The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 84

Freya's POV

The steam from the shower clung to my skin as I wrapped a towel around my body, grateful for the momentary solitude. Even with my weakened wolf senses, the hot water had been a blessing, washing away some of the exhaustion that had settled into my bones over the past few days.

I quickly dried off and slipped into loose cotton pants and an oversized t-shirt Martha had found for me—comfortable clothing for sleeping, not for being seen. The night was quiet, most of the staff already retired to their quarters. I planned to return to my attic room unseen, avoiding any further confrontations.

As I descended the stairs to the main hall, voices caught my attention—the front door opening, followed by unsteady footsteps and hushed, urgent tones. I froze, instinctively pressing myself against the wall, my wolf's wariness taking over despite my attempts to appear casual.

"Keep your voice down," Sebastian Pryse muttered, his normally composed demeanor strained. "The staff doesn't need to see the Alpha like this."

"M'not drunk," came a slurred response that sent a jolt through my system. Thorne's voice, but loosened by alcohol in a way I'd never heard before. "Just... celebrating."

"Celebrating what? Stone's successful attempt to provoke you?" Sebastian sounded exasperated. "Ryder shouldn't have matched you drink for drink."

They came into view then—Sebastian supporting Thorne's considerable weight as they made their way across the foyer. Thorne's usual impeccable appearance was disheveled; his tie loosened, suit jacket unbuttoned, and a flush coloring his normally stern features.

Sebastian spotted me immediately, his eyes narrowing with something between suspicion and resignation. "Ms. Riley. Perfect timing."

I remained frozen, uncertain whether to retreat or approach. "Is everything alright?"

"Alpha Thorne has had a... taxing evening," Sebastian explained diplomatically. "Would you assist me in getting him to his quarters? I'd rather not parade him through the house looking for staff at this hour."

My inner wolf bristled at his tone, but I nodded, approaching them cautiously. As I drew near, Thorne's head lifted, his golden-flecked eyes finding mine with surprising clarity despite his inebriated state.

"Riley," he said, my name sounding different on his loosened tongue. "Always where you shouldn't be."

"I was just heading to my room, Alpha," I replied quietly, stepping under his free arm to help support him. The weight of him pressed against my side, warm and solid, his scent enveloping me—the usual notes now laced with expensive whiskey.

Together, Sebastian and I maneuvered Thorne toward the grand staircase leading to his private wing. With each step, more of his weight seemed to shift onto me, his broad chest brushing against my side, his breath warm against my hair. My traitorous body reacted to his proximity, my heart racing in a way that had nothing to do with physical exertion.

"You smell different," Thorne murmured, his face too close to my ear as we reached the top of the stairs. "Less like fear now."

Sebastian shot me a warning glance over Thorne's bowed head. "Don't engage with him. He won't remember any of this tomorrow."

We finally reached Thorne's bedroom—a space I'd never entered before. The massive room was dominated by a large bed with dark wood posts and deep green bedding. Everything spoke of masculinity and power, from the heavy furniture to the subtle silver accents.

As we guided Thorne to the bed, he suddenly lost his footing, tumbling forward and pulling me down with him. I landed awkwardly beside him on the mattress, his arm still heavy across my shoulders.

"I'll take it from here," Sebastian said firmly, helping me extract myself from beneath Thorne's arm. Once I was standing, Sebastian lowered his voice. "Ms. Riley, a word of advice—don't do anything beyond your station. The blood distance between you and Alpha Thorne is unbridgeable, and any... misunderstandings would only lead to more pain for you."

Heat rushed to my face. "I was only helping," I whispered fiercely.

"I know," he replied, his expression softening slightly. "But remember your place. You are not—cannot be—his mate. That position belongs to Kaelin Brooks."

The reminder stung more than it should have. "I'm well aware of my position, Mr. Pryse."

Sebastian nodded. "You may go. I'll ensure he's settled."

I turned to leave, but Thorne's voice stopped me.

"Riley. Stay."

I froze at his command, my back still turned toward the door. Sebastian shot me a warning look, but Thorne's Alpha voice lingered in the air, impossible to ignore completely.

"Alpha Thorne needs rest," Sebastian said firmly. "I'll have Martha bring up some water and aspirin."

"I can do that," I offered, seeing an opportunity to escape the tension of the room without directly disobeying Thorne's order to stay.

Thorne pushed himself up on one elbow, his tie now completely undone and hanging loose around his neck. "You're not Freya Riley anymore," he said, his words slightly slurred but his gaze unnervingly focused. "Not the Riley heiress I knew."

Sebastian sighed. "I'll wait outside, but only for a moment," he said pointedly to me before stepping into the hallway, leaving the door slightly ajar.

I kept my distance, standing awkwardly at the foot of Thorne's bed. "You should sleep, Alpha Thorne. It's late."

"Your scent has changed," he continued as if I hadn't spoken. "When you first came back, you smelled like exile and fear. Silver and desperation." He inhaled deeply. "Now it's... evolving. Becoming more like before, but different."

I shifted uncomfortably. "I should get you some water."

Before I could move, Thorne lunged forward with surprising agility for someone so intoxicated. He grabbed my wrist and pulled me closer, bringing his face to my neck. I instinctively stepped back, but not before I felt his nose brush against my skin, right where my moon-shaped birthmark sat.

The mark tingled strangely at his proximity, a faint warmth spreading from it across my skin. I pulled my hand free, rubbing my wrist where his grip had been.

"What are you doing?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Thorne's expression darkened, his eyes flashing gold in the dim light. "Why pull away? Isn't this what you always wanted? The mighty Alpha's attention?" His words were bitter, almost cruel. "To be my mate?"