The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 57

Thorne's POV

The soft clink of silverware against fine china filled the dining room of my father's estate. Elder Alexander Grey sat across from me, his silver-streaked hair gleaming under the chandelier light, every bit the dignified former Alpha that Moon Bay still respected. Despite having passed the mantle to me five years ago, his opinions still carried weight—especially within our family.

"The Silverstone Pack continues to push the boundaries of our eastern territory," I said, cutting into a perfectly cooked steak. "I've scheduled a hearing for next week."

Father nodded approvingly. "Jasper Stone has always been ambitious. His father was the same way." He took a sip of red wine, studying me over the rim of his glass. "What else occupies the Crescent Court these days?"

I hesitated for just a moment. "I've reopened an investigation into the Riley family case."

The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees. Father carefully placed his wine glass down, his expression neutral but his scent betraying his displeasure.

"The Riley matter was settled three years ago, Thorne."

"New evidence has emerged that warrants review," I replied, keeping my voice steady. My fingers tightened around my fork. I hated how he still made me feel like a pup requiring guidance. "It's my duty as Alpha and Chief Judge to ensure justice was properly served."

"And this new evidence coincides with the return of the Riley girl." It wasn't a question. "I hear she's been staying at your estate. In your master bedroom, recovering from illness?"

My jaw clenched. News traveled fast in Moon Bay, especially when it concerned the Alpha's household. I forced my expression to remain neutral even as irritation crawled up my spine.

"It was a temporary medical necessity. Dr. Maloy insisted."

"And now?" Father's eyebrows raised slightly. "Is she still in your private quarters?"

"No. She's been assigned duties with the household staff." I cut another piece of meat, wishing this conversation would end. My father had always excelled at making me feel like my decisions required his approval.

Father cut another piece of his steak, chewing thoughtfully before speaking again. "Your binding ceremony with Kaelin Brooks is approaching with the next full moon. The pack expects their Alpha to be focused on his chosen mate, not distracted by a low-blooded exile."

"I'm not distracted," I said, perhaps too quickly. The words tasted false even as I spoke them. "Freya Riley is merely a witness in an ongoing investigation."

"Is that all she is?" Father's eyes fixed on me with uncomfortable intensity. "Because I remember how she used to look at you before her exile. And I remember how you hesitated before pronouncing her sentence."

My wolf bristled at the implied criticism. I set my utensils down with more force than necessary, the clatter breaking the room's quiet. "I did my duty then, and I'm doing my duty now."

"Your duty is to the pack first. To your bloodline. To your future mate." Father's voice took on the subtle resonance that had commanded respect for decades. "Do not waste time on an exile who means nothing to our pack's future. The Rileys betrayed us once. Don't let their daughter cloud your judgment."

I smiled tightly, the expression not reaching my eyes. "I appreciate your concern, Father." My tone was respectful, practiced, while inwardly I seethed at being lectured like a new Alpha.

The rest of dinner passed with lighter conversation, but Father's warning lingered like a shadow. As I prepared to leave, he placed a hand on my shoulder.

"The full moon gathering approaches, son. It's not just your binding ceremony—it's a reaffirmation of your authority as Alpha. The pack will be watching closely." His grip tightened slightly. "Don't give them reason to question your priorities."

I nodded curtly and left, my wolf pacing restlessly beneath my skin. The drive home was spent replaying Father's words, my knuckles white on the steering wheel. He was right about one thing—the pack would be watching. But an Alpha's duty wasn't just to follow tradition. It was to ensure justice.

And justice was exactly what I intended to find.

---

By the time I returned to my estate, night had fallen completely. The staff should have been preparing for evening duties, but instead, I found several of them gathered anxiously in the foyer. Their scents carried fear and uncertainty, and they fell silent the moment I entered.

"What's happened?" I demanded, my Alpha presence filling the space.

Martha stepped forward, wringing her hands. "Alpha Thorne, it's Freya. She's missing."

The words hit me like a physical blow. My wolf surged forward, a growl building in my chest. "Missing? Since when?" My heart rate accelerated, and I fought to keep my voice level.

"We're not sure exactly," Martha began, but Edith quickly interrupted.

"I can explain, Alpha," Edith said, stepping forward with perfect composure. "Miss Riley requested to go out earlier this evening. She said she needed fresh air."

"And you allowed this?" My control slipped, eyes shifting to their wolf gold as blood rushed in my ears. My hands began to tremble with barely contained rage. "You know she's not permitted to leave the estate grounds."

"I—I thought since she'd been recovering so well..." Edith's voice faltered.

Lucy, one of the upstairs maids, stepped forward. "I saw her collecting her things, Alpha. She seemed quite determined to leave."

"You saw her packing?" I fixed my gaze on Lucy, whose eyes immediately dropped in submission. My nostrils flared as I caught a whiff of deception in her scent.

"Yes, Alpha. I saw her hurrying toward the gate with a small bag. She looked... anxious to get away."

Something about Lucy's story didn't ring true. Freya had nowhere to go, no resources, and was still weak from her recent illness. And she knew the consequences of breaking my direct orders. My pulse pounded in my temples as scenarios flashed through my mind—Freya injured, Freya captured, Freya alone and vulnerable.

"Show me her room," I commanded, already striding toward the stairs, my movements sharp and urgent.

The small attic room still carried Freya's scent strongly, but there was nothing out of place, no sign of struggle or intruders. Her few belongings remained neatly arranged, her bed made—not the scene of someone who had packed to leave. I inhaled deeply, sorting through the room's scents, finding only Freya's pine and wild berries fragrance, tinged with the metallic trace of her exile mark.

I rushed back downstairs. "Take me to the front gate. Now."

At the gate, I detected what I'd been looking for—the unmistakable scent of strangers. Male. Unfamiliar. At least two different wolves had been here, their scents partially masked by chemical suppressants but still detectable to an Alpha's senses.

My eyes flashed gold, and a low, dangerous growl escaped my throat. The staff members behind me took involuntary steps backward. My hands clenched into fists, nails extending to claws that dug into my palms.

"She didn't leave willingly," I said, my voice barely human. Fear coiled in my stomach, mixing with fury until I could barely think straight. "She was taken."

I turned to Mark, who had just arrived after hearing the commotion. "Mobilize the pack. I want every member searching." My words came rapid-fire, driven by a mounting panic I couldn't fully understand. I lifted my head, nostrils flaring as I caught a subtle but distinct scent on the evening breeze. "Focus on Shadow District first."

"Shadow District, Alpha?" Mark questioned.

"These strangers' scents carry traces of industrial waste and old factory smoke—signature smells from that area." I gestured toward the gate. "And Shadow District is where exiles typically make connections when they first return. It's where I would take someone if I wanted them to disappear quickly."

Mark nodded grimly. "We'll start there immediately."

I glanced at Edith and Lucy, noting how they exchanged quick glances. "And I want to know exactly when and how strangers accessed my property without anyone noticing."