The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 29

-Grayson’s POV-

Little Dove?

What kind of ridiculous nickname was that? And more importantly, why was she so familiar with the uncle of the man who’d abused her? The irritation surged, gripping my chest. I knew exactly who Damien Cross was.

I’d done my research on Dylan who had just walked in when I had deemed him worthy enough to align with and when I first met Ava, I never thought I’d end up involved with people I considered so beneath me. Yet here I was, right in the middle of

it.

Dylan’s eyes locked onto Ava as soon as he walked in, hardening with every step he took toward her. But I had to give her credit–she didn’t cower or flinch. No, she glared right back, full of fire, while the woman glued to his side–the same one he’d cheated on Ava with–smirked like she’d won the damn lottery,

I wrapped my arm around Ava’s waist, pulling her closer. “The entrance is getting a little crowded with desperation. Let’s go inside.”

Damien chackled softly, then quickly covered it with a cough. My dislike for him ticked down a notch. Maybe he wasn’t as insufferable as the rest of them. As I guided Ava away, I didn’t miss the way the mistress’s smile faltered, her confidence crumbling.

Ava groaned beside me, clearly feeling the tension too. “Why is the universe doing this to me?” she muttered, shaking her head.

“Maybe it’s because you agreed to let someone call you Little Dove.”

She laughed. “You have a split personality, you know that? One minute you’re scowling like you want to burn the whole room down backing me up against my parents and it’s a cute nickname. Also stop glaring at people, well except my parents… and Dylan. And Barbie wanna be over there.” Her lips twisted as she glanced toward Crystal. “Other than that, try not to look like you’re planning everyone’s demise.”

A smile tugged at my lips, despite myself. Before I could respond, a waiter approached with a tray of champagne flutes. Ava grabbed two glasses, thanked him politely, and downed both in quick succession.

“Don’t judge me,” she said, looking up at me with a sheepish grin. “With the people in this room? There’s no way I’m getting through the night sober.”

I couldn’t help it–my smile widened. I wasn’t used to smiling this much. Or at all, really. Her expression shifted, like she was momentarily stunned, but I turned away before she could call me out on it.

“Come on,” I cleared my throat. “Let’s find our seats.”

giving the place a soft, romantic glow. It was obvious Rickon had gone overboard with the decorations–likely a subtle

pulling me toward the

the weight of the room’s stares. It wasn’t subtle. People’s eyes

It was irritating.

noticed it too, her posture stiffening slightly as I spoke before their judgment settled on her, “The first time I attended

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Dec 12

Chapter 29

it so

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lips twitched, understanding the unspoken message. “What about the ones who didn’t attend that event?” she

the second round of

spread, and she lifted the drink in front of her. “Thank you,” she whispered softly, a

them. “You shouldn’t let their opinions get to you. They’re always going

hell was dropping, or my soft spot for Ava Pierce was getting dangerously softer. And I wasn’t sure which one

the moment could settle too much, the sound of glass clinking caught our attention. We turned, both of us focusing on Rickon, who stood in the center of the room. With a charming grin plastered on his face, he launched into a speech, thanking everyone for coming. It was all typical nonsense until

gleam of mischief in his eyes. “And, of course,

air around us thickened immediately, and I could hear her sharp intake of breath. Before

out of her name!” her mother snapped, loud enough for everyone to hear. “The

eyes flicking between Ava and me. Her face flushed crimson, and I could feel the rage building in my chest. My wolf growled low, itching to rip something–or someone–apart. I clenched my fists under the table, forcing myself

feel her pain, her embarrassment. She

despite the storm brewing

the verge of breaking, but she

keeping my tone deadly quiet. “I’ll make sure she never speaks to you that way again.” Her eyes widened, a mixture of shock and something else flashing in them. But instead

don’t think that’s a good idea,” she whispered, her voice shaking just

do something–anything–to put that vile woman in her place. But Ava’s words held me back, tethering me to my seat when every part of me wanted to rise and deal