Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Elsa

Two months into my exile, I’d thrown myself into work, logging fifteen-hour days that left me too exhausted to think about Drake.

“At least on this remote island nobody’s breathing down my neck,” I muttered as I stretched in my chair. The isolation had become almost comforting-no watching Drake and Vera together, no constant reminders of how easily I’d been replaced.

My inner wolf had been restless for weeks, whining and pacing within me. Separated from Drake, she was anxious, constantly alert for his scent, his presence. I’d learned to ignore her, pushing her deeper within me each day.

My phone buzzed with Kayla’s name on the screen.

“Hey, stranger,” I answered, my voice softer than it had been in weeks.

“Elsa, we need to talk,” she said, her tone serious. “Your contract with the company is up for renewal.”

I froze. “What?”

“If you don’t renew, you’ll lose all benefits,” she continued. “Including the medical coverage for your mother’s treatments.”

My stomach dropped. Mom’s treatments cost more than I could ever afford without Stone Industries’ medical plan. It was the whole

reason I’d let Drake bend me over his desk in the first place.

“Fuck,” I whispered, closing my eyes. “I need to come back to headquarters, don’t I?”

“Yes,” Kayla confirmed. “And soon. HR is already talking about your replacement.”

I gripped the phone tighter. “I’ll handle it. And Kayla… thank you.”

After hanging up, I stared out the window at the turquoise ocean surrounding the island. I’d poured every ounce of my rage and hurt into this project. And now I had to go back and grovel at Drake’s feet.

“For Mom,” I reminded myself. “I have to suck it up. And his temporary mate contract is almost over too. I just need to keep kissing that

bastard’s ass for a few more months even if it kills me.”

Which it probably will, I thought bitterly. Death by a thousand humiliations and denied orgasms.

The intercom buzzed. “Ms. Hale, just a reminder that Mr. Stone will be conducting his inspection tour tomorrow morning.”

My heart skipped a beat. “T-tomorrow? I thought that was next week.”

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Chapter 9

“It was moved up. His office just confirmed.”

After she disconnected, I sank back into my chair, panic rising in my throat. Tomorrow. Drake would be here tomorrow, and I wasn’t ready. My body already betraying me at just the thought of him.

“Fuck,” I whispered, my hands trembling. “I’m not ready to see him. I’m not ready to smell him and not be able to touch him.”

My wolf whined eagerly, already responding to the mere suggestion of our Alpha’s return.

Pull yourself together, Elsa. You’re not some bitch in heat. Act like you have some dignity left.

I spent the night obsessing over my appearance almost as much as the project details. By morning, my eyes were bloodshot, but I had a plan. I needed that contract renewal. I needed to get back to headquarters. And there was only one currency Drake Stone truly

understood.

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Standing before the mirror, I surveyed my transformation. Instead of the severe business suit I’d initially chosen, I’d opted for a deep crimson satin blouse – his favorite color on me with just enough buttons undone to reveal a hint of lace beneath. My black A-line skirt hugged my waist before flaring slightly, ending just above the knee with a small slit that offered teasing glimpses of my black polka dot stockings when I moved. I’d styled my hair loose and flowing, the way he always preferred it.

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