The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 16

-Grayson’s POV-

The entire room went still for a second. Liam’s eyes flickered was unease. Elaine’s face paled, as if all the blood had drained from it. Ava’s eyes narrowed at her friend, disbelief and irritation flashing across her face. “Serioudy, Bel?”

Isabella shrugged, completely unfazed. “You said you wouldn’t tell. I made no such promises.”

I still hadn’t said anything. There was no need to rush. The silence itself was a weapon, and I knew how to wield it well. I wasn’t stupid–far from it. I’d known for a while now that Liam and Elaine were sneaking around, trying to cover their tracks with the guise of mutual hatred. The stolen glances, the awkward tension–they couldn’t hide it from me, not even if they tried

They were all waiting, expecting me to say something.

I kept quiet, letting the tension build, letting the threat of silence hang heavy in the air.

It was Liam who finally broke, stepping forward with a slight bow of his head, his voice steady but tight. “Grayson, I meant no disrespect. Elaine and I… it just happened.”

My gaze flickered from him to Elaine, who was staring at me with wide, almost pleading eyes. Then, to Ava, who looked torn between irritation at Isabella’s recklessness and curiosity at what my next move would be. I let the moment stretch, enjoying the weight of their discomfort before I spoke.

okay.”

The single word cut through the air like a knife. Simple. Cold. But loaded with enough weight to keep them on edge.

Elaine’s voice wavered, unsure of where this was going. “Okay? You’re.. fine with it?”

I could feel the corners of my lips twitch, not quite a smile but something close enough to make the atmosphere more suffocating. “Do you not want me to be?”

The question hung in the air, heavy with implication. The truth was, I didn’t care much that they were sneaking around. Liam was competent, loyal, and I trusted him enough to let him be with my baby cousin. But that didn’t mean I was going to make it easy for them. I had no intention of giving them an out from this discomfort. If they were going to be together, they’d have to earn it

Elaine opened her mouth as if to respond but hesitated, unsure of what to say. searching for some kind of confirmation, but none came.

Her eyes

darted between me and Liam,

And then, of course, Isabella chimed in, completely oblivious–or maybe entirely aware–of the tension in the room. “I didn’t know it was possible for her to be this mellow,” she mused with a sly grin.

Not the type he felt for Ava which was like a spark of fire

looked like she was going to snap back, but Ava stepped in, grabbing Isabella’s arm and dragging her away from the conversation before it escalated. “We’re leaving.” Ava muttered under her breath, clearly trying to defuse the situation before it

Ara pull her out of the room. “Come on, I was just getting started,” she whispered with

Elaine. The tension in the room still lingered, though it had shifted slightly. Liam, always one to try and fix

Chapter 16

did, Grayson, Liam began,

Elaine are real,”

the slight tremor in her voice. “I know I should’ve come to you first, considering the relationship between all of us here. I’m sorry. I know I’m messed up. I know, but Liam… She sighed, defeated. “Liam makes

air. I could see her wavering, but I didn’t offer her any relief. I wasn’t in the mood to

blank

I smiled. “Well, if that’s the case, how could

guard by my response, but she forced a smile in return, choosing to ignore the sharp edge in my tone. Typical. She had always been

she muttered, more to herself than anyone c. I’ll see you

turned to me. I saw the unease in her gaze as she masked her discomfort. Smart girl. Then she

Liam was shifting his weight like he was ready for

ways you could skin me alive and hang me out for everyone to see,

giving him a measured

long enough to know when you’re not reacting, that’s when I should worry. So just… tell me what my punishment

my

turned away from him and made my way over to the bar, grabbing a bottle and pouring myself a drink. The sound of the liquid filling the glass was the only noise

it. “I should

didn’t respond, and I didn’t expect him to. I took a slow sig before turning my attention back

you more than anyone understand how important that is. How volatile she can be. So if you’ve chosen to be with her,” I took another sip. “then you better be ready to make sure nothing happens

straightened, and he nodded, his expression serious. “I

I poured another drink and handed it to him. “Then I’m not mad. I paused, letting my words sink in.

the glass. “My skin being flayed will be the least of my worries,

the tension slowly ebbing away but never fully leaving the room. I didn’t do emotions. I never had. And Liam understood that. He’d been by my side since the beginning. knew how I

there was anyone I trusted with Elaine, it

stretched on for a few moments before Liam broker

to ask who he was talking about, but I didn’t answer right away.