The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 198

Freya's POV

I stood frozen as Thorne's SUV skidded to a halt mere feet away from us, dust billowing around the vehicle like an angry cloud. My heart hammered against my ribs, instinct screaming at me to retreat from what was clearly about to become dangerous territory between two powerful Alphas.

The SUV door flew open with such force I thought it might tear off its hinges. Thorne emerged, his tall frame unfolding with predatory grace. He didn't bother closing the door behind him—his focus was entirely on us, golden wolf eyes blazing beneath furrowed brows. The moment his feet touched the ground, a wave of Alpha pheromones crashed over the entire parking area like a physical force, making my knees weaken.

The border guards nearby immediately lowered their gazes and backed away. Even the birds went silent. My wolf cowered within me, recognizing the fury of the Grey Moon Alpha.

"Alpha Stone." Thorne's voice was deceptively calm, but the undercurrent of barely controlled rage was unmistakable.

Jasper's hand remained casually draped over my shoulder, his touch suddenly feeling like a brand on my skin. Despite the overwhelming force of Thorne's presence, Jasper appeared completely unfazed. He even smiled slightly, as though Thorne's dramatic arrival amused him.

"Alpha Thorne," Jasper replied smoothly. "What a surprise. Out for a drive along the border checkpoints today? Or perhaps conducting a personal inspection of our shared territories?"

Thorne ignored the greeting entirely. His gaze locked onto my neck, where the new diamond pendant from Jasper glittered in the afternoon sun. Something dangerous flashed in his eyes, his jaw clenching so tight I could almost hear his teeth grinding together.

The pressure of two Alpha auras colliding made the air feel thick and unbreathable. I found myself taking a step backward, my wolf's instinct for self-preservation kicking in, but Jasper's arm tightened slightly, keeping me in place beside him.

"Freya Riley." Thorne's voice dropped an octave, becoming a command rather than an address. "Get in my car. Now."

The Alpha order hit me like a physical blow. Even without the full force of a direct command behind it, my wolf instinctively wanted to obey. I felt my muscles tense, preparing to move toward his vehicle before my human mind could intervene.

"I don't think she's quite ready to leave," Jasper interjected, his grip on my shoulder tightening fractionally. "She's just seen her family after three years. It's been quite emotional. Perhaps she needs a moment to process before being whisked away."

Thorne took a deliberate step forward, and I swear I felt the ground vibrate beneath my feet. "This isn't a request, Alpha Stone. She belongs to Grey Moon Pack. Under my jurisdiction."

"Belongs?" Jasper's eyebrow raised, his thumb absently stroking my collarbone in a gesture that was deliberately provocative. "Interesting choice of words for someone who exiled her from that same territory."

My chest tightened with anxiety as I watched Thorne's eyes track Jasper's casual touch. This was rapidly escalating beyond my control. I needed to defuse the situation before someone—likely me—got hurt in the crossfire.

"I should go," I said quietly to Jasper, trying to extract myself from his grip without being obvious about it. "Thank you for arranging this. It meant everything to me."

"Stay where you are," Thorne commanded, taking another step closer. Each footfall seemed to make the earth shudder. "I'm not leaving without you, Riley."

Jasper's arm slid further around my shoulders, pulling me slightly closer to his side. "You know, Grey, I've always found your territorial displays fascinating. Especially over wolves you claim to have no personal interest in."

I could practically feel the rumble building in Thorne's chest from six feet away. His control was slipping, wolf eyes fully golden now, canines visibly elongated behind parted lips.

"Enough," I said, more forcefully this time, shoving Jasper's arm away and stepping back from both men. "I am not a bone for two Alpha dogs to fight over. Stop this ridiculous display."

Both men turned to look at me, momentarily startled by my outburst. I squared my shoulders, trying to project confidence I didn't feel while standing between two predators whose combined power made the air crackle with tension.

"Freya." Thorne's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "Get in the car. Now. Or shall we discuss your parents' living arrangements in the Wilds? I believe they've been quite comfortable in Sector 7, haven't they? Far more comfortable than most exiles."

My blood ran cold. The veiled threat was unmistakable—my parents' relative safety was contingent on my cooperation. The weight of my mother's secret gift pressed against my palm, reminding me of my father's warning about the Grey family. But I couldn't risk my parents' wellbeing, not when I'd just found them again.

"That's low, even for you," Jasper remarked, his casual tone finally giving way to cold anger. "Threatening family to get compliance isn't the mark of a true Alpha, Grey."

"This doesn't concern you," Thorne snapped, his attention never leaving me. "Last chance, Freya."

The crescent birthmark on my neck throbbed with phantom pain, a reminder of everything I'd lost because of this man. I thought of my father's grave warning and my mother's tearful embrace. I couldn't jeopardize their safety, not for my pride, not for anything.

"I'll go with Alpha Thorne," I said finally, meeting Jasper's concerned gaze. "Thank you for today, Alpha Stone. It was..." my voice caught, "it was more than I could have hoped for."

Jasper studied my face for a long moment, then nodded slightly. "You know where to find me if you need anything. Anything at all."