Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 43

Chapter 43

Elsa

7

55%

As the door to the VIP lounge opened, the bass-heavy music faded to a more tolerable level. The lighting was dimmer, the seating plush and

expensive. And there, in the center of the largest booth, sat Drake with his arm around Vera Horton.

Vera wore a white sundress that made her look young and innocent, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders like something out of a

shampoo commercial. When she spotted me, her eyes widened in fake alarm, and she pressed herself closer to Drake, as if seeking protection.

From what? The big bad omega? Please. I’ve taken dumps more threatening than you, princess.

“Well, look who decided to join us,” Drake’s voice cut through the background music, cold and mocking. “I didn’t expect to see you in a place

like this.”

The other wolves in the booth-three men and two women, all wearing expensive clothes and Black Obsidian pack symbols-turned to stare at me. I recognized Luke Gray among them, looking uncomfortable as he raised his glass in awkward greeting.

“I’m looking for Sophia,” I said, ignoring Drake’s comment and the tremor threatening to enter my voice. “She called me. She’s had too much to

drink and needs to get home.”

Drake’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Your friend? Haven’t seen her.”

“She’s around somewhere,” Jason said, guiding me deeper into the lounge with a proprietary hand on my lower back. “Have a seat. I’ll get you a

drink while we look for her.”

Before I could protest, he pushed me down onto one of the vacant couches and headed for the private bar. I sat stiffly, acutely aware of Drake’s gaze burning into me like a brand.

The last time I’d attended a Black Obsidian gathering as Drake’s assistant, he’d made it clear I didn’t belong. “An omega has no place sitting with us, he’d announced to the table, his voice dripping with contempt. “You’re here to work, not socialize.” I’d spent the evening standing in the corner, taking notes and fetching drinks while trying to ignore the pitying glances from the other wolves.

Now, watching Vera curl against his side like she belonged there, the contrast couldn’t have been more stark. She was everything I wasn’t-pure Black Obsidian, from a respected family, submissive when it suited her, and apparently worthy of public acknowledgment.

Ten years of my life, and all I ever was to him was a convenient body and skilled assistant. Ten years, and he never once looked at me the way he’s looking at her now. What a waste of my time.

My chest ached with a combination of rage and humiliation so intense I could barely breathe. I dug my nails into my palms, using the sharp

pain to center myself.

Jason returned with two glasses of amber liquid. “Drink up,” he said, pressing one into my hand. ‘It’ll help you relax.

I set the glass down without tasting it. ‘I need to find Sophia. Now.”

‘What’s the rush?’ Luke called from Drake’s table. “Your friend’s probably

The others laughed, and I felt my patience wearing thin, a snarl building

the bathroom. Women always go to the bathroom in packs, right?”

my throat that I barely managed to suppress.

|||

<

1/2

20 31 Wed Feb 4 GB

Chapter 43

One drink, Jason insisted, sliding closer to me on the couch until his thigh pressed against mine. It’s just good manners.”

The other wolves were watching now, amusement in their eyes. I knew this game all too well. They wanted to see if the omega would obey, if she’d learned her proper place yet.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify