The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 167

Chapter 167

-Ava’s POV-

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“This is an extremely bad idea,” I muttered under my breath, my heels clicking nervously against the polished floor. Yet, I followed Grayson without hesitation.

I wasn’t sure what had gotten into him–or me, for that matter. few minutes ago, we were sitting at the restaurant, and now, here I was, being practically dragged out before our food had even arrived.

It all started the moment he said, “Number eighteen.”

His voice had been calm, but the way he said it sent a shiver down my spine. He hadn’t explained anything–just stood up, reached into his pocket to pull out what had to be an obscene amount of cash, and dropped it onto the table without so much as glancing at it.

“Grayson, what are you doing?” I had asked, my voice high–pitched with confusion as he grabbed my hand and started leading me out of the restaurant.

He didn’t answer.

“Seriously, where are we going? I’m starving, by the way. I haven’t eaten yet!”

Still, no response. He was laser–focused, his grip firm but not painful as he guided me through the restaurant’s exit and out into the cool afternoon air.

I knew what number eighteen was. Of course, I did. I had written the damn list. But the fact that he was already moving to fulfill it–so suddenly, so decisively–had my head spinning. How could he possibly have anything prepared for this? It had been less than ten minutes since I handed him the list.

The dark fantasy I had written down wasn’t exactly something you could execute on a whim. It was detailed, specific, something I’d only dared to scribble onto paper after a glass of wine and a lot of coaxing from Isabella. Even as I wrote it, I never thought it would actually happen.

Now, as Grayson practically shoved me in his car, I felt a nervous anticipation settling in my

chest.

“Grayson,” I tried again, tugging at his hand to slow him down. “Can you at least tell me where we’re going?”

He glanced at me briefly, his lips twitching into a small, knowing smile before he turned his attention forward again to the road.

“No,” he said simply.

my voice incredulous. “That’s all you’ve got? No?”

he said, his tone

“This is ridiculous. I haven’t even eaten. You can’t just drag me out of a restaurant

answers.”

can,” he

glared at the back of his profile which was infuriatingly perfect and the butterflies in my stomach betrayed me. I hated how effortlessly he could get under my skin–and how much I liked it when he

Fri, Jan 24

Chapter 167

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toward a quieter part of the city. The bustling sounds of the main streets faded

growing with

my voice softer this time. “Seriously, what’s going

my sentence. I nearly stumbled into

here,” he said, his voice low as he turned the

in front of us. It was sleek and modern, with dark glass windows that reflected the dim light of the streetlamps. There was no sign or indication of what was inside, but Grayson didn’t hesitate. He pushed

exterior–minimalist and dimly lit, with a polished black–and–gold aesthetic. A receptionist sat behind a curved desk, her expression neutral but professional as she

Blackwood,” she nodded, her tone polite. “Everything is ready.”

Grayson replied

blinked. Everything is

did he have to get everything

still firmly holding mine. The further we went, the quieter it became, until the only sounds were the soft hum of

was racing now.

in front of a door and turned to face

I don’t understand,”

he smiled slightly, his eyes holding mine for a moment before he

dark wood paneling and deep red accents. Soft, ambient lighting cast a warm glow over the space, creating an atmosphere that

intricately designed chaise lounge draped with silk sheets, surrounded by an array of items that immediately made my stomach flip.

A

as I took it

my voice shaky. “How

stepped closer to me, his expression calm but intense. “Does it

This is-” I gestured wildly at the room, my heart pounding so hard I

is number eighteen,” he said, his voice low and steady.

cheeks heating up as his words