The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 227

Freya’s POV

"Someone needs to look after her wardrobe," Elena replied. "The poor girl dresses like she's trying to hide her beauty."

"If only she knew that's exactly what I'm doing", I thought grimly.

"Well, I appreciate your efforts," Jasper said smoothly. "Though perhaps a bit more restraint with my credit card next time?"

Elena waved dismissively. "When you find someone special, you invest in them. That's what your father always said."

I picked at my appetizer, my appetite diminishing with each moment of this charade. The prickling sensation at my neck intensified, and I found myself scanning the room again. That's when I saw her—Kaelin Brooks, seated at a table across the restaurant with another female wolf I didn't recognize. They were looking directly at our table, whispering to each other.

"Excuse me," I said abruptly. "I need to use the restroom."

Once outside the dining area, I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. The hallway leading to the restrooms was quieter, offering a moment of respite.

"You look like you could use some air," Jasper's voice came from behind me.

I turned to face him. "This has gone far enough. You need to tell your mother the truth."

He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "I will, but not here in public."

"When?" I demanded. "She's talking about ceremonial gowns, Jasper. She thinks we're heading toward a binding ceremony."

He ran a hand through his hair, looking genuinely conflicted. "I know, and I'm sorry. I didn't expect her to move this quickly."

"I'm returning everything she bought today," I said firmly.

"That's not necessary—"

"It is to me," I interrupted. "I won't be indebted to you or your family under false pretenses. Your mother has been so kind to me today—genuinely maternal. It makes me feel even worse about this deception."

Jasper studied me for a moment. "If that makes you feel better, fine. But can we at least get through lunch without a scene? My mother hasn't been this happy in years."

I felt my resolve wavering. Despite the awkwardness of the situation, Elena had been genuinely kind to me. "I'll agree to finish lunch, but you need to find a way to steer her away from the ceremonial gown idea."

"Done," he agreed. "And I promise, I'll explain everything to her tomorrow when we're alone."

I wasn't entirely satisfied with this compromise, but it seemed the most diplomatic solution. "Fine. But this is the last time I play along."

As we returned to the table, Elena was engaged with the waiter, ordering our main courses. She looked up as we approached, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

"I took the liberty of ordering for both of you," she said. "The chef's special for Jasper, and the cedar-planked salmon for you, Mia. I noticed you seem to prefer fish."

It was a thoughtful observation, and I felt a twinge of guilt for my impatience with her. "Thank you, that sounds perfect."

We settled into more neutral conversation as our food arrived. Elena was discussing an upcoming full moon gathering when she suddenly stiffened, her eyes fixing on something over my shoulder.

"Isn't that Kaelin Brooks?" she asked, her voice dropping slightly.

I turned just enough to confirm what I already knew. Kaelin was approaching our table, her companion following closely behind. Both women were impeccably dressed, their expressions carefully arranged into polite smiles that didn't reach their eyes.

"Mrs. Stone," Kaelin greeted with practiced warmth. "What a pleasant surprise to see you here in Silverstone territory."

"Kaelin, dear," Elena responded. "It's been too long. What brings you to our pack?"

Kaelin's smile tightened almost imperceptibly. "I'm meeting with Selena Price about my binding ceremony gown. Alpha Thorne wants everything to be perfect for our special day."

The pointed look she gave me made her message clear—she was marking her territory.

"How lovely," Elena replied. "This is Mia Potter, Jasper's girlfriend. She's a talented designer at Stone Group."

Kaelin's gaze settled on me, recognition flashing in her eyes. "Mia... how interesting." She extended her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

I reluctantly took her hand, maintaining my composure despite the hostility radiating from her. "Likewise."

Kaelin suddenly coughed, a delicate sound that seemed deliberately theatrical.

"Are you unwell?" Elena asked with genuine concern.

"Just a little under the weather," Kaelin replied, her voice softening. "Recent... events have been rather stressful."

Her companion, a sleek Beta wolf with calculating eyes, nodded sympathetically. "It's been difficult for Kaelin, with everything that's happened."

"What do you mean?" Elena asked.

"Someone has been trying to come between Kaelin and Alpha Thorne," the woman explained with exaggerated concern. "A homewrecker, really."

Elena's expression hardened. "How disgraceful. Third parties inserting themselves into established relationships should be ashamed."

I felt the blood drain from my face as Kaelin's friend pulled out her phone.

"Actually," she said, turning the screen toward Elena, "I think you might find this interesting. This photo was all over the Internet last week."

The image showed a blurred figure—clearly Alpha Thorne Grey—carrying someone into the hospital. The angle obscured the woman's face, but the silver-blonde hair spilling over his arm was unmistakable.

"That poor exile girl," Kaelin said with mock sympathy. "She was banished three years ago for attacking me, but somehow she's back in Moon Bay, causing trouble again." Her eyes slid to me. "Actually, she looks remarkably like your son's girlfriend here."

Elena frowned, looking between the photo and me. "Don't be ridiculous. This is Mia Potter, a talented designer who's been with Stone Group for months."

Kaelin and her friend exchanged glances before breaking into laughter.

"Freya Riley," Kaelin said, her voice dripping with venom as she addressed me directly. "A few days ago you were being carried by Alpha Thorne, and today you're Alpha Stone's potential mate? You certainly get around."

Elena's face paled as she turned to me. "You... you're Freya Riley?"

Jasper rose to his feet, his Alpha presence filling the space around us. "That's enough, Kaelin. You've made your point."

But the damage was done. Elena stared at me with new eyes, the warmth and affection replaced by shock and betrayal.

"Is it true?" she whispered.