The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 33

-Ava’s POV-

There had been a nagging feeling clawing at the back of my mind since the night of the ball. Something felt off–like there was a task I needed to complete, something critical that I couldn’t quite place my finger on, and it was slowly driving me

insane

a

And the worst part? I remembered every single detail from that might. My explosion at the ball still gave me a twisted sense of satisfaction, but then came the parts I’d rather forget.

The way I had practically melted into his arms, saying something ridiculous about liking his eyes. Seriously, what was that?

What was I thinking?

Lilian, are you even listening to me?” Isabella’s sharp voice cut through my thoughts like a blade.

“No, I replied, a little too bluntly,

Isabella glared, clearly unimpressed. “Seriously, you have to take this more seriously. We have a week and three days to plan a wedding that’s going to be the talk of the country for months. At this rate, I think it’s too much for us. Maybe we should hire an event planner.”

I blinked at her. “I thought you already hired one? And she was on her way?”

Isabella threw her hands up, exasperated. “Well, with this attitude, we’re going to need like five planners to get it all done.” I couldn’t help but laugh. “You don’t have to be so dramatic, Bels Alright, I’m sorry. What were you saying?”

“I was saying that with the time ticking down, we need to speed things up. You need to decide on what you want specifically. Colors, themes–everything. So when the planner gets here, we won’t waste time.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Now you’re the one who hasn’t been listening. I’ve said it over and over-I want a small wedding. simple, Besides, it’s only going to be you attending from my side. I lowered my voice, not really in the mood to rehash this part. “And don’t forget, this is all based on a contract.”

Isabella rolled her eyes so hard I thought they might get stuck. “Which is why you should go all out, Lilian! For one, you’re marrying the Alpha king, and for two–well, you’re marrying the Alpha king.”

I rolled my eyes right back at her. “There’s really no getting through to you, is there?” I sighed, rubbing my temples. “Look, I just want to focus on my new job and doing what I actually love. All of this will be over in a year anyway, so why make a

fuss?”

Without warning, Isabella grabbed my face, pulling me so close that our noses almost touched. “Lilian, I love you, but this is not your decision to make. You’re having a big wedding, and that’s final. Now, what color do you want? She’s going to be here any minute, and time is running out.”

Her last words lingered in the air, echoing ominously in my head. Time is running out.

Why did that phrase stick with me?

further, there was a knock at

standing up and moothing down her dress. She

armfuls of fabric swatches, papers and a tablet

lighting up

Fri, Dec 13

Chapter 33

so sorry I’m–late, the planner said, her breath slightly short. “Traffic was terrible, but I’m

a gracious simile. “Oh, don’t worry about it. We’ve still got plenty

we do need to speed things

knowing I was about to get roped into a full–blown

massive binder. “Alright, let’s get started! First things first, do you have a Zine theme in mind? Something classic, romantic,

in, all but buzzing with excitement. “I was thinking something elegant. Maybe a ro theme! It fits

an eyebrow at her. “Bels, are you planning

a look.

couldn’t help but fee a little

really just want something small,” I said, but my voice was drowned out by Isabella’s

could do white and gold roses with greenery al around the

“Actually, I-”

timeless. A gown that screams power but is still delicate enough to

down notes as if this were already decided. “I have a few designs in mind that would be perfect for that. Let me just pull

or not. The room buzzed with conversation, both Isabella and the planner talking over each

undeniably beautiful. My parents hadn’t granted me permission to dream or fantasize plus I had alresdy had one wedding but as much as I hated to admit it, a part of me wanted to look good, to feel powerful,

planner asked, showing me a sleek, off–shoulder gown with intricate

up.

my head, considering it. It wasn’t terrible. In fact, it

lottery. “See? I knew you come around. You have to trust the on this, Lilian. We’re

no point in fighting it anymore. “Fige, but can we please

“Fife,

a sympathetic look. “Ma yes ma but you know how these things go. Everyone will want to be there.

based on this kid of circumstances,” I muttered under

09:00 Fri, Dec 13

Chapter 33

me

The planner continued asking

indoors or outdoors?

What about the cake?