The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 50

Third POV

In the elegant dining room downstairs, Thorne Grey sat at the head of the table, watching impassively as Kaelin enthusiastically described her father's latest hunting expedition. The table was set with fine china and crystal, the food presented with artistic precision—all Martha's work, though Kaelin seemed to take it for granted.

"Daddy says the northern territory is perfect for the autumn hunt," Kaelin was saying. "He's invited the entire Alpha Council. You'll come, won't you, Thorne?"

Thorne's expression remained neutral as he cut a piece of rare steak. "I have cases at the Crescent Court that week," he replied. "The seasonal transition always brings an increase in territorial disputes."

Kaelin's smile faltered. "But surely you can delegate some of those? This is an important social event. All the major families will be there."

"I'll consider it," Thorne said, his tone making it clear the discussion was closed for now. "How are you feeling today? Dr. Maloy mentioned your symptoms seemed to be improving."

The abrupt change of subject appeared to throw Kaelin off balance. She recovered quickly, her expression shifting to one of delicate suffering. "Better, but still not quite myself," she said, pushing her barely-touched food around her plate. "The moon phase transition is always difficult. You know how it affects me."

Thorne nodded, his eyes softening marginally. "I had Martha prepare the roasted vegetables you like. They should be gentle on your system."

From her position near the kitchen door, Martha observed the interaction with a carefully neutral expression. She noted how Thorne's manner with Kaelin was solicitous but distant—polite, even kind, but lacking the heat. There was no passionate intensity, no challenging spark between them. Thorne treated Kaelin with the careful consideration one might show a valuable but fragile possession.

Martha served the next course efficiently, then retreated to the kitchen to prepare dessert. As she worked, she wondered about the strange situation she'd discovered today. Miss Freya, her beloved former charge, was now a servant in the home of the Alpha who had exiled her. Thorne Grey, who had once seemed indifferent to Freya Riley during pack gatherings years ago, now watched her with an intensity that belied his public condemnation of her.

And Kaelin Brooks, the supposedly innocent victim of Freya's alleged attack, displayed none of the trauma one would expect from someone who had nearly died. Instead, she radiated a possessive satisfaction whenever Thorne was near, her eyes constantly seeking validation and attention.

Martha had worked in wealthy wolf households long enough to recognize when things weren't as they seemed. And nothing about this situation made sense to her loyal Beta heart.

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Meanwhile, in the upstairs sitting room adjacent to the dining room, Lucy was dusting the mantelpiece when Kaelin Brooks excused herself from lunch to "freshen up." Instead of heading to the powder room, Kaelin entered the sitting room, startling Lucy.

"Miss Brooks! I'm sorry, I didn't know you'd be coming in here," Lucy stammered, quickly stepping back from the mantel.

Kaelin waved away her apology. "It's fine. I just needed a moment away." She settled gracefully onto a velvet settee, her designer dress arranging itself perfectly around her. "You're new, aren't you? I don't recall seeing you before."

"I've been here six months, Miss Brooks," Lucy replied. "I work upstairs, so our paths haven't crossed much."

"Hmm." Kaelin studied her manicured nails. "What's the staff saying about Alpha Thorne's new... project? The exile he's taken in?"

Lucy's eyes widened at being directly addressed about such a sensitive topic. "Well, we were surprised, Miss Brooks. No one expected Alpha Thorne to bring her here, especially with your history with her."

Kaelin's head snapped up. "My history? What do you know about that?"

"Only what everyone knows, Miss Brooks," Lucy said quickly. "That she attacked you years ago. That's why she was exiled."

A tense silence followed as Kaelin processed this. "You've seen her, then? The Riley woman?"

Lucy nodded eagerly, sensing an opportunity. "Yes, Miss Brooks. She's working here now, as the lowest-ranked staff member. Mrs. Edith has her doing all the worst jobs."

"She's here NOW?" Kaelin's voice rose sharply. "In this house? At this moment?"

"Yes, Miss Brooks. Alpha Thorne had her moved to kitchen duties today. She was just upstairs when you arrived." Lucy leaned forward conspiratorially. "There's talk among the staff that Alpha Thorne had her in his private rooms for three days while she recovered from some illness."

Kaelin's face drained of color. "His private rooms?" she repeated, her voice dangerously soft. "Where is Edith? I need to speak with her immediately."

Lucy rushed to the door and called for Edith, who appeared moments later, her expression shifting to concern when she saw Kaelin's state.

"Miss Brooks, are you unwell?" Edith asked, moving quickly to her side.

"Is it true?" Kaelin demanded. "Is Freya Riley working in this house?"

Edith hesitated, clearly caught off guard by the direct question. "Alpha Thorne has assigned her temporary duties here, yes," she admitted carefully. "She's been helping with menial tasks."

"And he had her in his bedroom?" Kaelin's voice trembled with barely contained emotion.

"She collapsed from exhaustion and malnutrition," Edith explained quickly. "Dr. Maloy treated her, and Alpha Thorne ordered that she recover in a comfortable room. It was a matter of medical necessity, Miss Brooks, nothing more."

Kaelin rose to her feet, tears welling in her eyes. "How could you keep this from me, Edith? After everything she did to me? The nightmares I still have about her attack?" A tear slipped down her cheek. "Three years ago, I was so badly hurt by her that I couldn't shift for months. And now she's here, in Thorne's home—in his bedroom—and no one thought to warn me?"

Edith looked genuinely distressed. "I apologize, Miss Brooks. It wasn't my place to question Alpha Thorne's decisions."

"No, it wasn't," Kaelin agreed, her voice breaking. "But you could have warned me. Prepared me." She wiped away her tears with a delicate hand. "I can't be here knowing she's under the same roof. I can't do it, Edith. The memories are too painful."

"I understand, Miss Brooks," Edith said soothingly. "I can assure you that next time you visit, she will not be anywhere you might encounter her."

Kaelin nodded, seeming to compose herself with effort. "See that she isn't. I've worked so hard to heal from what she did to me. I can't let her presence destroy that progress." Another tear slid down her cheek. "Three years ago I was so terribly hurt by her, and even now, I can't stop her from coming back into my life."

Edith patted her hand comfortingly. "Alpha Thorne would never allow anything to upset you, Miss Brooks. I'm sure he has his reasons for keeping the exile here, but your comfort will always be his priority."

Kaelin straightened, smoothing her dress. "Of course. Thorne knows what she is." She took a deep breath. "I should return to lunch. He'll wonder where I've gone."

As Kaelin left the room, Lucy caught the flash of a cold, satisfied smile on her face—there and gone so quickly she might have imagined it. But the maid had seen enough to understand that there was more to Miss Brooks's distress than met the eye.