Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 180

Chapter 180

Elsa

The sterile smell of antiseptic and medication hit my nostrils as I

walked through the sliding doors of the medical center. I’d spent the

morning running through my options, calling contacts, and

researching the treatment Drake had mentioned.

“Fuck,” I muttered under my breath, running a shaky hand through

my unwashed hair. The lack of sleep and constant worry were taking

their toll.

I found my mother sitting up in bed, looking through a magazine. The

silver lines beneath her skin seemed more pronounced today, snaking

up her neck like toxic rivers. My heart clenched at the sight, but I

forced a smile as I approached.

“You look better today,” I lied, setting my bag down on the chair

beside her bed with more force than necessary.

Mom’s eyes, so similar to mine but dulled by pain and medication,

saw right through me. “And you look terrible, sweetheart. Have you

slept at all?”

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Chapter 180.

I shrugged, taking a seat and bouncing my knee nervously. “I’ve been

busy. Looking for work, mostly.” Looking for a goddamn miracle is

more like it.

“Any luck?” Her fingers, thin and slightly trembling, reached for mine.

“I have an interview with Aiden Wilson this afternoon.” I squeezed

her hand gently, careful not to press where the silver lines were most

prominent. My thumb absently traced circles on her palm. “His

company is growing. The pay would be decent.”

Mom’s expression shifted to concern. “Wilson Industries? But that’s

still in Black Obsidian territory. Won’t Drake cause problems?”

Of course she would worry about that. I fought back a bitter laugh, my

jaw clenching so hard it hurt. “He might try. Drake thinks he owns

this fucking city, especially anything within Black Obsidian borders.”

I bit my lip, regretting the harshness in my voice. “But I need a job,

and I need it now.”

“The doctors mentioned something about specialized treatment

options.” Mom’s voice was hesitant. “Something imported. They said

it wasn’t covered under pack medical assistance.”

I nodded, my throat tightening until it felt like I was choking. “The

neutralizing agent. It’s… expensive.”

Chapter 182

Elsa

The next two weeks passed in a blur of exhaustion. I divided my time

between Wilson Industries, the medical center, and brief stops at

Sophia’s apartment where I was still staying. My body was running on

caffeine and determination, with little room for food or sleep.

Tonight, I sat beside Mom’s bed, watching her sleeping face. The

silver lines seemed to have stabilized–not better, but not worse

either. Small victories.

I must have dozed off because I startled awake when Mom touched

my arm, nearly falling out of the chair.

“Jesus Christ,” I muttered, catching myself. “Sorry.”

“You’re working too hard,” she said softly.

I blinked, disoriented, wiping drool from the corner of my mouth. “I’m

fine.”

“You’re not. Look at you.” Her fingers brushed my cheek. “You’ve lost

weight. Your cheeks are hollow.”

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Chapter 180.

The door opened, and Oliver stepped in, carrying a tray with tea. My

cousin’s face looked drawn and tired, but he managed a smile when

he saw me.

“Brought your favorite,” he said to Mom, setting the tray down.

“Chamomile with honey.”

I stood, making room for him, rubbing my eyes to hide any trace of

tears. “How’s she been today?”

“Better than yesterday,” Oliver replied. “The professional nurse will be

here in an hour. I’ve been taking notes on the medication schedule.”

I felt a surge of gratitude for my younger cousin. “Oliver, I—*

“Don’t,” he interrupted, knowing I was about to thank him again.

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