The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 12

Grayson’s POV-

1 sat behind my desk, watching Luther Pierce as he stood in front of me, lus presence demanding attention. I knew power when I saw it, recognized it in the posture, in the way someone carried themselves Pierce was no different. But it didn’t faze me. It never did I had been born into power, molded by it. I had never needed to shout or lift a finger to command the kind of respect that kept nations in line. Fear did the talking for me, a quiet, controlled fear that bled through every interaction

But today, staring into Luther’s eyes, I didn’t see that fear. He wasn’t bowing. No submission. And that made my wolf stir. irritated, just under the surface.

“Are you not going to offer me a seat?” Luther’s voice cut through the room, a thread of irritation Laced through his words He was used to respect. Used to people acknowledging his power, just like I was.

i

I didn’t move, didn’t even blink. “I didn’t invite you here, Pierce So, I see no reason for courtesy

His eyes darkened, flashing to black for a brief moment, before he masked his anger. A small smile tugged at my lips. He prided himself on control, just like I did. Maybe, under different circumstances, I might have respected that.

He sat down anyway, uninvited. “I didn’t come here to exchange pleasantries. I’m here for one reason and one reason only He leaned forward, his voice low, almost a growl. “You will end your relationship with Ava and send her back to her husband. Where she belongs.”

I raised an eyebrow, my lips twitching in amusement. “Is that so?”

Silence filled the room. The kind of silence that hung heavy, charged. Neither of us moved, just staring at each other. My wolf growled low, pushing at the edges of my control. He didn’t like the lack of deference. Didn’t like the challenge in Luther’s gaze. I was the Alpha King, placed above all of them. Yet here was Luther Pierce, sitting in front of me, refusing to acknowledge what that meant.

The smile on my face grew. “You know what I find interesting, Pierce? How you suddenly want to play the protective father now. When, in fact, I’m the one who saved your daughter from the very person you should have been protecting her from in the first place.”

For a brief second, something flickered in his eyes–guilt, maybe. But it was gone just as fast, replaced by the same hard look. This conversation is over,” he said, voice clipped. “I’m taking my daughter, and I’m leaving. You won’t like the consequences if you try to stop me.

in my chair, letting the amusement wash over me. This was almost too easy. “Is

“It’s not a

life

me?” I repeated, my voice

monster,” he spat, venom coating every word. “You think I don’t know what you are? You think I can’t see what you hide underneath that expensive suit and all the power you pretend to control? You might fool

against my control, wanting to rip him apart for the insult but I stayed calm, leaning forward slightly, letting my voice drop to a dangerous low. “What I am isnone of your concern. What matters is

voice rose. “She doesn’t need your protection. She’s my daughter. I’ve kept her safe for years. and I’ll continue to

my head. “Is that what you call letting her stay in a marriage that nearly killed her? Or are you referring to tonight, when

Chapter 12

keeping her safe

tiny crack in his tough façade, but his eyes never left mine. “If she had been where she was

that is exactly why she won’t be going anywhere with you.” I growled, my voice like

didn’t give him the chance. “Id say you’ve overstayed your

even tighter, his knuckles turning white, barely able

isn’t over,”

sake, I hope it is.” I replied, my tone colder, deadlier. “Because if you interfere with what I have with

actually try something but then he stood up, his eyes filled with a mix of anger and hatred, glaring down at me. “Let it be known that I tried to settle this civilly, he said, voice shaking with barely–contained fury. “You have three days, Grayson.

tear him apart, but I held back. Barely. Instead, I smiled, slow and dangerous. “Then 171 count the hours until your

anger rolling off him in waves as he stormed out of the room. The moment the door clicked shut, I Jet out a breath

that I cared about his ultimatum. He could declare all the wars he wanted. It wouldn’t change the fact that Ava was mine, at least

or territory. It was

A weakness.