The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 226

Freya’s POV

Elena’s genuine warmth caught me off guard. It had been so long since I'd experienced that kind of maternal care—not since before my exile, before my family was torn apart. My throat tightened unexpectedly.

"Are you alright, dear?" Elena asked, noticing my expression.

"Yes," I managed. "It's just... it's been a while since anyone has been so kind to me."

Elena's eyes softened. "Oh, Mia." She squeezed my hand. "Everyone deserves kindness. Especially talented young women working so hard to build their careers."

Her sincere affection made my deception feel even more terrible. I needed to tell her the truth—that I wasn't Mia Potter, that I wasn't really dating her son, that I was an exile with a moon silver mark on my wrist. But surrounded by salespeople in this public setting, I couldn't find the right moment.

"Please, this is too much," I said firmly when she added a third designer handbag to the growing pile of purchases.

Elena paused, studying my face. "You're worried about the cost? How thoughtful, but unnecessary. Jasper would want you to have these things."

"I can't accept such expensive gifts," I insisted. "If anything, I'd need to repay him."

Elena laughed lightly. "My dear, when you're part of the Stone family, such concerns become irrelevant."

I couldn't win this battle without revealing the truth about my relationship with Jasper, which seemed impossible with so many eager ears around us. Instead, I discreetly pulled out my phone and sent Jasper a quick text:

[Your mother is buying me an entire wardrobe. I WILL be paying you back for this.]

The shopping continued despite my discomfort. By our third boutique, the employees were carrying so many bags that Elena had to call for her driver to collect them. My head was spinning from the prices and the persistent assumption that I was somehow already part of the Stone family.

As we passed through the mall's central court, a large screen displayed a familiar image—the bridal collection I had photographed for Selena Price. The ethereal white gowns seemed to float across the screen, catching Elena's attention.

"Oh!" she exclaimed, stopping abruptly. "That's Selena Price's new collection, isn't it? Jasper mentioned you worked on this campaign."

I nodded, momentarily distracted from my discomfort. "Yes, I helped with the photography and some design elements."

Elena studied the screen with new interest. "The composition is exquisite. You have quite an eye." She turned to me with a brilliant smile. "We should visit Price Designs! I'd love to see you in one of these ceremonial gowns."

My stomach dropped. "That's really not necessary—"

"Nonsense! It would be the perfect opportunity to see how the moonstone pieces we're commissioning might look with formal attire." Her eyes gleamed with excitement. "Besides, every woman should try on a binding ceremony gown at least once."

The implications made my heart race uncomfortably. This had gone too far. "Elena, please, I need to explain something—"

She was already pulling out her phone. "Let me call Jasper. He should join us for this."

I stood frozen as she dialed, hoping desperately that Jasper would put an end to this charade.

"Jasper, darling!" Elena's voice was bright. "You didn't tell me Mia worked on Selena Price's bridal campaign. The photography is stunning."

I could hear Jasper's muffled voice on the other end of the line.

"Yes, we're having a wonderful time," Elena continued. "Though your girlfriend is far too modest about accepting gifts. I've barely managed to update her wardrobe."

There was a pause, and Elena's expression shifted slightly. "What do you mean, how much did I spend? When did you become so concerned with finances?"

Another pause.

"Only seventy thousand? That's hardly extravagant for quality pieces." She rolled her eyes at me as if we were sharing a joke about Jasper's frugality.

I felt my face burn with embarrassment. Seventy thousand moon silver coins was more than I'd make in a year at Stone Group.

"Well, regardless," Elena continued, "we're heading to Price Designs next. I think it's time we looked at some ceremonial attire. You should join us." She listened for a moment, then frowned. "Yes, she's right here. Of course you can speak with her."

Elena handed me the phone, her expression puzzled. "He wants to talk to you."

I took the phone and turned slightly away from Elena. "Hello?"

"Freya," Jasper's voice was tense. "Has my mother been pushing the relationship narrative?"

"Yes," I said quietly. "Very much so."

He sighed. "I'm sorry. I'll be there in twenty minutes. We'll sort this out."

"Please do," I said firmly. "This can't continue."

"Just... don't say anything definitive until I get there," he requested. "I'd rather handle this delicately."

I ended the call and handed the phone back to Elena, who was watching me with curious eyes.

"Is everything alright? Jasper sounded concerned."

"He's going to join us," I said, carefully neutral. "He suggested we have lunch first."

Elena brightened. "Excellent idea! There's a lovely restaurant on the top floor with a beautiful view of the city."

As we rode the elevator up, I steeled myself for the conversation ahead. Either Jasper would tell his mother the truth, or I would—regardless of the consequences. The kindness Elena had shown me only made it more urgent that she learn who I really was. I couldn't continue accepting her maternal affection under false pretenses.

The restaurant was indeed spectacular, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Moon Bay. We were seated at a prime table near the window, the kind reserved for high-ranking wolves. As Elena ordered appetizers, I felt a prickling sensation at the back of my neck—the unmistakable feeling of being watched.

I casually scanned the restaurant, trying to identify the source of my unease. Nothing seemed immediately out of place, but my wolf remained alert, sensing potential danger.

"Is the view not to your liking?" Elena asked, noticing my distraction.

"It's beautiful," I assured her. "I just thought I recognized someone."

Elena studied me with keen eyes. "You seem nervous, dear. Is something bothering you?"

Before I could respond, a familiar scent reached me, and my body tensed involuntarily. Jasper had arrived. He moved through the restaurant with the confident stride of an Alpha, drawing glances from other diners. When he reached our table, he bent to kiss his mother's cheek before taking the seat beside me.

"Mother," he greeted her warmly. "I see you've been keeping Mia busy."