The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 130

-Ava’s POV

Why did the universe hate me?

It was a serious, valid question because there was no other reason why all of this would be happening again. And now, as I sat tapping my legs anxiously, I was struck by an unsettling sense of déjà vu. Once again, Grayson was missing. This time, it wasn’t a car crash. It was worse- -a freaking plane crash.

Liam was on the phone, pacing back and forth as he made calls, trying to piece together what had happened. In the corner of the office, Elaine sat stiffly, glaring at me as though all of this was somehow my fault.

But at least Monica wasn’t here.

But, as if the universe had read my thoughts and decided to spite me, the door opened. Monica stepped in, her presence like a storm cloud darkening an already dismal room. It took every ounce of willpower not to groan in frustration.

Her sharp eyes flickered over to me briefly before settling on Elaine. “Any news yet?”

Elaine, without breaking her glare at me, replied, “I don’t know. Maybe you should ask Ava.”

I blinked, incredulous. “Ask me? Why? What have I done wrong now?”

Elaine leaned forward slightly, her tone icy. “The better question is, what have you not done wrong? Ever since you came into Grayson’s life, it’s been nothing but drama, chaos, and endless problems. Sure, he was the epitome of cruel before, but I’d take that version of him any day over this–over all of this. This is the second time he’s gone missing, and I’m sure the only reason he was on that flight to Italy was to deal with something related to you. In case no one has told you yet or you’re too blind to see it, you are the problem, Ava.”

Her words hit like a slap. I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came out. A part of me wanted to fight back, but another part knew she wasn’t entirely wrong.

Grayson’s life before me had been clear–cut, no matter how ruthless it was. He’d been the all–powerful, untouchable Alpha King. But ever since fate had thrown us together, chaos seemed to follow. From the endless drama with my father, to Dylan, to my mother, to me trying to uncover secrets of his past–it all traced back to me.

“Don’t listen to her. This isn’t your fault,” my wolf’s voice echoed softly in my mind. But I didn’t believe her.

I let out a shaky breath as my phone vibrated in my pocket. Grateful for the distraction, I glanced down to see my mother’s name flashing on the screen. Normally, I would’ve ignored her, but I needed an excuse to escape the suffocating tension in

the room.

Without a word to Elaine or Monica, I pushed myself up and walked out of the office, brushing past Liam on my way. Once I was outside, I swiped to answer the call.

voice rang out. “You are really pushing it, Ava. Really, really pushing

people?” The question slipped out before I could stop it. I hadn’t planned to ask her of all people, but there it was, hanging awkwardly in the air between

pause on the other end, then her voice came back, colder than before. “Why are you asking me that? And why

Evelyn couldn’t even pretend to be a mother for five seconds. Anger bubbled up

you call me?”

people you’re hosting the Pierce Ball this year

1/3

Jan

Chapter 130

to

weighing over me–this felt so irrelevant. But because

attend, and I will. You never said I couldn’t choose the venue. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have more

0

voice stopped me. “You really have become something else.” There was a hint of something in her tone–was it awe? I couldn’t tell, and I didn’t care.

the

just throw the

event they attend.” With that, I ended the call and slipped my phone back into my pocket.

stood there in the quiet hallway, unwilling to return to the office. Elaine’s

opened behind me, and

“Can you come back

but nodded, following him back in. I made a point to avoid looking at Elaine and

went down. Rescue teams are being sent to search

survived the crash?” Monica asked

glanced at her, catching the

to place a kiss on Elaine’s forehead, and I watched her soften in a way

room a second longer. Without another word, I turned on my heels and walked out.

pounding, my thoughts spinning. Worry gnawed at the edges of my mind, but somewhere deep in my bones, I knew Grayson was alive.

on what I could control. I needed to get back to Isabella and make sure the ball preparations were moving along. If nothing else, it would give me something to do Something to distract me from the weight

tension from the office, like a storm brewing inside me. My head was pounding, but I refused to let anyone see just how shaken I

door opening snapped me out of my thoughts. Elaine and Monica stepped out together, their eyes locking onto