The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 70

-Ava’s POV-

This wasn’t how I’d expected my week to end.

When I signed those divorce papers, I truly believed it was over. But here I was, replaying the words of that letter in my

head.

Fifty–two times.

That’s how many times I’d read it between last night and this morning before Grayson showed up to bring me back. I knew him well enough to realize he wouldn’t want to discuss it, but it lingered in my mind.

I wondered what he had done that could have been so horrible that he felt the need to seal off his emotions.

I wondered how truly terrible his childhood must have been growing up with a physically abusive father.

I wondered if Elaine was the liule cousin he mentioned, and where his mother might have been through all of it.

Now, as I sat silently in the car while he drove me to Maria’s, to see if I could unlock my wolf, a thousand–no, a million- questions swirled in my mind, and I knew I had to keep them to myself.

I couldn’t imagine how hard it must’ve been for him to write those words, so I wasn’t going to push. There was so rouch left unspoken between us, but for now, I’d be grateful for what he had shared.

The car was quiet, though there was a new, unspoken comfort in the silence. I reached for the radio, hoping music might calm the whirling questions in my mind. Just as I tuned in, a news report began, and I was about to change it when Grayson’s hand gently stopped mine.

“Hold on a second,” he murmured, still focused on the road.

“I just wanted to listen to some music,” I said, glancing at him. His gaze was fixed ahead, unreadable as always.

“Wait,” he said, nodding towards the radio.

I sighed and sat back, listening to the reporter’s voice filter through. “A prominent millionaire, Marcus Denver was found. dead in his home, she said “The cause of death has been ruled murder, with the heart removed from the body. Authorities believe foul play is involved.”

The reporter’s words were chilling. My heart picked up, and as she continued, she said his name.

I turned to

brief nod,

when I was little, though I never understood why,” I murmured,

That’s why I asked you to hold on. Bet you can change the

hesitated “No. I want to

argue, just returned his gaze to the road as we both listened in silence. The news anchor continued, speculating about possible motives and the power struggles among people that have wanted him dead because of his money because the world didn’t know the part about him being an Alpha. Finally, I turned back to him,

19:29 Mon, Dec 16

Chapter 70

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have so much security and protection. I mean, you all have guards ready to protect you with their lives if need be right? Was he someone you knew? An

align with. And you’re right–Alphas don’t usually get murdered. But he wasn’t an ally, so it’s not my concern. You

reluctantly, only for “Paper Rings” by Taylor Swift to come on. Just as I moved to hange it, Grayson’s

he

silence, with her words filling the space

in front of a small house surrounded by bright flowers. Grayson got out first,

explained, “She enchanted the house so he can’t hear anyone knock. Hates being disturbed. So, she gave

he unlocked the door and pushed it open. I wasn’t sure what to expect, my mind flitting between images potions in jars and ominous symbols. Inside, it was… odd. Not quite witchy but close, with herbs and old

“Maria,” Grayson called.

room, throwing something ontto the floor that exploded in a puff

completely unamused. “Who

his tone, and turned to me. I see you finally got your head out of your ass and brought back the beautiful bride. I’m

ignored it, pulling me into a hug instead. She whispered,

tugged at my heart, and I found myself oddly comforted. She stepped back, grinning widely. “So, what brings you here

heating up

rolled her eyes. “Oh, don’t let him teach you to be humorless. But

but

my services for a good five months. I had to sleep three days straight to recover

scoffed, “Sleeping

I sleep for enjoyment, not because I’m exhausted from saving narcissistically induced

doesn’t

smirk. I looked between them, realizing there was a history here.

of