The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 131

Thorne's POV

In the office, I tried to focus on the documents before me, but my doubts about Kaelin's designs grew deeper with each passing minute. The lamp on my desk cast long shadows across the documents I'd been reviewing, though my mind hadn't absorbed a word in the past hour. Mark stood at attention near the door of my office at the Moon Crescent Court, his posture rigid with tension.

"How widespread is this design controversy?" I asked, though I already knew the answer. The entire pack had been buzzing about little else all day.

"It's affecting our reputation, Alpha," Mark replied carefully. "The Brooks family is closely associated with your leadership, and Miss Brooks is publicly known as your chosen mate. Some are questioning your judgment."

I suppressed a growl. It wasn't Mark's fault—he was merely reporting facts—but my wolf bristled at the implication of weakness in my leadership.

"And the anonymous poster? Have we identified them?"

Mark shifted uncomfortably. "Not yet, Alpha. The account was created specifically for this purpose and has made only the one post. But..." he hesitated.

"Speak freely," I commanded.

"The timing and nature of the post strongly suggest it could be connected to Freya Riley. The designs in question match her style from before her exile, and she's the only one with both motive and opportunity."

I nodded slowly, turning to the window that overlooked Moon Bay. "Investigate the connection between this anonymous account and Riley. Discreetly."

"Yes, Alpha."

"That will be all for now."

When the door closed behind Mark, I allowed myself a moment of unguarded reaction. My fist came down on the desk hard enough to crack the polished surface. Damn it all. I'd known those designs looked familiar when Kaelin first showed them to me, but I'd dismissed the nagging recognition.

I pulled up the images of Kaelin's winning design on my tablet, studying the intricate pattern of moonlight and shadow woven into the ceremonial robe. The longer I looked, the more certain I became. This was unmistakably Freya's work—the same attention to tradition with subtle, innovative touches that had always characterized her designs.

My wolf growled with displeasure. Not at Freya—at Kaelin, for the deception, and at myself for not recognizing it sooner. A proper Alpha protects what is rightfully his, and these designs, whatever else had happened between us, were rightfully Freya's.

I closed the images and leaned back in my chair, golden eyes reflected in the darkened window. This situation would require careful handling. The Brooks family's alliance was politically valuable, but justice was the foundation of my rule. If Kaelin had stolen Freya's designs, there would be consequences—mate-to-be or not.

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Freya's POV

I methodically pruned the roses, finding peace in the repetitive work. The controversy over my stolen designs had been raging online all day, but I'd deliberately avoided checking for updates. Whatever happened, I needed to maintain my composure.

My phone vibrated in my pocket, startling me. Few people had this number, and even fewer would risk contacting me directly. When I saw Jasper Stone's name on the screen, I hesitated before answering.

"Freya Riley," I said cautiously, looking around to ensure I was alone in the garden.

"You're missing quite the show, Freya," Jasper's voice held barely contained amusement. "Did you see Kaelin's desperate denial post? Or our pack's announcement of the special challenge?"

"I'm at work and haven't read her post yet," I admitted, setting down my pruning shears and moving deeper into the rose garden where the thick bushes provided some privacy.

"Oh, you should check it immediately," Jasper laughed. "I met with your nemesis earlier. Gave her some 'helpful advice' about making a public statement denying everything."

My stomach tightened. "You did what?"

"Relax," he drawled. "I set a trap, and she walked right into it. She posted exactly the kind of self-righteous denial I suggested, which made it all the more satisfying when your former classmates started posting detailed comparisons of your work and 'hers.'"

I closed my eyes, conflicted. Part of me felt vindicated that the truth was emerging, but another part dreaded the inevitable fallout. "What's this about a special challenge?"

"Silverstone Pack has officially announced a follow-up competition," Jasper explained, satisfaction evident in his voice. "Both the 'anonymous designer'—that's you—and Kaelin Brooks will create new designs under supervision. It's the perfect way to expose her lack of skill while showcasing yours."

"That would expose my identity," I pointed out. "I'm not sure I want that kind of attention right now."

"You deserve recognition for your work, Freya," Jasper's voice softened slightly. "Besides, I doubt Brooks wants her complete lack of design skills publicly demonstrated. I imagine she's at home right now having a complete meltdown."

Despite everything, I couldn't help a small smile at the image. "I'll think about it, but—"

A twig snapped behind me, and I froze. The scent hit me a moment later—mint, metal, and that unmistakable Alpha power. My wolf recognized it instantly, simultaneously cowering and preening. My heart rate doubled in an instant.

Thorne.

"I need to go," I whispered into the phone, my fingers tightening around the device.

"Consider my offer," Jasper replied. "This is your chance to reclaim what's yours."

I ended the call and slowly turned around, my mouth suddenly dry. Thorne stood a few yards away, his tall figure backlit by the setting sun. His face was in shadow, but I could feel the intensity of his gaze. My skin prickled with awareness, and I had to resist the urge to check if my silver mark was visible.

"Who were you speaking with?" he asked, his voice deceptively soft.

"No one important," I lied, the words sticking in my throat. Even as I said it, I knew he would detect the falsehood. My wolf whined inside, hating the lie but afraid of the truth.

Thorne moved closer, each step deliberate and controlled. My breathing quickened, and I felt sweat forming at my hairline. The golden light caught his eyes, revealing the wolf's glow that had begun to emerge. The sight made my own wolf stir restlessly.

"Give me your phone, Freya." It wasn't a request. His voice carried that unmistakable Alpha tone that bypassed rational thought and spoke directly to the wolf within.

"That's private," I protested, my voice higher than normal. I instinctively backed up until I felt the thorns of a rose bush press against my legs. I winced at the prick but didn't move forward. The physical discomfort was preferable to closing the distance between us.

"Nothing is private in my territory," he countered, extending his hand. His fingers were steady, confident. The command in his posture was unmistakable—shoulders squared, chin slightly raised, eyes never leaving mine.

My wolf urged submission, but the human part of me bristled at the demand. I glanced down at my phone, then back at Thorne. His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, a muscle twitching along the side of his face.

For a moment, I considered refusing, clutching the phone to my chest and making a stand. But my rational mind prevailed over my wolf's defiance. Fighting him on this would only make things worse. My shoulders sagged slightly as I accepted the inevitable.

With reluctance, I unlocked the phone and placed it in his outstretched hand. Our fingers brushed momentarily, and I pulled back as if burned, tucking my hand safely against my side.

Thorne examined the screen, his expression darkening as he read the call history. His scent changed subtly, taking on the sharper notes of displeasure. His breathing slowed, becoming more deliberate—the breathing of an Alpha controlling his temper.

When he spoke again, his voice had dropped to a dangerous rumble that seemed to vibrate in my chest. "Jasper Stone," he read aloud, golden eyes lifting to meet mine. The intensity in that gaze made me want to look away, but I forced myself to meet it. "Why are you in contact with the Alpha of Silverstone Pack?"