Chapter 155
Freya's POV
The morning sunlight streamed through the apartment windows as I prepared for my first day at Stone Design Group. I'd spent most of yesterday exploring the neighborhood, finding my bearings in this new territory. Now, standing before the mirror in my borrowed apartment, I smoothed down the simple black dress I'd purchased and touched the concealer covering the nearly-healed cut on my temple.
The injury from the hospital confrontation had faded to a faint pink line, but I still felt a phantom ache when I thought about that day—the hatred in those wolves' eyes, the sudden violence. Shaking off the memory, I grabbed my portfolio and headed downstairs.
To my surprise, Jasper was waiting in a sleek black SUV outside the building. He rolled down the window as I approached.
"Good morning," he greeted, his eyes appraising my outfit. "Need a ride to the office?"
I hesitated, clutching my portfolio tighter. "I thought I'd take the bus. It might draw attention if I arrive with you."
"Concerned about appearances?" Jasper asked, amusement coloring his voice. "Get in, Freya. It's your first day—you should arrive properly."
Against my better judgment, I slid into the passenger seat. The vehicle smelled of leather and Jasper's distinctive Alpha scent. It was nothing like Thorne's scent of mint and metal and power, but it carried its own authority.
"Nervous?" Jasper asked as he pulled into traffic.
"A little," I admitted. "It's been a while since I worked in a professional setting."
"The design team is competitive but talented," he said. "They'll respect skill, regardless of your background."
I wasn't so sure about that. Wolves were hierarchical by nature, and competition for position was fierce in professional settings.
"There's something else we should discuss," Jasper said, his tone becoming more serious. "Your name."
I glanced at him, confused. "My name?"
"Freya Riley isn't exactly an anonymous name in my territory right now," he explained. "The design competition featured your work—and while it was submitted anonymously, there was quite a bit of discussion about the Riley design style. If you use your real name, it might connect you to the competition, which could complicate things."
I hadn't considered that. "You want me to use a fake name?"
"Think of it as a professional alias," Jasper suggested smoothly. "Just until you're established. It would make your transition smoother."
I considered his words. Using an alias might indeed give me space to prove myself without the immediate judgment that would come with the Riley name. Even if they didn't know I was exiled, the Riley family reputation was complicated enough.
"What name did you have in mind?" I asked.
"Mia Porter," Jasper replied immediately, as if he'd already thought about it. "It's the name on your employment paperwork. Simple, forgettable, and already in the system."
I nodded slowly. "Mia Porter it is, then."
As we neared the Stone Group headquarters, a modern glass building in the heart of the business district, Jasper pulled over about a block away.
"I'll have Duke meet you here," he said, naming his Beta assistant. "Better for you to walk in with him than me on your first day."
I nodded, grateful for his understanding. "Thank you."
Jasper's phone buzzed, and he checked it briefly, his expression hardening for a moment before he slipped it back into his pocket.
"Something wrong?" I asked.
"Nothing important," he replied smoothly. "Just an unwelcome visitor at Stone Manor yesterday."
Before I could ask more, a tall Beta male with dark hair approached the car. Duke nodded respectfully to Jasper, then opened my door.
"Miss Porter," he greeted formally, using my new alias without hesitation. "I'll escort you to the design department."
With a final nod to Jasper, I followed Duke toward the building, trying to ignore the flutter of nerves in my stomach. This was my chance for a fresh start, away from the shadow of Grey Moon Pack and Thorne Grey. I just had to make it work.
As we approached the main entrance of Stone Group, I noticed a crowd gathering around Duke. At least a dozen wolves—mostly Betas from their scents—surrounded him with questions and reports. The moment we came within twenty feet of the group, heads began to turn in my direction.
One by one, conversations died. Curious eyes assessed me from head to toe.
Duke cleared his throat loudly. "Everyone, this is Mia Porter. She's joining the design department today. Alpha Stone personally approved her hiring."
A ripple of whispers spread through the crowd. I caught fragments: "...personally approved?" "...never heard of her..." "...must have connections..."
The wolves' reactions were expected—any newcomer would be scrutinized—but there was something different in their assessment. Rather than the outright hostility I'd faced as a known exile, this was more like suspicious curiosity. They were trying to determine how a complete unknown had secured not only a position but also the personal attention of their Alpha.
"Follow me, Miss Porter," Duke said, his tone professionally neutral as he led me through the now-parted crowd.
The lobby was impressive—high ceilings with natural skylights, abstract wolf sculptures in various stages of transformation, and a massive stone wall bearing the Silverstone Pack emblem. Under different circumstances, I might have admired the architecture. Instead, I focused on following Duke to the elevators, acutely aware of the stares tracking our movement.
"Fifth floor is design," Duke explained as the elevator doors closed, mercifully cutting off the scrutiny. "I'll introduce you to the department coordinator."
When we reached the design department, things only got worse. The open-concept office held about twenty workstations, each occupied by a Beta wolf who paused their work to stare as we entered. I could feel their immediate assessment—analyzing my appearance, my posture, my clothes, searching for clues about why I was receiving special treatment.
"Is this the new designer?" A tall female Beta with platinum blonde hair approached, her eyes critically assessing me. "I wasn't aware we were hiring."
"Alpha Stone's directive," Duke replied, his voice carrying a subtle but unmistakable undertone of authority. "Mia will be joining your team effective immediately."
The blonde's eyes widened slightly, then narrowed. "And what are her qualifications? We have a rigorous standard here at Stone Group."
Before I could answer, Duke's posture shifted. He didn't grow larger physically, but his presence expanded, radiating the controlled power of a high-ranking Beta.
"Melissa," he said quietly, "Alpha Stone personally reviewed her portfolio and approved her placement. Are you questioning his judgment?"
Melissa's expression tightened. "Of course not. I'm simply concerned about departmental protocols."
"Your concerns are noted," Duke replied coolly. "Now, please help Miss Porter get settled."
With visible reluctance, Melissa turned to me. "The administrative paperwork is at reception. Once you've completed it, return here for your workstation assignment."
I nodded, maintaining a neutral expression despite the hostility radiating from her. "Thank you."