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,

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

“Why are you asking me that?

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

you call me?”

got word that your insolent friend is telling people you’re hosting the Pierce Ball this year at that

1/3

Jan 7

Chapter 130

to stay in.”

through my hair, frustration mounting. With everything going on–Grayson missing, the curse weighing over me–this felt

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

0

really have become something else.” There was a hint of something in her tone–was it awe? I couldn’t tell, and

ending the

to say I won’t just throw the ball myself?”

sigh. “Then go ahead. We’ll see whose event they attend.” With that, I ended the

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

opened behind me, and Liam ste

“Can you come back

made a point to avoid looking

area where Grayson’s plane went down. Rescue teams are being sent to search the location,” he said, his gaze flicking to me. “I’m confident

the crash?” Monica asked

The unison startled me, and I glanced at her, catching the flicker of conviction in her eyes before she rolled them

He leaned down to place a kiss on Elaine’s forehead, and I

longer. Without another word, I turned on

Worry gnawed at the edges of my mind, but somewhere deep in my bones, 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 of everything

in the hallway, trying to steady my thoughts. I could still feel the tension from the office, like a storm brewing inside me. My head was pounding, but I refused to let anyone see

door opening snapped me out of my thoughts. Elaine and Monica stepped