The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 86

-Ava’s POV-

I had convinced myself that he would drive me to insanity, but yet, here I was, staring at myself in the mirror, trying to force the tension out of my eyes as I applied my makeup. My hands shok slightly, not from nerves, but from the weight of everything that had happened over the past few days. The anger, the frustration, the constant back–and–forth in my mind about Grayson, all of it swirling together.

But I was going to push that aside for the sake of the gathering because I really wanted to get to know these people even though I was tired, so tired of the heaviness, tired of fighting battles that didn’t even feel worth it anymore. The only thing keeping me sane in this moment was the thought of escaping for a few hours, trying to blend in, to feel like I was part of something that wasn’t so suffocating even if still centered around him. But maybe I could forget about him for a while.

I was just finishing up my makeup when the door to my room suddenly swung open. I expected it to be Grayson, but the voice that echoed through the room was unmistakable.

“Tis L Isabella’s voice rang out, filled with her usual mischievous energy.

A smile broke across my face instantly, the tension in my shoulders relaxing as I turned to face her. Isabella was a breath of fresh air in a room full of stale air.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, raising an eyebrow as I caught her standing in the doorway with her usual confident

smile.

She pulled out her phone, scrolling through it for a moment before speaking. “Grayson is being an asshole, and there’s going to be a feast tonight,” she said, reading my earlier message aloud.

My mind registered the words, but before I could comment, she added, “Which means there’s going to be free food. Bels. do you want to come?”

I rolled my eyes, shaking my head with a small laugh. “You are so you

She grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I know. So, are we going to talk about what Grayson did this time while. you get ready?” she asked, slipping into her usual pattern.

“No,” I replied firmly, a sigh escaping my lips. “I’m so tired of all our conversations being centered around him. I just want to Laugh and talk and get to know these people, that’s all Speaking of which…” I started, but Isabella’s face shifted into a an annoyed expression.

“Nuh–uh,” she cut me off before I could finish, raising a finger in the air, as if to say, “I know exactly where you’re going with this and we shall not be talking about it either.’

I laughed, shaking my head. She always knew me too well. “I guess we’re on the same page,” I admitted, unable to stop myself from grinning

The smile returned to her face and stepped into the room, her presence immediately lightening the atmosphere. She moved toward the mirror where I was finishing up my makeup, watching me for a moment. “You look good. You always do, though,” she said, her voice soft but genuine.

light blue dress that flowed just above my knees, comfortable yet flattering. with a neckline that was modest but still allowed a hint of my collarbone to show. I paired it with soft flats and minimal accessories–just a silver

eat. I’m starving She grabbed my arm and

Chapter 86

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night yet. but the shadows were wrenching scross the estate, and I couldn cihake the feeling that something wrong was about to happen. The secluded ses where the gathering was being held far enough from the main part of the estate that Grayson would likely never

| had

in the r thickened, and for a brief moment I stopped in my tracks. The odd before me was massive, but ner in the way I had expected. It wasn’t jos orgs

of hne their eyes on me as I walked into the open space, and a litle but fell over the

for a moment, the weight of their gazes pressing down on me. Then, from the

driver who had taken me to Isabella’s house that day depped forward. The moment he saw me, his expression sohened, and he straightened his back. With a

his voice

in surprise, unsure of how to react. “Thank you.” I

slightly offering a smile that was small but genuine I am really glad you could make it. Luna” she said, her voice soft

gently and whispered,

I muttered under my breath, trying to keep a smile from creeping onto

both familiar and completely foreign to me. I knew I was the outsider just like I had always left when

the chance to be an actual Luna with everything that comes with it and with how my parents raised me

said, breaking the silence and turning

miss a beat. She grinned widely and waltzed right up to the nearest group of pack members. Don’t mind me I’m just here for the food And I’m definitely here

chuckled and just like that, the ice was broken. Conversations slowly picked up again, laughter aut chatter filling the air. The pack members began to warm up, their initial hesitation dissipating as babella effortles charmed them. She always had that effect

to call with them, I startesi to feel the pressure in my chest ease. It was strange to feel this confortable with them, but the longer we spoke, the more natural it felt. They asked about my life, about how

maybe, just

grandfather appeared He bow slightly. I owe you a great deal

nodded, understanding his meaning “You don’t have to thanke replied quietly, though a small part of me knew I had done what needed to be done “But I will try to make sure he is er

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Tue, Dec

Chapter 86

realized I wasn’t sure I truly believed them. Could I