The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 218

Freya’s POV

The morning dragged on endlessly. By noon, I was mentally exhausted from maintaining my composure. When a shadow fell across my desk, I looked up to see Duke, Jasper's Beta assistant, standing there in an impeccably tailored suit.

"Ms. Potter," he said formally, loud enough for the entire department to hear. "Alpha Stone requests your presence for lunch to discuss the Moonstone Collection."

Relief washed through me, but I kept my expression neutral. "Thank you, but I should really catch up on my work," I replied softly.

Duke's eyebrows rose slightly. He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "It wasn't a request, Ms. Potter."

"I appreciate the invitation," I persisted, aware of the attention we were drawing, "but I've fallen behind and—"

"Ms. Potter," Duke interrupted, raising his voice, "Alpha Stone specifically requested your expertise on a high-priority client project. The materials are restricted to senior Beta level clearance." He straightened, glancing around the now-silent room. "Alpha Stone personally recruited Ms. Potter for her exceptional design talents. Anyone who has a problem with that is welcome to discuss it with me—or with Alpha Stone himself."

The challenge hung in the air. No one spoke.

I gathered my tablet and followed Duke to the elevator, feeling the burning stares of my colleagues.

"Thank you," I murmured as the doors closed.

Duke nodded, his expression softening slightly. "Alpha Stone doesn't like his assets being harassed."

Assets. The word stung, but I couldn't deny its accuracy.

Jasper's office occupied the entire top floor, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of Moon Bay. He greeted me with a predatory smile, gesturing to a lunch spread on his conference table.

"Feeling the love downstairs?" he asked, pouring me a glass of water.

"You know?"

"I make it my business to know everything that happens in my building." He settled into a chair. "Eat. You're still recovering."

I took a small sandwich, my appetite diminished by stress. "Thank you for sending Duke."

Jasper waved dismissively. "I've got something more important to discuss." He pushed a folder toward me. "I need a special design. A jewelry set for a particularly important client."

I opened the folder, my breath catching at the photographs inside. The materials were exquisite—rare moon opals that shifted colors in different light, accented with diamonds and platinum.

"These are..." I trailed off, stunned by their quality.

"The finest materials available," Jasper finished. "Usually reserved for Alpha mates or high-ranking Betas. I want something unique, something that showcases your talent."

My fingers traced the photos reverently. "Why me? You have a dozen senior designers with more experience."

Jasper leaned back, studying me. "Because I want you to design." His gaze was intense. "I think you are the most suitable designer to take on this commission. Is there a problem?"

I smiled faintly. "No. How long do I have?"

"Don't worry. You have plenty of time."

I nodded, already visualizing possibilities. Despite everything, the creative challenge awakened something in me, a spark that had been dormant since my exile.

"I'll need specialized tools, a private workspace—"

"You'll have everything you need," Jasper interrupted. "Consider this your chance to prove your value beyond question."

The implication was clear: succeed, and my position would be secure. Fail, and I'd be dispensable.

"I won't disappoint you," I said, meeting his gaze.

His smile widened. "I know you won't, Freya. Riley wolves never do."

---

When I returned to the design department, the atmosphere had shifted subtly. The open hostility had transformed into something more cautious. Duke's message had been received—I was under Alpha Stone's protection.

I had just settled back at my desk when a commotion near the entrance caught my attention. Selena Price had entered the design department, her elegant presence immediately drawing attention. As Sebastian's sister and owner of Price Designs, her visits to competing firms always caused a stir.

My heart sank as I watched Carter and Melissa intercept her, speaking in hushed tones while glancing in my direction. Selena's expression remained pleasant, but her eyes narrowed slightly as she listened.

"You should probably keep your distance from Mia Potter today," Melissa was saying, not bothering to lower her voice. "There's been some... revelations. That photo in the news with Alpha Grey? That was her."

"We're pretty certain she's actually that Riley exile," Carter added eagerly. "The timing of her absence, her return right after the hospital incident... it all adds up."

I stared at my tablet, pretending to work while shame burned through me. They were exposing me to one of the most respected designers in Moon Bay, someone I'd just collaborated with weeks ago.

"How fascinating," Selena replied, her voice carrying clearly. "And does her identity somehow diminish the quality of her work? In our industry, talent speaks louder than gossip or bloodlines."

She moved past them, heading directly toward my desk. I looked up, grateful for her public support.

"Mia," she said warmly, using my work alias with deliberate emphasis. "I've been hoping to catch you. The response to our photoshoot has been phenomenal. We need to discuss follow-up designs."

The entire department went silent. I nodded, gathering my bag. "Of course, I'd be happy to discuss it. Coffee downstairs?"

"Perfect," she agreed, casting a pointed look at my stunned colleagues.

Once in the elevator, I exhaled shakily. "Thank you for that."

Selena shrugged elegantly. "Those wolves should be ashamed. As if your talent depends on your pack status or name."

The coffee shop in the lobby was quiet this time of day. We claimed a corner table, and Selena ordered for both of us—remembering my preference for vanilla lattes with an extra shot.

"So," she began, stirring her tea thoughtfully, "how are you holding up since our photo shoot? Really?"

I was grateful for her direct approach. "It's been challenging," I admitted. "But I'm managing."

"I can imagine. The whole city is talking about you and Thorne Grey." She leaned forward, lowering her voice. "For what it's worth, I think it's ridiculous how they're treating you. As if proximity to an Alpha is somehow scandalous."

I sighed, wrapping my hands around my warm mug. "It's not just that. It's everything—my family name, my exile, working for Jasper while living in Moon Bay..."

"Which brings me to why I wanted to speak with you," Selena said, her expression turning serious. "The wedding collection photos we took a few weeks ago? The ones where you modeled the designs? They've been causing quite a stir in European wolf circles."

I blinked in surprise. "They have?"

She nodded enthusiastically. "Several prominent packs have inquired about both the jewelry and the model wearing them. Your grace in the photos really highlighted the pieces perfectly, and your aesthetic sensibility resonates with the younger generation of wolves who want tradition with a modern twist."

Selena leaned forward eagerly. "Which brings me to a proposition. I'd like you to design a signature collection for Price Designs. A complete suite—earrings, necklaces, bracelets. Something modern yet timeless."

My heart leapt at the opportunity, but reality quickly dampened my enthusiasm. "I'm honored, but I just agreed to a special project for Alpha Stone."

Selena's expression fell slightly. "I see. Well, when you've completed his project, my offer stands." She reached across the table, squeezing my hand. "It's good to have you back in the design world, Freya. We've missed your eye."