The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 90

Thorne's POV

After I got the documents, I returned to the court and worked there. The afternoon session at Moon Crescent Court dragged on longer than anticipated. A territorial dispute between two Beta families consumed hours of testimony, with both sides presenting conflicting evidence and witnesses. I struggled to focus, my mind continuously returning to Freya's request to leave.

I had no legitimate reason to keep her at Grey Estate. She wasn't a prisoner, nor was she officially under pack protection. Yet the thought of her leaving sent an inexplicable wave of possessiveness through me. I couldn't let her go—not yet, not when her scent and presence had somehow become important to me in ways I didn't fully understand.

I comforted myself with the simple truth of our world: I was Alpha. My decisions weren't to be questioned, my orders not to be disobeyed. If I wanted Freya to stay, she would stay. My will was absolute within my territory, and she was currently within my domain.

By the time I delivered my ruling on the territorial dispute—a compromise that satisfied neither party but maintained pack harmony—the sun was setting over Moon Bay. My patience had worn thin, and I was eager to return to the estate.

I stepped outside the imposing courthouse, breathing in the cool evening air with relief. The silver-infused ceremonial robes felt heavier than usual today, my mind continually drifting back to Grey Estate—to Freya, and the way her scent had lingered on my sheets.

"Thorne."

I turned to find Kaelin Brooks standing at the bottom of the courthouse steps, elegant in a pale blue dress that complemented her eyes. Her hands were clasped demurely before her, her posture perfect as always.

"Kaelin," I acknowledged, descending the steps to meet her. "What brings you here?"

She smiled, the expression not quite reaching her eyes. "Father asked me to extend an invitation. He's hosting dinner tonight for your father at our estate. He hopes you'll join them."

I suppressed a sigh. Edward Brooks's "casual" dinners were inevitably political affairs, carefully orchestrated to advance pack alliances and solidify the Brooks family's position. "I appreciate the invitation, but I have matters requiring my attention at Grey Estate tonight."

Kaelin's smile faltered slightly. "Father mentioned it was important. Something about the upcoming full moon ceremony preparations."

"I'll call him tomorrow to discuss it," I offered, already turning toward my car where Mark waited.

"Thorne," Kaelin called after me, a note of urgency in her voice. "Your father specifically requested your presence tonight."

I paused, a sense of foreboding settling over me. Alexander Grey rarely involved himself in pack politics since passing the Alpha mantle to me five years ago. If he was attending this dinner and requesting my presence...

My phone buzzed in my pocket. I checked it to find a message from my father: [Attend Brooks dinner tonight. Non-negotiable.]

I exhaled slowly, resigning myself to an evening of political maneuvering. "It seems I'll be joining you after all, Kaelin."

---

The Grand Lunar Hotel loomed ahead, its massive glass facade reflecting the night sky. Kaelin sat beside me in the car, her perfume filling the enclosed space—roses and sandalwood, with undertones of something medicinal that always lingered around her. A side effect of the treatments for her moon phase syndrome.

"We're here," I said unnecessarily as Mark pulled the car to a smooth stop at the entrance.

Kaelin's hand found mine, her touch light and practiced. "Thank you for coming, Thorne. Father was quite insistent about your presence tonight."

I nodded, not bothering to mention that my own father's command had been the deciding factor. The doorman—a well-built Beta—hurried to open Kaelin's door, bowing deeply as we exited.

"Alpha Grey, Miss Brooks," he murmured, eyes appropriately downcast. "The private suite is ready. Your fathers are already waiting."

I guided Kaelin through the hotel's opulent lobby, my hand resting lightly on the small of her back. The gesture was automatic, practiced—a public display of the protection an Alpha provides to his intended. Other wolves stepped aside as we passed, some bowing their heads, others averting their eyes completely. Their scents carried notes of respect, curiosity, and in some cases, fear.

The elevator attendant, an older Omega male, kept his gaze fixed on the control panel as we ascended to the top floor. The penthouse level of the Grand Lunar was reserved exclusively for Alpha business and pack ceremonies. I'd spent countless hours here in meetings and negotiations, but tonight felt different. My father's sudden involvement suggested something significant was about to happen.

As we approached the private dining suite, I caught the familiar scent of my father, with the unmistakable metallic undertone that all Alphas carried. Beside it was Edward Brooks's more mundane scent of leather and cigar smoke.

"Alpha Thorne, Miss Kaelin," the host greeted us with a deep bow. "Your table awaits."

The private suite was elegantly appointed, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of Moon Bay's glittering skyline. My father, Alexander Grey, and Edward Brooks rose as we entered. Both men were impeccably dressed in tailored suits, though my father's natural authority made Edward look like what he was—a high-ranking Beta in the presence of an Alpha.

"Son," my father greeted, his golden eyes briefly examining me before shifting to Kaelin. "And lovely Kaelin. You look well tonight."

I pulled out Kaelin's chair for her, a gesture of respect that didn't go unnoticed by my father. A flash of approval shimmered in his eyes, the gold in them momentarily brightening.

"Thorne," Edward Brooks extended his hand, which I shook firmly. "Good to see you. How's the court business going?"

"Several cases closed this week," I replied, taking my seat. "The territorial dispute between the Harrimans and Fosters has been resolved."

My father's subtle scent shift indicated his disinterest. "The court will always have cases, Thorne. It's time you focused more on personal matters."

I knew what was coming even before he continued. My wolf stirred restlessly within me, bristling at the thinly veiled command in my father's tone.

"The binding ceremony with Kaelin should be arranged soon," he said, his voice leaving no room for debate. "The alliance between our families has waited long enough."

Edward nodded eagerly. "My Kaelin has been most patient. She's been preparing for months now."

I glanced at Kaelin, who lowered her eyes demurely, though I detected a hint of satisfaction in her scent. My wolf rumbled uneasily within me.

"The Rileys were initially considered, you know," my father said casually, swirling his wine. "Before their... disgrace. We had thought to join our bloodline with theirs. Such potential wasted."

My chest tightened at the mention of the Riley family. At the mention of *her*. I kept my expression neutral, but my wolf's ears pricked forward, suddenly alert.

"That was years ago, Alexander," Edward said quickly, clearly uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation. "Ancient history now."

My father's eyes fixed on me. "You agreed to the engagement with the Riley girl to bargain for your continued position as Chief Justice, did you not? You never wanted to give up that court, even when I suggested you focus solely on your Alpha duties."

I maintained eye contact with him, refusing to look away first. "I did."

"And now?" he pressed.

I thought of Kaelin sitting beside me. I'd known her since we were pups. Her condition made her volatile at times, but I'd promised to care for her, to be her Alpha. It was a responsibility I'd accepted years ago, out of duty and habit formed in childhood.

"I will accept Kaelin as my mate," I said finally, the words coming easier than I'd expected.