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.”

glow. It was obvious Rickon had gone overboard with the decorations–likely a subtle attempt to get under my skin. The

pulling me toward the seat

sat, and 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

It was irritating.

as I spoke before their judgment settled on her, “The first time I attended a social event like this after my

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Chapter 29

so all this irritating taring could have

870%

twitched, understanding the unspoken message. “What about the ones

been the second round

of her. “Thank you,”

shouldn’t let their opinions get to you. They’re always

was dropping, or my soft spot for Ava Pierce was getting dangerously

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

Rickon continued, a gleam of mischief in his eyes. “And,

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

Pierce out of her name!” her mother snapped, loud enough for everyone to hear. “The Pierce family doesn’t act without dignity, and Ava is no

My wolf growled low, itching to rip something–or someone–apart. I clenched my fists under the table, forcing myself to stay seated. If I stood now, if I reacted the way I wanted to, her mother wouldn’t be

panic written all over her face. I could feel her pain, her embarrassment. She didn’t deserve this. None of it. And I couldn’t just sit there

the storm brewing inside me. “Ignore her.

like she was on the verge of

sure she never speaks to you that way again.” Her eyes widened, a mixture of shock and something else flashing in them. But instead of speaking, she reached for

idea,” she whispered, her voice shaking just a little. “She’s not

do something–anything–to put that vile woman in her place. But Ava’s words held me back, tethering me