Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 223

Chapter 223

“I never claimed to be honest with you,” I managed, trying again to

pull my wrist free, panic rising in my chest. His grip remained firm,

his thumb pressing against my pulse point, surely feeling the rapid

hammering of my heart.

“And I never claimed to trust you,” he countered. “We’re quite the pair,

aren’t we, Elsa? Two liars pretending we know each other after ten

years.”

The air between us grew thick with tension. I could feel my heart

hammering against my ribs, my wolf agitated and uncertain. I licked

my dry lips, tasting fear.

“Let’s just focus on my mother’s treatment,” I said, pulling away

again. This time he released me, and I stumbled backward, rubbing

my wrist where his fingers had left red marks.

Drake’s expression was unreadable as he studied me. “I can arrange

everything. The best specialists, the best hospital, the best post-

treatment care. All expenses covered.”

My heart leapt at his words, even as my mind recognized the trap. It

would be another debt, another chain binding me to him. I’d never be

able to pay him back, not with money anyway. I ran a trembling hand

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Chapter 223

through my hair, my breathing shallow.

For ten years, this had been our dynamic. Drake Stone would help me

when I was desperate – pay for my mother’s treatments, ensure I had

a good job, protect me from other Alphas – but each time, the price I

paid grew higher. My dignity.

“And what would you want in return?” I asked, though I already knew

the answer. My voice was bitter, resigned.

His eyes darkened, a predatory gleam visible in their golden depths.

“Nothing you haven’t given me before.”

The implication hung heavy in the air. More years of my life. More of

my dignity. More of my body. I bit my lip hard enough to draw blood,

considering my options, though I knew I had none. My mother’s life

was worth any price. Goddamn him for knowing exactly how to trap

1. me.

“Why don’t you ask Allen for help?” Drake’s voice took on a mocking

edge. “He seems so eager to be your knight in shining armor.”

I stiffened at the mention of Allen’s name, my hands clenching into

fists again. “Leave him out of this, you bastard.”

“He’s already involved himself,” Drake countered. “Though I wonder if

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Chapter 223

you realize he’s not quite the friend you think he is.”

“You don’t know shit about him,” I shot back, my voice rising despite my best efforts to stay calm. I took a step forward, anger temporarily overriding caution. “Allen would help me without demanding

anything in return. That’s the difference between him and you.”

“Is that so?” Drake’s laugh was cold. “Allen Moonlight, the selfless

saint? Do you really believe that?”

“I believe he’s a better person than you are,” I said, standing up

straight, my chin tilted defiantly. “Actually, he’s one of the best

people I’ve ever met.”

Something dangerous flashed in Drake’s eyes, something that made

my wolf want to bare her throat in submission. But I held my ground,

refusing to look away, even as a cold sweat broke out across my skin.

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