Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 33

Chapter 33

Elsa

“Your ankle is healing, but slowly,” Dr. Morris said, examining my ankle with gentle fingers. “You really need to stay off it for a week or

two.

I bit back a sigh. “That’s not possible right now.”

The medical center was quiet this afternoon, the antiseptic smell mingling with the subtle scent of healing herbs used specifically for silver poisoning. My ankle throbbed dully as the doctor prodded at the silvery veins that still traced across my skin, each touch sending

jolts of pain up my leg.

“Elsa, this isn’t just about pain management,” she frowned.

“Yeah, thanks for the reminder about my shitty biology,” I muttered under my breath. I knew she was right, but I also knew my bank account couldn’t afford to miss work. My mother’s treatment was expensive, and with Drake withholding my quarterly bonus, I needed

every penny I could earn.

“I’ll be careful,” I promised, pulling my sock back on while my inner wolf whimpered in pain. “But I have responsibilities that can’t wait.”

Dr. Morris gave me a knowing look. “The Black Obsidian pack has excellent disability benefits. If Mr. Stone authorized it—”

“He won’t,” I cut her off, more sharply than intended, a bitter laugh escaping my throat. “Sorry, but that bastard is more likely to push me down a flight of stairs than sign off on disability leave. That’s not an option.”

As I limped toward the reception area to pay my co-pay, my phone vibrated with Drake’s private ringtone. My heart jumped traitorously before I reminded myself that I was done being at his beck and call. My wolf, the treacherous bitch, still perked up at his call.

Still, I answered. Contract obligations.

“I need you to bring a pair of flat shoes for Vera to the Silver Glow banquet,” Drake said without preamble, his deep voice sending an unwelcome shiver down my spine. “Her heels are hurting her feet, and I don’t want her uncomfortable.”

Of course. Heaven forbid precious Vera should suffer any discomfort.

“I’m at the medical center right now,” I replied, struggling to keep the venom from my voice. “My ankle–”

“I don’t care where you are,” he cut me off. “Alexander Lumin has made an unexpected appearance at Stone Industries. The banquet starts in two hours. I need you there.”

My wolf’s ears perked up at the name. Alexander Lumin-in person? This was a rare opportunity. Anger gave way to calculation.

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‘I’ll be there,” I said, my mind already racing with possibilities.

“Good,” Drake replied curtly. “Don’t embarrass me.”

The line went dead before I could respond. I stared at my phone, imagining all the ways I could tell him to go fuck himself in two months

when my contract ended.

The pack shopping center was crowded with afternoon shoppers, but I moved with purpose, gritting my teeth against the pain shooting up my leg with each step. I knew exactly which store would have what Vera needed. After ten years of managing Drake’s life, I’d become an expert at efficiently handling these types of tasks.

I selected a pair of elegant silver flats that would complement whatever outfit Vera had chosen. Designer label, of course-nothing but the

best for Drake’s chosen mate.

As I waited for the sales associate to box the shoes, my eyes wandered to a display of accessories. A silver and blue lapel pin caught my attention-a crescent moon design, the symbol of the Moon Shadow pack.

I remembered reading in the briefing that Alexander Lumin had just returned from Europe and might not have all his formal wear properly prepared for pack functions. The proper etiquette when meeting another pack’s Alpha was to acknowledge their pack symbol.

“I’ll take that pin as well,” I told the associate, pulling out the company credit card. Might as well use Drake’s money for something that

could benefit me for once.

It was a small gesture, but potentially a valuable one. If I could establish even a minimal connection with the Moon Shadow Alpha, it might open doors for me when my contract with Drake ended. My future depended on forging new alliances now.

Two hours later, I stood outside the grand ballroom of the Pinnacle Hotel, the neutral ground where both packs conducted their most important business.

My ankle throbbed painfully, each pulse a reminder of Vera’s sabotage and Drake’s betrayal. I ignored it, scanning the crowd for any sign

of Drake or Vera.

I dialed Drake’s private number, only to have Vera answer.

“Alpha Stone’s phone,” she chirped, her voice syrupy sweet.

My stomach turned. How many times had I answered that same phone with the same professional tone? Now this manipulative bitch was taking over every aspect of my life.

“Vera, it’s Elsa. I have your shoes. Where are you?” I managed to keep my voice steady, though my wolf was practically foaming at the

mouth.

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you bring them quickly?”

“I’m on my way,” I said, ending the call before I could tell her exactly where she could shove those heels.

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