The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 55

Freya's POV

We worked in companionable silence for a while, the rhythmic chopping of vegetables helping to calm my nerves. As my heart rate returned to normal, I began to think more clearly about Thorne's offer. Despite the uncomfortable circumstances, it was an opportunity I couldn't dismiss outright. Earning extra money could be a way to rebuild some semblance of my former life.

Later that evening, after dinner service was complete and the kitchen cleaned, I retreated to my small attic room. Though tiny, it had become something of a sanctuary—a place where I could be alone with my thoughts. I sat on the bed and once again opened the design competition page on the tablet Edith had reluctantly provided.

The grand prize of 50,000 silver remained as tempting as ever, while the clause stating "Applicants with criminal records or exile history will not be considered" still stung my eyes. I had been agonizing over this all day, but Thorne's proposal made me realize I couldn't just sit back and do nothing. This was the only opportunity I could think of to earn money using my own skills. I had to try.

My designs had once been praised throughout Moon Bay. Before everything fell apart, I had been considered one of the most promising young ritual designers in the region. Maybe, just maybe, they would make an exception if my submission was exceptional enough.

I began to sketch ideas on the tablet, inspiration flowing despite my exhaustion. Hours passed as I worked, refining concepts for a ritual that would honor both tradition and innovation. When I finally checked the time, it was past midnight. My back ached from hunching over the small screen, but I felt more alive than I had in days.

With a deep breath, I tapped the "Contact" button on the competition page. A phone number appeared, along with business hours. I would have to wait until morning to call, but a flutter of hope had taken root in my chest.

The next morning, after helping Martha prepare breakfast for the staff, I slipped away to make the call. I found a quiet spot in the garden, far enough from the house to ensure privacy.

My hands shook slightly as I dialed the number. After several rings, a deep male voice answered.

"Silverstone Arts Council, Damian speaking."

"Hello," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'm calling about the full moon ritual design competition. I was wondering if wolves with exile records would be eligible to participate?"

There was a pause, then the man's voice turned cold. "Didn't you see our participation requirements? It clearly states that applicants with criminal records or exile history will not be considered."

"Yes, I understand that," I said quickly. "My name is Freya Riley. I was previously a ritual design student at Moon Bay College and designed the Blue Moon Celebration for the Grey Moon Pack three years ago. I was hoping perhaps—"

"Freya Riley?" he interrupted, recognition in his voice. "I remember your work. But it doesn't matter who you were before. An exile mark is an exile mark. I'm sorry, but rules are rules."

I closed my eyes, fighting back a wave of despair. "I see. Thank you for your time."

I was about to end the call when I heard a muffled voice on the other end of the line. Someone was speaking to Damian, their tone authoritative but too distant for me to make out the words clearly.

"Freya Riley?" the voice became clearer as they apparently moved closer to the phone. "She's exceptionally talented. Make an exception for her. Consider it approved by me."

There was something familiar about that voice—confident, commanding. Could it be Alpha Jasper Stone? Why would the leader of Silverstone Pack intervene on my behalf?

Damian's tone changed instantly. "Miss Riley? Are you still there?"

"Yes," I replied, confused by the sudden shift.

"It seems we can make an exception in your case," he said, sounding almost deferential now. "Your reputation precedes you. We'll accept your submission without reference to your... current status."

I was momentarily speechless. "I... thank you. That's very generous."

"The submission deadline is in two weeks," he continued briskly. "We look forward to seeing your work."

---

After ending the call, I stood in the garden, stunned by the unexpected turn of events. If that had been Alpha Jasper, why would he help me? We'd never even met. The Stone and Grey packs were known rivals, but this seemed unusually personal.

Whatever the reason, I now had my chance. I returned to the house, trying to contain my excitement while my mind raced with questions about my mysterious benefactor.

In the main hall, I spotted Edith directing a younger maid in polishing the grand staircase. She looked up as I entered, her expression as stern as ever.

"Freya, Alpha Thorne will be attending the Alpha Council meeting tonight at Howling Hall. He won't require dinner here."

I nodded, absorbing this information. If Thorne was out for the evening, perhaps I could spend more time refining my design for the competition.

As I turned to head toward the kitchen, Edith added, "And Freya? Martha has requested your assistance in preparing dinner for the rest of the household. I've approved it, since you seem to have recovered from your... episode."

"Thank you, Edith," I said, genuinely grateful for the assignment. Working with Martha was preferable to most other tasks around the estate.

In the kitchen, Martha was already preparing vegetables for the evening meal. She looked up and smiled as I entered.

"There you are. I was beginning to wonder if Edith had assigned you to clean the chimneys or some other horrible task."

I smiled back, moving to wash my hands. "No chimneys today, thankfully. She says I'm to help you with dinner."

Martha nodded, returning to her chopping. "Alpha Thorne is attending a meeting at Howling Hall tonight. Just us regular folk for dinner."

"So I heard," I replied, picking up a knife to assist with the vegetables. After a moment's hesitation, I added in a low voice, "Martha, I have some news."

She glanced up, curiosity in her eyes. "What kind of news?"

I quickly explained about the design competition and my phone call. As I spoke, Martha's expression shifted from surprise to concern to cautious optimism.

"That's wonderful that you found a way to enter," she said when I finished. "Your designs were always exceptional. But Freya... be careful. If anyone discovers you've hidden your exile status—"

"I know," I interrupted. "But it's worth the risk. If I win, I'll have some money to really search for my family. Maybe even clear our name."