The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 49

-Grayson’s POV-

The past was something I’d buried years ago. Or at least, I thought I had. Whenever it started clawing its way back to the surface, I’d call on Maria to suppress the memories with her magic. It never lasted, though. No matter what she did, they crept back.

Like shadows that followed me wherever I went.

As soon as we got back from Italy, I went straight to Maria’s. Calling her would’ve been pointless–she’d take her sweet time getting back to me, and right now, I needed the memories gone. I needed my head clear, especially if I was going to be anywhere near Ava. Whatever this emotion was… wherever it was coming from, I had to shut it down.

“You know you don’t have to frown all the time,” Maria’s voice broke through my thoughts as she set a steaming cup of tea in front of me, eyes flicking up in that knowing, annoyed way of hers.

I frowned harder. “And you don’t have to live in a shack that barely fits one person, let alone your ego.”

She rolled her eyes, settling herself on a chair that looked like it had barely survived the last century. “You know, I like where I live, Grayson. It’s small, it’s mine, and I don’t have to answer to anyone in it. I know you think I’m practically begging to be dragged into the 21st century, but I don’t need your real estate advice.” She leaned forward, voice more serious. “Now, why don’t we focus on why you’re here.”

I leaned back, exhaling heavily. “The spell’s wearing off. I’m starting to remember.”

A flicker of sympathy crossed her face before she quickly pushed it aside. Maria knew better than to let pity show around me. She mirrored my sigh, crossing her arms. “I warned you, Gray. The more I surpress the memories, the more bad the eventual consequences will be.”

“And I’ve told you,” I snapped, jaw clenching. “I’ll handle it when it comes.”

Maria flinched, a subtle movement, but my wolf noticed, growling within. I closed my eyes briefly, reigning him back. “I didn’t mean to snap. It’s not you I’m mad at.”

“I know,” she said gently, her tone dropping. “You’re mad at yourself, and it’s leaking into everything. Your aura’s practically pulsing around this whole room.” She eyed me with a hint of suspicion. “Does this…. agitation have anything to do with her?

“Yes.”

The word left my mouth before I could stop it, and from the way her eyebrows shot up, she hadn’t expected it either. Silence stretched between us, thick and uncomfortable, and before I could reel it back in, more words came pouring out.

“I took her to Italy, and-”

“Oh, romantic getaway?” Maria teased with a grin.

I shot her a glare, and her smirk quickly disappeared.

“As I was saying… I took her to Italy. She got kidnapped and shot at. Ricardo was behind the kidnapping, but the shot wasn’t his doing.”

Maria studied me, tilting her head slightly. “So, let me guess. You’re already planning revenge, but you won’t kill him.”

eyebrow, surprised

rivalry between the two of you. You have plenty of enemies, but Ricardô is the only one who keeps things interesting. And knowing him, that shot was

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Chapter 49

you have me keep tabs on him with my

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I were anyone else, I’d have rolled my eyes. Apparently, everyone but me

she alright?” Maria’s voice

wolf in her to protect her. Other than

if your

but I stayed

knew I wasn’t going to like what she was about to say.

it,” I ground out, jaw

a solution to that problem. There’s a way I could link your essence to hers. Not a full bond like a

it,” I replied

in amusement. “Isn’t that something you’d want to

my

would make you seem

“Fine. I will do the spell but here is the deal. You only get one spell from me so you have to choose and I hope it will be to protect her because I can’t keep helping you suppress your memories, it’s not healthy Gray. You have to deal with the past, not try to

Just do the linking

she’d finally accepted that some things never change. “I’ll need a personal item of hers- something

my pocket, pulling out the silver charm bracelet. I tossed it to her, daring her

sparkled with mischief, but she said nothing, only giving a small smile as she

of herbs, a small silver bowl, and a vial

the items down on the floor, drawing a circle with salt around us, and murmuring words under her breath. The

it.

to hurt,” she said,

Pain was nothing

that seemed to reverberate through my bones. The liquid in the bowl started to bubble, releasing a dark, smoky haze that twisted and curled

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Chapter 49

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