The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 9

-Ava’s POV

“So, you told your father in screw himself, and you just walked our?” Isabella’s voice was practically vibrating with excitement as she leaned over the table, eyes wide and full of curiosity.

I let out a groan, trying to keep my cool as I looked up from my half–eaten sandwich For like the tenth time, Bels, I didn’t tell him to screw himself. I just told him I wasn’t going back to Dylan, and stop asking me to repeat it over and over

Isabella ignored me completely, as she often did when she was verly excited. “I just had to be sure!” she squealed, bouncing in her chair like she might leap out of it at any second. She grabbed my shoulders, her face inches from mine. “Lalian, do you know how long I’ve been waiting for this moment? You lindly told your dad to suck it! Well, maybe not both your parents, but one is good enough for now!”

I pushed her off with a half–laugh, shaking my head. “You’re so dramatic

But even as I laughed, I couldn’t help the wave of relief that washed over me again. I hadn’t realized how much weight I was carrying until the moment I slammed that door behind me at my father’s house. The relief was almost overwhelming, the kind of peace I hadn’t known in years.

I was supposed to head straight back to Grayson’s mansion after seeing my dad, but when Isabella bombarded me with texts demanding I meet her, I decided to make a quick stop at our favorite restaurant. The food was comforting, and so was Isabella’s enthusiasm–though I hadn’t told her the full truth. She didn’t know about Grayson. She didn’t know about the deal I’d made to be his Contracted Luna.

No one did, not yet. The official announcement hadn’t been made but she was my best friend and I didn’t want her to hear it when the rest of the world did.

“There’s something else I need to tell you. It’s about-”

My words were cut off as a waitress approached our table, holding a drink in her hand. “Sorry to bother you, but those two men over there sent this drink for you.”

I opened my mouth to politely turn it down, but before I could ay a word, Isabella shot the waitress a glare. “She’s not interested. And if she wanted a drink, she’d order one herself

The waitress flinched at Isabella’s tone, her forced smile barely holding as she scurried away. I turned to Isabella, raising an eyebrow.

You didn’t have to be mean about it,” I said softly.

She shrugged, unapologetic. I know, but remember the last time something like this happened? You accepted the drink, gave him an opening because you’re too damn nice, and what happened?”

I flinched, the memory burning like an old wound reopening. “Be had drugged it and I almost got raped”

“Exactly,” she said, her voice steely. “As your best friend, it’s my duty to protect you. Now, what were you going to say?“

1 barely had a chance to gather my thoughts before the two men from across the room slid up to our table, completely ignoring Isabella’s rejection. One of them, tall with slicked–back hair and an air of arrogance that was practically choking. leaned on the edge of the table. His smirk was slimy, and I immediately tensed up.

“Hey, sweetheart,” he drawled. “What’s with the cold shoulder? Just wanted to buy a pretty lady a drink.”

she’s not interested. Isabella snapped, her eyes

stepped in closer, crossing his arms like he was waiting

an

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Chapter 9

he drawled, eyes locking on mine with a

an uncomfortable knot forming in my stomach. “I’m really not interested,” I replied, trying

But they didn’t budge.

a way that sent a shiver of

happened so fast

out of her seat in a flash, her list connecting with the guy’s jaw before I even had time to process it. “Don’t touch her she

his face, anger twisting his

lost before you regret it, Isabella warned, her eyes narrowed

the taller guy grabbed a chair and swung

Tue!”

and knocked over the candles, everything escalated so quickly that I didn’t even have time to process it. Smoke billowed into the air, filling the space in an instant. I coughed, my throat burning as the acrid smell of burning

tugged me through the thickening

the exit. The cool air outside seemed within reach when, out of nowhere, I was yanked backward with sharp,

scream, her voice panicked as she

his hand tightening in my hair as he dragged me closer to him “Where do you think you’re

He was stronger–so much stronger- and fueled by something darker than just the fire

to the ground.

hurt.

of that seemed to faze him. His eyes

people

me!” I spat through clenched teeth, my voice strangled by fear and the

responded by slapping me across the face, the sting of his palm leaving my skin throbbing. Then he grabbed both of my wrists, pinning them above my head. I struggled, kicking at him trying to wriggle free,

nice,” he

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Chapter 9

belt, and tear washed over me in waves.