Chapter 153
Thorne's POV
I woke to a pounding headache and the acrid taste of stale whiskey in my mouth. Squinting against the shaft of sunlight cutting through the partially closed blinds, I reached for my phone on the nightstand. The brightness of the screen made me wince as I checked the time: 2:47 PM.
"Shit," I muttered, pushing myself upright.
The events of last night came back in fragments—the meeting with Ryder and Sebastian at Grey Moon bar, too many glasses of aged whiskey, the growing frustration as we discussed Freya's disappearance. I vaguely remembered Mark driving me home sometime after midnight, practically carrying me to my bedroom.
I scrolled through my notifications, ignoring several missed calls from Brooks and my father. A text message from an unknown number caught my attention, sent last night while I was drinking:
[Alpha Thorne, heard you're missing a little maid? Found her yet? If you need help, I'd be happy to assist.]
I stared at the message, the fog of my hangover instantly clearing as anger surged through me. Jasper Stone. That arrogant bastard. The message confirmed what I had suspected—Stone knew where Freya was. He might even be hiding her.
I threw off the covers and stood up too quickly, making my head throb. Ignoring the pain, I headed for the shower. Ten minutes later, dressed in a crisp black suit, I called Mark.
"Get the car ready," I ordered, my voice rough from sleep and alcohol. "We're going to Silverstone territory. Now."
"Alpha?" Mark sounded surprised. "Are you sure that's wise after last night's—"
"I'm fine," I cut him off. "Stone sent me a message. He knows something about Freya."
There was a brief pause before Mark answered. "I'll be at the front entrance in five minutes."
While waiting, I downed two painkillers and a full glass of water, willing my wolf's metabolism to process the remaining alcohol faster. Stone's taunt replayed in my mind, fueling my determination to find answers.
Twenty minutes later, we were in my black sedan, crossing the invisible boundary that separated Grey Moon territory from Silverstone. The landscape gradually changed—Stone's territory favored more rustic architecture that blended with the natural environment, unlike the sleek modernity of Moon Bay.
"Head straight for Stone Manor," I instructed Mark, who nodded silently.
I stared out the window, my mind racing. Freya had been missing for days now. The search teams had found nothing, which meant she'd either left Moon Bay entirely or someone was hiding her. And after Stone's taunting message, I was certain it was the latter.
What I couldn't understand was why my wolf was so agitated about her disappearance. Yes, she was under my protection as a member of my territory, but this level of concern felt... personal. Uncomfortable.
Stone Manor appeared on the horizon, a sprawling estate built into the side of a hill. Unlike Grey Manor's imposing formal architecture, Stone Manor embraced a more organic design, with natural stone and large windows. It was impressive in its own way, though I'd never admit that to Stone.
As we pulled up to the entrance, a Beta attendant approached, his expression carefully neutral despite the obvious surprise at seeing a rival Alpha arrive unannounced.
"Alpha Thorne," he greeted with a slight bow. "We weren't expecting..."
"I need to speak with Alpha Stone," I said, stepping out of the car. "Immediately."
The Beta hesitated. "Alpha Stone isn't currently—"
"Then I'll wait," I replied, my tone making it clear this wasn't a request.
The Beta swallowed nervously and nodded, leading us into the manor's grand entrance hall. The space was decorated with natural elements—stone columns, wooden beams, and a massive chandelier made from antlers. The scent of pine and earth permeated the air, mixed with the distinct smells of the Silverstone Pack.
"Please wait here, Alpha Thorne. I'll inform Mrs. Stone of your arrival."
I nodded once, and the Beta hurried away. Mark positioned himself near the door, ever vigilant, while I paced the entrance hall, my wolf restless beneath my skin.
After a few minutes, a tall, elegant woman with silver-streaked dark hair descended the grand staircase. Elena Stone, Jasper's mother and matriarch of the Silverstone Pack, approached with graceful caution.
"Alpha Thorne," she greeted, her voice smooth as polished stone. "This is... quite unexpected."
"Mrs. Stone," I inclined my head slightly. "I apologize for the intrusion, but I need to speak with your son on an urgent matter."
Her eyes, the same amber shade as Jasper's, studied me carefully. "I'm afraid Jasper is out at the moment. Business in the city. But he should return shortly." She gestured toward a doorway. "Perhaps you'd like to wait in the sitting room? I can have refreshments brought."
"That would be acceptable," I replied, following her into a spacious room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the forest beyond.
"May I ask what brings the Alpha of Grey Moon Pack to our territory without notice?" Elena asked once we were seated, her tone conversational but her eyes sharp.
"A missing member of my pack," I stated bluntly. "Freya Riley."
Something flickered across Elena's face—recognition, perhaps, or concern—before her expression smoothed again.
"The exiled Riley girl?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "I wasn't aware she was important enough to warrant an Alpha's personal attention."
I kept my expression neutral despite the irritation her words sparked. "All members of my territory are my responsibility, Mrs. Stone."
"Of course," she replied smoothly. "And you believe my son knows something about her whereabouts?"
"I have reason to suspect so, yes."
Elena folded her hands in her lap. "I see. Well, I'm sure Jasper will be happy to address your concerns when he returns." She rose gracefully. "If you'll excuse me, I'll arrange for some refreshments while you wait."
"That won't be necessary," I said. "I'll just wait here for your son."
Her smile tightened slightly. "As you wish, Alpha Thorne."