The Alpha’s Exiled Mate Chapter 25

The Alpha’s Exiled Mate Chapter 25

Freya’s POV

My body ached with every step I took through the Shadow District’s narrow streets. Dr. Mara’s

treatment had stabilized my internal injuries, but the pain remained-a constant reminder of last night’s beating. The money I’d spent on medical care was worth it; without treatment, I

might not have survived another day. Still, the financial hit stung almost as much as my

bruised ribs.

I carefully navigated the uneven pavement, heading toward the self-service laundromat with my tiny apartment above it. Each movement sent ripples of pain through my abdomen. My wolf whined softly within me, sensing my weakness, urging me to find a safe place to heal

properly.

One week to find a job, yet he immediately shut down the Moon Howl?

The contradiction in Thorne’s actions puzzled me. My jaw tightened as I considered the cruelty of it. He had given me seven days to find legitimate employment, then promptly eliminated the only place willing to hire an exile like me.

“Is this what you wanted all along?” I muttered under my breath, teeth clenched as I pressed a hand against my tender side. “To drive me out completely?” I exhaled sharply, wincing at the pain it caused. “The so-called fair and impartial Alpha Judge, settling personal scores…”

My eyes stung as I recalled how desperately I had once pursued him. Five years of my life spent trying to catch the attention of a wolf who now seemed determined to erase me from existence. My shoulders slumped, the weight of this realization pressing down on me more

than my physical injuries.

“I never really knew you at all, did I?” My voice cracked slightly, betraying the emotion I tried

to suppress.

I’d spent years believing I understood Thorne Grey, that beneath his Alpha mask was someone

worth loving. Now I wondered if I’d been chasing a fantasy all along.

My nostrils flared as I caught a familiar scent in the air-oak and earth. I looked up, eyes

widening slightly as I saw a large oak tree standing at the corner of the street, its branches

reaching toward the afternoon sky. My breath caught in my throat as memories flooded back,

unbidden and unwelcome.

I was ten years old, attending a summer gathering at Moonlight Woods. The Riley family had

been prominent then, our bloodline respected throughout Moon Bay. The adults were engaged

in serious conversation about pack politics, and I had slipped away, bored and restless.

The massive oak tree at the edge of the Grey property had called to me, promising adventure.

My young wolf, always eager for a challenge, urged me to climb higher and higher. It wasn’t

until I reached the upper branches that I realized my mistake-climbing up was far easier than

climbing down.

Fear gripped me as I looked at the ground far below. My wolf, usually brave, cowered within

I clung to the branch, too terrified to move, my small hands aching from holding on so
tightly.

“Riley pup, do you need assistance?” A calm voice called from below.

I peered down to see a teenage boy standing at the base of the tree, hands in his pockets, head

tilted back to look at me. Even then, Thorne Grey carried himself with the natural authority of

an Alpha bloodline. His dark hair was shorter then, his face less severe, but those amber-

flecked eyes were unmistakable.

“I’m not stuck,” I called back stubbornly, even as my knuckles whitened from gripping the

branch.

He raised an eyebrow, skepticism evident in his expression. “Of course not. You’re simply

admiring the view for the last twenty minutes.”

I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment, the heat spreading across my face. “The branch

seemed closer from the ground.”

To my surprise, Thorne didn’t mock me further. Instead, he began climbing the tree with easy,

fluid movements, making his way toward me. “Stay still,” he instructed. “I’ll help you down.”

As he reached the branch just below mine, he extended his hand. “Take my hand, Riley pup.”

I hesitated, my pride battling with practical need. Before I could decide, my foot slipped, and I

felt myself falling. A scream tore from my throat-but instead of hitting the ground, I landed

in strong arms. Thorne had somehow anticipated my fall and positioned himself to catch me.