The Alpha’s Exiled Mate Chapter 12

The Alpha’s Exiled Mate Chapter 12

Freya’s POV

I clawed my way back to consciousness through layers of pain and confusion. The sterile

hospital smell hit me first, followed by the harsh fluorescent light that stabbed at my eyes. My

wolf immediately assessed our surroundings for threats, though my body felt too heavy to

respond to any danger.

“Finally awake, sleeping beauty,” a familiar voice said. I turned my head to see Terra standing

beside the bed, her expression a mix of relief and exasperation. “You really scared the hell out

of me.”

“What happened?” My voice emerged as a rasp, my throat painfully dry. “How did I get here?”

“Someone found you collapsed outside the Howl,” Terra explained, though her scent carried

notes of deception. “The doctor said that you were not in good health and drank strong

alcohol.”

I frowned, trying to piece together the fragmented memories of the previous night. The VIP

room. Jasper’s possessive touch. Thorne’s golden eyes boring into mine as he ordered me to

drink. The phone call from Kaelin that had visibly affected him.

“I remember feeling dizzy… trying to leave the room,” I said slowly, accepting the water Terra

offered me. The cool liquid soothed my raw throat, but did little for the hollow ache that

seemed to have taken up permanent residence in my chest. “Then everything went black.”

Terra sat on the edge of the bed, leaning closer. “You might be in trouble, but this could also

be an opportunity.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “Jasper Stone sent people to the Howl this

morning asking about you.”

My pulse quickened. “What did they want?”

“To know if you were alright. Where you lived.” Terra’s eyes gleamed with excitement. “An

Alpha like Stone doesn’t take interest in just anyone, Freya. This could be your ticket out of

the Shadow District.”

The implication was clear, and it made my stomach turn. Become Stone’s plaything in

exchange for protection and comfort. Was that truly the only path available to me now?

“Terra,” I gripped her hand, desperation making my voice shake. “I need money. Fast. I don’t

care what I have to do-how hard, how dirty, how…” I let the words trail off, but my meaning

was clear. “I have to find my family.”

My family-the driving force behind every humiliation I endured. Were they even alive? The

uncertainty was a constant wound, never healing.

Terra’s expression softened. “I might have an idea, but you won’t like it.” She hesitated. “Wolf King, the boss of the Howl, is been looking for new performers to draw in the high-paying

clients.”

“Performers?” I asked, though I already knew what she meant.

“Dancing,” she confirmed, and we both understood the euphemism. “You have something… different. Those higher-ranked wolves, they like seeing someone with your background brought low. Especially with that Riley mark on your neck.”

I closed my eyes against the wave of shame that washed over me. Three years ago, I would have been horrified at the suggestion. But the Wilds had stripped away my pride, leaving only the raw instinct to survive, to find a way back to my family.

“Take me to Wolf King,” I said finally, resignation and determination warring within me. “I’ll

do whatever it takes.”

Two days later, I stood in a small dressing room behind the Howl’s main floor, while Terra

helped me into what barely qualified as clothing-shimmering silver threads woven just

densely enough to cover what absolutely needed covering, but designed to appear nearly

transparent under certain lighting.

Wolf King-the burly Beta who managed the Howl’s entertainment-circled me with a critical eye, frowning at my thin frame. “I don’t know about this,” he muttered. “She’s too skinny.

Clients like more… meat.”