The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 91

Thorne's POV

My wolf remained silent within me after I made the promise. There was no surge of possessiveness, no territorial claim. Just a calm acceptance of what must be done.

"When?" Edward asked eagerly, leaning forward.

I hesitated, my innate Alpha caution making me reluctant to commit to a specific date. "Kaelin's condition requires stability. We should wait until—"

"Her moon phase syndrome is well-managed now," Edward interrupted, a rare occurrence that made my wolf growl softly. "The treatments have been effective. There's no reason to delay further."

Kaelin placed her hand on mine. "I will accept whatever timing you deem appropriate, Alpha," she said softly. "My condition shouldn't be an obstacle to our union."

I studied her face, noting the sincerity in her eyes. After a moment, I nodded. "The next moon cycle, then. We'll begin preparations for the binding ceremony."

My father smiled, satisfaction rolling off him in waves. "Excellent. The pack will be pleased to hear the announcement."

The conversation shifted to logistics—the ceremony location, the guest list, the traditional rituals to be observed. Throughout it all, I contributed minimally, allowing Edward's enthusiasm and my father's authoritative planning to carry the discussion.

As dessert was served, my father leaned closer to me. "You've dismissed the Riley girl from your household, I assume? I can send over a new Beta servant if you need a replacement."

My spine stiffened. "Why would you ask that?"

His eyes narrowed slightly. "Wolves with traitor bloodlines shouldn't be kept close, Thorne. You know this. The pack watches your every move."

I chose my words carefully. "I've removed several disloyal Betas from the estate recently. The household is being... reorganized."

"Good," he said, though his scent told me he wasn't entirely satisfied with my answer. "Edith has served the family well. I trust she's managing things adequately?"

"Actually, Martha has taken over as head of household," I replied. "Edith is stepping back from her duties."

My father's eyebrows rose. "Martha? The Riley family's former—"

"She's proven her loyalty and competence," I cut in, something I rarely did with my father. My wolf bristled, suddenly more assertive than it had been all evening.

Alexander Grey studied me for a long moment, his head tilting slightly as he caught something different in my scent. "Your wolf has changed, son," he said quietly. "It's more assertive."

I didn't respond, and after a moment, he turned back to the others, smoothly rejoining their conversation about pack politics.

The remainder of the dinner passed in a blur of polite conversation and political maneuvering. By the time we finished, Kaelin had consumed more wine than usual, her cheeks flushed and her scent tinged with the sweet muskiness of slight intoxication.

"I'll take Kaelin home," I announced as we prepared to leave. My father nodded, his eyes conveying that he expected nothing less from an Alpha caring for his intended.

The night air was cool as we exited the hotel. Mark had the car waiting, and I helped Kaelin inside, her body leaning into mine more than necessary.

"Alpha Thorne," my father called as I was about to enter the car. "Remember what we discussed."

I nodded once, knowing he referred to both the binding ceremony and the implied dismissal of Freya Riley.

---

Once settled in the backseat with Kaelin beside me, I signaled Mark to drive. The privacy partition rose silently, giving us solitude as we made our way through Moon Bay's gleaming streets toward the Brooks estate.

Kaelin's mood shifted as soon as we were alone. Her shoulders slumped slightly, and the artificial brightness in her eyes dimmed.

"I'm sorry about my father," she said quietly. "He pushes too hard sometimes."

"Edward only wants what's best for you," I replied automatically.

She turned to look at me, her blue eyes suddenly vulnerable. "Do you think my condition will affect your standing as Alpha? The pack needs a stable Luna."

I hadn't expected this moment of insecurity from Kaelin, who typically maintained a carefully crafted facade of confidence.

"Your moon phase syndrome doesn't define you," I said, keeping my voice steady. "The pack respects strength, and it takes strength to manage what you deal with every month."

"But if you wanted someone more... reliable," she whispered, "I would understand. An Alpha needs a mate who can stand beside him without faltering."

I sensed her genuine fear beneath the words. Despite our arranged union, Kaelin truly wanted to be my mate. Whether from ambition or actual attachment, I couldn't be certain.

I released a gentle wave of calming Alpha pheromones, a technique I rarely used but that seemed appropriate now. "I made a commitment to you, Kaelin. Your condition is partly my responsibility—I was there when you had your first episode. I should have protected you better."

The memory of little Kaelin's first transformation going wrong, her wolf form contorting as she howled in pain beneath the full moon, still haunted me. I'd been the one to carry her back to the pack, her body trembling against mine.

"You saved me that night," she said, her hand finding mine. "You always save me."

"And I'll continue to do so," I assured her. "The binding ceremony will proceed as planned."

Her scent changed, relief and happiness replacing the earlier anxiety. "I promise I'll control my episodes better. The treatments are working. You'll see—I'll be worthy of being your Luna."

I squeezed her hand, offering reassurance without words. My wolf remained oddly quiet throughout the exchange, neither rejecting nor embracing the sentiment.

---

When we arrived at the Brooks estate, I escorted Kaelin to the door personally. The grand house was lit with warm golden lights, and Olivia Brooks—Edward's mate and Kaelin's mother—greeted us at the entrance.

"Alpha Thorne," she said with a respectful bow of her head. "How kind of you to bring Kaelin home. Would you care to come in for a nightcap?"

"Thank you, but I need to return to Grey Estate," I declined politely. "There are matters requiring my attention."

Kaelin kissed my cheek, a bold move that marked me with her scent—a deliberate action that wasn't lost on either of us. "Thank you for tonight, Thorne. I look forward to the ceremony preparations."

I nodded, waiting until she was safely inside before returning to the car. Mark held the door open, his face carefully neutral as I settled into the backseat.

As we pulled away from the Brooks estate, Mark cleared his throat. "Back to Grey Estate, sir?"

"Yes," I replied, loosening my tie with a sense of relief.

He hesitated, then asked, "Will preparations for the binding ceremony begin soon, then?"

I studied Mark's face in the rearview mirror. He'd been with me for years, one of the few Betas I trusted completely. His question wasn't merely casual conversation.

"Yes," I confirmed. "The next full moon cycle. See that the estate is prepared accordingly."

"Of course, Alpha," he replied. Then, after a pause: "And Miss Riley?"

I didn't answer immediately. The question of Freya Riley seemed to hang in the air between us like a tangible thing.

"Drive, Mark," I said finally, turning to look out the window at the passing city lights.