The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 120

-Grayson’s POV-

I tapped my fingers rhythmically on my desk, silently counting the seconds in my head, fighting the growing irritation clawing its way to the surface. For the past eight minutes, a relentless sniffing noise had punctuated the silence every three seconds. I had tried–really tried–to keep my composure. The mantra I had been repeating in my head–Be patient, she’s Ava’s friend–was wearing thin. Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore.

“Stop crying, Eliza.” I let the irritation seep into my tone.

She sniffed one last time, raising her tear–streaked face to meet my eyes before glancing back at her trembling hands. Letting out a resigned sigh, I softened my voice slightly. “Look, I’m not mad at you, and I’m not going to fire you. But you need to meet me halfway here. Your boyfriend used you to get information about me, and the man who paid him refuses to talk.”

My wolf growled low in my mind, already imagining what it would do to that man. I pushed the thought aside for now. There were more pressing matters.

“I need to know what Jeremy told that man so I can figure out what I’m dealing with here. That’s it, Eliza. No threats, no harm–just–answers.”

That had been my plan when I called her into my office, but the moment she sat down, she broke into tears. Normally, I wouldn’t have had the patience for this kind of behavior. I could have pulled every resource I had to track Jeremy down or resorted to making threats, but I wanted to be better for Ava. Ava wouldn’t approve of either method, and I didn’t want to do anything that would disappoint her.

“You promise you won’t hurt him?” Eliza’s voice wavered as she finally spoke.

“I just want to talk to him,” I

assured her, keeping my tone even

She hesitated, her gaze dropping to her trembling hands once more before she nodded. “He’s hiding out at his grandparents‘ farm. He’s really scared. He didn’t mean for this to happen, Mr. Blackwood. Please… he only took the money to help his mom.”

Helping his mother. Unfortunately, I understood that sentiment better than most people. For a moment, I considered her words. My wolf growled softly, dissatisfied but silent.

“You can take the rest of the day off,” I said finally, standing and grabbing my keys.

She looked up, startled. “Thank you, Mr. Blackwood.”

and was about to step into the elevator when Liam called my name from down the

face. turned to face him, noting the forced smile

seen you in forever,” he said, his tone attempting casualness but

been intentionally avoiding me ever since you pieced together

know… and I’m

Do you need something? I interrupted, unwilling to linger on this

up a document. “This needs your signature, but I’ll

I said

1/3

ed, Jan 1

10:37

Chapter 120-

felt… something. I didn’t know what I expected from Liam. He had been my constant over the years, and though I never asked or hoped for

I shoved the thought aside. Getting into my car, I drove straight to my estate, where I had arranged for the man who I still didn’t know his name and I still hadn’t found anything about his background to be brought. As I

my chest as I stared at the intruder standing casually in front of my mansion. His insufferable grin spread wider, the kind that had

Highness,” he replied, his tone laced with mock politeness. “It’s nice to see you as well.

brow. “I am, and will never be, in the mood for your theatrics. What do

arms, he leaned casually against the doorframe. The grin faltered for a brief moment before reappearing, even more infuriating than before. “As always, I’m just here to help. You do remember I’m responsible for catching the man, don’t you? A little gratitude wouldn’t

was dry as I replied, “And you have my utmost gratitude. Truly. Now, please use the same gate you came in through

tracks. It lacked its usual smugness, almost serious.

fixing him with a cold stare. “Really? This wouldn’t have anything to do with you wanting to play the helpful Alpha to win Isabella over, would it? And don’t think I don’t know about your little stunt in your office. Setting me and Dylan up to clash, making sure Isabella arrived

smirked, his face a mask of infuriating confidence. “No, I didn’t want the alliance. And I

might have made him pay for manipulating me. But as irritating as he was, I had to admit he was

I can get,” he replied

wait for him to follow as I strode down the hall toward the eastern wing of the house. It was a part of the estate reserved for delicate situations like this, far from prying eyes. Rickon trailed behind me, his presence a constant irritation I had to tolerate

at the door, bowing his head slightly. The flicker of fear in his eyes didn’t escape me, and I couldn’t entirely blame him. His role in Ava’s reckless little mission had not gone unnoticed. “He still hasn’t said anything, Your Highness,” Ivan reported,