Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 167

Chapter 167

Allen

I watched the early morning sunlight cast a soft glow across Elsa’s

sleeping face. She looked peaceful, vulnerable–nothing like the

fierce woman I’d held while she cried last night. Her golden hair

spilled across pillow, a small furrow still between her brows. I fought

the urge to smooth it away with my thumb, my fingers hovering

uncertainly before I pulled back.

When I’d checked on her during the night, she’d been restless, her

skin hot with alcohol flush. I’d dabbed her forehead with a cool

washcloth, watching her breathe.

Sophia emerged from her bedroom, hair tousled from sleep. “You’re

here early,” she murmured, eyeing me suspiciously.

“Wanted to check on her. After last night…” I ran a hand through my

hair, exhaustion evident in the dark circles under my eyes.

“She drank too much. Been doing that a lot lately.” Sophia sighed,

leaning against the doorframe.

“I noticed.” The memory of Elsa’s desperate attempt to kiss me

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flashed through my mind, her lips so close I could feel her breath. “I’ll

make breakfast. She’ll need something solid.”

Sophia raised an eyebrow as I moved toward the kitchen, rolling up

my sleeves. “You cook?”

“Don’t sound so fucking surprised.” I smiled, finding ingredients for

pancakes and mixing the batter with practiced movements. “My

mother insisted all her sons learn. Said she wouldn’t raise useless

men.”

“You know,” Sophia said, watching me flip a pancake with perfect

timing, “this is what women actually want. Not some controlling

Alpha who treats them like property.”

The mention of Stone made my jaw tighten, knuckles whiteng

around the spatula. “She deserves better. Hell, anyone deserves better

than that arrogant prick.”

“She does.” Sophia grabbed her purse, a knowing glint in her

should head to the café. Morning rush.”

eye. “I

“You’re leaving?” I couldn’t hide the nervousness in my voice.

A knowing smile crossed her face. “It might be good for her to wake

up and see you here. Alone.” She winked before slipping out the door.

A

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After Sophia left, I finished cooking and arranged everything on

plates, taking extra care with the presentation. The silver moon

pendant Drake had given Elsa gleamed at her throat as she slept–a

constant reminder of his claim. My fingers itched to rip it off, but I

curled them into fists instead.

I found a notepad and wrote: “Drink water. Eat something. Feel

better.” After a moment’s hesitation, I added a small smiley face, then

immediately felt foolish.

My phone buzzed as I was leaving. Unknown number.

“Moonlight.” The voice was deep, deliberate.

“Who the hell is this?” I tensed, instinctively lowering my voice.

“How is she?”

“Who wants to know?” My free hand clenched into a fist.

“Someone who has her best interests at heart. The situation

regarding her cousin–it’s being handled. Don’t involve yourself.”

The line went dead. “Shit,” I muttered, staring at my phone. As I

walked to my car, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was playing with

fire. Developing feelings for another man’s woman was dangerous-

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especially when that man was an Alpha with the resources of the

Black Obsidian pack.

But the memory of Elsa’s vulnerable face, tear tracks dried on her

cheeks, strengthened my resolve. Some things were worth the risk, no

matter how much it might cost me.

Elsa

I woke to the sensation of my head splitting open like someone had

taken a fucking sledgehammer to it. Sunlight stabbed through my

eyelids, and I groaned, rolling over to bury my face in the pillow. The

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