The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 18

-Ava POV-

“I think you’ve had enough conversations for the day. Drops that bottle and go to bed. And keep your friend under control.”

Grayson’s voice was ice–cold, like a command carved out of stone, leaving no room for argument. Without sparing me another glance, he turned on his heel and walked away, his tall frame disappearing into the dim hallway like a shadow. The sound of his footsteps faded into the distance, leaving me starling there, feeling the weight of his control settle over me.

My heart pounded in my chest, but it wasn’t from fear. It was frustration, confusion and something else I couldn’t quite name. Every encounter with Grayson left me feeling off–balance like I was constantly playing a game where I didn’t know the rules. And the worst part? He was the only one who held the pieces.

I shook my head, trying to clear the fog that had crept in. How much time had passed? Suddenly, the fact that Isabella was still here registered, and panic surged through nie.

How had I forgotten?

I hurried back to the spot where I’d left her, only to find it empty. I scanned the area, my pulse quickening. Where had she gone? After a few minutes of searching, I gave up, defeated. I could only hope she’d gone back to the rooth Grayson had asked me to stay in. I made my way there, my mind racing with all the things I didn’t want to think about.

When I finally opened the door, relief washed over me. She was asleep, curled up on the bed, hugging a pillow like it was her lifeline. I couldn’t help but smile, a wave of affection softening the edges of my anxiety. She was my rock in all of this chaos.. and just seeing her there, peaceful and unaware of everything that had happened, made me feel grounded again.

I quietly set the bottle down and slid into bed next to her, wrapping my arms around her like I used to when we were

younger

“Lilian?” she mumbled sleepily.

“It’s me. Go back to sleep.”

“Hmmm.. was all she managed before drifting off again.

I lay there, staring at the ceiling, trying not to think about Grayson or the mess I had somehow found myself in. But the more I tried to push it away, the more it gnawed at me. Why was he so obsessed with keeping me here? The questions. swirled in my mind like a storm, but eventually, exhaustion pulled me under, and I let sleep take over

The morning sun was ruthless, its rays piercing through the curtains and landing right on my face. I groaned, pulling the pillow over my head in a feeble attempt to block it out.

“Wake up!” Isabella’s voice broke through my sleep–induced haze “There’s a lot to be done today!”

refusing to emerge from my cocoon of blankets. “Fifty seven more

come on! Get up!” She yanked the

I groaned louder, curling into a ball. “I don’t want

woman on a mission. “I’ve been up for hours. Jameson helped me make some calls and there

Thu, Dec 12

Chapter 18

gap in bed, my eyes wide.

clearly pleased with herself. “Because

wear? I didn’t pack anything for this. I

me. I hadn’t brought anything permotely appropriate for an interview. Sure, I had the name, skills and qualifications, but

to look the part, Isabella. It doesn’t matter who I am or what my name is. They’re not going to

smiled in that

blinked at her,

yer have

of the room. I followed, half–expecting her to reveal some kind of magic trick. Then, she swung open the door to a walk–in closet that I

clothing and accessory a woman could ever need. Rows of designer dresses, shoes, bags–everything was perfectly arranged,

if it might disappear under my fingertips.

got some

got the cream. “Apparently our

did he even know my size? And when did

it seems like he’s taken an interest in

feel flattered

been plucked. right

luxurious than the last. It was overwhelming, but I didn’t have time to process it. I had an interview to get ready for, and, like it or not, Grayson had apparently already

skirt, holding them up to my body. They fit perfectly, like they were made for me. I glanced over at Isabella, who was watching me with a

seriously have no idea how

amused. “Nope. But I’d say you

k you.