Chapter 8
Elsa
Two months into my exile, I'd thrown myself into work, logging fifteen-hour days that left me too exhausted to think about Drake.
"At least on this remote island nobody's breathing down my neck," I muttered as I stretched in my chair. The isolation had become almost comforting—no watching Drake and Vera together, no constant reminders of how easily I'd been replaced.
My inner wolf had been restless for weeks, whining and pacing within me. Separated from Drake, she was anxious, constantly alert for his scent, his presence. I'd learned to ignore her, pushing her deeper within me each day.
My phone buzzed with Kayla's name on the screen.
"Hey, stranger," I answered, my voice softer than it had been in weeks.
"Elsa, we need to talk," she said, her tone serious. "Your contract with the company is up for renewal."
I froze. "What?"
"If you don't renew, you'll lose all benefits," she continued. "Including the medical coverage for your mother's treatments."
My stomach dropped. Mom's treatments cost more than I could ever afford without Stone Industries' medical plan. It was the whole reason I'd let Drake bend me over his desk in the first place.
"Fuck," I whispered, closing my eyes. "I need to come back to headquarters, don't I?"
"Yes," Kayla confirmed. "And soon. HR is already talking about your replacement."
I gripped the phone tighter. "I'll handle it. And Kayla... thank you."
After hanging up, I stared out the window at the turquoise ocean surrounding the island. I'd poured every ounce of my rage and hurt into this project. And now I had to go back and grovel at Drake's feet.
"For Mom," I reminded myself. "I have to suck it up. And his temporary mate contract is almost over too. I just need to keep kissing that bastard's ass for a few more months even if it kills me."
Which it probably will, I thought bitterly. Death by a thousand humiliations and denied orgasms.
The intercom buzzed. "Ms. Hale, just a reminder that Mr. Stone will be conducting his inspection tour tomorrow morning."
My heart skipped a beat. "T-tomorrow? I thought that was next week."
"It was moved up. His office just confirmed."
After she disconnected, I sank back into my chair, panic rising in my throat. Tomorrow. Drake would be here tomorrow, and I wasn't ready. My body already betraying me at just the thought of him.
"Fuck," I whispered, my hands trembling. "I'm not ready to see him. I'm not ready to smell him and not be able to touch him."
My wolf whined eagerly, already responding to the mere suggestion of our Alpha's return.
Pull yourself together, Elsa. You're not some bitch in heat. Act like you have some dignity left.
I spent the night obsessing over my appearance almost as much as the project details. By morning, my eyes were bloodshot, but I had a plan. I needed that contract renewal. I needed to get back to headquarters. And there was only one currency Drake Stone truly understood.
Standing before the mirror, I surveyed my transformation. Instead of the severe business suit I'd initially chosen, I'd opted for a deep crimson satin blouse – his favorite color on me – with just enough buttons undone to reveal a hint of lace beneath. My black A-line skirt hugged my waist before flaring slightly, ending just above the knee with a small slit that offered teasing glimpses of my black polka dot stockings when I moved. I'd styled my hair loose and flowing, the way he always preferred it.
"This isn't desperation," I told my reflection. "This is strategy. Use what works."
I dabbed perfume at my pulse points – not the artificial scent Vera favored, but the subtle vanilla blend Drake had always buried his face in when he took me.
My wolf preened beneath my skin, tail wagging and belly exposed. She understood what I was doing – using our femininity as a weapon, the oldest trick in the book.
If that bastard wants to replace me with Vera, let him feel exactly what he's giving up.
The sound of helicopter blades announced his arrival. I straightened my spine, fixed a calculated expression on my face – not too eager, just enough invitation in my eyes – and walked out to the helipad, making sure my hips swayed with each step, the ocean breeze lifting my skirt just enough to flash my polka dot stockings.
My carefully constructed seduction cracked the moment I saw him step from the helicopter, tall and commanding in his black suit. My body responded instantly—heart racing, nipples hardening, heat pooling between my thighs. My wolf surged forward, nearly forcing a whine from my throat as my knees weakened, the instinct to drop into submission almost overwhelming.
Focus, Elsa. This isn't about getting him back. It's about getting back to headquarters. Use his dick to save your job.
Then I saw her emerge behind him, her hand tucked possessively in the crook of his arm. Vera. Of course he'd brought her. She was wearing a cream-colored designer suit, looking every inch the perfect mate.
"Perfect," I muttered under my breath. "Just fucking perfect. They're really flaunting their little love affair everywhere. Might as well piss on me to mark their territory."
I approached them with a professional smile, letting my blouse gape just slightly as I extended my hand. "Mr. Stone, Ms. Horton, welcome to Azure Cove Resort."
Drake's golden eyes assessed me coolly, his gaze dropping briefly to the hint of cleavage I'd deliberately displayed before snapping back to my face. I could see a flash of amber in their depths – his wolf looking out at me, hungry and alert. "Ms. Hale. I trust the project is on schedule?"
"Ahead of schedule, actually," I replied, my voice husky despite my efforts to sound professional. I leaned in slightly, letting my scent reach him. "And under budget."
Something flickered in his eyes—hunger, definitely hunger—before his expression shuttered again. My wolf preened at that reaction, knowing we'd scored a direct hit.
That's right, Alpha. Remember what you're missing. Remember what Vera can't give you.
The tour proceeded with agonizing formality, though I made sure to walk ahead of the group whenever possible, knowing Drake's eyes would follow the movement of my legs in those black polka dot stockings, the way the ocean breeze occasionally lifted my skirt just enough to tease. When representatives from the Moon Shadow pack arrived, I switched effortlessly to their dialect, navigating the complex protocols that Vera clearly couldn't follow.
Look at that, you idiots. Without me, you'd be completely lost, I thought with vicious satisfaction. See that, Drake? Your precious Vera can't do what I do. She's useless at this.
The satisfaction was short-lived. As we toured the unfinished east wing, my heel caught on an exposed pipe. Pain shot through my ankle as I pitched forward, a gasp escaping my lips.
Strong hands caught me before I hit the ground. Drake's scent enveloped me, familiar and intoxicating. His arms were around my waist, his chest pressed against my back, his breath warm against my neck. The contact sent electricity coursing through my body, and I felt myself getting embarrassingly wet.
Fuck, fuck, fuck.
For one heartbeat, then two, we remained frozen. My heart thundered in my chest. His grip tightened, and I felt him inhale deeply, taking in my scent. I knew he could smell my arousal.
