The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 147

Thorne’s POV

"The rumor's all over the pack network," Mark informed me as we drove away from Grey Manor. "Everyone's talking about how the binding ceremony will be announced at the next full moon gathering."

I stared out the window, my reflection grim in the glass. "My father's doing, no doubt. Using pack pressure to force my hand."

Mark didn't respond directly—he knew better than to comment on internal Grey family politics. "The Brooks family seems eager to cement the alliance."

"Too eager," I muttered. "And the timing is suspicious."

"You think it's connected to Miss Riley's disappearance?"

I turned to look at him. "Don't you? Kaelin's sudden recovery, the push for an immediate ceremony, all happening right after Freya vanishes? It's too convenient."

Mark kept his eyes on the road. "What would you like me to do, Alpha?"

I considered my options. I couldn't openly defy my father or the council, not without concrete evidence of wrongdoing. But I wouldn't be manipulated into a binding ceremony while questions remained unanswered.

"Contact Ryder and Sebastian," I said. "Ask them to meet me at the usual place in an hour."

Mark raised an eyebrow but didn't question the order. "And the search for Miss Riley?"

"Continue it, but quietly. Focus on places outside our territory—places where a lone wolf might seek shelter." My mind turned to Jasper Stone again. "And keep pressing Stone's people for access to their territory."

---

The VIP section of the Grey Moon bar was secluded and dimly lit, perfect for private conversations among old friends. I nodded to the bouncer and made my way to our usual corner booth.

Ryder Foster was already there, nursing a whiskey neat. He raised his glass in greeting as I approached.

"The mighty Alpha graces us with his presence," he drawled, his casual tone belying the sharp intelligence in his eyes. "Rough night with the in-laws?"

I slid into the booth across from him, signaling a server for my usual. "You have no idea."

"Actually, I do. The whole pack's buzzing about the upcoming binding ceremony." Ryder leaned forward, dropping the teasing tone. "Is it true? Are you finally making it official with Kaelin?"

Before I could answer, Sebastian Price appeared, sliding into the booth beside Ryder. "Sorry I'm late. Got caught up at the shop." He studied my face for a moment. "You look like shit, Thorne."

"Thanks," I muttered as my drink arrived—double whiskey, no ice.

Sebastian's eyes narrowed. "This isn't about the binding ceremony rumors, is it? You look like you've lost your Luna, not like you're about to claim one."

Ryder shot Sebastian a warning look, but the observation was too accurate to ignore. I took a long swallow of my drink, letting the burn distract me from the hollow feeling in my chest.

"Freya Riley is missing," I said finally.

My friends exchanged glances.

"The little Riley girl who came back from exile?" Ryder asked, his tone carefully neutral. "The one working at your estate?"

I nodded, staring into my glass. "She disappeared two days ago. No trace, no scent trail. It's like she vanished into thin air."

"And you're concerned because...?" Sebastian prompted, though his eyes suggested he already knew the answer.

"Because it's suspicious," I said, avoiding the real question. "She was involved in that design controversy with Kaelin, and now suddenly she's gone and everyone's pushing for an immediate binding ceremony."

Ryder's eyebrows shot up. "You think the Brooks family had something to do with her disappearance?"

"I don't know." I drained my glass, signaling for another. "But the timing is too convenient."

Sebastian leaned back, studying me. "Is that the only reason you're concerned about her disappearance?"

I met his gaze steadily. "What are you suggesting?"

"I'm not suggesting anything," he said carefully. "Just trying to understand why the Alpha of Grey Moon Pack is spending his valuable time hunting for a Beta with no pack ties, instead of preparing for his binding ceremony with a well-connected, pureblooded mate."

The server arrived with my second drink, sparing me from an immediate response. When she left, I stared into the amber liquid, gathering my thoughts.

"It's a matter of justice," I said finally. "Freya was under my protection. If someone in my territory has harmed her or forced her to flee, I need to know."

Ryder and Sebastian exchanged another look—one that said they weren't entirely convinced by my explanation.

"We'll help you look," Ryder offered. "I've got contacts in places your official search parties can't go."

"And Selena knows everyone in the design world," Sebastian added, referring to his sister. "If the Riley girl tries to use her design skills elsewhere, Selena might hear about it."

I nodded, grateful for their help despite their obvious skepticism about my motives. "Thank you."

My phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out, frowning at the unfamiliar number on the screen. The message made my blood run cold:

[Alpha Thorne, heard you're missing a little housemaid? Found her yet? If you need help, I'd be happy to assist.]

Jasper Stone. The smug bastard was all but admitting he had Freya.

My eyes flashed gold, and a low growl escaped before I could stop it. Ryder and Sebastian tensed, responding instinctively to an Alpha's anger.

"What is it?" Sebastian asked, his own eyes beginning to glow in response.

I showed them the message, watching as understanding dawned on their faces.

"Stone," Ryder muttered. "That conniving son of a—"

"He has her," I cut him off, my voice dropping to a dangerous register. "He's had her all along."

"You don't know that for certain," Sebastian cautioned, ever the voice of reason. "He could be bluffing, trying to get under your skin."

"It's working," I growled, already rising from the booth. "Everyone in the pack knows she's missing by now. Stone is taunting me, flaunting the fact that he's taken someone from my territory."

Ryder caught my arm. "Thorne, think this through. You can't just storm into Silverstone territory based on a vague text message."

I knew he was right, but my wolf was howling for action—demanding that I find Freya and bring her back where she belonged. The intensity of the feeling shocked me, but I couldn't deny it.

"I need to know she's safe," I said, the words coming out rougher than intended.

Sebastian's expression softened with sudden understanding. "You care about her," he said quietly. "Not just as an Alpha responsible for a pack member. You CARE about her."

I didn't answer, but my silence was confirmation enough.

"Well, shit," Ryder muttered, running a hand through his hair. "That complicates things."

"We'll find her," Sebastian promised, his tone serious now. "But we need to be smart about this. Stone is waiting for you to react, to make a mistake he can exploit."