Chapter 195
Elsa
I stared at my computer screen, the numbers blurring together as my concentration shattered for the fifth fucking time that hour. After the disaster with Emma this morning and Joseph's threats, my productivity had plummeted to near zero.
Every time someone walked past my desk, I could feel their curious glances burning into my skin like hot needles. The office gossip machine was undoubtedly in full swing, and I was the main attraction.
"Fuck this day," I muttered under my breath, slamming my laptop shut with more force than necessary, making the nearby intern jump. My fingers trembled with suppressed rage as I shoved papers into my bag.
It was already past six, and I'd accomplished barely half of what I'd planned. My brain felt like it was stuffed with cotton, and a dull headache pulsed behind my eyes. I grabbed my purse and coat with such force I nearly knocked over my coffee mug, desperate to escape the suffocating atmosphere that had me ready to scream.
The autumn air hit my face as I stepped outside, providing momentary relief. I inhaled deeply, my shoulders dropping slightly as the tension began to uncoil. My car was at the service center today—just my fucking luck—which meant I'd have to take the light rail home like a common... I stopped myself. That kind of thinking was Drake's influence, not mine. I pulled out my phone and dialed Sophia as I walked toward the station, my heels clicking aggressively against the pavement.
"Hey stranger," Sophia's cheerful voice came through after two rings. "I was beginning to think you'd forgotten about me."
"Sorry," I sighed, dodging a group of teenagers on the sidewalk with an irritated sidestep. "It's been a complete shit show of a day. I feel like I'm about to crawl out of my own skin."
"What happened? Wait, let me guess—something to do with your ex-tyrant Alpha?"
I couldn't help but smile at her nickname for Drake, my teeth clenching so hard my jaw ached. "Not directly. His new assistant Emma decided to ambush me outside the office this morning, screaming that I was trying to steal her man. Like I'm some desperate fucking home-wrecker."
"What?" Sophia's voice rose an octave. "Is that woman completely brain-damaged? Who does that?"
"Apparently, women who want Drake do that," I replied, my voice bitter as I kicked a small stone across the sidewalk.
"Seriously, anyone who's interested in that man must have a few screws loose," Sophia declared with absolute conviction.
There was a brief pause, then I heard her inhale sharply.
"Oh shit, I didn't mean you! You're different—"
"It's fine," I cut her off with a dry laugh, running a hand through my hair and tugging at the roots in frustration. "I used to be one of those unhinged women too, remember? I was just better at hiding it. God, what a fucking mess."
"No, you weren't," Sophia insisted. "You were trapped in a fucked-up situation. And now you see reality for what it is."
As I neared the station entrance, two men approached me—both tall with the distinctive broad shoulders. Something about their posture set off warning bells in my head. My body tensed automatically, my nails digging into my palm.
"Excuse me," one of them called out. "Could you tell us how to get to Silver Moon Residences?"
I tensed, clutching my phone tighter, my knuckles turning white. "Sorry, I'm not familiar with that area." My voice came out sharper than intended.
"It's supposed to be nearby," the second man insisted, stepping closer than was comfortable. His eyes had an odd, evaluating quality that made my skin crawl and my wolf instincts scream danger.
"Like I said, I don't know," I repeated firmly, taking a small step back, my free hand unconsciously moving to the pepper spray in my coat pocket.
"It's three blocks that way, then right at the traffic light," a young man on a bicycle called out as he pedaled past. The two men nodded and walked off in the direction he'd indicated.
"Who was that?" Sophia asked, her voice concerned.
"Just some guys asking for directions," I replied, watching their retreating figures with unease, my heart still hammering against my ribs. "Something felt off about them. Made my fucking skin crawl."
"Be careful, okay? Text me when you get home."
"I will. I should go now—need to catch my train."
I was about to end the call when a sleek black Porsche pulled up beside me, the passenger window rolling down smoothly. My stomach dropped to my feet when I saw who was behind the wheel.
"Get in," Drake commanded, his golden eyes fixed on me with laser focus.
My heart jumped to my throat, and I felt a sudden rush of heat flood my cheeks. "I need to go, Sophia," I said quickly before hanging up.
I glared at Drake, my jaw clenched so tight it hurt. "I'm taking the light rail. Back the fuck off."
"Don't be stubborn. Get in the car, Elsa." His tone was softer than usual, but still carried that unmistakable Alpha authority that made my Omega instincts quiver.
"I'm not being stubborn, I'm being independent," I shot back, but even to my own ears, I sounded childish. I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, fighting the urge to obey.
Drake's jaw tightened. "Emma is not my woman. She never was."
That caught me off guard. I blinked, momentarily speechless, my angry retort dying on my lips.
"I didn't manage my subordinate properly, and she overstepped. For that, I apologize."
The words "I apologize" coming from Drake Stone's mouth was so unexpected that I actually looked around to see if anyone else had heard it. Was this some kind of bizarre hallucination brought on by stress? I rubbed my temple, wondering if my headache was causing auditory delusions.
"I... um..." I stammered, my well of sharp retorts suddenly dry, my fingers nervously twisting the strap of my purse.
"You're right to be angry," he continued, his voice softer than usual. "I should have controlled the situation better."
I felt like I'd stepped into an alternate universe. Drake admitting fault? Apologizing? I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry.
"I lost a client today because of her," I finally said, my voice tight as I crossed my arms defensively over my chest. "And my boss threatened to fire me. Do you have any fucking idea what that means to me?"
"I know," he replied simply.
A couple walking by slowed their pace to watch us, clearly recognizing Drake. The woman whispered something to her companion, and they both stared with undisguised curiosity. I shifted uncomfortably, hating being the center of attention.
"I overreacted too," I admitted reluctantly, scuffing the toe of my heel against the pavement. "I shouldn't have sent you that text. It was... unprofessional." The words tasted bitter in my mouth.