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.”

Fairy lights hung delicately above, giving the place a soft, romantic glow. It was obvious Rickon had gone overboard with the decorations–likely a subtle attempt to get under my skin. The overly sentimental display was

laughed, pulling me toward the seat next

as soon as we did, I felt the weight of the room’s stares. It wasn’t subtle. People’s eyes tracked our every move, most of them zeroing in on Ava. I could sense

It was irritating.

“The first time I attended a social event like this after my coronation, everyone stared at me

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Chapter 29

that I should have gone through with it so all this irritating

870%

unspoken message. “What about the ones who didn’t attend

been the second round of

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

to keep talking, but the words slipped out before I could stop them. “You shouldn’t let

clearly surprised by my attempt at… reassurance. Hell, even I was surprised. Either the temperature in hell was dropping, or my soft

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,

a gleam of mischief in his eyes. “And,

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

name!” her mother snapped, loud enough for everyone to hear. “The Pierce family doesn’t

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,

panic written all over her face. I could feel her pain, her embarrassment.

voice low and calm despite the storm brewing inside

verge of breaking, but she held

Her eyes widened, a mixture of shock and something else flashing in them. But instead of speaking, she reached for

whispered, her voice shaking just a little. “She’s not worth

in me screamed to 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 with the