The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 89

Freya's POV

Something dark flashed in Thorne's eyes, his jaw tightening visibly. A low growl, almost too quiet to hear, rumbled in his chest. He approached the bed with swift, aggressive steps, his movements no longer controlled but fueled by sudden anger.

"You won't BOTHER me?" he repeated, the words sharp with displeasure. His hands gripped the wooden frame of the bed so tightly I heard the wood creak in protest. "Is that what you think you've been doing all these years? Bothering me?"

My wolf instinctively lowered itself in submission at his display of dominance, though I fought to keep my chin up. His reaction caught me off guard – I had expected indifference to my promise, not this raw display of emotion.

"I did say I was keeping you here for the investigation," he continued, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "But when did I ever say I would release you once it was concluded? When did I give you permission to simply walk away?"

The possessiveness in his tone sent an involuntary shiver down my spine. It was clear I had struck a nerve, though I couldn't understand why my attempt to give him what I thought he wanted—distance—had provoked such anger.

My heart sank. "The investigation is over. Cole Raine has been captured. What purpose does keeping me here serve?"

"You still owe a debt," he said coldly. "One that cannot be paid with money."

"Then tell me how to pay it," I pleaded, frustration creeping into my voice. "If I've done something wrong, let me make amends. I could apologize to Miss Brooks—"

"You will stay away from Kaelin," he cut in, his voice suddenly harsh. "You have no right to approach her, no right to seek her forgiveness."

I flinched at his vehemence. "I don't understand what you want from me."

"Understanding is not required," Thorne replied, his face an unreadable mask. "Obedience is." He inhaled deeply, nostrils flaring. "This discussion is over. I won't argue about this anymore. You will remain at Grey Estate under my watch. That's final."

His tone left no room for debate. Without another word, he strode into the adjoining bathroom. I could hear water running as he presumably washed his face. The few minutes of his absence gave me time to collect my racing thoughts and calm my wolf, who was still bristling at the confrontation with an Alpha.

---

When Thorne emerged, his expression had softened slightly, though the determination remained in his eyes. The aggressive energy had dissipated from the room, leaving an awkward tension in its place.

"I should return to my room," I said quietly. "I'm feeling much better now. There's no need to inconvenience you further."

"Dr. Maloy will decide when you're well enough to be moved," Thorne replied, moving to stand at the foot of the bed.

An uncomfortable silence settled between us. I fidgeted with the edge of the blanket, unsure what to say or do under his steady gaze.

"Why did you ask to leave?" he finally asked, his voice quieter than I expected.

The question surprised me. "I... thought my purpose here was fulfilled. The investigation is complete."

"Is that the only reason?" His eyes narrowed slightly.

I hesitated, weighing how honest I should be. "No," I admitted. "Being here... it's difficult. The staff resents me. I'm not wanted here."

"By the staff? Or by me?"

My breath caught. "Both, I assumed."

Thorne moved around the bed, coming to stand beside me. I fought the urge to shrink away, forcing myself to meet his gaze. "You assume much," he said.

"What else should I think?" I asked, unable to keep a hint of bitterness from my voice. "You've made your feelings clear enough."

He reached out suddenly, his fingers brushing against my cheek. I froze, startled by the unexpected contact. "Have I?" he murmured.

Before I could respond, a knock at the door broke the moment. Thorne stepped back, his expression closing off. "Enter."

Martha appeared, carrying a tray with medicine and fresh bandages. She glanced between us, clearly sensing the tension. "Excuse me, Alpha. It's time for Miss Freya's medication."

Thorne nodded briskly. "Of course. I was just leaving." He turned to me, his voice formal again. "Rest well, Miss Riley."

As he left, I released a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. Martha raised an eyebrow but said nothing as she set about changing my bandages. The spot where Thorne's fingers had touched my cheek seemed to tingle, a sensation that lingered long after he was gone.

---

By evening, I felt strong enough to return to my own room. Dr. Maloy had visited again and pronounced me on the mend, though he insisted I take the full course of antibiotics. Martha helped me gather my few belongings and escorted me through the quiet halls of Grey Estate to the servants' staircase.

"Are you sure you're up to climbing all these stairs?" she asked doubtfully.

"I'll be fine," I assured her. "I'd rather sleep in my own bed tonight."

Martha nodded reluctantly. "I'll check on you in the morning. Don't hesitate to call if you need anything."

I thanked her and began the slow climb, each step requiring more effort than I wanted to admit. By the time I reached the attic level, I was breathing heavily, and my bandaged arm throbbed with pain. I paused at the top of the stairs, leaning against the wall to catch my breath.

When I finally approached my door, I noticed it was slightly ajar. I frowned, certain I had left it closed. Cautiously, I pushed it open wider and peered inside.

Lucy stood in the middle of my room, startled by my appearance. She recovered quickly, smoothing her uniform with practiced nonchalance. "Oh. You're back," she said, her tone deliberately casual.

"What are you doing in my room?" I asked, stepping inside and glancing around for signs of disturbance.

Lucy gestured vaguely toward the ceiling. "I needed something from the upper storage area. Had to pass through here."

I raised an eyebrow skeptically. The storage room had a separate entrance at the end of the hall. There was no need to enter my room.

"I didn't realize I needed to report my movements to an exile," Lucy added, her lip curling slightly.

"You don't," I replied evenly. "But this is my assigned space. I would appreciate the courtesy of not finding people in it uninvited."

Lucy moved toward the door, deliberately bumping against my bandaged arm as she passed. Pain shot through me, and I couldn't suppress a small gasp. Lucy paused, a satisfied smile playing at her lips.

"You should be more careful," she said sweetly. "Those burns look painful. Almost as painful as what happens to people who get between an Alpha and his chosen mate."

Before I could respond, she slipped past me and disappeared down the hallway. I closed the door firmly behind her, turning the small lock that offered more symbolic security than actual protection.

My room appeared undisturbed at first glance, but as I moved further inside, I noticed subtle signs that someone had been searching through my belongings. My bed had been made—which I hadn't done before being taken to Thorne's room—but the corners were tucked differently than I would have done. The few books I owned had been rearranged on the small shelf, and my tablet wasn't in its usual place on the nightstand.

I found it tucked beneath my pillow instead, apparently overlooked during whatever search Lucy had conducted. I checked it quickly, relieved to find my design files still intact. Whatever Lucy had been looking for, she hadn't found it—or perhaps she had.

I sat heavily on the edge of the bed, fatigue and worry combining to create a dull ache behind my eyes. First Rebecca and Diane, now Lucy. How many more enemies did I have in this house? And what exactly were they looking for?