The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 271

Freya’s POV

Later that evening, as Ethan and I sat in Martha's living room discussing our future, there was a knock at the door. Martha opened it to reveal Thorne standing there, his expression serious.

"I have news," he said without preamble. "The Delta team I sent to search the Forgotten Wilds has reported back. They've found your parents."

My heart leapt with hope. "They're coming home? They're really coming home?"

Thorne nodded. "They're safe. The team found them in the remote settlement you described from your last visit. They're bringing them back now. They should arrive by tomorrow morning."

Tears filled my eyes. After all these years of separation, after my brief, guarded visits to them in exile, my parents would finally be free to return home. This, more than any court judgment, felt like true justice.

"Thank you," I whispered, the words inadequate for the emotions churning inside me.

Thorne nodded, his gaze holding mine for a moment longer than necessary before he turned to leave. "I'll have them brought directly to the courthouse steps. I thought... I thought you might want to reunite in a place that finally offered justice rather than betrayal."

After he left, I sat in stunned silence, Ethan equally speechless beside me. Our parents were coming home—truly home, not just existing in hiding on the edges of the Wilds where I had to sneak to see them.

---

The next morning, Ethan and I waited anxiously on the courthouse steps. A small crowd had gathered, respectfully keeping their distance but clearly curious about the return of the disgraced—now vindicated—Riley family.

When the black SUVs pulled up, my heart pounded so hard I thought it might burst from my chest. The doors opened, and there they were—my parents, James and Helena Riley, thinner and grayer than when I had last visited them, but unmistakably alive and now free.

"Mom? Dad?" My voice broke as I stepped forward.

"Freya? Ethan?" My mother's voice was filled with wonder. "We're really back."

We collided in a tangle of arms and tears, the four of us clinging to each other as if afraid we might be separated again at any moment. My father's familiar scent—pine and old books—filled my nose, while my mother's hands trembled as she touched my face.

"My beautiful girl," she whispered. "It's over. We're finally home."

"Yes," I said through my tears. "You're here. You're both here—really here, and free."

Ethan explained everything as Martha helped us get settled in a temporary home she had prepared—a modest but comfortable house in the Moon Light District, not far from our old family property. My parents listened with mixed emotions to the tale of betrayal and vindication.

"And your hand?" my father asked, gently touching my scarred right hand. He had seen the early damage during my visits, but not the full extent of the healing process.

"Silver poisoning," I reminded him. "But it's getting better. I can hold a pencil now, even if my drawings aren't what they used to be."

My mother's eyes filled with tears. "Oh, Freya. Your designs were your life."

"I'm alive," I said firmly. "We all are. And now we're together. That's what matters."

Over the next few days, my parents slowly readjusted to life in civilization. Martha's cooking and the security of being back in Moon Bay worked wonders, though they jumped at sudden noises and kept checking the windows—habits formed during years of hiding.

Dr. Everett and Dr. Klaus continued my treatment, and my hand showed gradual improvement. I could now close my fingers completely, though fine motor control remained elusive. They assured me that with continued therapy, I might regain up to 90% function.

A week after my parents' return, Thorne came to see us officially. He arrived without ceremony, dressed in a simple suit rather than his judicial robes. My parents stiffened at his appearance—to them, the name Grey represented betrayal.

"Mr. and Mrs. Riley," Thorne began formally. "I've come to personally apologize for the grave injustice my family and this pack inflicted upon you."

My father's expression remained stony. "Your father sentenced us to death."

"I know," Thorne said quietly. "There is no excuse for what was done to your family. I can only try to make amends and ensure such an abuse of power never happens again."

He turned to me then, his gaze softening slightly. "Freya, I've signed the papers officially restoring all Riley family assets and properties. Your family home has been maintained in your absence and is ready whenever you wish to return."

"Thank you," I said formally, though part of me wanted to throw the papers back in his face. What good was our family home now, after everything we'd lost?

As Thorne prepared to leave, my mother suddenly spoke. "Alpha Thorne."

Thorne turned, surprised by her address.

"My daughter bears scars because of your judgment. Will you look at her and tell me what you see now?"

It was a challenge, motherly and fierce. Thorne met my gaze, and for a moment, I saw raw emotion in his eyes.

"I see a wolf stronger than I could ever hope to be," he said quietly. "I see someone who survived what would have broken others. I see a mistake I will spend the rest of my life trying to make right."

After he left, my father broke the silence. "We can't stay here."

"What?" Ethan and I spoke simultaneously.

"Your mother and I have discussed it," he explained. "There's a northern city—Silver Pine—where distant Riley cousins have established themselves. They've invited us to join them, to start fresh where the name Riley isn't associated with false shame."

"But we've just been vindicated," Ethan protested. "Our name has been cleared."

"Clearing our name doesn't erase the memories," my mother said softly. "Every street here, every building holds the ghosts of what was taken from us. We need a fresh start, Ethan."

I watched my brother's face as he processed this, saw the moment when understanding dawned.

"I'll go with you," he said finally. "The northern branch of Riley Enterprises could use leadership. I can rebuild there."

All eyes turned to me. "Freya? Will you come with us?"

I opened my mouth, but no words came out. Leave Moon Bay? The thought should have been appealing. What did this place hold for me but painful memories? And yet...

"I need time to think," I said at last.