The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 167

Freya’s POV

"I believe the lady has made her preference clear," came a new voice from behind Thorne.

I peered around Thorne's shoulder to see Jasper standing at the terrace entrance, his posture relaxed but his eyes alert and calculating. He gestured subtly toward the glass doors, where I could see other guests occasionally passing.

"We seem to be attracting attention," Jasper continued smoothly. "Perhaps we should continue this... discussion another time?"

Thorne's Alpha pressure didn't waver, but his attention divided, allowing me to take a deeper breath. "This doesn't concern you, Stone."

"Everything on Silverstone territory concerns me," Jasper replied easily. "Especially when it involves my employees."

"Employee," Thorne repeated with a harsh laugh. "Is that what you're calling her?"

"What would you prefer I call her?" Jasper asked, moving closer. "After all, she's no longer wearing your mark, is she?"

The tension between the two Alphas thickened the air until it felt difficult to breathe. I remained frozen between them, acutely aware that I was witnessing something dangerous—a territorial dispute with me as the contested ground.

"Perhaps Alpha Thorne should be more concerned with his own mate-to-be," Jasper added, his tone deceptively light. "I heard Kaelin isn't feeling well. Something about her lunar phase syndrome acting up again?"

A flash of something—concern? annoyance?—crossed Thorne's face. The Alpha pressure around me eased slightly.

"Don't regret it," Thorne said to me, his voice low enough that only I could hear. "This is the territory you've chosen, Riley."

With that cryptic warning, he stepped back, giving me one last burning look before striding past Jasper and back toward the Howling Hall.

As Thorne disappeared into the building, I let out a shaky breath I hadn't realized I was holding. My legs felt unsteady beneath me, and I gripped the stone balustrade for support.

"Are you alright?" Jasper asked, his voice surprisingly gentle.

I straightened my dress, trying to regain my composure. "I'm fine."

Jasper studied me for a moment, then nodded toward the doors. "We should return to the party. People will talk."

"Let them talk," I muttered, but followed him nonetheless. My mind was still reeling from the confrontation with Thorne—from his accusations, his kiss, the way my traitorous body had responded to him.

When we reentered the main hall of the Howling Hall, I immediately sensed the shift in atmosphere. Conversations quieted as we passed, only to resume in hurried whispers once we were a few steps away. I kept my head high, but I was acutely aware of my disheveled appearance—my slightly mussed hair, the wrinkles in my dress where Thorne had gripped my waist, the lingering scent of him on my skin that no amount of dignity could disguise.

"...saw her go outside with Grey..."

"...then Brooks had another episode..."

"...always happens when Riley is around..."

"...look at her, clearly they were..."

The fragments of whispered conversations reached my ears, each one more speculative than the last. I felt my cheeks burning with embarrassment and anger.

Beside me, Jasper's posture changed subtly. His shoulders squared, his chin lifted, and suddenly the air around us grew heavy with Alpha energy—not directed at me, but at the gossiping wolves around us.

"Enough," he said, his voice not particularly loud but carrying the unmistakable command of an Alpha. "I suggest you all mind your own business, your own drinks, and your own scents. I particularly dislike hearing people discuss those under my protection."

The effect was immediate. Heads lowered, conversations shifted to safer topics, and a respectful distance opened around us as we moved through the crowd.

"Thank you," I murmured, genuinely grateful for his intervention.

Jasper's mouth quirked in a half-smile. "Don't thank me yet. The rumors will only intensify now that Grey and Brooks have made such a dramatic exit."

"They left?"

"Apparently Brooks had another convenient episode of lunar phase syndrome," he replied, his tone making it clear what he thought of that. "Grey whisked her away moments ago. The timing was... remarkable."

I glanced toward the entrance, but Thorne and Kaelin were long gone. Despite everything, a small, traitorous part of me felt disappointed that I hadn't seen them leave.

"I'd like to go home," I said suddenly, the evening's events catching up with me all at once. "I've had enough excitement for one night."

Jasper nodded, seeming unsurprised. "I'll drive you."

---

The sleek interior of Jasper's car was blessedly quiet after the noise and tension of the Howling Hall. I leaned my head against the cool window glass, watching the lights of Moon Bay blur past as we drove toward my apartment building.

"Do you think she was faking it?" I asked abruptly, breaking the silence. "Kaelin's lunar phase syndrome—the timing always seems so convenient."

Jasper gave a cold laugh. "She's quite the actress," he said, his eyes never leaving the road. "But then, so is he."

I turned to look at him. "What do you mean?"

"Grey pretends he doesn't care about you, yet he nearly broke another wolf's wrist for approaching you. Brooks pretends to be fragile and helpless, yet manages to manipulate everyone around her." Jasper shrugged. "Your former pack excels at deception."

I sighed, suddenly feeling exhausted. "It doesn't matter now. Thorne knows I'm here, working for you. I doubt my life will be peaceful after this."

"Are you concerned?"

"Of course I am. He's not the type to let things go, especially when his pride is involved." I rubbed my temples, trying to ease the tension headache forming there. "I don't understand him. He's about to complete his binding ceremony with Kaelin—why does he care what I do or where I am?"

Jasper was quiet for a moment, his expression thoughtful as he navigated the late-night traffic. "Perhaps he doesn't understand it himself," he finally said, his voice unusually reflective.

We pulled up outside my apartment building, and I reached for the door handle, eager to escape to the privacy of my own space.

"I can walk you up," Jasper offered, already moving to exit the car.

I shook my head. "I can manage on my own. It's been a long night, and I'm sure you have other matters to attend to." I gave him a tired smile. "Thank you for the ride. And for... intervening earlier."

Jasper studied me for a moment, then nodded. "Get some rest, Freya."

"Goodnight," I said, stepping out of the car.