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.

up! No one touched your stomach!”

of here!” I grabbed Isabella’s hand, pulling her toward the exit. “This was what she wanted to happen when she

of panic and triumph. The last thing I needed was to be embroiled in her games. My heart raced, adrenaline coursing

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back over her shoulder. “That bitch is lucky she’s pregnant,” she hissed, her 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

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replied, trying to keep my voice steady. “But you can keep yelling at me later. Right now, we have to

my place. The last thing I want is to run into

voice continuing and I knew Isabella was right, when it came to her, no more high

certainty that it was my wolf. Most latent wolves had a presence, even if they

Until now.

drifted down to my shoulder, where the skin had been

figure this out, Lilian. I

comfort, and forced myself to shut out the spiraling thoughts until we reached her place. As

are all the books I have about werewolves,” she said, dropping them in front of

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

in a blur of research, flipping through endless pages and scanning the internet. But it all

her laptop and turned to me with a determined look. “I have an idea–what if I

eyes, leaning back. “How about you keep your violent tendencies to yourself

I ran a hand through my hair. “I felt her, Bels. She was right there in my head, and she said, Find me, Ava. I’ve never experienced anything like it

“Maybe I should talk

said firmly, shaking her head. “We’ll figure this

a smile tugging at her lips as she quickly typed a reply. I leaned in, trying to catch a glimpse of who she was texting, but she

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Chapter 48

your nose out

tell me!”

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