The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 123

Thorne's POV

I watched the door close behind Freya, her scent lingering in the room, now undercut with the sharper notes of anxiety and hurt. The memory of her beneath me, her body responding to mine, flashed through my mind with unexpected force. I pushed the thought away, focusing instead on the task at hand.

Kaelin was watching me, her expression a mix of suspicion and irritation. "Why did you thank her? She's just doing her job—poorly, at that. Did you see how she spilled water on the tray?"

I hadn't noticed any spilled water, but I didn't challenge her observation. "She's not household staff," I reminded her, returning to my seat beside the bed. "She's only here temporarily."

"Yes, about that." Kaelin sat up straighter, her voice taking on the practiced sweetness she used when broaching difficult topics. "When will she be leaving? The binding ceremony is approaching, and I don't think it's appropriate to have her around during such an important time for us."

I studied Kaelin's face, noting the tension at the corners of her mouth and the slight flaring of her nostrils. My wolf stirred uneasily, detecting the scent of jealousy and possessiveness.

"I'll make arrangements soon," I said finally. "But right now, you should eat. Dr. Maloy said you need to keep up your strength while you recover from last night's episode."

I waited patiently as Kaelin picked at her food, taking a few small bites before pushing the plate away. She'd always been a picky eater, but today her appetite seemed particularly poor.

"I think I'd like to rest now," she said, settling back against the pillows. "Can you put me to sleep like you did when you were a kid, Thorne?"

I glanced at my watch. "I've been with you all morning, Kaelin. I have meetings to attend to, and there's the matter of the council vote on—"

"You're leaving me?" Her voice rose slightly, a note of panic edging in. "But I'm not feeling well. That episode really took a toll on me, Thorne."

I sighed, trying to maintain my patience. "I understand, but I've already postponed several important matters. I can have your father come stay with you if you'd prefer not to be alone."

Kaelin's face hardened. "You first secretly took the girl from Riley's family to try on my wedding dress, and then you wanted to leave me here uncomfortable." She turned away, her voice dropping to a wounded whisper. "Sometimes I wonder if you even want this binding, Thorne."

My jaw tightened. This was familiar territory—Kaelin's emotional manipulation had been effective in the past, but today it grated on my nerves.

"We've discussed this," I said evenly. "The binding will happen as planned. I've made my commitment to you and the Brooks family. But I am still Alpha, and I have responsibilities that cannot wait."

"Is that all I am to you? A responsibility?" Kaelin's eyes filled with tears. "A political alliance?"

"Kaelin." I kept my voice level, infusing it with just enough Alpha authority to cut through her emotional display. "I've known you since we were pups. Our families have been allies for generations. This binding makes sense for both our packs."

Her eyes searched mine. "But do you love me, Thorne? Do you want me the way a mate should want his partner?"

The question hung in the air between us. My wolf growled uncomfortably, urging me to look away, to avoid the lie my human half was preparing to tell. But before I could formulate a response, Kaelin continued.

"It's her, isn't it? Ever since she came back, you've been different with me. Colder."

"This has nothing to do with Riley," I said firmly, though my wolf stirred at the mention of Freya.

"Doesn't it?" Kaelin's voice had lost its wounded quality, turning sharp. "You were never this distant before she returned. And now you barely touch me, you find excuses to leave my side, and at Selena's—"

"Enough." I stood up, my patience exhausted. "I've sat by your side all morning. I've assured you repeatedly of my commitment to our binding. But I am still Alpha of this territory, and I have duties that cannot be neglected."

I moved toward the door, pausing with my hand on the knob. "I'll call your father to come sit with you. You shouldn't be alone while recovering from your condition."

"Thorne—" she began, but I cut her off.

"We'll talk later, Kaelin. Rest now."

I left the room, closing the door firmly behind me. In the hallway, I took a deep breath, trying to center myself. My wolf was restless, conflicted by the scents of two females—one my promised mate, the other something undefined yet increasingly difficult to ignore.

Mark was waiting at the end of the hall, his expression carefully neutral. "Alpha," he acknowledged with a slight bow. "The council members are expecting you in thirty minutes."

"Call Edward Brooks," I instructed. "Ask him to come and stay with his daughter. She shouldn't be alone while recovering from the effects of alcohol and her emotional episode."

"Yes, Alpha." Mark hesitated, then added, "And regarding Miss Riley—"

"What about her?" My voice came out sharper than intended.

"Nothing, sir. Only that she seemed upset when she came downstairs."

I frowned. "I'll deal with her later. For now, focus on the council meeting preparations."

As Mark left, I found myself standing in the empty hallway, torn between two directions—the council chambers where my duties awaited, and the path Freya had taken, trailing her distinctive scent. My wolf urged me to follow her, to make sure she was alright, but I forced myself to turn toward my responsibilities instead.

The binding with Kaelin was the right choice for the pack. I had made my decision years ago, long before Freya Riley had returned to complicate matters. I would honor that commitment, regardless of what my wolf—or my heart—might want.