The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 31

-Grayson’s POV-

A lot of damage control had to be done after Ava’s blow–up at Rickon’s ball, but I realized, as I was dealing with the fallout, that unlike most things, it didn’t irritate me.

It should have. Ava wasn’t just anyone. She was supposed to be my Luna. She should’ve known better than to lose her composure like that. Yet, despite everything, despite the chaos she’d caused, all I felt was satisfaction. Hell, I was pleased. The memory of that night kept intruding on my thoughts. The way she buried her head against my chest, humming as if she’d found her place–the one spot where she fit. My wolf stirred then, and even now, the damn thing still reacts every time I think about it.

And then when I’d placed her on the bed, her eyes, those deep blue eyes, had darkened, swirling with something I couldn’t place. She’d smiled softly, lips barely moving as she whispered, “I like your eyes. They’re so gray.”

1 hadn’t known what to do with that, with her.

Maria might’ve been right: Maybe Ava wasn’t my fated mate, but there was something there. Something deeper. Maybe she was the one destined to help me move on.

“Someone’s in a good mood.” Liam’s voice interrupted my thoughts.

I snapped out of it, realizing he’d been standing there the whole time. He was grinning, as if he’d caught me red–handed. “Are you thinking about a certain swirling–eyed woman?” He smirked, pushing his luck.

“Don’t you have work to do?” I glared at him, hoping he’d get the message and drop it.

“Well, I do,” Liam said, stepping further into my office, “which is why I’m here, but now I think I’d rather talk about the fact that you were just daydreaming”

“I wasn’t daydreaming.” I grinded my teeth together.

“Sure you weren’t,” he laughed with an exaggerated roll of his eyes. “Anyway, I didn’t see anyone out there did you your PA again?”

“She was too jumpy,” I stated simply, not really caring to explain further.

fire

“Grayson,” Liam sighed, crossing his arms, “that’s the fifth PA this month. If you keep firing them all, there won’t be any left for you to hire.”

I didn’t bother responding because I knew he was right, but it didn’t change the fact that they all annoyed me. They got on my nerves. They didn’t have the sharpness I needed around me just then, a knock came at the door.

“Come in,” Liam called out on my behalf, and a young woman, probably in her mid–twenties, walked in with a stack of files in her arms.

“Mr. Dickson told me to bring these to you.”

Vordered without

down before turning back toward me. Then, to my surprise, she stopped, hesitating

Blackwood,” she began, her voice shaky but determined, “I know I’ll probably get fired for this–not that I’d mind because, honestly, Mr. Dickson is a bit of a dick–but. I met you fiancée when she came here, and I fought she was really cool You know, like, that kind of instant likeness?” She fidgeted with her hands, nervous but stubborn

Chapter 31

appreciate it if you could extend an invitation to her. I

for a moment, taking in her unease. She was standing there, trembling slightly, but still meeting my gaze

It was almost amusing

your name?” I asked, my voice

surprised I was even

do you do here?” I asked, leaning back in

for the higher–ups,” she said, a flicker of irritation flashing in her eyes, “but Mr. Dickson makes sure

that they’re to brief you on all the responsibilities of a

widened

raised eyebrow, watching me closely like

sighed with boredom, snapping her out of her daze. “I expect

you so much!” She practically bolted toward the door, but stopped

cut in, keeping my

nodded eagerly, then

understand you anymore,” Liam muttered, dropping the papers onto the

mutual. I wasn’t understanding much either since Ava came into my life. Ordinarily, I would’ve fired Eliza for overstepping boundaries, despite being right about Mr. Dickson. But she’d surprised me. There was something about her confidence, however shaky it was, that I respected. Plus, if she’d taken

Liam. “Why are you

sighed, shaking his head, still baffled by my actions, but switched to business. “You have a meeting with the board later today about the

course there was. “Who’s causing

deal violates some outdated environmental regulations, but it’s nothing we can’t handle. I’ve already spoken to legal about

didn’t have “I want this wrapped up as

best people on it, but it wouldn’t hurt if you had a sit–down with some

it,” I said, already mentally calculating how much of

09:00 Fri, Dec 13

Chapter 31

G

4931

93%1

has requested additional funding. They’re citing increased threats from competitor sabotage. I’m guessing they’ve already sent you the report,

them they’ll get the funding they need. I