The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 25

-Ava’s POV-

The room went still.

Elaine froze for a moment, probably surprised that Liam wasn’t falling for her little performance. Monica stiffened beside her, clearly unsure of what to do now that things weren’t going their way. Even Isabella’s fists unclenched slightly, though her eyes still flashed with anger. As for me? My heart was pounding, but I nodded without a word, knowing better than to argue.

Without another word, he turned and started walking toward Grayson’s study, and we followed, the tension thick in the air.

The next thing I knew, the four of us were seated in Grayson’s study. The room was thick with tension, all of us glaring at one another but too cautious to say anything. Liam stood off to the side, arms crossed, with a glare that could freeze fire.

Isabella, always unable to keep quiet, pinched my arm and leaned in closer to whisper, “Feels like we’re in high school, getting called to the principal’s office.”

I glanced at her and whispered back, “I was never called to the principal’s office. That was always you, Bels. And stop pinching me.”

She snorted, her grin mischievous. “Oh, I remember. You used to be such a bore. But hey, if it’s any consolation, I’m really proud of you.” She let out a small laugh, making me chuckle too

Of course, that was the exact moment everyone turned to look at us, just as the door swung open, and in walked Grayson. Everything fell into a cold, suffocating silence. He didn’t say a word. Just moved with an intimidating calm to his desk, sat down, and let his gaze slowly sweep over the room. He took in everything–the bruises on our faces, the tension in the air- without so much as a flicker of emotion. The silence stretched, and I felt every second drag painfully slow. It felt like an eternity before he finally spoke.

“Isabella and Monica. Leave.”

Both Isabella and Monica opened their mouths to protest simultaneously, but Grayson cut them off with a single look. His voice dropped, colder, more threatening. “Do not make me repeat myself.”

They both stood up in unison, their expressions ranging from shocked to furious. Isabella squeezed my hand, her voice low as she whispered, “Act dumb and fake cry. It always works.” Then she walked out with a smug smile, while Monica shot Grayson a death glare before storming off. The door shut behind them, and the silence settled back into the room like a heavy blanket.

Liam moved to stand in the corner, his frown deepening. Grayson’s attention turned fully to me, his sharp eyes boring into mine. “How old are you?”

That wasn’t the question I was expecting. I blinked, then answered quietly, “Twenty–four.”

He shifted his gaze to Elaine. “And you?”

“Twenty–five.” She muttered, her eyes now glued to her hands.

his voice calm but laced with an edge that sent a shiver down my spine, “why you are acting like children,” His words were slow, deliberate, and each one landed with the weight of a hammer. “I gave you an apartment in

feel

for a response before continuing, his tone cold and final.

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21:57 Thu,

Chapter 25

Elaine, let it be in your apartment. And you,” he turned to me, “I

freezing me in place, but I forced

stone in the pit of my stomach, heavy and suffocating. “It is your responsibility to act with dignity, and that

I managed to reply, my voice barely

spät, not even pretending to hold back. “She attacked me first, then Ava

“What did I just say about acting like a child?” His voice was low and cold, each word dripping with the threat of consequences. “This petty quarrel

starting. Her chin wobbled, and her eyes filled with tears. She sniffed, her voice trembling.

I had never seen anything more fake in my life, but I kept my face neutral. I could feel Grayson’s gaze on me again, sharp

warning, “and your friend is involved, she will be banned

hesitate, keeping my tone

chest. His presence in the room was overwhelming, like he could suffocate us with his silence alone. There was no warmth in his eyes, no softening. He was a man who expected control, obedience. Every word out of his mouth was an

again. For once, I think she understood she was teetering on the edge of pushing Grayson too far, and that

the whole time, finally stepped forward. His face was as unreadable as always, but I could see the tension in his posture. He glanced at Grayson, a silent exchange passing

before she bolted up first, her heels clicking against the floor as she practically ran for the door. I took a

Elaine out, Grayson’s voice cut through the air again, stopping me dead

“Ava.”

hadn’t moved from his seat, but his eyes were locked onto mine, sharp and unyielding. His presence alone was enough to make the room

tone commanding but with

glanced back at me but she didn’t dare say anything. She slipped out of the room, the door closing

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Chapter 23

was deafening, and I felt the weight of both their stares on me. My palms were sweating, and I clenched my fists to hide it. Whatever this was, it wasn’t going to

his expression unreadable. “You’ve been quiet this entire time,”