The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 82

Thorne's POV

The Crescent Moon Club's private room offered a welcome respite from the day's pressures. Dark wood paneling and plush leather seating created an atmosphere of exclusive luxury, while soundproofing ensured our conversation remained private. This had been our meeting place since we were young wolves, a tradition that had survived our rise to adulthood and respective positions.

Across from me, Sebastian swirled amber liquid in his glass, his expression troubled. Beside him, Ryder sprawled in his usual casual posture, though the tension in his shoulders belied his relaxed appearance.

"You're saying the Moon Howl investigation is definitively closed?" Sebastian asked, setting his drink down. "Cole Raine has been identified as the sole perpetrator?"

"The evidence is conclusive," I confirmed. "Raine was running the operation through a network of exiles. We've traced all the connections."

"And yet," Sebastian leaned forward, his voice dropping despite our privacy, "Freya Riley remains at Grey Estate. Why?"

I maintained my neutral expression even as my wolf bristled at the implied criticism. "The situation is more complex than it appears."

"It always is with you," Ryder commented, a hint of his usual humor returning. "But Seb's got a point. If the investigation is wrapped up, why keep her around? Especially with how things ended last time."

The memory of Freya's exile hung between us unspoken—the trial, the evidence I couldn't ignore, her eyes as I pronounced the sentence. And now, the disturbing reality that I'd been wrong.

"She provided valuable testimony," I said instead. "And there are still loose ends to tie up."

Sebastian's gaze was too perceptive. "Loose ends, or are you reconsidering the original case against her?"

Before I could answer, Ryder shifted forward, his expression uncharacteristically serious. "Thorne, does Kaelin know she's at Grey Estate?"

A humorless smile curved my lips. "She does now. She paid a surprise visit yesterday."

Both men winced.

"How did that go?" Sebastian asked carefully.

"About as well as you'd expect," I replied, memories of Kaelin's cold fury flashing through my mind. "She was... displeased."

"Displeased?" Ryder raised an eyebrow. "That's like saying a rabid wolf is 'irritable.' What really happened?"

I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. "She came to the estate unannounced, saw Freya, and nearly lost control. I've never seen her that angry—or that afraid."

"Afraid?" Sebastian's surprise mirrored my own initial reaction. "Kaelin Brooks, afraid of Freya Riley?"

"It was more than just anger," I confirmed, recalling the wild look in Kaelin's eyes. "There was genuine fear there, though I can't imagine why. Freya poses no threat to her position."

Unless Kaelin knows something I don't, a voice whispered in my mind.

"So what now?" Ryder asked. "Are you planning to send Riley away to keep the peace with your intended?"

The question touched a nerve. My wolf growled at the suggestion, a possessiveness I had no right to feel surging through me.

"What happens with Freya Riley is my decision," I said, my voice cooler than intended.

Sebastian and Ryder exchanged a loaded glance.

"Thorne," Sebastian began carefully, "I've known you since we were pups. We've stood by each other through everything. So I'm asking this as your friend, not as a pack counsel: Are you still committed to this match with Kaelin?"

The directness of the question caught me off guard. "The alliance with the Brooks family is vital to—"

"That's not what I asked," Sebastian interrupted, a rare occurrence that showed his concern. "Even with Kaelin so obviously distressed by Riley's presence, you're still keeping the exile at Grey Estate?"

I felt my jaw tighten. The memory of Kaelin's cold fury during her visit was still fresh in my mind.

"Freya's testimony is valuable to the investigation," I said, the excuse sounding hollow even to my ears.

"The investigation you just said was conclusively closed," Ryder pointed out. "Look, we all know Kaelin's moon phase syndrome makes her emotions volatile, but her hatred for Riley seems excessive, even considering their history."

I knew they were right, but I also knew my duty. "My decision stands. I made a commitment to Kaelin and her family. I intend to honor it."

Ryder leaned back with a sigh. "Always the honorable Alpha. But I'm curious about Freya Riley's role in all this. She was from a prominent family before their disgrace."

"Her family's former status has no bearing on my decisions now," I said firmly. "The Riley case was judged according to the evidence presented at the time."

"And what about her decisions?" Sebastian asked quietly. "Does she get a say in any of this?"

"Her exile is complete, but the situation is not resolved," I said, maintaining my neutral expression. "For now, she remains at Grey Estate under my authority."

The lie felt hollow even as I said it. I had forbidden her from leaving, but admitting that control to them felt like admitting a weakness I couldn't show. My wolf didn't want her to leave, and I had rationalized the restriction as necessary for the investigation.

Or because she has nowhere else to go, my conscience added silently.

Before either of my friends could respond, a commotion at the club entrance caught our attention. Even through the soundproofed walls, we could hear raised voices and the distinctive sound of multiple footsteps approaching with purpose.

The door to our private room swung open without a knock—a breach of protocol that alone identified the visitor before he stepped into view.

Jasper Stone entered, flanked by two of his enforcers. His silver-streaked dark hair was swept back from his face, highlighting the sharp angles of his features. Despite the casual elegance of his tailored suit, there was nothing casual about his presence. Power rolled off him in waves, the unmistakable aura of an Alpha marking his territory.

My wolf surged forward, hackles raised at the intrusion. I remained seated, deliberately casual, though every muscle in my body tensed for potential conflict.

"Stone," I acknowledged coolly, meeting his gaze with equal intensity. "You seem to have forgotten how doors work in civilized society."