The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 175

Freya’s POV

Two days had passed since the attack, and I was still confined to this hospital bed in the central medical facility of the Silverstone Pack. The doctors told me I was healing well, but my body disagreed with every movement. The drug Kaelin had used continued to suppress my shifting abilities, leaving me feeling hollow inside, as though part of my soul had been temporarily removed.

I stared at the ceiling, counting the tiny holes in the acoustic tiles for what felt like the hundredth time when the door to my room opened. Karen, Jasper's Beta housekeeper, entered with fresh bandages and a small basin of water.

"How are you feeling this morning, dear?" she asked, her voice gentle as she set the supplies on the bedside table.

After learning about the abduction attempt, Jasper had been furious. He'd immediately dispatched his enforcers to hunt down the three wolves who had attacked me, though I doubted they'd find them. Kaelin was too clever to leave an obvious trail. In the meantime, Jasper had assigned Karen to look after me, a gesture that surprised me with its thoughtfulness.

"Better," I lied, wincing as I tried to sit up straighter. My ribs protested, and a sharp pain shot through my side where one of the wolves had kicked me.

Karen clicked her tongue disapprovingly. "Don't strain yourself. The doctor says you need to stay still for the bones to set properly." She carefully peeled back the bandage on my forearm, revealing a deep gash that was healing far too slowly for a wolf. "The moonsilver in that drug is still affecting your healing. You're recovering at almost human speed."

I frowned at the wound. "When can I leave the hospital?"

Karen dabbed the cut with antiseptic, and I hissed at the sting. "Always in such a rush," she murmured. "Alpha Stone said you're to remain here until fully recovered."

"That could be days," I protested. "I have work to do."

"Emma has already been informed that you'll be taking time off." Karen applied a fresh bandage with practiced efficiency. "Alpha's orders."

I sighed, frustrated at being confined and at my body's betrayal. I was accustomed to the quick healing that came with being a wolf. This human-like recovery felt like punishment.

"Just two more days of observation," Karen suggested, her eyes kind but firm. "The drug hasn't completely worked its way out of your system. If you go back too soon and your wounds get wet or infected, it could permanently affect your ability to shift."

That gave me pause. Losing my ability to shift, even temporarily, was bad enough. The thought of it being permanent was terrifying.

"Fine," I conceded reluctantly. "But I need to get out of this room. I'm going stir-crazy just lying here."

Karen considered this, then nodded. "A short walk might do you good. Let me get a wheelchair."

"I don't need a wheelchair," I insisted. "I can walk."

Karen's expression was doubtful, but she didn't argue. "Let me get you some crutches at least. Wait here."

As if I had anywhere else to go. I watched her leave, then immediately swung my legs over the side of the bed. The movement sent a wave of dizziness through me, but I pushed through it. I would not be treated like an invalid. I'd survived three years in the Forgotten Wilds; I could handle a simple walk down a hospital corridor.

The crutches were leaning against the wall near the door. I reached for them, gritting my teeth against the pain in my ribs. Using the bed for support, I managed to stand and position the crutches under my arms. Each step was painful, but there was satisfaction in the small victory of movement.

I made it to the doorway and peered out into the corridor. It was quiet, with only a few nurses visible at the far end. Stepping out, I tested my weight on the crutches, finding a rhythm that minimized the pain.

The floor had been freshly waxed, gleaming under the fluorescent lights. I moved cautiously, but on my third step, one of the crutches slipped on the slick surface. I felt myself falling, too weak to correct my balance, and braced for the impact that would surely reopen my wounds.

But the impact never came. Strong hands caught me, steadying my body before I could hit the ground. The scent hit me a moment later—familiar, like pine and crisp autumn air.

"Careful there," a male voice said, and my heart stuttered in recognition.

I looked up, straight into the concerned eyes of Miles Everett.

"Miles?" I gasped, shock momentarily overriding my pain.

His eyes widened in equal surprise. "Freya?"

We stared at each other, frozen in a moment of mutual disbelief.

"What are you doing here?" we both asked simultaneously.

Miles recovered first, his medical training kicking in as he helped me stand upright, keeping a supportive hand on my elbow. "You're injured," he observed, his eyes scanning my body with clinical precision. "Here, let me help you back to your room."

"I'm fine," I said automatically, pulling away from his touch. "Just a little unsteady."

His eyebrows rose in disbelief. "You don't look fine. You look like you've been in a serious fight." His nostrils flared slightly, and I knew he was analyzing my scent, detecting the remnants of the drug in my system. "What happened to you?"

"Nothing I can't handle," I replied, attempting to straighten my posture despite the pain. "What are you doing in Silverstone territory?"

"Medical exchange program," Miles explained, still eyeing me with concern. "Several packs are participating in a knowledge-sharing initiative. I was at the Grey Moon hospital last month for the same reason—which is where I caught a glimpse of you, by the way." His expression turned hurt. "You ran away before I could talk to you. I thought you were avoiding me."

I remembered that day—seeing Miles in the hospital corridor had sent me into a panic. I'd fled without thinking, afraid of being recognized and afraid of facing my past.

"I wasn't avoiding you specifically," I said, which wasn't entirely a lie. "It was a... difficult time."

"I see..." Miles said, his voice tightening slightly at the mention of Thorne. "I thought perhaps you didn't want to be seen with me."