The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 73

-Grayson’s POV-

Ava was right.

One alpha dying might have been an unfortunate accident. Twould have been a grim coincidence. But three.. three was unmistakably a pattern, and not just any pattern, but one that poured toward an alarming threat. Alphas were being hunted, their hearts ripped out, à grotesque signature that felt like a declaration of war against our kind. And if more alphas fell, the entire structure of wolf society would crumble into chaos. A king, it was my duty to keep order–a responsibility I took reluctantly but seriously.

For the last twenty minutes. I’d been on the phone with Daniel, one of the alphas I tolerated more than most, attempting calm his nerves. He was already on edge, demanding assurances I couldn’t honestly give, asking if I would swear on my life that he was my top priority. When he pressed me for a promise I simply hung up. There was no point in feeding his paranoia. His life was in his hands, as it always had been.

I let out a weary sigh, glancing up at the house, wondering if I’d finally get a moment of quiet when my phone buzzed again. The irritation was immediate, but I answered. “Rickon,” I said flatly.

He didn’t wait. “Three alphas are dead,” he snapped.

“I’m aware,” I replied, my tone clipped.

“I’m an alpha too, Grayson.”

I rolled my eyes, barely containing my frustration. “Are you calling just to state the obvious

“No, I’m calling because I prefer staying alive, and if someone’s targeting alphas, we need to handle this. Together”

1 raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “We? Just because we’re aligned doesn’t mean I have to do anything with you, Rickon. I barely tolerate you as it is.”

“Under normal circumstances, I’d pretend that didn’t sting, but there’s no time for sarcasm. This is serious.”

“I’ll handle it,” I said, my patience fraying. “And if I decide I need an alpha’s help, I can assure you it won’t be yours. You’ve never been capable of taking anything seriously.”

He hesitated, then his voice softened. “I know you’re about to hang up, but just listen. I’ve grown a lot these past few days. Maybe you haven’t heard, but I found my mate.”

“I was there,” I deadpanned, unimpressed.

“I know, I just thought a reminder would make things more sentimental. You know, we’re basically family now. “I could hear the grin in his voice. He must’ve sensed I was about to end the call again, so he quickly added, “But I am serious. Grayson. I lead a pack–live years without collapse. I’m trying to prove myself worthy of my mate, to think beyond just myself. Let me help,”

sighed, already regretting what I was about to say. “Fine. I’m dealing with something

1

was unusually quiet. Maria and Ava were nowhere to be found, though Ava’s faint scent lingered outside. I followed it, my steps quickening when I caught sight of her lying unconscious on the ground, encircled by glowing symbols Maria knelt outside the circle, whispering a low chant. I knew Maria well enough to understand that when she set up a ritual like this, it was no

matter.

My voice was cold, slicing through

Dec 17

Chapter 73

head snapped up, her expression uneasy as I closed the distance. “Grayson,

quickly. What is this

to help her connect with her wolf. It’s it’s what the

did this without consulting me?” My voice dropped dangerously

say no,” she replied defensively. “But Avayanted

for a reason,” I bit out, stepping closer to the circle. “This

Grayson. If you interfere now, you could do serious damage to her.”

there–fear, maybe even guilt. “What did you do, Maria?

“Okay, don’t get mad-“.

already mad,” I interrupted, my tone

I had to put her in a state close

the risk, and

escaped from Ava’s lips, her body jerking within the circle. I watched as she began

calm. I know you want to kill me

Maria knelt back down, resuming her chant, her voice a soft, steady rhythm. A faint pulse of energy rippled through the air, passing over me, and Ava’s body gradually

He

breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding, relief flooding me as I looked back at Maria. My voice was hard, cold, the threat unmistakable.

replaced quickly with something else–something that looked

me like a slap.

down, her voice gaining confidence. “I’ve only seen that look on your face–once before. The way you looked just now… It was the

with anyone, and you’d do well to keep that kind of talk

turned to leave, to put some distance between myself and the surge of emotions threatening to betray me. Love? Me? The thought was ridiculous. Love was a weakness I couldn’t afford, a Lability. My life was built on power, control–emotions only