The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 221

Freya's POV

"Earth to Freya," Emma's voice cut through my distracted thoughts. "Your coffee's getting cold."

I blinked, refocusing on the steaming mug before me. We were in the Stone Group break room, the morning sunlight streaming through the large windows that overlooked the city skyline. I had been checking my phone—again—for a response from Thorne.

"Sorry," I murmured, putting the device down. "Just... waiting for something."

Emma's eyebrows rose knowingly. "Would that 'something' happen to involve a certain Alpha whose name begins with T?"

Heat rushed to my face. "I asked him for my pendant back," I admitted quietly, ensuring no one else in the break room could hear. "The one Julie gave me. He hasn't responded."

Emma sighed, stirring her tea with unnecessary force. "Did you get it back yet?"

"No," I said, looking down at my phone again. "He only responded about the ring designs being on hold. Nothing about the pendant."

"Of course not," Emma said with obvious disdain. "Alphas and their possessiveness. You should cut ties with him completely, Freya. The sooner you get that pendant back and end all communication with Thorne Grey, the better."

My wolf bristled at her tone, even though logically I knew she was right. "It's not that simple—"

"It is that simple," Emma insisted. "You have a chance at a normal life here. Working at Stone Group, living in your own apartment, making new connections." She leaned forward, lowering her voice. "Speaking of connections, have you thought more about Miles?"

I sighed. "Emma..."

"I'm serious! You and Miles would be perfect together. You already know each other from childhood, he understands your past, and he clearly adores you." She took a sip of her tea, watching me over the rim of her mug. "Plus, there's no complicated pack politics or binding ceremonies with other wolves to worry about."

I couldn't deny there was some logic to her argument. Miles was kind, stable, and genuinely cared for me. Being with him would certainly be less complicated than my tangled history with Thorne. And yet...

"I need to focus on finding Ethan right now," I deflected. "Romance isn't exactly a priority."

"Finding your brother is important," Emma agreed. "But you don't have to put your entire life on hold while you search. You deserve happiness too, Freya."

My ears caught the sound of approaching footsteps—heavy, confident, distinctly Alpha—before a deep voice spoke from behind me.

"Miles? Who's this mysterious suitor of yours, Ms. Potter?"

I froze, recognizing Jasper's voice immediately. The teasing lilt in his tone did nothing to mask the Alpha authority beneath. Emma stiffened beside me, her scent sharpening with alarm.

"Alpha Stone," she acknowledged, her voice suddenly formal. "We were just having a private conversation."

Jasper moved into my line of sight, casually leaning against the counter. His tailored suit emphasized his broad shoulders, and his expression was one of amused curiosity.

"Private conversations about potential mates in a company break room?" he raised an eyebrow. "Fascinating. And who is this Miles character? Some unknown Beta trying to court my designer?"

Emma's eyes narrowed dangerously. "With all due respect, Alpha Stone, Mia's personal life is her own business. And I would strongly advise against interfering."

The threat in her voice was subtle but unmistakable. The room seemed to grow smaller as Jasper straightened to his full height, his expression hardening for just a moment before smoothing into a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"My, my, Ms. White. That sounded remarkably like a warning." He turned his gaze to me. "I'm merely looking out for the best interests of my employees. Wouldn't want our talented designer distracted by someone... unworthy of her talents."

Emma opened her mouth to respond, but Jasper cut her off smoothly. "Speaking of responsibilities, Ms. White, don't you have a department meeting to attend? I believe it started five minutes ago."

Emma hesitated, glancing at me with concern. I gave her a small nod—I could handle Jasper. With obvious reluctance, she gathered her things.

"This conversation isn't over," she murmured to me before leaving, her shoulders stiff with tension.

When we were alone, Jasper's posture relaxed slightly. "Emma is quite protective," he observed, pouring himself a cup of coffee. "Though she should be careful about challenging Alphas so directly."

"Emma was just looking out for me," I said carefully.

"Hmm." Jasper studied me over his coffee cup. "And this Miles... is he someone special to you?"

The question felt like dangerous territory. "Just an old friend," I answered, keeping my voice neutral. "Nothing for you to concern yourself with, Alpha Stone."

His lips quirked upward. "Good to know." He glanced at his watch. "As it happens, I need you this afternoon. I have a meeting at 2 PM at Lunar White with the client who's commissioning the jewelry collection we discussed yesterday."

"Already?" I said, surprised. "I thought I'd have time to prepare some preliminary sketches first—"

"Consider this an introductory meeting," he interrupted smoothly. "I'll have Duke clear your schedule. This client is important, Mia. Very important. They're eager to meet the designer personally before proceeding further."

The emphasis in his voice made it clear this wasn't a request but an order. I nodded reluctantly. "I'll be ready."

"Excellent." Jasper pushed away from the counter. "Meet me in the lobby at 1:45. Wear something elegant—the dress you wore to the company gala would be perfect."

As he walked away, I sank back into my chair, my wolf on edge. Whatever Jasper was planning, I sensed it was more than a simple client meeting. But I was in no position to refuse.

---

The sleek black car pulled up to Lunar White. I'd only seen it from a distance before—a gleaming white marble building with soaring columns and windows that caught the afternoon sunlight like polished diamond. Jasper guided me through the main entrance with a light touch at the small of my back, his Alpha presence causing staff members to bow their heads respectfully as we passed.

"I'm looking forward to meeting this important client who's commissioning the jewelry set," I remarked, taking in the opulent surroundings—crystal chandeliers, original artwork on the walls, and the subtle scent of wealth that permeated the air.

"They have exquisite taste," Jasper replied with a cryptic smile that made my wolf uneasy. "And very high expectations."

A Beta host led us to a private dining room on the upper level, one with panoramic views of the city skyline. The table was already set for four, with fine china and silver cutlery that probably cost more than my monthly rent.

"Four settings?" I questioned.

"Our client is bringing an advisor," Jasper explained vaguely, pulling out my chair.

We'd barely settled when there was a gentle knock at the door. It opened to reveal an elegant older woman with Jasper's same silver-flecked hair, wearing a tailored cream suit that screamed old money. Jasper rose immediately, his expression shifting from composed to genuinely surprised.

"Mother?" he said, moving to greet her with a formal embrace. "What are you doing here? I was expecting you with the Blackwoods."

The woman smiled warmly, patting her son's cheek in a gesture that seemed oddly tender for such a formal setting. "The Blackwoods had to reschedule. I decided to come alone." Her gaze shifted to me, bright with interest. "And this must be Mia Potter. I've heard so much about you, dear. I'm Elena Stone."

Before I could process what was happening, she approached and took both my hands in hers. "Finally, I get to meet the woman who's captured my son's attention."

I froze, eyes darting to Jasper, who gave me an almost imperceptible nod and mouthed, "Just play along." His eyes held a silent plea that surprised me.

"Mrs. Stone," I managed, recovering enough to smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Elena, please," she insisted, taking the seat Jasper held out for her. "We're practically family already, aren't we?"