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.

I’m an idiot,” I snapped before I could stop

you’re an idiot, Ava. Quite the opposite. You’re smart, maybe too smart. But all that cleverness disappears

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

nodding, biting back the

cold and calculating, “what happens next? You will

stay with Bels, find a job–hell. I’m good at what I do. I’d be fine. And I could still

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Chapter 13

about him that mile

moment, he didn’t speak. He just stared at me, his lip curving into a smile–a smile that made my stomach twist

was no

a juzzle he was slowly piecing together. “Your eyes are

thing I expected him to say, “No.. I mean, they’ve always been like that. I don’t know why.” My voice was shaky, and I

His tone shifted, darker, colder. “But there’s something about

again–it felt different. Like he owned it, like I was just another thing for him to control. I hated

me, I find an ounce of

the direction this

ignoring me, “You’ve spent your whole life trying to be perfect, haven’t you?” he said, his voice son but cutting. “Molded by your father, your mother, into this little sculpture.

words. Concealers, 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 know

to disappoint them. You would’ve let it kill you, just so they could keep their perfect image.”

sting the back of my eyes. He was right. Every word of it was true, and it hurt more than I

“Am I wrong?”

and I wiped it away quickly, refusing to let him see

care about your father. I don’t care about his threats, his power. The moment you signed that contract, you became mine. Your

my spine, and for the

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

say, but my head nodded of its