The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 13

– Ava’s POV-

That was the first and only word he had spoken since I entered the study, and it carried so much weight, so much force, that common sense had me taking a step back. I swallowed hard, trying to gather the courage I thought I had when I walked into the study.

“What part is a mistake, Ava?”

The way he said my name–low, dangerous–made my pulse quicken. It wasn’t a question. It was a warning, a threat wrapped in those simple words. All the explanations I’d rehearsed in my head vanished like smoke.

Why

y did I think this was a good idea? In less than twenty four hours since I met him, he had had to walk into a burning building to save me and a war was already brewing between him and my father and I knew my father. He stayed in his lane but the moment he was crossed, hell would break lose.

“I think I’ve had enough of Pierce nonsense today to last me a lifetime. Leave.”

I should’ve listened. I should’ve turned around, walked out, and accepted that this was it. There were no take backs when it came to him but something inside me snapped. Maybe it was the way he spoke to me like I was nothing, or maybe I was just tired of being afraid. I took a step forward, deeper into his space, my heart hammering in my chest.

Can I please sit?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper, trying to sound stronger than I felt.

“No.”

The answer came swift and cold. I sat down anyway, defying him, and I heard the low growl rumble from his chest. I closed my eyes, trying to steady myself.

“You’re stronger than this, Lilian. Don’t let anyone push you around.” Isabella’s voice echoed in my mind.

When I opened my eyes again, his expression had shifted, though it was no less menacing. He was watching me closely, his eyes dark and unreadable, like he was trying to peer into my soul. It made my skin tingle, but I had to keep going.

“My father,” I started, swallowing the lump in my throat, “He will make good on his threat and I think that the unnecessary bloodshed can be avoided. You said so yourself, you are not one for that

He leaned back, one eyebrow arching, the smallest hint of amusement dancing in his cold gaze. “So, you want me to tear up the contract because Daddy doesn’t approve!” His tone dripped with mockery, condescension that made my blood boil.

an idiot,” I snapped before I

of a smirk tugged at his lips, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Oh, I don’t think you’re an idiot, Ava.

my mouth to argue, but he cut me off, his voice sharp as a blade. “When

clenched my fists in my lap, nodding,

to this. annulment,” he said, his voice now cold and calculating, “what happens next? You will do as your father wishes and return

words came out louder than I intended, desperate. “I’d never go back to him. I’d stay with Bels, find a job–hell. I’m good at what I

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Chapter 13

what it was about him that mile me so uncomfortable mentioning

at me, his lip curving into a smile–a smile that made my stomach twist in knots. “You’ve thought this through,

There was no point. He didn’t want

me like I was a juzzle he was slowly piecing together. “Your eyes are fascinating. Have you

him to say, “No.. I mean, they’ve always been

mystery I suppose we’ll solve eventually.” His tone shifted, darker, colder. “But there’s something about

my name again–it felt different. Like he owned it, like I was

the fact that I think people are beneath me, I find an ounce of pleasure watching them and understanding the story behind their

the direction this was going,

trying to be perfect, haven’t you?” he said, his voice son but cutting. “Molded by your father, your mother, into this little sculpture. You hide every crack, every flaw, because

Scarfs and Smiles echoed in my head and I forced them down. I clenched my jaw, fighting the rising tide of emotion. He didn’t

stayed in that marriage, let him destroy you, all because you didn’t want to disappoint them. You would’ve let it kill you, just so they could

of my eyes. He was right.

“Am I wrong?”

first tear slipped down my cheek, and I wiped it away quickly,

locking onto mine. “I don’t care about your father. I don’t care about his threats, his power.

chill down my spine, and for the first time, I realized

do,” he said, his voice low and commanding. “You’re going

blinked, unsure of what to say, but my head nodded of