to become invisible.

"Stay here," I ordered as the driver parked. "I won't be long."

She nodded silently, and I left her in the car, striding up the steps where Edward Brooks was already waiting to greet me. The two men shook hands and disappeared inside, leaving Freya alone with the driver.

Edward led me through the foyer of their home, his posture respectful but familiar. As my father's oldest ally and head of Moon Bay's enforcement division, Edward had known me since I was a pup.

"Olivia's been worried sick," he confided as we climbed the stairs. "Kaelin's moon phase syndrome seems to be acting up again. The doctor says it might be the stress of the injury combined with the approaching full moon."

"Has she been taking her medication?" I asked.

Edward nodded. "Religiously. But you know how it is—the emotional symptoms sometimes breakthrough regardless."

We reached Kaelin's door, and Edward knocked softly before opening it. Olivia Brooks sat on the edge of Kaelin's bed, her hand resting protectively on her daughter's shoulder. Both women looked up as we entered, relief washing over their faces.

"Alpha," Olivia stood quickly, bowing her head in respect. "Thank you for coming so quickly. Kaelin's been asking for you."

I nodded to Olivia, then focused on Kaelin. She looked pale but composed, her injured arm carefully bandaged and resting on a silk pillow. Her eyes brightened at the sight of me, and she attempted to sit up straighter.

"Don't strain yourself," I said, moving to her bedside.

"I'll make some tea," Olivia suggested, tactfully giving us privacy. "Edward, come help me."

As her parents left, closing the door behind them, I took the seat Olivia had vacated. "How are you feeling?" I asked, studying Kaelin's face for signs of the syndrome's effects.

"Better, now that you're here," she smiled weakly. "The doctor says I'm healing well. The silver contamination was minimal."

I nodded, relieved. Silver injuries could be dangerous for our kind, even in small doses. "Good. You should be fully recovered before the ceremony, then."

A shadow crossed her face. "Where were you today? I tried calling, but Mark said you were busy." She leaned closer, her nostrils flaring slightly. "I smell... something unfamiliar on you."

I kept my expression neutral. "I was at Price's Boutique, looking at ceremonial robes for the binding ceremony."

Her eyes widened with hurt. "Without me? I thought we would choose those together."

"You were injured," I reminded her. "And the preparations need to continue. I wanted to surprise you."

"Oh," her expression softened, though suspicion still lingered in her eyes. "Did you find something nice?"

"I did," I confirmed, not mentioning Freya's involvement. "Selena has created some exceptional designs. I think you'll be pleased."

Kaelin's face lit up. "Really? What does my robe look like?"

"It's a surprise," I said, allowing a rare smile. "But it suits you perfectly."

She reached out, taking my hand in hers. "Thank you for thinking of me, even when I couldn't be there."

I nodded, uncomfortable with her gratitude when I knew Freya was sitting in my car outside. For a brief, disconcerting moment, I found myself comparing the two women—Kaelin's practiced vulnerability against Freya's stubborn resilience. The thought disturbed me, and I pushed it aside.

"I can't stay long," I said, gently withdrawing my hand. "I have council matters to attend to."

Disappointment flashed across Kaelin's face. "But you just got here. Couldn't you stay for dinner? Mother's having the cook prepare your favorite."

"Another time," I promised, standing. "You need to rest, and I have responsibilities."

She pouted slightly but didn't argue. As I turned to leave, she called out, "Thorne?"

I paused at the door.

"You'll come see me tomorrow?"

I nodded, though my schedule was already full. "If I can."

Her smile was radiant, but something about it didn't reach her eyes. The disconnect troubled me, though I couldn't quite place why.

"Wait," she said suddenly, pushing herself up from the bed. "I'll see you out."

"That's not necessary—" I began, but she was already standing, adjusting her robe around her injured arm.

"I insist," she said, her voice stronger than it had been moments before. "I just want to stay with you a little longer."

I could hardly refuse without appearing rude, so I offered my arm to support her as we walked downstairs. Olivia appeared in the hallway with a cup of tea, surprised to see her daughter up.

"Kaelin, dear, you should be resting," she said, concern evident in her voice.

"I'm feeling much better, Mother," Kaelin replied with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "And I want to see Thorne off properly."

Olivia glanced at me, then nodded. "Very well, but straight back to bed afterward."

The three of us moved toward the front door, Kaelin maintaining a light grip on my arm despite my attempt to create some distance between us. Her scent was laced with something I couldn't quite identify—determination, perhaps, or possessiveness.

As we stepped onto the porch, I could see my car waiting in the circular drive, its headlights gleaming silver in the early evening light. Through the rear window, I caught a glimpse of Freya's profile as she sat waiting. Something in me stirred at the sight—an unexpected eagerness to return to her.

Kaelin's grip on my arm tightened slightly, and I realized she was following my gaze. Her smile remained in place, but her eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly.

"Who's that in your car?" she asked, her voice light but edged with tension.

"Just one of the staff from Grey Estate," I replied smoothly. "I had errands in the city today."

"How considerate of you to bring a servant along," Kaelin said, her tone suggesting anything but appreciation. "Though it seems an unusual choice after visiting a bridal boutique."

I extracted my arm from her grip with careful politeness. "I should go. Rest well, Kaelin."

She stood on tiptoe to brush a kiss against my cheek, a public display of affection that was calculated rather than spontaneous. "Don't forget your promise to visit tomorrow," she murmured, just loud enough for Olivia to hear.

I nodded to both women and descended the steps, feeling an inexplicable urgency to get back to the car. As I approached, I saw Freya watching the scene, her expression carefully blank, though the tightness around her eyes betrayed her discomfort.

I opened the car door and slid into the seat beside her, signaling the driver to take us back to Grey Estate.

"How is Miss Brooks?" Freya asked politely, though I could tell she didn't particularly care.

"Recovering," I answered shortly.

As the car pulled away from the Brooks estate, I found myself unusually aware of Freya's presence beside me. I stole a glance at her profile, illuminated by the fading evening light, and felt something shift within me.

My wolf stirred, whispering words I didn't want to hear, "You already know who you prefer. Stop lying to yourself."

I almost growled aloud at my wolf's impertinence. Kaelin was my chosen mate, the one who would stand beside me as Luna of Grey Moon Pack. The binding ceremony was less than a month away. My path was set.

But as the car sped toward Grey Estate, I couldn't deny the pull I felt toward Freya. It was more than physical attraction—it was something deeper, more primal. My wolf recognized something in her that called to us both.