The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 54

Freya's POV

"What exactly are you suggesting, Alpha Thorne?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

My heart hammered against my ribs as Thorne leaned closer, his powerful frame blocking any escape route. The rich scent of his cologne mingled with his natural Alpha pheromones, creating an intoxicating cloud that made my wolf whine and pace beneath my skin. Every instinct urged me to submit, to bare my neck to this dominant male.

"I'm suggesting," he said, his voice dropping to a low rumble that seemed to vibrate through my entire body, "that you focus on fulfilling your duties as a Grey Estate maid. Do what I say, when I say it... without question."

I blinked, trying to process his words through the fog of conflicting emotions. The way he emphasized those last words carried an unmistakable undertone that made my skin flush hot.

"My duties?" I echoed, uncertain.

His golden eyes flickered with something I couldn't quite read—amusement? Disappointment? "What did you think I was suggesting, Miss Riley? What exactly were you imagining?"

Heat flooded my cheeks. The knowing smirk that curved his lips told me he was fully aware of the effect he had on me, on my wolf. He was playing with me, testing my reactions. The realization sent a rush of indignation through me, temporarily overriding my body's instinctive response to his Alpha presence.

"I'm not sure what to think anymore when it comes to you," I replied, forcing steel into my voice despite our proximity.

Thorne leaned in even closer, and I could feel his breath against my face. "You could earn a generous compensation... if you're willing to be obedient."

The offer was tempting—legitimate work and payment that could help me eventually find my family. But something in his tone, in the way his eyes raked over me, suggested this arrangement would come with strings attached.

"And what would be expected of me... beyond normal duties?" I asked cautiously.

His lips curved into a smile that never reached his eyes. "Gratitude would be a start. Perhaps loyalty." He reached up, his fingers hovering near my cheek but not quite touching. "Perhaps... other things."

My wolf surged forward so suddenly that I had to bite my lip to stifle a whimper. The animal part of me wanted to lean into his touch, to accept whatever he offered if it meant being close to this powerful Alpha. The human part of me remembered all too well the humiliation of my trial, the cold certainty in his eyes as he sentenced me to exile.

The struggle must have shown on my face, because his expression shifted, becoming more predatory. He finally closed the distance, his thumb brushing lightly across my lower lip. The touch sent electricity shooting through me, and I couldn't stop the small gasp that escaped.

"Your wolf recognizes what you refuse to admit," he murmured, his face so close that our noses almost touched. "You've always been drawn to me, haven't you, Freya? Even now, after everything."

He was right, and I hated him for it. Hated myself for the weakness. Three years in the Wilds should have burned away such foolish desires, but somehow, they remained—buried beneath layers of anger and resentment, but still alive.

I felt his hand slide to the back of my neck, strong fingers tangling in my hair as he tilted my head back. His eyes had taken on that wolfish glow, the golden irises expanding as his control slipped. My own wolf responded, pushing against the silver dampening of my exile mark, making my skin prickle with the need to shift.

Thorne leaned in, his lips just a breath away from mine. In that moment, time seemed to slow. I saw clearly what accepting his offer would mean—not just work, not just money, but surrendering something of myself to him. Letting him believe he had power over me beyond the legal authority he already wielded.

He sentenced you to exile. He took everything from you. He believed her lies without question.

The reminder was like a splash of cold water. With a surge of willpower that surprised even me, I turned my head just as his lips descended. Instead of capturing my mouth, they brushed against my cheek, the brief contact burning like a brand.

"I... I need to go help Martha prepare dinner," I said, slipping out from the small space between his body and the desk. "Your offer to let me earn money is appreciated, Alpha. I'll... consider it."

I didn't dare look at his face as I backed away, but the sudden chill in the air told me everything I needed to know about his reaction. When I finally risked a glance, his expression had hardened, the golden glow fading from his eyes behind the silver frames of his glasses.

"Go, then," he said, his voice devoid of the heat it had held moments before. "But we will continue this conversation, Miss Riley. Make no mistake about that."

I nodded stiffly and fled the study, not stopping until I was halfway down the stairs, my heart thundering and my wolf howling in confused frustration. I leaned against the wall, trying to calm my racing pulse and erratic breathing.

What was I thinking? What was HE thinking?

My wolf had no answers, only a persistent whine that echoed through my chest. It recognized Thorne as something important—a potential mate, perhaps, though I refused to acknowledge that possibility. The very idea was ludicrous. He was Alpha of Grey Moon Pack, betrothed to Kaelin Brooks, and the man who had condemned me to exile. The fact that my traitorous body still responded to him meant nothing.

Once I had regained some composure, I made my way down to the kitchen, where the warm smells of cooking and the bright lights helped ground me in reality. Martha was at the stove, stirring something that smelled divine. She looked up as I entered, her experienced eyes immediately noting my flustered state.

"What happened?" she asked, setting down her wooden spoon. "Your face is flushed, and your scent is... agitated."

I shook my head, moving to wash my hands at the sink. "Nothing. Just... Alpha Thorne wanted to discuss my duties."

Martha stepped closer, lowering her voice though we were alone in the kitchen. "Freya," she said, using my first name now that no one else was present, "I've known you since you were a pup. Something's upset you."

I kept my eyes on the running water, watching it flow over my trembling hands. "He... made me an offer. To earn extra money. For pay."

Martha's eyebrows rose. "That seems generous. So why do you look like you've seen a ghost?"

I shut off the water and reached for a towel. "It wasn't just about the work. He was... suggestive."

Understanding dawned in Martha's eyes, followed by concern. "Oh, Freya. Be careful. Alpha Grey is not someone to trifle with, especially now that he's committed to Miss Brooks."

"I know that," I said, perhaps more sharply than I intended. "I have no interest in him. I just want to earn enough to get out of here and find my family."

Martha didn't look convinced, but she nodded. "What did you tell him?"

"I said I'd consider his offer. The work, I mean." I hung up the towel and moved to the counter.