The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 143

Freya's POV

The smell of fresh coffee and sizzling bacon filled the spacious kitchen of Eagle's Perch as I flipped pancakes on the griddle. Morning sunlight streamed through the large windows, illuminating the mountain vista beyond. For a moment, I could almost forget I was in a safe house belonging to a rival Alpha, hiding from the man I once loved.

"You didn't need to do this, dear," Karen said, entering the kitchen with a basket of fresh linens. "You're a guest."

I shrugged, feeling more comfortable with busy hands. "I like cooking. At Grey Estate, the kitchen was the only place I felt... useful."

Karen's kind eyes softened. "Well, these pancakes smell divine. Alpha Stone rarely gets home-cooked meals when he visits here."

"Does he come often?" I asked, trying to sound casual as I poured more batter onto the griddle.

"Once every few weeks. This place is more of an emergency retreat than a regular residence." She placed the linens on a nearby counter. "Though I suspect we'll be seeing more of him while you're here."

I focused intently on the bubbles forming in the pancake batter, not wanting Karen to see my discomfort. I had no illusions about why Jasper Stone had helped me—I was a potential asset in his ongoing rivalry with Thorne.

My phone rang, displaying a number I didn't recognize. With a wary glance at Karen, I answered.

"Hello?"

"So you did leave Grey Estate." Kaelin Brooks's voice was cold and satisfied. "I wondered if you'd finally taken the hint."

My grip tightened on the spatula. "What do you want, Kaelin?"

"Just confirming you've left. Alpha Thorne is quite... unsettled this morning." The smug satisfaction in her voice made my wolf bristle. "He's been asking questions about your whereabouts."

"I'm sure he'll survive without his household help," I replied, keeping my voice steady despite the sudden racing of my heart. Thorne was looking for me?

"Have you left Moon Bay yet?" she pressed.

I flipped a pancake with more force than necessary. "Not yet, but I will. As you commanded."

"Good. The binding ceremony is in three weeks. I want you gone within days, not weeks."

My wolf growled internally at her imperious tone. "I don't take orders from you, Kaelin."

"No?" She laughed softly. "Yet here you are, running away because I told you to."

The truth of her words stung. I was running, again. Just as I had three years ago when they'd first accused me.

"Is there anything else?" I asked, struggling to maintain my composure. "I'm rather busy."

"Just make sure you're far away by the full moon. I don't want any complications."

Something in me snapped—perhaps it was being in Jasper's territory instead of Thorne's, or maybe it was just the accumulated weight of Kaelin's cruelty.

"What about my family?" I demanded. "Before I leave forever, I want to know what happened to them."

There was a pause on the line. "I don't recall promising you any information," Kaelin said coldly.

"I could change my mind, you know," I replied, my voice taking on the lower register of my wolf. "I could decide to attend your binding ceremony after all."

"You wouldn't dare," she hissed.

"Wouldn't I? What do I have to lose, Kaelin? You've already taken everything from me. My family, my future, my designs. What's left?" I leaned against the counter, a dangerous calm settling over me. "At least I'd have the satisfaction of seeing Thorne's face when I walk in."

"You... you..." Kaelin sputtered, rage stealing her words. "You're threatening me?"

"I'm negotiating," I corrected her. "Information for my permanent departure. Simple."

"You'll regret this," she snarled. "You just wait—"

I hung up before she could finish, my heart pounding. Karen was staring at me, wide-eyed.

"Are you alright, dear?" she asked cautiously.

I nodded, taking a deep breath to center myself. "Just dealing with unfinished business."

Karen tactfully returned to her work, but I could feel her concerned glances. I focused on finishing breakfast, trying to ignore the trembling in my hands. I'd just directly challenged the future Luna of Grey Moon Pack. My wolf was simultaneously terrified and exhilarated.

The pancakes were just about done when I heard the crunch of tires on the gravel driveway outside. Karen glanced out the window and smiled.

"Alpha Stone," she announced, moving toward the door. "He rarely comes this early."

I straightened my borrowed clothes—simple jeans and a sweater that fit well enough—and tried to compose myself. When Jasper entered the kitchen, his powerful Alpha presence filled the room instantly, making the air feel thicker.

"Morning, Karen," he greeted, then turned to me with a warm smile. "Freya. You look better rested."

"I brought some fresh groceries, Karen," he continued, setting down a canvas bag on the counter. "Though it seems our guest has breakfast well in hand."

"Miss Riley insisted on helping," Karen explained with an approving nod.

Jasper's eyes, a warm color in the morning light, assessed me thoughtfully. "Thank you for your hospitality, Karen. Would you mind giving Miss Riley and me a moment?"

Karen nodded and discreetly left the kitchen. Jasper settled onto a barstool at the island, his imposing frame somehow making the spacious kitchen feel smaller.

"Pancakes?" I offered, sliding a plate toward him.

"Thank you." He accepted with a nod. "I came to discuss your next steps, but I see you're making yourself at home."

I bristled slightly. "I'm just helping out. I don't plan to stay long."

"Where will you go?" he asked, cutting into his pancakes.

I hesitated. I hadn't thought that far ahead, focused only on getting away from Thorne and Kaelin. "I'm not sure yet. Somewhere far from Moon Bay."

Jasper chewed thoughtfully. "You know, Silverstone Pack always has room for talented wolves. Especially those with Riley blood."

"I'm not a bargaining chip in your rivalry with Thorne," I said firmly.

"I never suggested you were." His expression remained neutral, but his scent sharpened with interest. "I'm offering you a place where your talents would be appreciated, not stolen."

I sighed, pouring myself coffee. "I'm of no use to you now. I can't help you against Thorne."

"Because you still care for him," Jasper stated, not a question.

I didn't answer, which was answer enough.

"There are other ways you could be valuable to Silverstone," Jasper continued. "Your design skills, for instance. Our pack's ceremonial robes are generations old and could use a modern touch."

I shook my head. "I haven't designed anything since..." Since Thorne sentenced me to exile.

Jasper studied me for a long moment, then pulled out his phone. "There's someone who might change your mind about that."