The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 224

Freya’s POV

I nodded conformably. "I knew. You told me before."

"Yes, I just want to remind you again," Emma said bluntly. "He collects beautiful things—and people—until he gets bored with them. Then he discards them without a second thought. He did the same with me once."

"I'm well aware of his reputation," I assured her. "Don't worry."

"Ancient history," she waved dismissively. "But I'm telling you this as a friend. Whatever game he's playing, it won't end well for you. Don't take his attention too seriously."

Her concern seemed genuine, which touched me. Friends were a rare commodity in my new life.

"I promise I won't get too close to him," I said sincerely. "This is strictly professional."

Emma nodded, seemingly satisfied, and patted my shoulder. "Good." She straightened in her chair, changing the subject. "About the Grey binding ceremony ring design—"

"It's on hold," I interjected quickly. "Alpha Thorne has temporarily suspended the project."

"Permanently would be better," Emma said, her expression serious. "You don't need to be connected to two rival Alphas, Mia. Let me take over the Grey project if it resumes."

I shook my head. "I can't do that. I gave my word I'd complete the design."

"To Alpha Thorne?" Emma asked. "The same Alpha who was carrying you into the hospital in those photos? The same one who's supposed to bind with Kaelin Brooks?"

I flinched at the mention of Kaelin's name. "That was a misunderstanding. And yes, I promised him I'd finish the design."

Emma sighed, clearly frustrated with my stubbornness. "At least promise me you'll minimize contact with him. Phone calls, emails—nothing in person. The last thing you need is to be caught between two Alphas."

If only she knew how accurate her assessment was. "I'll be discreet," I promised.

"Good." She straightened papers on her desk, signaling our private conversation was ending. "Now get back to work."

---

The morning passed in a blur of sketches and digital renders. I tried to focus on creating the perfect ceremonial jewelry set for Jasper's mother, but found myself struggling. Unlike the binding rings for Thorne and Kaelin, where I'd had clear direction from meeting both of them, I knew almost nothing about Elena Stone beyond our brief dinner.

What elements would resonate with her? What shapes would complement her features? I needed more information to create something truly meaningful, and the frustration of hitting creative walls left me feeling increasingly defeated as noon approached.

I saved my meager progress and headed toward Jasper's office, my mind still churning with design problems. The halls seemed to stretch longer than usual, each step bringing me closer to a conversation I wasn't looking forward to having.

His assistant Duke looked up as I approached, giving me a polite nod. "He's expecting you, Ms. Potter. Go right in."

Jasper's office was the epitome of Alpha territory—spacious and commanding, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of Moon Bay. He sat behind an imposing desk of dark wood, but rose when I entered.

"Right on time," he said, gesturing to a small seating area where lunch had been arranged on a coffee table. "I thought we could discuss things over food."

My stomach growled traitorously at the sight of the spread—artfully arranged sandwiches, fresh fruit, and what smelled like tomato bisque. I hadn't realized how hungry I was.

"Thank you," I said, taking a seat on one of the leather chairs.

Jasper sat across from me, his movements fluid and confident. He passed me a plate before serving himself. "I assume you have questions about the situation with my mother."

I set my plate down, appetite suddenly diminished. "You let her believe I'm your girlfriend, or potential mate, or whatever you want to call it. Why haven't you corrected her misunderstanding?"

He took a bite of his sandwich, chewing thoughtfully before answering. "Because it's convenient."

"Convenient for you, maybe," I retorted. "But completely unfair to me."

Jasper's eyes met mine, and I caught a glimpse of something calculating behind his casual demeanor. "Is it really so terrible? My mother likes you. She's commissioned you for a significant project. Your position at Stone Group is more secure than ever."

"Under false pretenses," I pointed out. "What happens when she discovers the truth? That I'm an exile? That my real name isn't even Mia Potter?"

He waved a dismissive hand. "She doesn't need to know those details."

"Those 'details' are who I am," I said, feeling my wolf bristle at his cavalier attitude. "And what happens when you eventually find an actual mate? How will you explain that to her?"

Something shifted in Jasper's expression, a subtle change that made my skin prickle with awareness. "Who says I'm not considering you for that role?"

The sandwich I'd just picked up froze halfway to my mouth. "You can't be serious."

"Why not?" he asked, leaning forward slightly. "You're talented, intelligent, beautiful. The fact that you're an exile is a mere technicality."

"A 'technicality' that would cause a scandal if it became public," I reminded him. "Your mother deserves to know the truth."

Jasper's expression hardened slightly. "My mother has been pressuring me about finding a mate for years. She's been talking about arranging meetings with eligible Betas from allied packs. Now, for the first time, she's excited about someone I've chosen myself."

"But you didn't choose me," I protested. "You're using me as a shield against her matchmaking."

A smile played at his lips. "Perhaps it started that way. But I find myself increasingly interested in making our arrangement less... pretend."

My heart raced, and not in a good way. This was dangerous territory. "Jasper, you need to tell your mother the truth. I'm an exile. I have the moon silver mark. I can't be what she wants for you."

"My mother doesn't care about those things as much as you might think," he replied. "She cares about my happiness."

"And does lying to her make you happy?" I challenged.

He considered this, then shrugged. "It's not a complete lie. I am interested in you, Freya."

The use of my real name sent a chill down my spine. "Even so, your mother deserves the truth."

Jasper studied me for a long moment, then nodded slowly. "I'll consider it. But for now, let's enjoy lunch and discuss your design progress."

I wanted to push the issue further but recognized the subtle shift in his tone—the Alpha was done discussing this particular topic. Instead, I reluctantly picked up my sandwich and began explaining my creative process for his mother's jewelry set.