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.”

raised an eyebrow, surprised at her

enemies, but Ricardô is the only one who keeps things interesting. And knowing him, that shot was probably an accident. The man can’t aim to save his

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Chapter 49

me keep tabs on him with my

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my eyes. Apparently, everyone but me was aware of this… “friendly” rivalry I supposedly

alright?” Maria’s voice softened, snapping

in her to protect her. Other than her werewolf bloodline, she’s entirely

worried about her. She’s vulnerable, and if your enemies come after her again and you can’t reach her, she has

read me so easily irked me, but I stayed silent. She didn’t

wasn’t going to like what she was about to say. “You care about a woman. You, Grayson, actually care.

I ground

raised her hands in mock surrender. “Just stating the facts,” she said, though her teasing tone faded, replaced with seriousness. “I might have a solution to that problem. There’s a way I could link your essence to hers. Not a full bond like a mate, but… a connection. You’d sense if

I replied

that something you’d want to discuss

kept my

it would make you seem like you actually

sigh. “Fine. I will do the spell but here is the deal. You only get one spell from me so you have to

told you to stop bringing it up. Just do the linking

she’d finally accepted that some things never change. “I’ll need a personal item of hers- something she’s touched, something that holds meaning for

out the silver charm bracelet. I

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

full of herbs, a small silver bowl, and a vial of some dark,

under her breath. The air thickened, charged with a strange, electric energy.

it.

hurt,” she said, meeting my

unflinching. Pain

seemed to reverberate through my bones. The liquid in

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Chapter 49

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