Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 306

Chapter 306

Elsa

By mid-afternoon, I’d missed lunch working on a report and decided to grab a quick bite at Silver Moon Café near the office. My stomach growled loudly, reminding me I’d been running on nothing but coffee and spite all day. As I waited for my order, a familiar voice called my name.

‘Elsa! What a coincidence!”

Emma stood before me in a tailored white dress, her smile too perfect to be genuine. I fought the urge to roll my eyes or simply walk away.

“I was just looking at an antique shop nearby,” she explained, sliding into the seat across from me uninvited. “I’m searching for the perfect birthday gift for Drake’s father.”

Her tone made it clear this was a privilege-being invited to a Stone family gathering, shopping for the former Alpha. I nodded politely, unwilling to engage, my fingers drumming impatiently on the tabletop.

“You know,” Emma leaned forward conspiratorially, “Marcus has already made it clear that no matter what, Vera will never cross the threshold of the Stone family home. Drake won’t choose her as his official mate.”

I couldn’t hide my surprise, my fork clattering against my plate. “What happened?”

Emma waved dismissively. “Let’s not dwell on the past. What’s done is done.”

She smoothed her immaculate hair, her eyes gleaming. “Drake and I were high school sweethearts, you know. Not public like you and Lucas, but we were

each other’s first love.”

I kept my expression carefully neutral as she continued, though my knuckles whitened around my water glass.

“We were young and foolish when we broke up. Now we’re reconnecting, healing what was interrupted. Her confidence was absolute. “I’ll make him publicly acknowledge me as his girlfriend soon.”

I gathered my things with jerky movements, nearly knocking over my water. “Afternoon meeting, I muttered, throwing down enough cash to cover ay barely-touched meal.

As I walked away, my heels clicking aggressively against the tile floor, I reflected on how Drake had never publicly acknowledged vera as his giriftrend either, despite everyone’s assumptions. I remembered him telling Jason he would marry Vera, but now it seemed circumstances had changed.

I wondered what had happened between them, and why I still cared at all. “Fuck,” I whispered, pushing through the door with more force than necessant “Why can’t I just stop giving a damn about him?”

Drake

I woke up with a dull headache pounding behind my eyes, my muscles tense from a restless night. The hotel suite felt empty, sething I wasnt used acknowledging.

I glanced at the wall that separated my room from Elsa’s, knowing exactly where she’d be sleeping on the other side. That’s why I’d been state of overpriced hotel for the past three nights–because she was here. fd specifically requested the suite aineid to hers after hours Tax coding her

reservation.

My own penthouse felt hollow without her scent lingering in the air, without her presence Biling the reply strah

ut waiting for my response.

“Sir, Ms. Hale left for the office already. She seemed in a hurry-didn’t even have breakfast. I believe she finalized arrangements with Jones Gopup yester and might be preparing the contracts

“What the fuck?” I growled, slamming my fist against the bedside table. My jaw clenched so light it ached. When did she leave?

“About an hour ago, sir.”

I nodded curtly, buttoning my shirt with sharp, precise movements, my fingers nearly tearing the fabric in my frustration. I skip breakfast at the restaurant. Have something sent up.”

Taylor nodded and left. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, adjusting my tie with unnecessary force, yanking it until it nearly choked me. The vein in my temple throbbed visibly. I’d given up the comfort of my own home just to be near her, and she didn’t even know i was here. Or worse-she knew and didn

care.

“Fucking Moon Shadow pack,” I muttered, running a hand through my hair. “Always trying to take what’s mine.”

As I stepped out of the elevator into the hotel lobby, a familiar scent caught my attention-vanilla mixed with expensive perfume. My nostrils flared with irritation. I didn’t need to turn to know who it was.

上

“Drake!” Emma’s voice rang out, syrupy sweet and filled with expectation.

She approached wearing a cream-colored dress with a knitted cardigan, her blonde hair falling in carefully arranged waves. The scent of her perfume intensified as she drew closer. My stomach turned with disgust.

“I was hoping to run into you,” she said, her eyes lighting up with practiced enthusiasm. “Have you had breakfast yet? There’s this wonderful steakhou

across the street. They make the most amazing ribeye.”

I stared at her, unimpressed by the display, my upper lip curling slightly. From the corner of my eye, I caught Taylor’s knowing glance. My bodyguard had immediately recognized Emma’s pathetic intentions.

“Remember when we were in high school?” Emma continued, undeterred by my silence, stepping closer until her perfume made my eyes water You take me to that barbecue place at the edge of the territory.”

“Emma,” I said, my voice dropping to a dangerous register, eyes flashing gold, “doesn’t the company keep you busy enough? Did Stone Entegrises to monitor my eating habits?”

Her smile faltered slightly, fingers nervously twisting her cardigan. “I just finished some work and thought-

‘I pay you handsomely,” I interrupted, my voice low with unmistakable authority, leaning forward until she stepped back. It’s not to discus my als der

with me.”

I only wanted to show my concern for you,” she protested, straightening her posture. I completed all my tanks to of course

“Return to work, I commanded, letting my Alpha influence seep into my words, the air and ox myself, or you’ll regret it.”

Emma bed her chain, lur eyes flashing with defiante. Don’t v** want to state? Are you as to dry or past tutior

I stared at her, genuinely confused for a tent thefore understanding dawed A harsh Rugs Chapel us why y

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