The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 123

Ava’s POV

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My phone vibrated in my pocket as I made my way through the endless corridors of Grayson’s mansion. Pulling it out, I smiled when I saw the message. It was from Grayson. True to his word, he was trying–really trying. The text was long, and I could picture the focused look on his face as he typed it, detailing exactly where he was, what he’d be doing, and letting me know he might not make it back home tonight.

Home.

he word tugged at my heart, spreading a warmth I wasn’t quite ready to address. I loved him–my heart knew it, but my ind wavered. Should I tell him? Did he feel the same way? The thoughts spiraled until I stepped into the grand hall and froze

Isabella stood in the center of the room, commanding attention. Surrounding her were over twenty omegas, their postures stiff as they hung onto her every word.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we are going to war,” she announced, her voice ringing with authority.

I blinked, her words pulling me out of my thoughts. War? What war?

“Bels,” I called out, quickly shoving my phone back into my pocket and making my way toward her and the omegas bowed their heads as I passed. I smiled at them, but my focus was on Isabella. Grabbing her arm, I pulled her aside, lowering my voice even though I knew the omegas could still hear me with their heightened senses.

“What are you doing?” I asked, exasperation evident in my tone.

She narrowed her eyes at me. “Better question: what are you doing? You just wasted three minutes of my time, and I have less than 72 hours to plan a birthday party!” Before I could respond, she flicked my forehead. “Behave yourself.”

I stared at her, dumbfounded. Birthday party?

“You were taking too long so I decided for you,” She huffed, glancing back at the omegas, who were trying their best to look elsewhere. Isabella, however, was undeterred. “As I was saying,” she began, addressing the group again, “we are going to war.”

て Bels,” I interrupted, rubbing my forehead. “I already told you I don’t want to celebrate my birthday.” Then, mimicking her, I flicked her forehead. “And stop doing that.”

Turning to the omegas, I softened my tone. “You all can go back to your duties. I apologize for my best friend pulling you away from them.”

There was a brief shuffle of feet before Brianna stepped forward. “Actually, Luna, it was our idea to help. We overheard that your birthday was coming up, and we’d be honored to assist in the arrangements.”

“See?” Isabella grinned triumphantly. “You’re the only one against this. Are you really going to be a downer?”

I sighed, realizing I’d already lost. If Isabella wanted something, she got it–and now she had the omegas on her side. “Fine,” I relented, rolling my eyes. “But I need to take a shower and change first.”

was just about to say that.” Isabella wrinkled her nose playfully. “You smell

head. Despite my irritation,

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Chapter 123

grinned. “You know you love me. Now, hurry back!” She clapped her hands, turning

to war,” I laughed as I walked away, her

approaching from the opposite side

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manipulative stunt–faking trying to kill herself to get us to return, only to threaten me once Grayson was out of earshot–I’d

to sidestep her, but she blocked my path. “Are you

my voice calm. “Doesn’t it get tiring? Being like this when you don’t really want

her irritation evident. “And how exactly do I want to be, Ava?” she spat, emphasizing my name like it was

you should work toward that instead of making everyone else miserable

she grabbed my arm, her claws digging into my skin. Pain shot through me as my wolf growled in anger. Without thinking, I shoved her back, and she slammed into the wall with a force that surprised even

shock flickering

“Why, you little-”

put up with you for long enough, but no more. I sympathize with you losing your parents must have been hard, and I understand that Grayson played a role in that pain. But people go to therapy. They work through their issues. They don’t become vile and bitter, tearing others down for their own satisfaction. “And whatever alliance you think you’ve formed with Monica and Crystal? I don’t care. I’m done playing nice. You push me, I’ll push back–twice

at me like she was

turned to leave. Pausing at the end of the hallway, I glanced back at her. “And one more thing–from now on, it’s

feeling triumphant for the first time in

adrenaline fading. Then, a familiar tingle spread through my head as my wolf’s voice echoed in my

That’s how you show them you’re

wall, shutting me out. I shook my head, a wry smile tugging at my lips. If there was an award for cryptic and snobbish, my

Love.

I quickly pushed

the grand hall. The moment I stepped inside, I froze again–but

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Chapter 123

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short time I’d been gone, Isabella had orchestrated a transformation. The once–bare hall now buzzed with life. Tables were being arranged, decorations were being hung, and the omegas moved

in the corner, barking commands like a general, her hands gesturing wildly as she directed

but smile. Isabella might have a flair for the dramatic, but her energy