The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 223

Freya's POV

As I approached the Stone Group building, I adjusted the scarf around my neck, ensuring my crescent birthmark remained concealed. Another day of pretending to be someone else. Another day of being Mia Potter instead of Freya Riley.

As I neared the entrance, my steps faltered. Jasper Stone stood by the main doors, his tall figure unmistakable even from a distance. His silver-black hair caught the morning light, and his posture—relaxed yet commanding—announced his Alpha status to everyone around him. My wolf instincts immediately recognized the predator before me, making the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

I wasn't the only one affected by his presence. My colleagues slowed their pace, finding sudden interest in their phones or engaging in forced conversations. No one wanted to walk past an Alpha without being acknowledged first—it was instinct, that primal part of us that recognized the pack hierarchy regardless of modern pretenses.

When Jasper's gaze locked with mine, I knew with certainty he had been waiting for me. There was an intentionality in his stance, a focused attention that made my stomach knot. After our awkward dinner with his mother, I'd hoped for at least a few days of distance.

He raised his hand slightly, gesturing for me to approach while subtly directing the other employees to continue inside. They didn't need to be told twice, hurrying through the doors with quick, relieved glances.

"Good morning, Alpha Stone," I said, keeping my voice level and professional. The title felt formal on my tongue, but necessary—especially with others potentially watching.

"Ms. Potter," he replied, his voice carrying just enough volume that anyone nearby would hear the proper address. "I trust you're feeling better today?"

The hint of a smile played at the corner of his mouth, reminding me of our shared secret. To everyone else, I was Mia Potter, talented designer with a mysterious past. Only Jasper knew I was Freya Riley, exiled daughter of a disgraced family.

"Much better, thank you," I replied, matching his tone. "The medication has been effective."

He nodded, his eyes scanning my face with an intensity that made me want to step back. "I'd expected you might still be upset about yesterday's... situation with my mother."

I glanced around, aware of the curious looks from colleagues entering the building. "It was a simple misunderstanding," I said carefully. "Someone of my... status... doesn't have the luxury of being upset with an Alpha's decisions."

The words tasted bitter, but they were true. As an exile, I had learned to swallow my pride along with any illusions of equality.

Jasper's expression softened slightly. "Let's head inside. It's getting chilly."

We walked through the revolving doors together, his presence creating a bubble of space around us in the bustling lobby. Employees rushed to press themselves against walls or suddenly found urgent business elsewhere as we passed.

"Did you tell her my identity? How did your mother react when she found out the truth?" I asked, keeping my voice low. "Was she disappointed?"

Jasper's chuckle surprised me. "That's the thing—I haven't exactly told her the truth yet."

I nearly stopped walking but forced myself to continue. "What do you mean?"

"She thinks I upset you somehow, which is why you seemed reluctant about the idea of us... forming a connection." His words were carefully chosen, aware of potential eavesdroppers in the lobby.

"Jasper," I hissed, dropping formalities in my surprise. "You need to tell her—"

"We'll discuss this further in private," he cut me off smoothly as we reached the elevators. "Come to my office at noon. We'll talk then."

The elevator arrived with a soft chime, and several employees waiting stepped back, allowing us to enter first. I wanted to argue, to insist he clarify things with his mother immediately, but I couldn't make a scene. Not here, not now.

"Noon," I agreed, my voice tight.

Jasper nodded, satisfied, and stepped back to let me enter the elevator alone. As the doors closed between us, I caught the flash of something possessive in his eyes that made my wolf bristle.

---

The design department buzzed with activity when I arrived. Everyone was busy finalizing designs for the upcoming collections, rushing to meet deadlines that suddenly seemed more urgent than usual. I noticed several colleagues glance up as I entered, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and wariness.

Emma White moved between workstations, leaning over shoulders to examine sketches, offering critiques with brisk efficiency. Her hair was pulled back in a severe bun today, a style she reserved for particularly stressful deadlines.

I settled at my desk, pulling out my tablet to continue working on the design concepts for Jasper's mother's jewelry set. The irony wasn't lost on me—designing ceremonial jewelry for the mother of an Alpha who was pretending I was his potential mate.

Before I could even open my files, Emma appeared at my side, her perfume announcing her presence before she spoke.

"Mia, could I see you in my office for a moment?" Her tone was pleasant, but her eyes held concern.

I nodded, following her through the open workspace to her glass-walled office. As soon as the door closed behind us, she dropped the professional facade.

"Where did you disappear to yesterday afternoon?" she asked, her voice low but intense. "What important client required both you and Jasper to meet privately?"

I sat in the chair across from her desk, summoning a vague explanation. "It was a high-ranking wolf interested in a custom commission," I said, deliberately omitting that it was Jasper's mother. "Someone with very specific taste."

Emma studied me, her Beta senses likely picking up the half-truth in my scent. "I see," she said, not entirely convinced. "And this morning? I saw you with Alpha Stone at the entrance."

"He wanted to check on my recovery," I said, which wasn't entirely untrue.

She leaned forward, lowering her voice further. "Listen to me, Freya. You need to be careful around Jasper Stone."