The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 152

Freya’s POV

I followed him into the lobby, which was airy and filled with natural light. A security desk was staffed by a friendly-looking Beta who nodded respectfully as Jasper approached.

"Alpha Stone," the security Beta greeted him. "Everything is prepared as you requested."

"Thank you, Ryan," Jasper replied, taking a small envelope from him.

We rode the elevator to the eighth floor in silence. I was acutely aware of Jasper's presence in the confined space—his Alpha scent, though less overpowering than Thorne's, still filled the elevator. Unlike Thorne, who seemed to use his scent as a tool of intimidation, Jasper's presence was more measured, controlled.

The apartment he showed me into was stunning—a modern, open-concept space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a park. The furniture was minimalist but comfortable, in soothing earth tones that would appeal to wolf sensibilities.

"This is... too much," I said, turning to him in the entryway. "I can't afford a place like this. I didn't bring much money with me from Grey Estate."

Jasper raised an eyebrow. "This is a Stone Group property. As I mentioned, we use it for staff and visitors."

"But I'm not staff," I pointed out. "At least, not yet. I haven't agreed to work for you."

"Consider it temporary accommodation while you decide," he said smoothly. "The monthly rent is nominal—one thousand moon silver, which covers maintenance and utilities. The rest is subsidized by the company."

I hesitated, walking further into the apartment. It was larger than I needed, with a spacious bedroom, a home office, and even a small spare room that could serve as a design studio. The kitchen was equipped with high-end appliances, and the bathroom featured a large soaking tub that made my travel-weary muscles ache with longing.

What surprised me most, though, were the subtle accommodations for werewolf biology. The windows had specialized tinting that adjusted based on the moon phase, protecting sensitive wolf eyes during full moons when our senses were heightened. The furniture was arranged to allow clear sightlines to all entrances—a security consideration that appealed to our instincts. Even the bedroom had a specialized sleeping platform that could accommodate both human and partial-shift sleeping positions.

"It's designed for our kind," I said, running my hand along the unique texture of the couch, which wouldn't catch on claws during partial shifts.

"One of our pack architects specializes in werewolf-friendly design," Jasper explained. "Much more comfortable than trying to adapt human-centric spaces to our needs."

I turned back to him, still hesitant. "I appreciate this, but—"

"Freya," he interrupted gently, "you need a safe place. This building has security, it's close to the design district where you could potentially work, and it's comfortable. One thousand moon silver per month is less than you'd pay for a closet in Moon Bay's Omega district."

He had a point. And I was tired—bone-deep tired from the stress of escape, the border crossing, and the emotional weight of leaving behind everything familiar.

"Alright," I conceded. "But only until I figure out my next steps."

Jasper smiled, satisfied. He pulled a small box from his pocket and handed it to me. "This is a new phone with a Silverstone number. I suggest you stop using your previous phone entirely—Thorne could potentially track it."

I took the box, turning it over in my hands. Another step away from my old life. "Thank you."

"I'll leave you to settle in," Jasper said, placing the apartment keys on the counter. "The refrigerator is stocked with basics, and there's a tablet on the desk with information about the building and surrounding area. If you need anything, my number is programmed into the new phone."

---

After he left, I stood in the silent apartment, feeling strangely unmoored. Just days ago, I had been pruning roses at Grey Estate, trapped in a gilded cage of Thorne's making. Now I was in a different territory, in a beautiful apartment provided by a rival Alpha, with no clear plan for my future.

I unpacked my meager belongings, which took all of five minutes. Then I sat on the edge of the bed, holding the new phone Jasper had given me. I needed to call Martha—she would be worried sick.

Setting up the new phone was quick, and I dialed Martha's number from memory. She answered on the second ring, her voice tight with anxiety.

"Hello?"

"It's me," I said softly. "I'm using a new number."

"Thank the moon," Martha exhaled heavily. "Child, I've been sick with worry since you left. Are you safe?"

"I'm safe," I assured her. "I've left Moon Bay."

"Left?" Her voice rose in surprise. "Where have you gone?"

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. Martha was loyal to me, but was still in Thorne's territory. "It's better if you don't know exactly where I am. But I'm safe, and I have a place to stay."

Martha was quiet for a moment. "It's because of him, isn't it? I've heard Alpha Thorne has been like a storm since you disappeared."

My heart clenched at the mention of Thorne. "Is he...very angry?"

"Anger doesn't begin to describe it," Martha said. "He's had search parties combing the city. Mark looks like he hasn't slept in days. And Lucy..."

"What about Lucy?" I asked, suddenly concerned for the Beta who had made my life difficult.

"She's been reassigned to exterior work," Martha said, a hint of satisfaction in her voice. "Apparently, Alpha Thorne suspects she had something to do with those designs that ended up in Miss Brooks' hands."

I hadn't expected that. Thorne actually investigating the design theft? It seemed out of character for him to question anything related to Kaelin.

"Freya," Martha's voice grew serious, "you should be careful about contacting me for a while. I don't think anyone's monitoring staff calls, but with Alpha Thorne so determined to find you..."

"I understand," I said, feeling a pang of loss. Martha had been my one true ally at Grey Estate. "I'll be careful. I just wanted you to know I'm alright."

"I'm glad you called," she said warmly. "Now, get some rest. You sound exhausted."

After we said our goodbyes, I explored the apartment more thoroughly, familiarizing myself with my new temporary home. It was strange to have so much space to myself after the small servant's room at Grey Estate. Strange, too, to be in a place where no one knew me as "the exiled Riley" or "that disgraced Beta."

As night fell, I ran a bath in the luxurious tub, adding some of the high-end bath salts I found in the cabinet. As I soaked in the warm water, I tried to process everything that had happened in the past few days. The confrontation at the hospital, finding refuge with Jasper, escaping Moon Bay...

And through it all, the memory of that text message I'd deleted: [Stay put. I will find you. - T.]

Would Thorne really come looking for me here, in rival territory? And if he did, what would happen? I couldn't imagine Thorne Grey, the proud Alpha of Grey Moon Pack, humbling himself to enter Silverstone territory to retrieve a mere exiled Beta.

Yet part of me—the foolish, hopeful part I couldn't seem to silence—wanted him to try.