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.”

was about to step into the elevator when Liam called my name from down the hall. I

face him, noting the forced

seen you in forever,” he said, his tone

been intentionally avoiding me ever since you pieced together that killed my parents,” I said matter–of–factly.

faltered, replaced by a sigh. “I know… and I’m sorry. It’s

have somewhere I need to be, Liam. Do you need something? I

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

said

1/3

ed, Jan 1

10:37

Chapter 120-

a fleeting moment, I 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 anything from him, his sudden absence after learning about that night stung in a way I couldn’t quite describe. If I were better at processing emotions, maybe I’d call it hurt. But I

had arranged for the man who I still didn’t know his name and I still hadn’t

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

too, Your Highness,” he replied, his tone laced with mock politeness. “It’s nice

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

casually against the doorframe. The grin faltered for a brief moment before reappearing, even

utmost gratitude. Truly. Now, please

away, but his voice stopped me in my tracks. It lacked its usual smugness, almost serious. “You know,

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

confidence. “No, I

for manipulating me. But as irritating as he was, I had to admit he was proving useful. “Fine,” I said, my voice clipped. “You can stay. But keep your mouth

get,” he replied with a

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

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