The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 52

-Grayson’s POV-

I knew pulling the wedding forward without warning her was bound to provoke a reaction. I expected it, even counted on it. I knew she’d be upset about me making such a drastic decision without consulting her, yet none of that seemed to matter in that moment. All that registered in my mind was a single thought–I needed to protect her.

I’d mobilized resources, pulled strings and brought in people to support the event planner Ava had hired. Everything would be ready by tomorrow, no matter what it took. Eliza was handling the details, and I intended this to be her final test–to see if she was capable of holding her position, even when dragged in on a Saturday to handle this. She’d better prove herself.

But now?

Now all I could think of was Ava.

I’d heard people say kissing ‘the one‘ could feel like a revelation, like you’d found something meant for you. I never bought into that. For me, it had always been the same, a formality I endured out of necessity, a simple act that meant nothing more than it had to.

Until now.

When her lips parted in surprise, I deepened the kiss, letting myself be carried by a desire I hadn’t anticipated. She gasped, and I felt a surge of satisfaction ripple through me. Then, after just a second, she was kissing me back, her hand sliding around my neck, drawing me closer.

Those few seconds felt like the most real moment of my adult life. And then, reluctantly, I pulled back, watching as she blinked, her eyes swirling with an emotion I couldn’t quite place. For a moment, there was just silence between us, a heavy, weighted silence that neither of us seemed willing to break.

And then reality snapped back for her. She stepped away, looking at me with wide eyes. I maintained my cold, steady gaze as I explained, “With the number of times the wedding’s been rescheduled, people are bound to speculate. I noticed paparazzi lurking. That’s why I kissed you–to make them believe we can’t wait to get married.”

My tone was calm, calculated, keeping my wolf in check even as he snarled within me, restless and irritable. What was his problem? Why did he care so much for her?

She’s not our mate. I told myself that, but something about the pain that flashed across her face made me feel an unfamiliar pang of… regret. She quickly composed herself, though, her voice steady as she replied, “It was for show. I understand. I have. a lot to do before tomorrow, so I should get going.”

She turned, beginning to walk away toward her friend, who was watching us with a gleeful expression that grated on my

nerves.

But just as she reached a few steps away, Ava stopped, turning back to face me with a steady gaze. “I asked Eliza to be one of my bridesmaids. I’d appreciate it if you gave her the rest of the day off.”

I nodded curtly. She turned and resumed her steps, her figure becoming smaller as she moved away.

the words that I hadn’t voiced rang loud in my head, haunting me. No, it wasn’t just for show: I kissed you because I wanted

with the camera and knew we needed to appear convincing. Yet, when I pulled her close, instead of

I wanted

me as I stalked to my car, yanking the door open and slamming it shut

09:47 Sat, Dec 14

Chapter 52

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it annoyed me to no end. Damn

as I thought of the one person who could’ve helped me avoid this mess: Maria. If she’d just agreed to perform that

still piled up after I had them extracted from Elaine’s house when

I tried to find anything distracting, anything to occupy my mind but just

take our friendship for granted. I rearranged my plans to be at your wedding, and now you pull it forward when I can’t make it? Really

“Do you ever get

at me, you must be really nervous at this

mood.” I snapped, “did you call to tell me

and the Italy situation is resolved. And as a wedding gift, I had that

“You’re always on my bad side,

friendship, but like it or not, we’re friends, I’m taking the next flight out because I won’t miss your wedding for

leaving me staring at the

hell was

suddenly so

wasn’t the satisfaction of pulling Luther Pierce’s claws from my company and

I looked up to see Liam leaning against the frame, a smirk on his face. “You know, most people would be out

phone down, sighing.

his hair. “Just finished convipeing Elaine that you’re not the villain she seems

letting Monica take the

chair across from me. “Well, she’s calmed down now. I convinced her to get some rest.” His eyes lit up with a mischievous glint. “So, you’re tying the knot tomorrow with the beautiful Ava Pierce. She’s going to be Ava Blackwood