Chapter 13

Elsa

"Enough!" he roared, the Alpha command making my wolf cower and my words die in my throat. "You will not show her up. You will not outshine her. You will help her succeed. Is that clear?"

I stared at the floor, fighting back tears of rage and humiliation. My nails dug crescents into my palms.

"Yes."

Without another word, Drake stalked out of the bathroom, leaving me standing alone, dripping wet in the suddenly too-large space. I turned to the mirror, staring at my reflection—skin marked with his bites and bruises.

The water droplets on my face mingled with silent tears as I realized just how disposable I truly was to him. Ten years of my life, my body, my loyalty—worth nothing compared to Vera's virgin appeal and political connections.

I gave myself exactly one minute to cry before straightening my shoulders and wrapping the towel more securely around myself. I would not break.

My mother needs me. I need that fucking contract renewal. Just keep it together a little longer.

When I finally emerged from the bathroom, Drake was sprawled across my bed, scrolling through his phone. I silently moved to my dresser, pulling out clean clothes and changing with my back to him, trying to maintain what little dignity I had left. The weight of his gaze on my naked back felt like sandpaper on raw skin.

"Don't forget about tomorrow's family dinner," I said quietly as I pulled a t-shirt over my head.

Drake's head snapped up. "What dinner?"

"Your grandmother called me three times to confirm you'd be there." I kept my eyes on the dresser as I spoke. "I told her you would attend."

"You had no right to speak for me," he growled.

Of course. How dare the lowly Omega make decisions for the mighty Alpha?

"I'm your assistant. It's my job to manage your schedule." I turned to face him, keeping my expression neutral. "And your family contacts me directly because you never answer their calls."

"Stay away from my family," Drake cut in, his voice like ice. "They're not your concern."

"Of course," I said, my voice hollow. "I'll let them know to contact you directly from now on."

Drake's phone rang, breaking the tense silence. His expression changed immediately when he saw the caller ID, softening in a way it never did for me anymore. The transformation was so sudden it made my stomach lurch.

"Vera? What's wrong?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

I turned away, busying myself with folding clothes I didn't need to fold, trying not to listen to the one-sided conversation. My enhanced hearing made it impossible to ignore his tender tone, so different from the cold commands he issued to me.

"Calm down, sweetheart. It's okay." Drake's voice was tender, soothing. "I'll be right there. Just stay where you are."

Sweetheart. Fucking SWEETHEART. When was the last time he used anything but my name or "assistant" to address me?

When he hung up, he was already moving, grabbing his clothes and dressing quickly.

"What happened?" I asked, unable to help myself.

"There's thunder and lightning with heavy rain, and she's afraid being alone." Drake was pulling on his shoes now, movements hurried. "Get me a clean shirt from the closet."

By the time I turned around, Drake was already by the door, keys in hand.

"I'll see you at the office tomorrow," he said, taking the shirt without meeting my eyes.

And then he was gone, rushing to Vera's rescue without a backward glance.

---

The next morning, I arrived at Stone Industries early, hoping to avoid the gossip and stares that had become my daily torment. But fate had other plans.

As I stepped off the elevator onto the executive floor, a wave of whispers and significant glances greeted me. A group of junior assistants huddled near the coffee station, their voices carrying just enough for my enhanced wolf hearing to pick up.

"...came in together this morning..."

"...looking at her like she hung the moon..."

"...heard his father's already approved the match..."

My stomach clenched into a tight knot. Don't react. Don't give these vultures the satisfaction of seeing you bleed.

I kept my expression carefully neutral as I poured myself a cup of coffee, though my hand shook slightly, betraying my inner turmoil. The burning liquid splashed onto my fingers, but I welcomed the pain—a distraction from the jagged edges tearing at my heart.

"Morning, Elsa." Jason's familiar voice was a welcome distraction. He leaned against the counter beside me, his own cup already in hand. "How are you holding up?"

I gave him a thin smile. "I'm fine. Just tired."

"You heard about Mr.Stone and Vera, right?" He kept his voice low, eyes darting around to make sure we weren't overheard. "They arrived together this morning. Her practically hanging off his arm."

"Office gossip isn't really my thing," I replied, stirring my coffee with unnecessary force. The spoon clinked aggressively against the ceramic, almost cracking it.

Jason frowned, concern evident in his eyes. "Look, I know you and Stone have... history. If you need someone to talk to—"

"I don't," I cut him off, more sharply than I intended. "But thank you."

Sorry, Jason. The last thing I need is your pity or for you to become Drake's next target.

I escaped to my desk, setting my coffee down and turning on my computer with mechanical precision. Throughout the morning, I called Drake's office multiple times, but there was no answer. The quarterly reports needed his signature, and the deadline was approaching rapidly.

Where the fuck is he? Probably still coddling Vera after her traumatic night in the dark. Poor baby.

After my fifth attempt, I reluctantly dialed his personal number, knowing it would be seen as overstepping but out of options.

The phone rang three times before someone answered—but it wasn't Drake.

"Hello?" Vera's sickeningly sweet voice made my stomach clench.

Of course. Of fucking course she's answering his personal phone now.

I closed my eyes, counting to three before responding. "Vera, it's Elsa. I need to speak with Drake about the quarterly reports."

"Oh, Elsa!" She sounded delighted, as if we were the best of friends. "I'm so sorry, Drake can't come to the phone right now. We're at the pack medical center."

My heart lurched despite myself. "Medical center? What happened?"

"Nothing serious," she assured me, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Just my monthly visitor giving me terrible cramps. Drake insisted on bringing me to see Dr. Redfern." She giggled. "He's so protective."

You've got to be kidding me. CRAMPS? I was expected to work through a miscarriage, but he's taking her to the pack doctor for fucking CRAMPS?

The image of Drake rushing Vera to the doctor for menstrual cramps while I'd been expected to work through a miscarriage made bile rise in my throat.

"I see," I managed, swallowing the acid threatening to choke me. "Please remind him about the quarterly reports when he's... available."

"Of course! " Her voice took on a smug edge.

Bitch. Smug, manipulative bitch. I hope your cramps double you over, you conniving little cunt.

I hung up, setting the phone down with exaggerated care to avoid throwing it across the room. My wolf snarled inside, territorial rage bubbling up at the thought of Vera trying to claim what had once been mine.