The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 27

-Grayson’s POV-

“Considering the fact that Monica is still breathing and you’re all dressed up for Rickon’s ball, I’d say you’re handling things quite well,” Liam’s voice with amusement.

I didn’t bother looking at him. My eyes stayed locked on the door, waiting for Ava, who should’ve walked out five minutes ago. “I don’t understand why you all thrive on dramatics,” I replied, keeping my voice cold and detached, the way I knew

best.

Liam chuckled. “It’s a little fun when the consequences aren’t exploding in your face. You should try it sometime.” His tone shifted slightly. “Speaking of which, what are you going to do now that Monica’s back? If you were planning on killing her, I figured you’d have done it already.”

I shifted my gaze to him, meeting his eyes with a sharp look. “Her being back is irrelevant. I’ve made it clear I don’t have any business with her. If she continues to provoke me, I’ll give my wolf what he wants.” There was no hesitation in my voice. Monica had crossed lines long ago, and my patience had run thin.

“Well, since you’ve got it all under control-” Liam trailed off, his eyes widening.

eyes

I turned, my pulse kicking up slightly, though my expression remained neutral. Ava stood there, finally, and damn if she didn’t steal the air from the room. Her beauty wasn’t just skin–deep; it radiated in every movement, every glance. Those -deep, swirling pools of blue–seemed to see right through me, sometimes shifting into a darker shade. Her hair, dark as night, framed her face in a way that looked almost unreal.

And that dress…. she looked like a sin waiting to happen.

For a second, I froze, stunned by the sight of her, but I quickly shoved that weakness down. I couldn’t afford it. Not with her.

Not with anyone.

Liam, of course, moved first, stepping forward like a damn puppy wagging its tail. He took her hand, his eyes dancing with mischief. “You look stunning,” he smiled, brushing his lips against her knuckles.

Ava smiled shyly, her eyes flicking to mine for just a second before a blush crept onto her cheeks.

Liam grinned, looking at me. “He thinks you look absolutely lovely–so lovely, in fact, that he can’t find the words.”

my wolf growled internally. What the hell was wrong

didn’t miss the way she flinched slightly

go. I’d dealt with ruthless men, deadly enemies,

force than necessary. She sat beside me, staring out of the window, her shoulders stiff. The silence stretched between us, thick and

voice rough. “My anger isn’t directed at you. I shouldn’t have

clearly confused, then gave me a shaky smile.

But it wasn’t fine.

she kept her distance as if being near me was suffocating. I gripped

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21:57 Thu, Dec 12

Chapter 27

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eyes on the road because if I looked at her, wasn’t sure I could keep the distance. Every time her eyes slid my way, or she fidgeted with her dress,

felt like an eternity, we

out another sigh, the frustration gnawing at me. Following her

Rickon was at it again. The ball was a fairy–tale dream, like some glittering fantasy with soft lights, ethereal decorations, and the overwhelming scent of expensive perfumes themed with a touch of werewolves. I almost snorted knowing this was exactly what Rickon was doing. He did everything to impress women and slept with everything in a skirt that would allow him. I had to align with him because even though he was a man

so beautiful,” she whispered, awe dripping

is Cinderella vomiting magic all over the Beast, and using his fur for decorations.”

and she turned to look at me, shock evident in her gaze. “You… You just made

guard by the question. Why did I know? Because once upon a time, I was normal. Once upon a time, I wasn’t this cold, detached shell of a man. But I buried that thought deep. “Everyone

“Ava, it’s so nice to see you again. Your parents never

like he’d handed her the damn moon. “It’s nice to see you too. Is this your

pride and preening. “Yes.

“I love

I could stop it, and both

eyes shifted back to Ava, glowing with interest. “It’s hard to stay focused when the most beautiful woman in the room walks in. I’m

Rickon must’ve sensed it because he immediately stepped back, creating some much–needed space between them. “I’ll go greet the other guests,” he muttered, clearing