Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Elsa

The next morning, I arrived at Stone Industries at 7:45 AM, my ankle throbbing despite the support brace. Sophia had insisted on driving me, muttering darkly about “alpha assholes” and their “power trips.”

I noticed Vera hovering near the time clock as I approached the lobby. My wolf instantly went on alert, sensing a trap. She carried two coffee cups and wore a pristine white designer blazer.

The smell of her mingled with Drake’s scent hit me like a physical blow. My wolf snarled viciously, territorial rage flooding my system.

She’s wearing his scent.

I needed to clock in before 8:00 to avoid losing my attendance bonus. Vera’s positioning was no coincidence; she was blocking the path to the time clock, her predatory eyes tracking my approach.

“Oh, Elsa!” Vera called out, her voice syrupy sweet. “You’re here early. How’s your poor ankle?”

Drake stood by the elevator, watching the exchange with cold, calculating eyes. My wolf whined, hurt by his coldness after ten years of

devotion.

“Much better, thank you,” I replied coolly, trying to navigate around her to reach the time clock. I had less than two minutes before I’d be

officially late.

Vera shifted, deliberately placing herself between me and my target. “I brought you coffee,” she said, extending one of the cups while stepping closer, effectively blocking my path. “You look tired. Late night packing?”

The smug knowledge in her eyes confirmed my suspicions-Drake had told her I’d moved out. My wolf bristled at the invasion of privacy.

“No, thank you,” I said, trying to step around her. The clock now showed 7:59.

As I moved past, Vera pivoted, “accidentally” tilting the coffee cup toward my white blouse. I saw the move coming-she wanted to ruin my clothes and make me miss clocking in.

Not today, you manipulative bitch. My wolf rose to the surface, her cunning matching my own.

I shifted my injured foot forward slightly, directly in her path. She stumbled, her perfect balance disrupted, and the coffee she’d intended to spill on me instead splashed across her own expensive outfit.

I used the distraction to quickly swipe my badge at the time clock-8:00 exactly.

“Oh!” I gasped, my expression a mask of concern as she shrieked in horror at the brown stain spreading across her white designer blazer. “I’m so sorry-my ankle brace takes up so much space. I should have warned you.”

1/3

Vera’s face contorted with rage, her eyes flashing amber. “You did that on purpose!”

“Ms. Horton, I can assure you I didn’t,” I replied, loud enough for nearby colleagues to hear. “With my injury, it’s difficult to maneuver. The doctor said I should keep it elevated and still.”

Several colleagues were watching now, some hiding smiles behind their hands. Drake approached, drawn by the commotion.

“What happened?” he demanded.

“Elsa tripped me!” Vera exclaimed, her voice high with indignation. “Look at my blazer! It’s ruined!”

“I’m afraid my injured ankle got in the way,” I explained calmly. “The same ankle that was hurt during the accident at the factory.”

The reminder of her deception hung in the air. Drake’s jaw tightened.

“Vera, go clean yourself up,” he ordered, his tone softening slightly as he addressed her. Then he turned to me, his expression hardening. “Elsa, you’ll have to pay for the cleaning of Ms. Horton’s blazer. I’ll deduct it from your attendance bonus.”

I blinked in disbelief. My wolf bristled at the unfairness, a low growl rumbling in my chest that I barely managed to suppress.

“But I clocked in on time,” I protested, gesturing to the time clock that showed my 8:00 punch-in.

“That’s not the issue,” Drake replied coldly. “The issue is the damage to company property.”

“Company property?” I repeated incredulously. “It’s her personal clothing.”

“Ms. Horton is representing Stone Industries at a client meeting this morning. Her appearance is company business.” His tone left no room for argument. “The full amount will be deducted.”

Of course. He’d found a way to punish me regardless. I felt the loss of the bonus like a physical blow.

“I see,” I said, keeping my voice neutral despite the fury burning inside me. “Is there anything else, Mr. Stone?”

Drake nodded curtly. “The quarterly projections. My office. Ten minutes.” He turned and walked away, Vera following with a triumphant

smirk thrown over her shoulder.

As they disappeared into the elevator, I allowed myself a small, private smile despite the financial setback. My wolf preened with satisfaction at the coffee stain spreading across Vera’s pristine white blazer-a visible mark of our small victory,

The contract might bind me for two more months, but that didn’t mean I had to make things easy for either of them. If they wanted a war, they’d get one-and this time, I wasn’t playing by Drake’s rules.

The email notification pinged on my screen, and I clicked it open without much thought.

2/3

Official Invitation: Inter-Pack Relations Banquet

I scanned the details quickly, noting it was addressed to both me and Drake. The Silver Glow Industries banquet was one of the most prestigious inter-pack events of the year, hosted by the Moon Shadow pack. This wasn’t just any corporate function-it was a rare opportunity for members of both packs to mingle.

My wolf perked up immediately, sensing opportunity. Alexander Lumin, the new Alpha of the Moon Shadow pack, would be there. I’d heard rumors about him since his return from Europe-how he treated everyone with respect regardless of their rank, how his company offered advancement opportunities based on merit rather than biology. Just the thought of a workplace where I wouldn’t be constantly reminded of my “place” made my heart race.

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