The Alpha's Exiled Mate Chapter 97

Freya's POV

Stone looked briefly disappointed by my refusal to play his game, but recovered quickly. To my surprise, he pulled out his phone and began scrolling through images. He turned the screen toward me, showing a close-up of one of my preliminary sketches—a design I recognized as part of my work for the competition.

"Your use of negative space here is intriguing," he said, his tone suddenly professional. "The way the moon phase creates both separation and connection between the pack members." He swiped to another image. "But this section here, where the young wolves gather under the crescent—it lacks depth. The tribal elements should extend into the background, creating layers rather than a flat tableau."

I stared at him, genuinely surprised. His critique was... actually quite insightful. "You know design?"

Stone's lip curled slightly. "You think because Grey has his law books and court precedents, Silverstone Alphas must be uncultured? My mother was one of the most celebrated tribal artists of her generation. I grew up surrounded by design theory and artistic innovation."

"I didn't mean to imply—"

"Of course you did," he interrupted, but there was no real heat in his words. "Everyone does. It's what gives me an edge. People underestimate what I know, what I value." He leaned back, studying me. "Just as Grey underestimates you."

The server cleared our plates—I'd barely touched my food—and Stone dismissed him with a wave. When we were alone again, he fixed me with an intense stare.

"Join my design team, Freya Riley. Not just for this competition, but permanently. Your style is distinctive—exile hasn't diminished your artistic gift. Silverstone Pack would value your talent."

The offer caught me completely off guard. "I—what?"

"You heard me. A full-time position with my pack's design division. Creative freedom, resources, protection." His eyes gleamed. "And no one looking down on you for your bloodline."

I felt a momentary surge of temptation. Creative freedom, resources, a fresh start away from Thorne and the painful memories of our past... But then reality reasserted itself. Stone wasn't offering this out of the goodness of his heart. He wanted something—probably to score points against Thorne.

"I'm flattered," I said carefully, "but I have other plans after—"

Stone's expression hardened slightly. "Let me be clear, Ms. Riley. If I wanted to blacklist you from the design community, do you believe you'd ever work again? That any competition would accept your submissions, any design house hire you?"

My blood went cold at the thinly veiled threat. "Are you threatening me?"

"I'm simply stating facts." He shrugged elegantly. "In our world, connections matter. Reputation matters. I could be a powerful ally... or a significant obstacle."

I studied him, trying to understand his motivations. "Why are you so determined to have me join your pack? It can't just be about my design skills, impressive as they may be." A hint of my old defiance crept into my voice. "There must be dozens of talented designers who would jump at the chance to work for Silverstone Pack. What's the real reason you're sponsoring this competition? What are you hiding?"

For a split second, I saw surprise flash across Stone's face before he masked it with a predatory smile. His canines were fully visible now, sharp and gleaming. "What makes you think I'm hiding anything?"

I didn't back down. "You're pushing too hard for someone who just wants a good designer. There's something else at play here."

Stone held my gaze for a long moment, then laughed—a genuine sound that startled me with its warmth. "Sharp as well as talented. I can see why Grey keeps you close, despite the... complications."

He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "The real reason? I simply enjoy watching another Alpha's prized designer create for *my* ceremony instead. Call it a small victory in a very long game."

Something about his admission rang true, even if it wasn't the whole truth. Alphas were territorial by nature, constantly seeking advantages over each other. Using me to score points against Thorne would appeal to Stone's wolf instincts.

I glanced at my watch, anxiety spiking when I realized how much time had passed. "I need to go. I've been away too long already."

Stone nodded, apparently satisfied that he'd made his point. "And my offer? The deadline extension?"

My wolf was growing increasingly agitated, her need to return to familiar territory—even if that territory belonged to Thorne—becoming overwhelming. "I'll try to complete the design on time," I said, rising from my chair. "If I can't, I'll withdraw gracefully."

"Such a waste," Stone murmured, though he didn't try to stop me. "How about this - you just need to give me the design draft before the competition starts."

I nodded noncommittally and turned to leave, but Stone's voice stopped me.

"One more thing. If you're planning to wash away my scent before returning to Grey Estate, you might want to use cedar oil. It's particularly effective against Alpha markers."

I turned, startled by his perception, but he was already signaling for the check, his attention seemingly elsewhere. With a final nod to his guards, I hurried out of the café and onto the street, gulping in the fresh air.

I was about to hail a taxi when I realized I hadn't brought enough money for both the return trip and a visit to the bathhouse. The money Kaelin had given me was safely hidden in my room, and I'd only brought enough for the initial taxi ride, assuming Stone would cover our meal.

Cursing my lack of foresight, I turned back to the café, just in time to see Stone emerging with his guards. He raised an eyebrow at my hesitation.

"Problem, Ms. Riley?"

I swallowed my pride. "I need funds for transportation. I... didn't bring enough."

I expected mockery, but Stone merely nodded and reached into his jacket. Instead of cash, however, he produced a small silver card embossed with the Silverstone Pack emblem.

"A bank card," he explained, holding it out. "Linked to a Silverstone Pack account. Consider it an advance on your competition winnings."

I hesitated, my instincts warning me against accepting anything from him. "I can't take this."

"You can and you will." He pressed the card into my palm. "Five thousand is already loaded. Use what you need for transportation and supplies. The rest..." He shrugged. "Consider it an investment in your creative process."

Before I could protest further, he nodded to his guards and strode toward a waiting black SUV. "I look forward to seeing your final design, Ms. Riley," he called over his shoulder. "I'm sure it will be worth the wait."