Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 68

Chapter 68

Elsa

I smiled politely. “Thank you for the consideration. I’m here today as Jason’s friend to celebrate his birthday.” And to remind everyone, especially Drake fucking Stone, that I have value beyond being his little omega toy.

Throughout all these exchanges, I could feel Drake’s gaze following me like a physical weight between my shoulder blades. I refused to turn around, denied him the satisfaction of knowing I was aware of his attention. Let him look. Let him see what

he’s losing.

When dinner was announced, Jason led me to the dining area, pulling out my chair with a flourish.

“Here,” he said, handing me a steaming cup of herbal tea. “The chef prepared this specially. It’s good for you. I’ll run interference with the toasts.”

I accepted the cup, inhaling the gentle aroma of mint and chamomile. The thoughtful gesture warmed me more than the tea itself. In all my years working alongside Drake, no one had ever shown such concern for my wellbeing. Not once. Not a single fucking time did Drake consider my health or comfort over his needs.

A lump formed in my throat. Such a simple act of kindness, and it nearly broke me.

When guests came by to offer drinks, Jason intercepted them smoothly. “Sorry, Elsa recently got out of the hospital. She can’t drink right now.”

I shot him a grateful look, and redoubled my efforts to connect him with potential business partners. Still, with a few particularly important business leaders, I had to accept their ceremonial toasts. Jason watched worriedly as I sipped the alcohol, but I nodded to assure him I was fine.

Ten minites later, I watched Jason’s broad shoulders disappear into the crowd as he guided an elderly pack member toward the bar. His silver suit glinted under the chandeliers, matching my dress perfectly-like we were a coordinated pair. Which we definitely weren’t.

“Your ankle’s still not fully healed,” he’d insisted before leaving me near the ladies’ room. “I’ll be right back to get you. Just wait here, okay?”

That was fifteen minutes ago.

I sighed and pushed myself away from the wall where I’d been leaning. My ankle throbbed dully beneath the four-inch silver heels that completed my outfit. The pain was manageable, but the constant standing had aggravated it.

1/2

After adjusting my dress-which still felt too revealing despite its obvious quality-I started making my way back toward the

main ballroom. Jason was probably caught up in some conversation.

Goddamn it, why am I always left waiting for men who make promises they don’t keep? The last thing I needed was to look

like some abandoned date waiting pathetically for his return.

I had barely made it halfway down the corridor when a firm grip closed around my upper arm, yanking me sideways. The world tilted as I was pulled through a door that immediately clicked shut behind me.

“What the fuck-” My words died as I found myself staring into Drake’s furious golden eyes.

Shit, shit, shit. My heart slammed against my ribs like it was trying to escape my chest. We were in one of the private lounges. Drake’s fingers deftly locked the door without him even looking away from me. The small space suddenly felt airless, his scent overwhelming-sandalwood, whiskey, and raw aggression that made my knees embarrassingly weak despite my anger.

“How long?” he demanded, his voice deceptively quiet.

“Excuse me?”

“How long have you and Jason been in contact?” He stepped closer, forcing me to back up until my shoulders hit the wall. “Don’t bother lying. I can smell him all over you.”

Like I’m some fucking territory to be marked and monitored.

I lifted my chin. “We’re at his birthday party. He’s the host.”

what I mean and you know it.” His gaze raked over my silver dress, and I could practically feel it like a physical making my skin prickle with unwanted awareness. “I never see you two exchange more than a few words at pack nerings. Now suddenly you’re wearing matching outfits and whispering in each other’s ears all night?”

Comments

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify