The Alpha’s Exiled Mate Chapter 19

The Alpha’s Exiled Mate Chapter 19

Freya’s POV

I sat on the hallway floor for what felt like hours, my tears eventually drying up and leaving

behind a hollow numbness. Terra remained beside me the entire time, not rushing me, not

offering empty platitudes-just being there. Her quiet presence steadied me in ways words.

couldn’t.

Finally, I wiped the tear stains from my face and took a deep breath that shuddered through my chest. I couldn’t sit on this floor forever. I was still alive, and my family likely was too. As

long as I was breathing, there was hope.

I touched the thick envelope in my pocket, feeling its weight. My jaw tightened as I thought about how I’d earned it. No matter how much I despised the humiliation I’d endured, this

money was now my lifeline.

“You okay?” Terra asked softly, helping me to my feet. Her eyes held genuine concern.

I nodded, feeling my legs tingle from sitting too long. “Thanks for… staying.” The words came out rough, unused to expressing gratitude after years of isolation.

“No problem.” She smiled, her eyes scanning my disheveled appearance. “You know, if you need a place to shower and clean up, my room’s behind the bar.”

I considered it briefly before shaking my head. “Thanks, but I should get back to my own place.” As shabby as my single-room apartment in the Shadow District was, it was at least a private space I could call my own.

Terra nodded, understanding my choice without me having to explain. “So… what are you going to do? About the Alpha’s order, I mean. One week to find work.”

I inhaled deeply, considering Thorne’s ultimatum. One week to find “legitimate” employment

and leave the Howl. “I don’t know, Terra. Finding work isn’t easy for exiles, especially one from

the Riley family.” My voice dropped on my family name, a mixture of pride and pain coloring

the words.

“But now you have some money,” Terra pointed out, her tone cautiously optimistic. “How

much is in that envelope anyway?”

I hesitated, then opened it and began counting. My fingers moved mechanically through the

bills while my eyes widened slightly at the final figure. “Almost ten thousand.”

“Wow.” Terra’s eyes sparkled. “Those arrogant assholes at least paid top dollar to humiliate

you.”

Her bluntness made me smile grimly. “I guess they thought my dignity was worth the price.”

“Listen, Freya,” Terra leaned closer, her voice becoming firmer. “I know it was awful, being forced to do that. But now you have options. This money means you don’t have to worry about

shelter or food for a while. Gives you time to find something suitable.”

She was right. Despite the sickening source, the money did provide a breathing space I hadn’t

had since returning from exile.

“Would you like to have lunch with me tomorrow?” I asked suddenly, the idea forming as I

spoke. “I want to thank you for your help tonight, and… well, I could use a friend’s advice.”

The word “friend” felt strange on my tongue after so long.

Terra’s expression shifted from surprise to pleasure. “Sure, I’m free at noon. Where would you

like to go?”

“I’m not familiar with Shadow District restaurants,” I admitted, “but I’d like somewhere with

real meat.” My wolf stirred at the thought, hunger awakening after the emotional exhaustion.

“I know a decent barbecue place,” Terra grinned. “Noon tomorrow?”

I nodded, suddenly realizing I was looking forward to it. During my three years in the Wilds,

I’d had few true friends-only temporary allies and trading partners. This simple friendship

with Terra felt like a small step toward normalcy.

After arranging where to meet, we parted ways. Walking home, my thoughts kept returning to

Thorne’s words. He wouldn’t tell me about my family’s whereabouts. He called them traitors.

My hand clenched into a fist, nails digging into my palm, the pain keeping me focused.

I wouldn’t give up finding them. Now I had money, resources. I could begin a real

investigation. First step: I needed a phone, a way to connect with the outside world.

The next day at noon, I chose a simple long dress and a high-necked top, making sure to cover

the Riley mark on my neck. Since Thorne’s words last night, I was more aware of the danger

that exposing my identity might bring.

The barbecue restaurant sat at the edge of the Shadow District, unassuming but fragrant.

Entering, the air was thick with the scent of grilled meat, immediately activating my wolf’s

instincts. My mouth watered instantly, and I had to swallow hard. I spotted Terra waiting at a

corner table, waving me over.