Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 256

Chapter 256

Ms. Horton sneered, her perfect features twisted with disdain. “You think you matter to Drake? He was by Vera’s side all night after her accident. He personally changed her bandages and held her hand while she slept.”

Each word was a calculated blow, designed to put me in my place. The worst part was knowing they were probably true. My stomach twisted, and I swallowed hard, fighting to maintain my composure while my insides churned.

‘Drake only has room in his heart for one woman,” she continued, “and it will never be a low–born Omega like you.”

I shouldn’t have engaged. I should have walked away. But something in me snapped. Heat rushed to my face, and I could feel my pulse throbbing in my temples.

“Really?” I raised my chin, my breathing quick and shallow. “Then why am I going to his place tonight? Why did he tell me we’ll be sharing a room at Silver Moon Manor this weekend?”

The shock on her face was almost worth the consequences I knew would follow. Almost.

“You lying little-” She raised her hand to slap me, but I caught her wrist mid–air, my reflexes surprisingly quick.

“Don’t, I warned, pushing her hand away. My eyes flashed with a ferocity I rarely showed. “I’m not some helpless Omega you can bully.”

Ms. Horton’s eyes widened in outrage. “You’ll regret this,” she promised.

I stepped around her and into the waiting elevator, my heart pounding so hard I could hear it in my ears. My hands trembled as I pressed the button for my floor. As the doors closed, I caught a glimpse of Vera’s hate–filled eyes and her mother’s rigid posture. I exhaled a shaky breath and muttered, “Fucking hell,” before leaning against the elevator wall for support.

The silver poisoning ward was quieter than the rest of the hospital. I changed into the protective gear–gloves, mask, and a special silver–resistant gown–

before entering my mother’s room. My movements were mechanical, routine after so many visits.

“Mom?” I called softly, trying to keep the strain from my voice.

Lillian looked up from her book, her face lighting up with a smile that made my heart ache. She looked better than she had in weeks–the silver–resistant heart was working. I blinked rapidly, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill.

“Elsa,” she said, her voice still weak but clearer than before. “You look tired, sweetheart.”

I sat beside her bed, careful not to disturb any of the monitoring equipment. My leg bounced nervously under the chair. The doctor says you can move to a regular room in two days if your tests stay positive.”

She reached for my hand, and I squeezed hers gently through my glove. “That’s wonderful news. The warmth of her touch, even through the protective

barrier, calmed my racing thoughts.

We talked for a while about nothing important, just the small details of life that suddenly seemed precious. Eventually, her eyelids grew heavy, and she drifted back to sleep. I stayed, watching the steady rise and fall of her chest, absently chewing my lower lip until I tasted blood. The muse caire to check her vitals, her quiet efficiency a welcome distraction.

“You should go home and rest, the nurse suggested kindly. She’s stable now.

Chapter 256

I nodded but remained seated, my shoulders slumped with exhaustion. Hours passed, and I dozed off in the uncomfortable chair, only to be jolted awake by my phone vibrating in my pocket. I nearly knocked over the water pitcher as I fumbled for my phone.

Drake’s name flashed on the screen. “Shit,” I whispered, glancing at my mother’s sleeping form. I stepped into the hallway to answer.

“Where are you?” His voice was clipped, irritated.

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