Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 35

Chapter 35

Elsa

Drake studied me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. His gaze dropped to my ankle, which was visibly swollen despite the

support brace.

“You and Alexander seemed to have a productive conversation earlier,” he finally said, his tone businesslike. “I want you to continue gathering information about partnership interests.”

Vera’s face contorted with shock. “But she can barely walk! And I’m perfectly capable of—”

“Enough, Drake cut her off, his tone brooking no argument. “This is business, Vera. Elsa has experience with inter-pack negotiations that

you don’t.”

I fought to keep the smirk off my face as Vera’s expression crumpled. Not so fun when you’re the one being put in your place, is it?

Alexander’s smile widened slightly, a glint of victory in his eyes. “I’d be delighted to continue our discussion, Ms. Hale. Perhaps you’d allow me to escort you inside? That ankle looks painful.”

Before Drake could object, I responded with a polite nod. “Thank you, Mr. Lumin. That’s very kind.”

Drake’s jaw tightened again, but he made no move to stop us as Alexander offered his arm. As I took it, Vera gasped dramatically.

“Drake, did you know he’s the Alpha of Moon Shadow before? ” she hissed, loud enough for us to hear. “I didn’t realize we were dealing

with someone so… important.”

The naked ambition in her voice was almost comical. I suppressed a smile as Alexander guided me toward the entrance, leaving Drake to deal with Vera’s sudden realization that she’d been dismissive to the most powerful Alpha in the rival pack. She doesn’t even do her research. This is why she’ll never be half the assistant I was.

The grand ballroom was a symphony of opulence, with crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over the gathered wolves. As Alexander and I entered, dozens of heads turned in our direction.

I felt the weight of their stares, heard the whispers passing through the crowd. The story of Vera’s sabotage and my vindication had apparently spread through both packs like wildfire. My wolf bristled under the scrutiny, but I kept my chin high and my expression neutral. Let them stare. Let them all see me walking in with their Alpha while that conniving bitch trails behind mine,

“The gossip mill has been busy,” Alexander commented quietly as we made our way through the crowd. “Your stock seems to have risen considerably since you exposed that factory sabotage.”

“Wolves love their drama,” I replied with a small smile. “Tomorrow it will be something else.”

1/3

Alexander guided me to a relatively secluded table near the edge of the room. “Please, sit. That ankle needs rest.”

I sank gratefully into the chair, the throbbing pain in my ankle momentarily overwhelming my senses. I’d been so focused on maintaining my dignity that I’d almost forgotten how much it hurt.

“Thank you,” I said, discreetly massaging my ankle under the table. The silver poisoning had left distinctive silvery-blue marks that crept up my skin like twisted vines.

“You’re in pain,” Alexander observed, his voice softening with genuine concern. “Yet Stone sends you to fetch shoes for his girlfriend instead of allowing you to recover. He’s even more brutal than I’d heard.”

I glanced up, my professional mask slipping for just a moment. “Mr. Stone makes his own decisions about resource allocation,” I replied carefully, aware that criticizing an Alpha to another Alpha could be dangerous territory. Yeah, and by resources, I mean treating me like

his personal doormat.

Alexander disappeared briefly, returning with two glasses. “Water for both of us, with a splash of the special Moon Shadow fruit blend. It has natural healing properties.” He offered me one of the glasses with a warm smile. “Stone won’t let you go home to rest, so I assume he intends for you to be tonight’s pack liaison? He truly is merciless.”

I accepted the drink gratefully, the cool liquid soothing my parched throat. “Thank you for the water, by the way,” I said, changing the

subject. “The brooch suits you perfectly.”

“The gesture was unexpectedly thoughtful,” he replied, his blue-gray eyes studying me with interest. “Most wolves these days don’t concern themselves with traditional pack courtesies.”

My eyes drifted across the room to where Drake stood, formally introducing Vera to various pack elders. Her hand rested possessively on his arm, her body angled toward him in a display of devotion.

Alexander followed my gaze, his expression thoughtful. “It’s been a long time with Stone, hasn’t it?” he said quietly. “Especially someone

like him.”

I snapped my attention back to him, my heart racing. “Excuse me?”

“Your relationship with Stone,” Alexander clarified, his voice low enough that only I could hear. “It’s been the subject of much speculation in both packs. Always by his side at functions like these, until recently. And now, suddenly, there’s a new woman in the picture, and you’re being pushed aside.”

My throat tightened, “Mr. Stone and I have a purely professional relationship,” I said automatically, the lie bitter on my tongue. Professional relationship. Right. That’s what you call being bent over his desk while he promises you nothing.

Alexander’s eyes softened with something that looked uncomfortably like pity. “Elsa-may I call you Elsa?—I don’t mean to pry. But I’ve heard you’ve submitted your resignation, effective when your contract expires in two months.”

I stiffened. “News travels fast.”

2/3

“It does when someone of your

have several positions that would benefit from your expertise, and I assure you, we treat our Omegas with considerably more respect than

what you’ve experienced.”

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