Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 173

Chapter 173

Elsa

Drake’s posture shifted, his business persona sliding into place. “The

council needs fresh blood. Half those old wolves haven’t contributed

anything useful in years. They just sit in their positions, collecting

respect they haven’t earned, blocking progress with outdated

thinking.”

I recognized what he was doing–systematically dismantling his

father’s support network within the pack structure. Each council

member he replaced would be loyal to him, not Marcus. It was a

calculated power move, one I’d helped him plan in the past. My

stomach churned with disgust at how easily I’d once participated in

olitical schemes.

Marcus’s expression remained carefully neutral, but I could smell his

anger–sharp and metallic. He said nothing, which I knew was as good

as conceding the point. Drake had too much momentum now; the

younger pack members supported him, and Marcus was gradually

losing his grip on power.

I stood quietly, beginning to collect the dessert plates. My hands

trembled slightly, and I had to concentrate to keep from dropping

anything. As I reached for Marcus’s dish, he caught my wrist gently.

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Chapter 173

ssa tightly my knuckles turned white. The very last fucking the Ill

hhimuse me and discard me like this.

Latter ! I followed Miranda’s directions through the sprawling secon

floop of the Stone family mansion, my fingers nervously playing wi

thedeen of my blouse. The hallway seemed longer than i

reameambered with its dark wood paneling and portraits of stern–fac

ancestorsglaring down at me like they knew exactly what kind off

Omegattasshhad invaded their precious Alpha domain.

“Just go righhinddear,” Miranda had said, her smile a touch too

knowing. Granddma Stone is expecting you.”

Something aboutther tone should have warned me, but I was too

focused on gettingy hhoough this final obligation before I could esca

this house and callitssppainful memories. I reached the heavy oak do

at the end of the hall handknocked lightly, my heart already racing

with inexplicablemanrietty.

No answer.

“Mrs. Stone?” I called softlyykhoothing again, harder this time.

Still nothing. Miranda had said to go right in, so I turned the brass

handle and pushed the door opens

Chapter 173.

so tightly my knuckles turned white. The very last fucking time I’ll let

him use me and discard me like this.

Later, I followed Miranda’s directions through the sprawling second

floor of the Stone family mansion, my fingers nervously playing with

the hem of my blouse. The hallway seemed longer than I

remembered, with its dark wood paneling and portraits of stern–faced

ancestors glaring down at me like they knew exactly what kind of

Omega trash had invaded their precious Alpha domain.

“Just go right in, dear,” Miranda had said, her smile a touch too

knowing. “Grandma Stone is expecting you.”

Something about her tone should have warned me, but I was too

focused on getting through this final obligation before I could escape

this house and all its painful memories. I reached the heavy oak door

at the end of the hall and knocked lightly, my heart already racing

with inexplicable anxiety.

No answer.

“Mrs. Stone?” I called softly, knocking again, harder this time.

Still nothing. Miranda had said to go right in, so I turned the brass

handle and pushed the door open.

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Chapter 173.

“Mrs. Stone, I just wanted to say good-” The words died in

It wasn’t Mrs. Stone’s bedroom. It was Drake’s.

my

throat.

And there he stood, fresh from the shower, a white towel slung low

around his hips, water droplets still clinging to his broad chest and

shoulders. His black hair was damp and tousled, and he was rubbing

another towel through it when he looked up and saw me.

Those golden eyes widened slightly before narrowing with predatory

interest. My heart hammered wildly in my chest, and my mouth went

instantly dry. Fuck fuck fuck.

“Shit,” I whispered, immediately backing up, my fingers fumbling with

the doorknob. “I’m sorry, I was looking for your grandmother’s room.”

I turned to leave, but Drake was suddenly behind me, his hand

pressing the door shut before I could escape. I could feel the heat

radiating from his nearly naked body, the dampness from his skin

seeping through the back of my blouse.

“First you ruin my suit,” he murmured, his breath hot against my ear,

“and now you’re invading my private space. One might think you’re

doing this on purpose, Elsa.”

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The scent of his soap–sandalwood and something distinctly male-

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Chapter 173.

filled my nostrils, making my head swim. My body responded

traitorously, a pulse of heat flaring between my legs. I pressed my

palms flat against the door, trying to steady myself.

“Miranda told me your grandmother’s room was down here,” I said,

hating how breathless I sounded. “She said to go right in.”

“Did she now?” His low chuckle vibrated against my back. “How

convenient.”

Fuck, I need to get out of here. I thought desperately, fingers

scratching at the wood. Why do I always end up in this kind of shit

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