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

ghost of a smirk tugged at his lips, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Oh, I don’t think you’re an idiot, Ava. Quite the opposite. You’re smart, maybe too smart. But all that cleverness disappears when your

voice sharp as a blade. “When Pm speaking,

my fists in my lap, nodding, biting

he said, his voice now cold and calculating, “what happens next? You will do as

back to him. I’d stay with Bels, find a job–hell. I’m good at what I do. I’d be fine.

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Chapter 13

it was about him that mile me so uncomfortable

He just stared at me, his lip curving into

answer. There was no point. He

slowly piecing together. “Your

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

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

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

an ounce of

liking the direction this was

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

echoed in my head and I forced them down. I clenched my jaw, fighting the rising tide of emotion. He

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 keep their perfect image.” His voice was cold, detached, like

and I felt the tears sting the back of my eyes. He was right.

“Am I wrong?”

tear slipped down my cheek, and I wiped it

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

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

and commanding. “You’re going to stop letting your father control you. You’re going

but