Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 111

Alpha’s Private Plaything

Chapter 111

Susan looked unconvinced, but Allen reached into his pocket and

pulled out a small gift bag.

“I was going to save this for later, but maybe now’s the right time.” He

handed it to her. “For my brave little sister.”

Susan’s eyes lit up as she pulled out a designer wallet. “The new

Lunar collection! Allen, you shouldn’t have!”

Watching them, I felt a sharp pang of longing pierce through my

chest, so sudden and intense it stole my breath. Not for the expensive

gift, but for the easy affection between siblings. For family that

actually cared.

What would it be like to have someone who actually gives a shit

about you? The thought slithered through my mind, leaving a trail of

bitterness. Someone who doesn’t just want to use you or own you?

As we settled at a table with our food, I watched the way Allen doted

on his sister, the way she basked in his attention.

“So, Elsa,” Susan said, dabbing at the corner of her mouth with a napkin, “Allen tells me you’re leaving the company soon. What are

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your plans?”

I speared a cucumber slice. “Moving to Silver Lake. I’ve been offered a

position at Crescent Industries.”

“Silver Lake?” Allen perked up, setting down his chopsticks. “I have colleagues there. It’s a beautiful area–right by the nature preserve.”

“That’s so far away,” Susan pouted. “And just when we were getting to

know each other better.” She turned to her brother with an exaggerated sigh. “Allen lives near Silver Lake too, don’t you? In that gorgeous lakefront development.”

Allen shot his sister a quick, warning glance that I pretended not to

notice.

“I consult for several businesses in that area,” he acknowledged. “Maybe I could show you around sometime? Help you get settled?”

Susan’s eyes lit up like she’d just witnessed her master plan falling into place. “What a fabulous idea! Allen knows all the best places.” She leaned toward me conspiratorially. “He’s single, you know. Has

been for ages.”

“Susan,” Allen warned, his ears turning slightly red.

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I stabbed another piece of lettuce, harder than necessary. “I’m not

looking to date anyone.” Especially not some upper–class wolf who’d

eventually expect me to play the submissive omega role.

“Of course not,” Susan backpedaled, though her smile remained firmly

in place. “But everyone needs friends in a new place. And Allen is an

excellent friend, aren’t you, brother?”

Allen cleared his throat. “I’d be happy to help you get acquainted with

the area. No pressure.”

The sincerity in his voice made something twist in my chest. I took a

sip of water to hide my reaction.

“Did I mention Allen’s on the board of the Omega Rights Coalition?” Susan added, not–so–subtly. “He’s been instrumental in pushing for the new workplace protection laws.”

I nearly choked on my water. The ORC was notorious for challenging traditional pack hierarchies and advocating for omegas‘ autonomy. Not exactly the stance I’d expect from someone of Allen’s status.

“Is that true?” I asked, genuinely curious.

Allen nodded, setting down his drink. “Our mother was an omega. She…” He paused, something dark passing behind his eyes. “Let’s just

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say I’ve seen firsthand how the current system fails omegas.”

For a moment, I glimpsed something beneath his polished exterior–a conviction that reminded me why I was leaving, why I was fighting

for something better than what Drake had offered me.

Susan reached across the table, placing her manicured hand on mine. “You should see Allen’s place in Silver Lake. He has this amazing deck

overlooking the water. Perfect for dinner parties.”

I withdrew my hand, uncomfortable with her touch and her obvious matchmaking. “I’ll be pretty busy getting settled.”

“Nonsense,” Susan insisted, waving her fork dismissively. “Everyone needs to eat. Allen makes this incredible grilled salmon with—”

“Susan,” Allen interrupted firmly. “I’m sure Elsa can decide for herself

if she wants company.”

I met his eyes, surprised by the respect I saw there–the absence of presumption. It was… refreshing. Unsettling, but refreshing.

Susan huffed slightly, but redirected her attention to her flatbread, tearing off a piece with delicate fingers. “I’m just saying, Silver Lake is lovely, but it can be lonely if you don’t know anyone.” She looked between us meaningfully. “And you two seem to have so much in

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common.”

I seriously doubted that. Allen Moonlight, with his tailored suit and family connections, probably had about as much in common with me as a wolf had with a goldfish. And yet…