The Alpha’s Exiled Mate Chapter 21

The Alpha’s Exiled Mate Chapter 21

Freya’s POV

Terra eventually accepted, and we left the restaurant, heading toward the electronics market.

The Shadow District electronics market was a noisy, vibrant area with stalls and small shops

lining narrow alleyways. The air buzzed with the smell of electronic devices: plastic, metal,

and a slight burning scent. All manner of wolves shopped and traded here, mostly Omegas and

low-ranking Betas who couldn’t afford the prices in the city center stores.

I felt eyes on me as we walked, my body tensing instinctively. Even with my mark covered,

something about me still drew attention.

Terra led me through the crowded paths to a stall specializing in second-hand phones. The

vendor was a thin male wolf whose eyes gleamed with shrewdness as he watched us approach.

“What can I do for you ladies?” he asked, his voice rough from years of smoking.

“My friend needs a smartphone,” Terra said, “basic functions, limited budget.”

The vendor scanned me briefly, then nodded, pulling out several phones from under his

counter. “These are recent models, decent condition.”

I examined each phone carefully, eventually selecting a simple but functional black

smartphone. The price wasn’t cheap, but it was a manageable expense for me now.

“I’ll take this one,” I pointed.

The vendor nodded and began setting up the phone for me. As he leaned forward, his nose twitched slightly, catching a scent. Then his gaze fell to my collar, where my clothing had shifted slightly, revealing a small portion of the Riley moon mark.

His expression immediately turned cautious. “You’re…” he murmured, eyes widening.

I quickly pulled my collar higher, covering the mark. “Just a customer,” I said calmly, though

my heart raced. “How much for the phone?”

The vendor hesitated, his expression complex. I could see him weighing the pros and cons-

doing business with an exile might bring trouble, but money was money.

“Three hundred fifty,” he finally said, voice low.

I didn’t haggle, simply pulled out the cash from my pocket and handed it to him. As I did so, I

noticed the gazes of other customers settling on me, expressions ranging from curious to

wary. My wolf instincts told me I was being marked, not just by the moon shape on my neck,

but by my scent and demeanor, which betrayed my identity to other wolves.

The vendor quickly took the money and handed me the phone and charger. “Good luck,” he

muttered, eyes avoiding mine.

I nodded in thanks and left the stall with Terra. As we walked through the market, I felt more

gazes following me, the air filled with whispers and tense scents.

“You okay?” Terra asked, noticing the crowd’s reaction.

“I’m used to it,” I answered evenly. “It’s why I usually try to cover the mark.”

“You know, you could completely hide it with makeup or a scarf,” Terra suggested.

I gave a nod. “You’re right.” In the present situation, revealing my identity would bring

nothing but trouble.

Terra seemed to understand and didn’t press further. We continued through the market,

eventually reaching a more open area.

“I should get back to the bar,” Terra said, “I have the night shift.”

I nodded. “Thanks for your help.”

“If you need anything, you can always come find me,” she said, her tone sincere. “I mean it,

Freya. I know the Shadow District can be tough for someone like you, but you don’t have to

face everything alone.”

Her words warmed something inside me that had been cold for a long time. “Thank you, Terra.

I’ll remember that.”

We parted ways at the market entrance, Terra heading toward the bar, and I turning toward my

temporary home. The new phone felt significant in my pocket-a small victory, a step toward

finding answers.