The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 83

Thorne's POV

Jasper Stone's lips curled into a predatory smile as he sauntered further into our private room, his enforcers flanking him like shadows. The scent of another Alpha in my territory sent my wolf into high alert, hackles raised beneath my human skin.

"I came on private business, Judge Grey," he replied, his tone dripping with mock deference. "Your club may be exclusive, but it hasn't been marked as your personal territory, has it?"

His enforcers scanned the room, their postures deliberately threatening. Around us, I could sense the unease spreading through the club like ripples in still water. Other wolves were shifting in their seats, conversations dying as they caught the scent of two Alphas in potential conflict.

Ryder and Sebastian moved instinctively to stand at my sides, forming a protective triangle. I remained seated, refusing to give Stone the satisfaction of seeing me react.

"What business brings you to Moon Bay, Stone?" I asked, keeping my voice neutral despite my wolf's growing agitation. "Silver is scarce in these parts. Perhaps you've lost your way back to your own territory."

Stone ignored my question and walked directly to my table, casually claiming the empty chair across from me without invitation—a blatant disregard for the respect typically shown to an Alpha in his own territory. My fingers tightened imperceptibly around my glass.

"Waiter," he called, snapping his fingers loudly. "Bring me your best female companion for drinks."

The Beta server approached cautiously, his eyes darting to me for permission. I gave a slight nod, curious to see where Stone was taking this display. The server hurried away, visibly relieved to escape the tension.

"I heard your last full moon hunt only yielded three deer," Ryder remarked with a lazy smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I could do better as a pup with milk teeth."

Stone's enforcers tensed, but he merely laughed, the sound hollow and theatrical. "We prefer quality over quantity in Silverstone territory, Foster. Something your pack might learn from."

A blonde female was escorted to our table, her Beta scent tinged with nervousness as she sensed the power dynamics at play. Stone pulled her possessively to his side, his arm snaking around her waist as his eyes remained locked on mine.

"Your establishment's companions lack a certain... wildness," he commented, running his fingers through the woman's hair in a display that was more about marking territory than affection. "Now, there's a server at that Shadow District bar—Moon Howl, is it?—with a body as supple as a flower in moonlight and eyes with defiant golden flecks."

My wolf surged forward at the unmistakable description of Freya. It took every ounce of control not to bare my teeth as Stone continued.

"Honestly, Grey, your pristine city center lacks the raw appeal of the Shadow District," he said with feigned casualness. "Something authentic there, wouldn't you agree?"

Stone's words hung in the air between us, thick with implication. My wolf clawed beneath my skin, territorial rage building at the thought of Stone's eyes on her.

"Only those who haven't seen true refinement would find the Shadow District appealing," I replied with a cold smile. "Though it's understandable, Stone, given that your Silverstone territory has little worth showcasing."

His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. "We all know what you're trying to keep, Grey," he said, his voice suddenly serious as he leaned forward, eyes locked with mine. "Some wolves are born for freedom, not chains. Not everyone wants to live under your silver shackles."

"Is there a point to your philosophical musings, Stone?" I asked, though my wolf knew exactly what—who—he meant.

Stone stood, towering over the table, and lowered his voice so only I could hear. "When she decides to leave—and she will—Silverstone Pack will welcome her with open arms. We have no moon-silver cuffs there, only open moonlit forests."

Ryder stepped forward, teeth partially bared in warning, but I raised my hand slightly, signaling him to stand down. My control was hanging by a thread, but I wouldn't give Stone the satisfaction of seeing me lose it.

"Your concern for my household affairs is noted," I said evenly. "And entirely unwelcome."

Stone's smile returned, satisfied that his barbs had found their mark. "Enjoy your evening, Grey. The full moon approaches—perhaps it will bring clarity to those who need it most."

With that, he released the Beta female, dropped some silver coins on the table, and strode out as dramatically as he had entered, his enforcers falling into step behind him.

The moment the door closed, I downed the remainder of my drink in one burning swallow.

"That arrogant, territorial—" Ryder began.

"He's fishing," Sebastian interrupted, his expression thoughtful. "Using Riley as bait to provoke you."

"Well, it's working," Ryder muttered, signaling the server for another round. "I haven't seen Thorne this close to shifting in public since that territory dispute five years ago."

I remained silent, my thoughts racing beneath a deliberately calm exterior. Stone's interest in Freya was strategic—a way to undermine my authority and possibly gain information about Moon Bay operations. But his mention of her leaving... that had struck deeper than I cared to admit.

"He's overstepping," I finally said. "Attempting to poach from my territory."

Sebastian's gaze was too perceptive. "Are we still talking about geographical boundaries, or something else entirely?"

I ignored the question, accepting the fresh glass of whiskey the server placed before me. "To Silver Shackle with Stone and his provocations."

"I'll drink to that," Ryder agreed, raising his glass. "Come on, let's forget about that silver-streaked bastard and enjoy what's left of the night."

Two hours and too many drinks later, Sebastian was the only one still remotely sober. Ryder had begun howling softly with each toast, his inhibitions lowered dangerously as the full moon drew near.

"We need to get you both home," Sebastian decided, settling our tab. "The last thing Moon Bay needs is its Alpha and a pack council member running wild through the streets."

"I'm perfectly in control," I insisted, though the room had developed an interesting tilt whenever I moved my head too quickly.

"Of course you are," Sebastian replied dryly. "That's why you nearly growled at the server when he reached for your empty glass."

The ride back to Grey Estate passed in a blur of streetlights and Sebastian's occasional muttered complaints about "babysitting grown wolves." My mind kept circling back to Stone's words about Freya leaving, each thought stoking a possessive anger I had no right to feel.