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.

out. “You

I hadn’t planned to ask her of all people, but there it was, hanging awkwardly in the air between

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

course, Evelyn couldn’t even pretend to be a mother for five seconds. Anger bubbled up inside me, and I snapped,

you call me?”

that your insolent friend is telling people you’re hosting the

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Tue, Jan

Chapter 130

chosen to stay in.”

ran a hand through my hair, frustration mounting. With everything going on–Grayson missing, the curse weighing over me–this felt so irrelevant. But because Evelyn had brought it up, I wasn’t about to let it slide.

Mother, my best friend’s name is Isabella. And yes, we’ll be hosting the ball at Grayson’s estate. You wanted me to attend, and I

0

moved to end the call, but her voice stopped me. “You really have become something else.” There was a hint

the

say I won’t just

whose event they attend.” With that, I ended the call and slipped

stood there in the quiet hallway, unwilling to return to the office. Elaine’s words echoed in my mind, her accusations striking deeper

me, and

“Can you come back

nodded, following him back in. I made a point to avoid looking at Elaine and Monica as Liam spoke.

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

to say he survived the crash?” Monica asked

said at the same time. The unison startled me, and I glanced at her, catching

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

another word,

was pounding, my thoughts spinning. Worry gnawed at the edges of my mind, but somewhere deep in my bones, I knew Grayson was alive. Somehow I could feel it. I just didn’t know how

I needed to get back to Isabella and make sure the ball preparations were moving along. If nothing else, it would give me

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

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