The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 69

Thorne's POV

I made my way to my bedroom, ignoring the staff member who offered assistance. Once alone, I stood at the window, looking out over the moonlit grounds of Grey Estate. Somewhere in the servants' quarters, Freya would be trying to make sense of what had happened between us—just as I was.

My phone buzzed with an incoming message. I glanced at it, seeing Edward Brooks' name on the screen. He would be coming tomorrow to discuss pack business—and undoubtedly to check on his daughter's interests. The timing couldn't be worse.

I touched my lips, still feeling the ghost of Freya's kiss. Kaelin was my intended, a political match that would strengthen both our families and the pack. Our history stretched back to childhood, and her condition—the moon phase syndrome—had always elicited my protection. But in all our years of association, I had never felt with her what I'd experienced in those brief moments with Freya.

That thought was dangerous. Destabilizing. I was an Alpha, responsible for an entire pack. Personal desires had to be secondary to duty.

Yet as I prepared for bed, the memory of Freya's scent, her touch, her taste, refused to fade. My wolf, usually so disciplined, paced restlessly beneath my skin, wanting to seek her out, to finish what we'd started.

Tomorrow would bring complications—Edward Brooks, pack business, and the inevitable fallout from tonight's moment of weakness. But for now, in the privacy of my room, I allowed myself to remember how it felt to hold Freya Riley in my arms, if only for those few fleeting seconds.

---

The next morning dawned clear and bright, sunlight streaming through the windows of the formal reception room where I waited for Edward Brooks. My arm still ached, but thanks to Freya's treatment, the wound was healing cleanly, the silver contamination contained.

I had purposely avoided the breakfast room, not yet ready to face Freya after last night's encounter. What would I say to her? What could I say? The kiss had been impulsive, unplanned—and entirely inappropriate given our respective positions.

"Alpha Grey," announced Mark from the doorway. "Mr. Edward Brooks has arrived."

I straightened, pushing thoughts of Freya aside. "Show him in."

Edward Brooks entered with the confident stride of a man accustomed to power, though always deferential to Alpha authority. His silver-streaked hair and tailored suit gave him an air of distinguished authority.

"Alpha Grey," he greeted me with a respectful nod. "Thank you for seeing me on such short notice."

"Edward," I returned the greeting, gesturing to the chair opposite mine. "What brings you here today?"

He settled into the chair, his expression carefully neutral. "Several matters of pack business, but first—how is your arm? I heard about the incident with Cole Raine."

"Healing well," I replied. "Dr. Maloy's treatments have been effective." The lie came easily; better to credit the pack doctor than explain Freya's involvement.

"Good to hear." Edward nodded, a hint of relief in his expression. "Cole Raine's capture has removed a significant threat to our community. The council is pleased with your handling of the situation."

"The council's approval is noted," I said, my tone making it clear that I didn't require their validation.

Edward shifted slightly, moving to the real purpose of his visit. "My daughter is concerned about you, Alpha. She says you've been... distant since your injury."

I kept my expression impassive. "Pack business has been demanding."

"Of course." Edward's eyes, shrewd and observant, studied my face. "She also mentioned that the Riley exile has taken up residence in your household."

So there it was—the real reason for his visit.

"Freya Riley works here as a servant," I confirmed. "Her testimony was instrumental in capturing Cole Raine and uncovering the moon-silver trafficking operation."

"A commendable service," Edward acknowledged with practiced diplomacy. "But surely her presence here is... unnecessary now that the investigation is concluded?"

I met his gaze directly. "She remains under my protection while the full extent of the trafficking network is investigated."

"I see." Edward's voice cooled slightly. "Alpha, with all due respect, Kaelin is extremely distressed by this arrangement. Her condition has worsened significantly. The moon phase syndrome—"

"I'm well aware of Kaelin's condition," I interrupted. "And I have every intention of honoring our families' arrangement."

"Then perhaps you might reconsider the Riley girl's placement," Edward suggested, his tone careful but firm. "Kaelin's doctors believe stress exacerbates her symptoms, and the presence of... someone with their history... is understandably upsetting."

I felt a flare of irritation at the implied criticism of my decisions, but kept my expression neutral. "I understand your concerns, Edward. Freya Riley's position here is temporary, and I assure you she will have no contact with Kaelin during her visits."

Edward studied me for a long moment. "Kaelin mentioned that the Riley girl was seen coming from your private wing last night."

The statement hung in the air between us, its implications clear. I maintained my composure, though my wolf bristled at the intrusion into my personal affairs.

"She delivered herbal remedies for my wound," I said evenly. "At Martha's request."

Edward nodded slowly, though his expression suggested he wasn't entirely convinced. "Alpha Grey, you know I have always been your loyal supporter. My family has served yours for generations. But as Kaelin's father, I must express my concern about anything—or anyone—that might jeopardize her well-being or the alliance between our families."

"Your loyalty is appreciated, Edward," I said, my voice taking on the edge of Alpha authority. "As is your concern for your daughter. I assure you, the arrangement between our families remains intact."

Edward recognized the subtle shift in my tone, the reminder of our respective positions in the pack hierarchy. He inclined his head in acknowledgment.

"Of course, Alpha. I never doubted it." He rose to his feet. "I should let you return to your duties. Kaelin sends her regards and hopes to see you soon."

"Tell her I'll visit when pack business allows," I said, standing as well.

Once the door closed behind him, I exhaled slowly, tension draining from my shoulders. Edward's concerns about Freya's presence in my home had been expected, but the timing couldn't have been worse. The memory of last night's kiss still lingered, making his inquiries about Freya's movements in my private quarters particularly uncomfortable.

I walked to the window, gazing out at the grounds of Grey Estate. Edward's visit had reinforced the reality I needed to face: whatever momentary weakness I'd shown with Freya last night couldn't happen again. My commitment to Kaelin and the alliance between our families was too important to jeopardize.

With newfound resolve, I headed toward the dining room. My stomach reminded me I hadn't eaten yet, and the silver wound on my arm still needed treatment. Both needs meant I would have to face Freya.