The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 94

-Ava’s POV-

The moment Grayson told me about the attack, I texted Isabella. Rickon was the target this time, and from the panic in Isabella’s reply, I knew she was already on her way to his house. That alone told me how bad things were.

Unrelated to the current chaos, I made a mental note: *Play matchmaker.* Isabella and Rickon were practically made for each other–if only they could see it. As confident as Isabella liked to appear, deep down, she was a hopeless romantic who longed for a true mate bond. Maybe it was my duty to nudge fate in the right direction. And fate being Rickon. She hated womanizers so he needed to learn how not to project that that was who he was.

We arrived at Rickon’s mansion, and I had to stifle a groan. Why do all the Alphas get the mansions? Seriously, was it writte into some unspoken rule that power had to come with sprawling estates?

Before I could dwell on the injustice of it all, Grayson took my hand and led me inside. The warmth of his grip made it impossible not to smile, even as I reminded myself that this wasn’t the time for inappropriate grins. This was serious.

As we walked through the grand hall, heads bowed respectfully in Grayson’s direction. He pulled me a little closer, and my stomach fluttered despite the gravity of the situation.

Focus, Ava. Serious situation, remember?

But the smile slipped from my face entirely when we stepped into the living room. Rickon sat on the couch, covered in bruises, arguing with Isabella, who was pressing an ice pack to his arm.

“I told you, I’ll heal on my own!” Rickon groaned, shifting uncomfortably.

“And I told you,” Isabella snapped, her glare sharp enough to make even Rickon flinch, “that until then, this will help with the pain. But if you don’t want my help-” She tossed the ice pack at his leg, making him wince.

“My whole body hurts!” Rickon protested.

“Which is why I told you to use the ice pack in the first place!”

I glanced at Grayson, unsure if we should intervene. “Should we step in?”

Grayson surprised me with his response. “Is that what we look like when we argue?”

I laughed, unable to help myself. “No, that’s what I look like. Rickon seems to enjoy the banter. You, on the other hand, always look like you’re five seconds away from committing murder.”

Grayson’s lip twitched, almost as if he wanted to smile. I nudged his hand playfully. “Don’t worry, I’ve decided to put up with it.”

Without waiting for a response, I moved toward Rickon and Isabella. “Rickon, I’m really glad you’re okay” Then I turned to Isabella, grinning. “And there she is my favorite best friend who somehow magically reappeared here first.”

Isabella glared at me, narrowing her eyes.

“Now you see how annoying you are when you

do that.”

She opened her mouth to argue, but Grayson stepped forward, cutting her off. “Why did you call me here?”

Okay, clearly someone needed a lesson in compassion. I sighed. What Grayson meant to say was that he’s glad you survived the attack, and now he would like to know why you asked him to come. Right, Grayson?”

Grayson

shot me a glare, his default reaction whenever I spoke for him, but then his expression softened. He sighed. “Yes.”

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Wed, Dec 18

Chapter 94

Q

like hell right now, but this is so for the day I finally made Grayson Blackwood

Grayson warned, his

but pushed himself to his

follow, but Rickon turned, fixing us both with a stern look. “I was talking to Grays You two stay here. Especially you,” he

but Grayson’s voice cut through

hall. “What do you think you’re doing?” Isabella asked,

me.

stay here,” I replied, though even I could

the queen of doing as you are told and trying to change these

“But-”

snapped, already moving toward

groaned but sprang to my feet.

mansion was even larger than I’d realized. “This place is huge,”

“Of course it is. Alphas and their oversized egos

was just attacked, and you still rushed here.

glared at me, her cheeks

approached a door left slightly ajar. Rickon’s

you sure about this?” he was

arm, motioning for me to stop. We pressed ourselves

time. Two killed themselves before we could question them. The third… bit out his own

arm tightened, and I could feel the same dread

so afraid of?” Rickon continued, his voice heavy. “What’s this person offering–or threatening–that makes

to Isabella, “Maybe

voice rose. “You two

throat as Isabella and I exchanged wide–eyed looks.

my eyes flicked to Isabella. She was frozen, her lips parted in a silent curse. Before I could scramble for an excuse or a clever retort, the door swung

09:20 Wed, Dec 18

Chapter 94

staring down at us.

G

of irritation and mild exasperation. Rickon, on the other

across his chest. “This is what you two decided

brushing imaginary dust from my jeans in an effort to appear composed. “We weren’t sneaking,” said quickly, though even I could hear how unconvincing

Isabella, who still hadn’t moved from her crouched position. “Then what exactly were you

stood, her chin tilted defiantly. “We were… looking

his mouth to reply, but Grayson cut him off, his voice low and commanding. “Enough.” His eyes locked or mine, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe. “You shouldn’t be

hard. “We

We are leaving soon,” Grayson said, his tone

turn away, something caught my eye. A glimmer of movement beyond the two men, behind the

I froze.

and Grayson’s glares, but because of

Blood.

So much blood.