Alpha's Private Plaything (Elsa and Drake Stone) novel Chapter 257

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Alpha’s Private Plaything

Chapter 257

Elsa

Drake’s black luxury SUV was idling at the hospital entrance. I slid into the passenger seat, immediately noting his tense posture and the hard set of his jaw. The leather seat creaked under me as I shifted uncomfortably.

“How is she?” he asked, pulling away from the curb.

“Better. They might move her to a regular room soon.” I stared out the window, watching the city lights blur past. My finger traced nervous patterns on the foggy glass. “Thank you again for arranging the surgery.”

He nodded, his eyes fixed on the road.

As we drove, I realized we weren’t heading toward our apartment. Instead, we were taking the highway that led to the mountain resort area. My heart skipped a beat, and I sat up straighter, scanning the road signs.

“This isn’t the way to apartment,” I said, alarm rising in my throat. My voice cracked slightly, betraying my anxiety.

“We’re going to Silver Moon Manor,” Drake replied without looking at me. “I told you this morning.”

“But I thought that was for the weekend! I don’t have any clothes or toiletries with me.” My voice rose in pitch, and I clutched the edge of my seat, nails digging into the leather.

“That’s your problem,” he said coldly.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” I blurted out, my patience finally snapping. “Can we at least stop somewhere so I can buy some essentials?” I asked, trying

and failing to keep the desperation from my voice.

“No. You can wear what I brought for you.”

“And what am I supposed to do all day tomorrow while you’re in meetings?” I slumped back against the seat, crossing my arms tightly across my chest.

Drake’s knuckles whitened on the steering wheel. “Stay in our room. You don’t need to go anywhere.”

I fell silent, anger and helplessness warring inside me. I bit the inside of my cheek until it hurt, tasting copper. The drive continued in tense silence for over an hour, the road winding higher into the mountains where the Black Onyx pack held most of their territory. I stared out the window, watching the trees thicken as we ascended, wishing I could disappear into their shadows.

It was nearly one in the morning when we arrived at Silver Moon Manor, a sprawling estate nestled among tall pines. Despite my exhaustion and frustration,

I couldn’t help but admire the imposing architecture–stone walls, massive timber beams, and floor–to–ceiling windows that reflected the starlit sky. 1 hugged myself as I stepped out of the car, the mountain air chilling me through my thin blouse.

Bruce was waiting in the grand hall, dressed casually but still managing to look polished even at this late hour.

“Stone! Finally,” he greeted, then nodded to me.

“Bruce,” Drake acknowledged tersely.

Chapter 257

“We’re setting up for the traditional pack card game in an hour,” Bruce said. “Will you both be joining us?”

Before Drake could answer, I spoke up, my voice raspy with fatigue. “I’m afraid I’m too tired from the hospital.” I swayed slightly on my feet. If someone

could show me to my room, I’d appreciate it.”

Bruce nodded, signaling a staff member. ‘Of course. Jensen will show you to your accommodations.”

A young man in the manor’s uniform approached with a respectful nod. “This way, Ms. Hale.”

As I followed him through the manor, I took in the opulent surroundings. The walls were adorned with paintings of past Black Onyx pack leaders, their stern faces watching as we passed. My footsteps echoed on the marble floors, each one feeling heavier than the last.

The staff member led me to a wing that seemed slightly separated from the main building. “This is Alpha Stone’s usual suite when he stays here,” he explained, stopping before an ornate wooden door.

As we approached, another door across the hallway opened, and Emma Watson–Bruce’s cousin from the restaurant–stepped out. She was wearing silk pajamas. My shoulders tensed involuntarily.

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