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?

I could dwell on it any further, there

standing up and moothing down her dress. She was practically

in, carrying armfuls of fabric swatches, papers and a tablet balanced precariously on

us, he face lighting up with

Fri, Dec 13

Chapter 33

said, her breath slightly short. “Traffic was terrible, but I’m here now, and we’re going

a gracious simile. “Oh, don’t worry about it. We’ve still got plenty of time.” She turned to

“Though we do need to speed things

inwardly, knowing I was about to get roped into a full–blown wedding planning session whether I wanted it

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

ro theme! It

“Bels, are you planning my wedding or

shot me a look. “I’m just

weddings. I couldn’t help but fee a little overwhelmed. This

small,” I said, but my voice was drowned out by

what about floral arrangements? Lilian you love roses, don’t you? We could do white and gold roses with greenery al around the venue. It’ll

“Actually, I-”

A gown that screams power but is still delicate enough to show

were already decided. “I have a few designs in mind that

sat back, realizing this was going to happen whether I liked it or not. The room buzzed with conversation, both Isabella and the planner talking over each other,

few options for the dress. I wasn’t the kind of girl who dreamed about her wedding day, but the designs were 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, even if this whole thing was a

the planner asked, showing me a sleek, off–shoulder gown with intricate beading and lace. “It’s modern,

eyes lit up. “Yes!

it. It wasn’t terrible. In fact, it was nice. I could see myself in it “It’s…good,”

I knew you come around. You have to trust the on this, Lilian. We’re going to make this

sighed, knowing there was no point in fighting it anymore. “Fige, but

“Fife,

know how these things go. Everyone will want to be there. It’s not every day the Alpha

based on this kid of circumstances,” I

09:00 Fri, Dec 13

Chapter 33

me or chose to

The planner continued asking

or

What about the cake?