Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 56

Chapter 56

Despite everything, I couldn’t help the smile that tugged at my lips. Mrs. Stone had always been kind to me, treating me more

like a daughter-in-law than her son’s temporary contract mate.

‘I’m okay, Mrs. Stone. Just a bit tired.”

“I’m so sorry to hear that.” Her concern sounded genuine. “But I was hoping you might still be able to bring those silver leaf

pastries tonight? They’re the elders’ favorites.”

I sighed, already feeling my resolve crumbling. “Drake asked me earlier, but I really should be resting.”

“Of course, dear, your health comes first,” she said, though disappointment colored her tone. “It’s just that Marcus has been asking about you, and I thought it would be nice for him to see you’re doing well.”

Guilt twisted in my stomach. Marcus Stone had always shown me more respect than his son ever had, treating me like a

valuable member of the pack despite my omega status.

Damn it. She knows exactly which buttons to push.

“I’ll come,” I found myself saying. “But I won’t stay long.”

“Wonderful!” The relief in her voice was palpable. “We’ve missed you at these gatherings. And don’t worry about Drake; I’ll

make sure he behaves himself.”

After we hung up, I texted Drake:

I’ll bring the pastries. Meet me at the company parking lot at 7pm so we can go together.

His reply came seconds later: Fine.

Just “fine.” No “thank you,” no “I appreciate it.” Ten years of loyalty and all I get is “fine.” I tossed my phone onto the hospital bed, disgusted with him and even more with myself for still seeking his approval.

I was discharged from the hospital that afternoon, against medical advice but with a prescription for iron supplements and strict instructions to rest. Instead, I drove straight to the Moon Shadow district to pick up a gift for Mrs. Stone and the special pastries from Silver Leaf Bakery, a neutral establishment that served both packs.

By 6:45 PM, I was waiting in Stone Industries’ parking lot, dressed in a simple silver dress that was formal enough for a pack

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dinner but didn’t scream that I was trying too hard.

Seven o’clock came and went. Then 7:15. By 7:30, I was pacing beside my car, the box of pastries growing heavy in my arms,

my patience wearing thin.

Where the fuck is he? I checked my phone for the tenth time. No messages, no calls. He’s the one who wanted these damn

pastries so badly.

“Elsa?”

I turned to see Kayla, one of the secretaries from Drake’s floor, leaving the building.

“Are you waiting for Mr. Stone?” she asked, adjusting her purse strap.

“Yes. Have you seen him?”

She gave me a look that was half pity, half embarrassment. “He left about an hour ago. He dropped Ms. Horton at her place first, then headed to the Stone territory for the pack dinner.”

The words hit me like a physical blow. He’d left without me. After I’d dragged myself out of a hospital bed, after I’d agreed to go to this dinner specifically at his request.

That son of a bitch. White-hot rage surged through me, momentarily drowning out the hurt. He fucking forgot about me.

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