The Alpha’s Exiled Mate Chapter 22

The Alpha’s Exiled Mate Chapter 22

Evening was settling over the Shadow District, the small roads largely empty. Most wolves

were rushing home or to night shifts, leaving the streets deserted and the sky darkening. I

walked toward my lodging, fiddling with the settings and features of my new phone.

This simple device felt like a small miracle in my hands. Having a smartphone meant

reconnecting with the world, perhaps finding clues about my family.

I opened the browser and typed “Riley family Moon Bay.” The search results were disappointing-most links showed “page not found” or redirected to other content. Social

media accounts were either deleted or last updated before my exile. Almost all public records

had been erased, as if the Riley family had never existed.

I frowned, trying searches for my father’s name, then my mother’s and brother’s. The results were equally disheartening. The only information I found was an old news article mentioning

“the Riley family stripped of all assets due to treason,” but no specific details.

As I was absorbed in my search, my wolf instincts suddenly alerted me to danger. The hair on

the back of my neck seemed to stand up, a cold premonition running down my spine. I

stopped walking, raised my head, and scanned my surroundings warily.

The twilight had deepened, the street lamps casting uncertain shadows. There was a subtle

tension in the air, a feeling of being watched. My fingers slid discreetly into my pocket, where

I kept my few personal defense items-a small folding knife.

Suddenly, three large figures emerged from the shadows ahead, forming a line that blocked my

path. They were all strong male wolves, emanating danger and threat. More disturbing was the

ordered scent they carried-this wasn’t a random attack, someone had sent them specifically

for me.

I stood still, assessing my chances of escape. But they had already seen me, and their

positioning suggested they had anticipated my potential escape routes.

The lead wolf stepped forward, the streetlight illuminating his rugged features and cold eyes.

“Freya Riley,” he called my name directly, a note of mockery in his voice. “Someone paid us to

teach you a lesson.”

My heart sank. This wasn’t a chance confrontation but a planned attack. “Who sent you?” I

asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

The tallest of the three let out a harsh laugh. “You’ve made too many enemies, exile. But this

time, we’re here to show you what gratitude means.”

They advanced slowly, cruelty gleaming in their eyes. I knew I couldn’t escape from three

wolves in their prime, especially when they were clearly prepared for me.

“I don’t want trouble,” I said, stepping backward. “I’m just trying to live quietly.”

“Too late,” the leader growled. “Some people think you need to be reminded of your place.”

They suddenly accelerated, lunging at me with wolf-like speed. I instinctively turned to run, but they were ready. The tallest wolf grabbed my arm and yanked hard, throwing me against

the wall.

The impact made me see stars, but my wolf instincts triggered a fighting response. As they approached again, I growled, my once-suppressed wolf nature reawakening, lengthening my nails and making my eyes flash with wildness. I felt the phone in my pocket and quickly

moved it to an inner pocket, securing it.

I struck at the nearest attacker, claws raking across his cheek, leaving four bloody lines. He backed away in surprise, but the other two immediately pounced, grabbing my arms and

pinning me to the ground.

“Look at that,” the leader mocked. “The exile still has some fight. But have you forgotten?