The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 16

Freya's POV

I sat on the hallway floor for what felt like hours, my tears eventually drying up and leaving behind a hollow numbness. Terra remained beside me the entire time, not rushing me, not offering empty platitudes—just being there. Her quiet presence steadied me in ways words couldn't.

Finally, I wiped the tear stains from my face and took a deep breath that shuddered through my chest. I couldn't sit on this floor forever. I was still alive, and my family likely was too. As long as I was breathing, there was hope.

I touched the thick envelope in my pocket, feeling its weight. My jaw tightened as I thought about how I'd earned it. No matter how much I despised the humiliation I'd endured, this money was now my lifeline.

"You okay?" Terra asked softly, helping me to my feet. Her eyes held genuine concern.

I nodded, feeling my legs tingle from sitting too long. "Thanks for... staying." The words came out rough, unused to expressing gratitude after years of isolation.

"No problem." She smiled, her eyes scanning my disheveled appearance. "You know, if you need a place to shower and clean up, my room's behind the bar."

I considered it briefly before shaking my head. "Thanks, but I should get back to my own place." As shabby as my single-room apartment in the Shadow District was, it was at least a private space I could call my own.

Terra nodded, understanding my choice without me having to explain. "So... what are you going to do? About the Alpha's order, I mean. One week to find work."

I inhaled deeply, considering Thorne's ultimatum. One week to find "legitimate" employment and leave the Howl. "I don't know, Terra. Finding work isn't easy for exiles, especially one from the Riley family." My voice dropped on my family name, a mixture of pride and pain coloring the words.

"But now you have some money," Terra pointed out, her tone cautiously optimistic. "How much is in that envelope anyway?"

I hesitated, then opened it and began counting. My fingers moved mechanically through the bills while my eyes widened slightly at the final figure. "Almost ten thousand."

"Wow." Terra's eyes sparkled. "Those arrogant assholes at least paid top dollar to humiliate you."

Her bluntness made me smile grimly. "I guess they thought my dignity was worth the price."

"Listen, Freya," Terra leaned closer, her voice becoming firmer. "I know it was awful, being forced to do that. But now you have options. This money means you don't have to worry about shelter or food for a while. Gives you time to find something suitable."

She was right. Despite the sickening source, the money did provide a breathing space I hadn't had since returning from exile.

"Would you like to have lunch with me tomorrow?" I asked suddenly, the idea forming as I spoke. "I want to thank you for your help tonight, and... well, I could use a friend's advice." The word "friend" felt strange on my tongue after so long.

Terra's expression shifted from surprise to pleasure. "Sure, I'm free at noon. Where would you like to go?"

"I'm not familiar with Shadow District restaurants," I admitted, "but I'd like somewhere with real meat." My wolf stirred at the thought, hunger awakening after the emotional exhaustion.

"I know a decent barbecue place," Terra grinned. "Noon tomorrow?"

I nodded, suddenly realizing I was looking forward to it. During my three years in the Wilds, I'd had few true friends—only temporary allies and trading partners. This simple friendship with Terra felt like a small step toward normalcy.

After arranging where to meet, we parted ways. Walking home, my thoughts kept returning to Thorne's words. He wouldn't tell me about my family's whereabouts. He called them traitors. My hand clenched into a fist, nails digging into my palm, the pain keeping me focused.

I wouldn't give up finding them. Now I had money, resources. I could begin a real investigation. First step: I needed a phone, a way to connect with the outside world.

---

The next day at noon, I chose a simple long dress and a high-necked top, making sure to cover the Riley mark on my neck. Since Thorne's words last night, I was more aware of the danger that exposing my identity might bring.

The barbecue restaurant sat at the edge of the Shadow District, unassuming but fragrant. Entering, the air was thick with the scent of grilled meat, immediately activating my wolf's instincts. My mouth watered instantly, and I had to swallow hard. I spotted Terra waiting at a corner table, waving me over.

"You look better," she commented as I sat down, "at least not like you've been crying."

I couldn't help but smile, appreciating her directness. "Sleep helps, usually." I didn't mention the nightmares that had punctuated that sleep.

The server brought menus, and we ordered several plates of mixed grilled meats. When the food arrived, I nearly salivated. Fresh beef, pork, and lamb—luxuries I couldn't dream of in the Wilds.

I noticed Terra watching me cut my meat, and I paused, looking at her questioningly.

"What?" My voice was sharper than intended, defensive.

"Nothing," she shook her head, "just... the way you cut your meat. Very... precise. Like upper society wolves do."

I froze, my hand tightening on the knife. I hadn't even realized. Those etiquette lessons learned at the Riley family table remained in my muscle memory, even after three years of exile. My mother's voice echoed in my head: "Small pieces, Freya. A lady doesn't tear at her meat."

"I guess some habits are hard to break," I said quietly, suddenly feeling a pang of nostalgia and loss.

Terra nodded, not pressing further. We ate in silence for a while, enjoying the simple pleasure of good food.

"I want to buy a phone," I finally broke the silence. "A smartphone. Do you know where I could get one that's affordable but decent?"

Terra swallowed her food and wiped her mouth. "There's an electronics market at the edge of the Shadow District. They do second-hand phone trades. Reasonable prices, most work fine." She paused, her head tilting curiously. "What do you need a phone for?"

"To contact... potential employers," I said, which wasn't entirely a lie, but not the whole truth either. I didn't want to tell her I planned to use it to search for information about my family; it sounded too naive.

"Employers. Right." Terra's expression told me she didn't entirely believe my explanation, but she didn't push. "I can take you after lunch."

"Thank you," I said sincerely, "not just for the phone help. Thank you for last night, and for keeping me company for this meal."

Terra looked slightly embarrassed. "Don't mention it. It's nothing. Wolves help each other, right? Even in places like the Shadow District."

"In the Wilds," I said softly, my eyes growing distant, "no help is taken for granted. Every act of kindness deserves thanks." My fingers unconsciously traced the scar at my neck where the silver collar had been. "Kindness is rare when everyone is fighting to survive."

"What was it like? The Wilds?" Terra asked, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "I've never seen anyone come back from exile... oh, sorry, I shouldn't ask."

"It's okay," I said, though the memories were still painful. "The Wilds are... a place where you have to forget who you once were to survive. Forget all the manners, rules, and expectations. Only the most basic wolf instincts remain: hunt, fight, survive." I paused. "Sometimes I think it was more honest there, without the pretenses and politics."

Terra nodded, her expression becoming serious. "I was born in the Shadow District, never experienced the high life in Moon Light Forest. But even here, we have our own rules and hierarchies."

"Do you have family?" I asked, suddenly realizing how little I knew about this girl who'd helped me.

"My mother passed away, and my father... well, he has a new family in another city," Terra said flatly, though I could smell the hint of sadness in her scent. "The folks at the Howl are kind of my family now."

I thought about the rude customers and indifferent staff at the bar, and felt a surge of sympathy. "We all find ways to survive, don't we?"

Terra smiled and raised her glass. "To survival, and whatever small joys we can find."

I raised my own glass to touch hers. "To survival." The toast felt significant, like a pact between us.

We chatted about inconsequential things for a while, the atmosphere lightening considerably. When we finished eating, I insisted on paying the bill despite Terra's protests.

"My treat, remember?" I smiled. "As a thank you."