The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 19

-Ava‘ POV-

“Really? That’s how you’re going to play this? You’re going to stoop so low just to make sure I don’t get a job?” I yelled, storming into my mother’s office, my heels slamming against the cold marble floors. The pit of anger that had been dimering inside me for hours finally exploded.

The nurse, Gloria, who had tried to stop me when I asked if my her face pale. “I’m really sorry, Mrs. Pierce. I told her you were

other was available, darted out of the office behind me. sy

I didn’t bother looking at her. “Gloria,” I snapped, my voice shaking with barely–contained rage. “I like you a lot, but don’t piss me off right now. I want to talk to my mother.”

Gloria stammered, unsure whether to stand her ground or leave, but my mother saved her from further discomfort. Without looking up from the book she was leisurely reading, she waved her hand dismissively. “It’s fine, Gloria. You can go

I stood there, my fists clenched, watching as Gloria hastily exited shutting the door softly behind her. The moment we were alone, my mother calmly set down the book she had been reading, removed her glasses, and folded them neatly on the

desk.

The silence that followed felt like a taunt.

“Really, Ava?” She finally spoke, her voice as cold as ice. “After everything I did to train you, to mold you into something respectable, you choose to throw it all away in two days?”

1 felt the sting of her words but refused to back down. “I’m not a dog, mother.” I hissed, my throat tightening. “And having me blacklisted so I can’t work? That’s low, even for you.”

Her sharp gaze snapped to mine. “Watch your tone,” she warned, her voice still controlled, but now there was an edge. The real Evelyn Pierce was slipping through the cracks. “You’ve done more than enough to insult this family, and worst of all, you’re associating with him. Do you even understand what people are saying? What they will say if this continues?”

I almost laughed at how predictable she was. “That’s all you care about, isn’t it? Your perfect image. Do you even know that Dylan hits me? That every bruise, every mark, I had to cover up with scarves, makeup, and fake smiles just to keep up your precious façade?”

For a second, a flicker of something passed through her eyes, but it was gone just as quickly. “And you think jumping from Dylan to Grayson Blackwood will solve your problems! You are tarnishing our reputation not just with this scandal, but with that association. The Pierce family does not mix with the Blackwoods. They are parasites posing as royalty”

a bitter snort. “I don’t even know why I’m trying to talk to you. You’re not listening. You never do.” My voice cracked, but

calm, calculated, “Tell me, Ava, where exactly are you planning to fly? To Grayson: Do you think you’ll find solace in his world? His family is ruthless, far worse than anything you’ve faced here. You’ll be chewed up

how to twist the knife just enough to draw blood. “Retract the calls I said firmly, “Every single one. I need a job, mother. I’m not going to sit back and be a trophy wife. And you pulling

as I asked. You chose to ignore me. This is your punishment. You think you can defy me and walk away unscathed?” Her voice was sharp now, cutting through the air like a blade. “I’ve raised you to understand that actions have consequences, Ava. And now, you will

13

OK 371%

Chapter 19

back, to scream at her, but something in her gaze made me freeze. The old, unrelenting authority she had always held

of the Pierce name, even with your…. latency,” She emphasized the last

always did–finding ways to hurt me with her words. But I stood still,

and detached. “Your father has made it clear. If you continue to associate with him, you’ll

my eyes, but I blinked them back. I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction of seeing me break. I turned

crack open, when it does, the whole world

one of the colors mine changed to but filled with

think,” I whispered before opening the door

and

iful was

a Pierce anymore. Not that it mattered–I was about to become a Blackwood, even just for a year. After that, I’d leave this city behind, the pain, the memories, all

in my tracks. “I take

always been more of a father to me than my real one ever was

parents had been thrilled when I discovered my

twice, I was in his arms. His embrace was warm, comforting

dove,” he murmured into my hair, his arms tightening around me protectively. “Let’s get you out

“Didn’t you come to see

than he was. “I think you’d be doing me a favor by giving me an excuse to leave. I adore your

giggle escaped my lips, the first one in what felt like days I followed him out, feeling lighter just being in his presence. He led me to his car, and before I knew it, we were sitting at a cozy restaurant. The familiar hum of conversation and the clinking of dishes