The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 48

-Ava’s POV-

The silence in the bathroom was so thick it felt suffocating as Isabella and I locked eyes. It wasn’t until a sharp knock sounded on the door that we both snapped out of our daze, the reality of our situation crashing back down on us.

Isabella hurriedly tossed the wrap into the garbage, a look of sheer shock on her face, while I fumbled with my top, still trying to regain my composure as she turned the lock. The door creaked open, and Crystal stepped in, her gaze darting between us, a smirk already forming on her lips.

I realized that ever since I had discovered that she was indeed sleeping with Dylan and that moment that had thrust me into Grayson’s world, I had never actually spoken to her.

“Sorry to interrupt,” she chirped, her tone dripping with false sweetness, “but I really need to pee. Pregnancy really messes with your bladder.”

I rolled my eyes, the annoyance of the situation souring my mood. Maybe if I had actually liked Dylan, it would sting a little more, but I couldn’t stand him. The only thing that annoyed me was the fact that fate had decided I was predestined for

him.

“Go ahead, then,” I said, stepping aside.

Her pretentious smile faltered momentarily, and I could see the wheels turning in her mind. She wanted to provoke me, to drag me into a war of words, but I wasn’t interested. She could have Dylan for all I cared; she’d given me a way out of that horrible marriage. But as her gaze narrowed, she couldn’t resist one last jab. “You think taking the high road makes you a better person, but it just shows you’re a bore. That’s why Dylan couldn’t stand you.”

I bit my tongue, refusing to let her words get under my skin. Arguing with Crystal was the last thing I wanted, especially not now. “I wish you all the best in life with him,” I replied coolly, “since he can stand you. Excuse us.”

I turned to leave, casting a glance at Isabella, who looked ready to explode. I could practically see the thoughts racing through her head, a million ways to murder Crystal flashing before her eyes. The only reason she was quiet was that she was holding back her wolf.

“Bels, it’s not worth it. Let’s go,” I urged.

She blinked, seeming to come back to reality, but just as she was about to move, Crystal’s voice cut through the tension. “Yes, handbag, follow your master’s command.”

I groaned, knowing exactly where this was heading. Before I could even react, Isabella’s claws extended, and with a fierce swipe, she slashed at Crystal’s face. Crystal’s eyes darkened, her wolf surfacing in response, and I felt the tension escalate. This was a disaster waiting to happen, and I hated that we were all werewolves at this moment.

“Isabella, no!” I shouted, stepping in between them, trying to stop the chaos. In my haste, I inadvertently shoved Crystal backward, and she stumbled, falling to the ground then smiled.

Clutching her stomach and her bleeding face, she let out a piercing scream. “Help! Help! They’re trying to kill my baby!”

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I muttered,

Credulous.

one touched your stomach!” Isabella growled, her voice

I grabbed Isabella’s hand, pulling her toward the exit. “This was what she wanted to happen when she came in

cries echoing behind us, a mix of panic and triumph. The last thing I needed was to be embroiled in her games. My heart raced, adrenaline coursing through

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eyes narrowing. Then she turned to me, a fierce determination in her gaze. “I know you’re trying to step out of your prim and proper shell, and I’m really proud of you for that. But that situation back there? You should’ve slapped the slut right off her face. She slept with Dylan while you were

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to keep my voice steady. “But you can keep yelling at me later. Right now, we have to get out of here. More importantly, we need to figure out why I have a wolf when I shouldn’t and why healing felt so painfully

to my place. The last thing I

sounds of Crystal’s voice continuing and I knew Isabella was right,

somehow, I knew with certainty that it was my wolf. Most latent wolves had a presence, even if they couldn’t fully shift. They could bring out their claws,

Until now.

had been torn just minutes before, now completely healed.

figure this out,

squeezed back, holding onto that small comfort, and forced myself to shut out the spiraling thoughts until we reached her place. As we walked inside, Isabella wasted no

have about werewolves,” she said, dropping

like explaining her obsession. She crossed her arms defensively. “What? I like to understand my wolf better. I don’t want to talk

tension, I laughed as I picked up the first book. Hours passed in a blur of research, flipping through endless pages and scanning the internet. But it all pointed to the same thing–the general knowledge on latency and how wolves didn’t just suddenly appear out of nowhere, especially

all.” Isabella suddenly shut her laptop and turned to me with a determined look. “I

keep your violent tendencies to yourself before

my hair. “I felt her, Bels. She was right there in my head,

as they left my mouth. “Maybe I should talk to my mother. She was always so

You’re not getting sucked back into her orbit,” Isabella said firmly, shaking her head. “We’ll figure this out

lips as she quickly typed a reply. I leaned in, trying to catch a glimpse of who

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Chapter 48

nose

on, tell

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