The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 128

-Ava’s POV-

“Damn you, Grayson Blackwood!” I hissed through clenched teeth, barely restraining myself from hurling my phone across his office. The audacity. How could he lie to me? Again. I should’ve expected it, but somehow I let myself believe we were finally making progress.

“He still isn’t taking your calls?”

I turned sharply to find Eliza watching me, concern etched across her face. Her uneasiness only made my frustration grow. “No,” I snapped, then fixed her with a hard look. “Are you absolutely sure you don’t know where he is? Eliza, we’re friends. I know Grayson can be terrifying, but you can tell me.”

She sighed, shaking her head. “I really don’t know, Ava. I swear. He called me two days ago, told me to cancel all his meetings, and said he’d be unavailable for a while. That’s all I know.”

I blinked, surprised. “Two days?” My voice rose. “You haven’t seen him in two days?”

Her nod was confirmation enough. The pieces clicked together, and anger flared inside me. He had been lying to me for two whole days. My fists clenched, and I swore under my breath. When I saw him, the Moon Goddess herself wouldn’t stop me from throttling him.

“Okay. Thanks,” I muttered, trying to suppress the frustration bubbling over. A tense silence lingered between us before I added softly, “I’m sorry I haven’t been there for you with the whole Jeremy thing. I just…” I trailed off, guilt tightening my throat.

She offered me a small, understanding smile. “It’s fine, Ava. I get it.”

I managed a weak smile back. “So…. have you sorted things out with him? Are you still…”

She sighed deeply, sinking into the chair opposite Grayson’s desk. “I don’t know. He spied on me, Ava. Used me to get information. But…” Her voice softened. “I love him. He said he wanted to marry me. And now? I just—”

“You don’t know if you can trust him the same way again,” I finished for her, sliding onto the desk inches from her.

She nodded slowly. “Exactly.”

I paused, thinking. “You know,” I started, “when I really think about it, this is all kind of my fault.”

Her head snapped up, and she frowned. “What? How is any of this your fault?”

“My mother.” The words came out bitter, the name alone tasting like venom. “Evelyn Pierce. She’s the one who sent someone after Jeremy to use you. She wanted information, and she would’ve stopped at nothing to get it–all because of me. If I’d just stayed obedient little Ava, none of this would’ve happened. But ever since my life collided with Grayson’s, it’s been chaos. Drama. A constant whirlwind of problems.”

I stopped and smiled faintly. “But honestly? I wouldn’t change a thing. Life isn’t supposed to be easy, Eliza. If you love someone, really love them, you learn to forgive and let go. The road won’t always be straight, but it’s worth walking.”

She raised a brow. “So, are you going to forgive Grayson for lying to you?”

I burst out laughing as I hopped off the desk. “Oh, not a chance. He’s going to pay for this. Call me if you hear anything?”

She nodded with a small laugh, and I turned to leave but paused as something came to mind. “Oh! My birthday is on the 15th. It’s going to be more of a ball than a party. Werewolf style, of course. And my mother will be there.” My smile turned mischievous. “Maybe you can tell her what you think of her.”

1/4

Tue, Jan

Chapter 128

ᄋ

3

65%

I think I’ll steer clear of

to be.”

I have to go track Grayson down before I lose my

with that.”

went straight to voicemail. My wolf stirred uneasily, sending waves of worry through me, but I pushed it away. Then Rickon’s name suddenly popped up. Grayson might not admit that he actually liked

too. That was odd. A twinge of worry crept

life–or–death situation, I’m hanging up. You’ve given me a job that rivals Mission Impossible, and I only have three days to

you heard

I have heard from him?” she

said firmly, “this is serious. Have

haven’t. He hasn’t texted me his usual ‘Here’s what I’ve been doing all day‘ nonsense. I should’ve known than to actually start

two of them, yet again. “Try calling him. I think he’s with Grayson, and I can’t find either

going straight to voicemail,” she

definitely

back to the estate, and we’ll

respond, the call disconnected.

estate, but out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Liam

Liam. Of course.

on their own, and I was sprinting after him. “Liam!

time to stop the elevator doors from closing. I stumbled inside, bent

eyes studied me with a mix of amusement and

“Grayson. I need to find Grayson. Do you know where

seriously needed to start

raised a brow but said calmly, “Let’s

office.”

still catching my breath, and muttered a faint

his long strides carrying him confidently

2/4

Jan 7

Chapter 128

<3

65%

with every step. He led me to a corner office with polished oak

gesturing for me

one open

my wolf stirred. The faintest hint of a familiar scent tickled my nose, maddeningly unplaceable. My focus was immediately broken when Liam

his tone firm yet calm.

elusive and

as I’d expected–floor- to–ceiling windows bathed the space in natural light, casting a glow over the sleek mahogany desk and shelves lined with leather–bound books. On the walls hung tasteful abstract paintings, and

slung casually around Elaine’s shoulders while Liam ruffled her hair, eliciting a dramatic pout from her. Grayson, though- his gray eyes were alight with joy, a broad,