The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 182

Thorne's POV

I stepped out of the restroom, the taste of Freya still on my lips. Her scent clung to me like a second skin, a mixture of honey, rain, and something uniquely hers that I couldn't define. My wolf prowled restlessly beneath my skin, urging me to turn back, to claim what it believed was ours.

Instead, I straightened my tie and made my way back to the private dining room, where Kaelin and Emma White were engaged in what appeared to be a tense conversation. Both women fell silent the moment I entered, their eyes tracking my movements as I took my seat beside Kaelin.

"Thorne," Kaelin said, her voice higher than usual, "I'm not feeling well. I think we should leave."

I studied her face, noting the nervous flutter of her pulse at her throat. Her eyes darted to the door, then back to me, anxiety written across her features. Whatever conversation had transpired in my absence had clearly unsettled her.

"Of course," I replied, my voice controlled despite the storm of emotions churning inside me. "Ms. White, I apologize for cutting our meeting short. Please have Ms. Potter finalize the designs and send them to my office."

Emma nodded, her expression unreadable. "Of course, Alpha Thorne. I hope you find them satisfactory."

I helped Kaelin to her feet, watching as she swayed slightly, her hand gripping my arm with unnecessary force. The act of fragility might have convinced me a week ago, but now it only heightened my suspicions.

We made our way through the hotel lobby, Kaelin leaning against me as if she might collapse at any moment. The Beta employees lowered their eyes as we passed, showing proper deference to an Alpha pair. The irony wasn't lost on me – they thought us the perfect match, while my wolf snarled its disagreement with every step.

"We're still staying here tonight," I informed Kaelin as we entered the elevator. "I've arranged separate suites."

A flash of surprise crossed her features before she composed herself. "But why? I thought we would return to Grey Moon territory."

"It's late," I said simply. "And you're unwell."

The elevator doors closed, sealing us in the small space together. Kaelin's scent, normally pleasing in its familiarity, now seemed cloying compared to the fresh, honest scent of Freya that still lingered on my skin.

"You were gone a long time," Kaelin said suddenly, her voice tight. "Where did you go?"

I met her gaze steadily. "The restroom."

Her eyes narrowed slightly. "For twenty minutes?"

I raised an eyebrow, choosing not to respond. My thoughts drifted back to Freya, to the feel of her skin beneath my tongue, the way her wolf had responded to mine despite everything between us. The corner of my mouth lifted in an involuntary smile.

Kaelin noticed, tears welling in her eyes. "Thorne, what's wrong? You were fine before dinner, and now you're angry with me. What happened?"

I schooled my features into neutrality. "I'm not angry, Kaelin. Don't read too much into it."

The elevator doors opened, and I guided her down the hallway to her suite. She fumbled with the keycard, her hands shaking, before finally pushing the door open.

"Won't you stay with me?" she asked, her voice soft and pleading. "I'll only believe you're not angry if you stay. Please, Thorne."

I considered her for a moment, then stepped into the suite, closing the door behind me. Kaelin's relief was palpable as she moved to the sitting area, sinking onto the plush sofa.

I remained standing, my posture rigid. "Where were you three nights ago?"

The question hung in the air between us. Kaelin froze, her eyes widening momentarily before she composed herself.

"In my room," she answered, too quickly. "I was having a bad episode with my Moon phase syndrome. You know how it affects me."

I took a step closer, watching as she instinctively shrank back. "Is that so?"

"Yes," she insisted, her fingers worrying at the fabric of her dress. "Why would you ask such a thing? Did..." her voice faltered, then strengthened. "Did Freya tell you something? Is that why you're so angry? You think she got hurt because of me?"

My wolf surged forward at the mention of Freya's name, my vision sharpening as my eyes likely flashed gold. "I didn't mention Freya Riley. Why would you bring her up?"

Kaelin realized her mistake too late, her face paling. "I just assumed... since you were talking about three days ago, and she was hurt..."

"How do you know when she was injured?" I asked, my voice dangerously soft. "I never mentioned a timeframe."

Panic flashed across Kaelin's face, her breathing becoming shallow as she began to scratch anxiously at her arm, a nervous habit I'd seen before when she felt cornered.

"Thorne," she whispered, tears spilling down her cheeks. "You can't possibly think I would... I would never..." She looked up at me, her expression desperate. "If you don't believe me, then investigate. You're the Alpha Judge. Find out the truth."

I stared at her for a long moment, memorizing every microexpression, every tell. "I will," I promised, then turned and left the room without another word.

---

Freya's POV

I remained in the restroom for several minutes after Thorne left, trying to compose myself. My leg still tingled where his tongue had touched my skin, the wound already beginning to close properly now that his Alpha healing had neutralized the silver's effects. But it was my lips that burned most of all, the memory of his kiss seared into me like a brand.

When I finally gathered enough courage to return to the dining room, I found Mark waiting outside the restroom instead.

"Alpha Thorne asked me to ensure you get home safely, Ms. Potter," he said, his face impassive despite the fact that he must have known exactly what had transpired between Thorne and me.

"Where is he?" I asked, hating the tremor in my voice.

"He has taken Ms. Brooks back to their accommodations," Mark replied. "Ms. White is still in the private dining room."

I nodded, straightening my shoulders as I made my way back. Emma looked up as I entered, relief evident in her expression.

"There you are. I was about to send a search party."

"Sorry," I murmured, sliding into my seat. "Are they gone?"

Emma nodded, studying me with sharp eyes. "Ms. Brooks suddenly felt unwell after asking me some pointed questions about your accident."

My stomach tightened. "What kind of questions?"

"She wanted to know exactly what happened to you," Emma said, her voice low despite the empty room. "When I mentioned you were attacked three nights ago, she became very agitated and insisted on leaving immediately. Interesting, isn't it?"