The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 202

Freya's POV

I woke with a start, momentarily disoriented by the surroundings. Sunlight streamed through partially drawn curtains, illuminating the luxurious bedroom that was undeniably not mine. The events of the previous night came rushing back—the confrontation at the border, the shower incident, revealing my silver scars to Thorne, and finally falling asleep in his arms.

My hand instinctively reached across the bed, finding only cool sheets where Thorne had been. He was gone, probably for hours judging by the temperature of the bedding. I sat up slowly, my head throbbing with a dull ache. My throat felt scratchy, and I couldn't suppress a small cough that bubbled up.

A soft knock at the door interrupted my thoughts.

"Come in," I called, pulling the covers higher around me.

The door opened to reveal Edith, the Grey Estate's Beta housekeeper. She carried a tray with what appeared to be breakfast and a steaming cup of tea.

"Good morning, Ms. Riley," she said, her tone surprisingly neutral, as if finding me in her Alpha's bed was completely normal. "Alpha Thorne asked me to bring you breakfast and some herbal tea. He mentioned you might not be feeling well after yesterday's... incidents."

I accepted the tray with a murmured thanks, wondering how much Edith knew about what had happened. The tea smelled of mint and something earthy—probably medicinal herbs for my developing cold. I took a sip, the warm liquid soothing my irritated throat.

"The Alpha had to attend to some urgent matters at the Moon Crescent Court this morning," Edith continued, moving about the room with practiced efficiency, opening curtains fully and straightening items. "He asked that you stay until he returns."

I frowned. "I'm not his prisoner, Edith."

She paused her tidying to look at me directly. "No, you're not. But you are his guest, and he's concerned about your health. You were soaked to the bone last night and you're beginning to show signs of illness." She gestured to my throat as I suppressed another cough.

She wasn't wrong. Between my recent hospital stay, the emotional shock at the border, and being drenched in Thorne's shower, my body was rebelling.

"Ms. Riley," Edith said after a moment, her voice softer now, "if you've truly had enough of Alpha Thorne, you should tell him plainly. The binding ceremony with Ms. Brooks will be in less than two weeks. It would be... kinder to all involved if matters were settled beforehand."

I nearly choked on my tea. "Had enough of him? Edith, I've spent years trying to avoid him. I've repeatedly told him I want nothing to do with him. I even tried to leave Moon Bay for another pack's territory. He's the one who keeps appearing in my life, not the other way around."

Something shifted in Edith's expression—surprise, followed by what almost looked like approval.

"I see," she said, folding a throw blanket with precise movements. "Then perhaps it would be wise to listen to what the Alpha has to say when he returns. He seems... different since you've come back into his life."

"Different how?" I couldn't help asking.

"More like the wolf he was before your exile," she said simply. "If you need anything, Ms. Riley, anything at all, you need only ask. I'm here to serve the Alpha, but that doesn't mean I can't help you too, if necessary."

Her cryptic offer hung in the air between us. I nodded cautiously, unsure of her true loyalties. Was she faithful to Thorne, or perhaps to Kaelin? Either way, I wouldn't be revealing any vulnerabilities to her.

After Edith left, I finished my breakfast and was contemplating my next move when my phone rang. I fumbled through my borrowed clothes to find it in my pants pocket. Emma White's name flashed on the screen.

"Mia? Where are you?" Emma asked, using my work alias. "You're never late."

"I'm at home," I lied smoothly. "Not feeling too great this morning. I think I might be coming down with something."

"Do you need me to come over? I can bring soup and—"

"No!" I said too quickly. "I mean, no thank you. I just need to sleep it off. I'll be fine."

The last thing I needed was Emma discovering I was at Grey Estate. She'd either be furious on my behalf or assume the worst—that I was somehow involved with Thorne while he was preparing to bind with Kaelin.

After reassuring Emma I'd call if I needed anything, I hung up and sighed. My mind drifted to the binding ceremony pendant designs I'd already completed, and suddenly I had an idea. If I was stuck here, I might as well work on something productive.

I asked Edith for paper and a pencil, and soon found myself sketching designs for the binding ceremony rings. Despite my complicated feelings about the ceremony, the creative work helped clear my mind. I became so absorbed that I hardly noticed when Edith returned to check on me.

"Those are beautiful," she said, looking over my shoulder at the intricate designs.

"Thank you," I replied, setting down my pencil. "They're for the binding ceremony rings."

A flicker of something—sadness perhaps—crossed Edith's features. "Alpha Thorne and Ms. Brooks will be pleased," she said, though her tone lacked conviction. "Perhaps some fresh air would do you good. The Garden is particularly lovely this time of day."

The suggestion of leaving the bedroom appealed to me. "I think I will," I decided, gathering the sketches.

By lunchtime, I felt well enough to venture downstairs. I found Edith in the dining room, preparing to bring a tray up.

"I'm feeling better," I explained, taking a seat at the massive table. "No need to treat me like an invalid."

Edith nodded, serving me a light meal instead. The food was excellent, and I felt my strength returning.

"I think I'll take your advice about the garden now," I told her when I'd finished. "Could you bring me more paper and pencils? I'd like to continue working on the designs outside."