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.

voiced rang loud in my head, haunting me. No, it wasn’t just

paparazzi. I’d seen the man with the camera and knew we needed to appear convincing. Yet, when I pulled her close, instead of telling her to play along, I just… kissed

I wanted to.

to my car, yanking the door open and slamming it shut with a force

09:47 Sat, Dec 14

Chapter 52

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the silence. My body had reacted to her touch again, and it annoyed me to no end. Damn these emotions–they had no place

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

were still piled up after I had them extracted from Elaine’s house when I came back and realized

echoed through the hall as I made my way to my study. Once I reached, I tried to find anything distracting, anything to occupy my mind but just as I settled into my chair, my phone buzzed. A call

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

in. “Do you ever get

me, you must be really nervous at

I snapped, “did you call to tell me something

is–the Grayson I know and love,” Carter chuckled, then his tone turned more serious. “I did call for a reason. Luther Pierce’s claws are out of your company and he’s taken a hit, just like you wanted, and the Italy situation is resolved. And as a wedding gift, I had that warehouse mess cleaned up for you. Remind me not to get on

always on my bad side, Carter. But

me. “Look, I know you have no concept of friendship, but like it or not, we’re friends, I’m taking the next flight out because

he hung up, leaving me staring at the

hell was

suddenly

Luther Pierce’s claws from my company and him taking a hit gratifying

smirk on his face. “You know, most people would be out getting

set the phone down, sighing. “What

into the room, running a hand through his hair. “Just finished convipeing Elaine that you’re not the villain

letting Monica take the apartment. I only told

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 by this