The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 171

Chapter 171

-Grayson’s POV-.

‘Lie

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The voice in my head was quiet but insistent, and so I did. Not because it was noble or just, but because the truth would do more harm than good. I couldn’t tell Ava about the sister she never knew she had, the one taken at birth. I couldn’t tell her that that sister was my fated mate–the key to breaking the curse because I knew her too well.

Ava would never let it go. She’d dig, question, and fight until the truth unraveled everything we had. I lied to protect her, to protect what we’d built. And yet, despite her belief in my words, she had gone completely silent the moment we got into the

car.

“Are you okay?” I asked, breaking the thick silence.

She jumped slightly at the sound of my voice, turning her head from the window she had been staring out of. Shifting uncomfortably in her seat, she replied, “Yeah, sorry. I was just thinking about what you told me. So, my ancestors really turned away your ancestor, the one who started the curse?”

If my wolf were present, I knew he’d growl in disapproval at the lie I had told her–and.the further twisting of it now. But I couldn’t help it. I really didn’t like her family so any chance to paint them as bad, I would take it, and their absurd way of “helping” had led to even greater tragedy.

“I guess there were a lot of Luthers and Evelyn Pierces back then I said, attempting a lighthearted joke.

She sighed instead, her expression darkening. “So my family was awful even back then. Sometimes I wish…” Her voice trailed off, and she hesitated. “Sometimes I wish I’d been born into a completely different life.”

I didn’t know how to respond. Sixteen years ago, I had made that same wish countless times–to be free of the burdens of the throne, and the unrelenting expectations. So I didn’t respond with words. Instead, I reached over, threading my fingers through hers and holding her hand as I kept my eyes on the road.

It was Saturday, which meant we only had today and tomorrow before she had to return to work, and I had to immerse myself in meetings that would undoubtedly drive me mad. The thought of losing this quiet time with her, however heavy it felt now, pushed me to steer the conversation in a different direction.

“What do you want to do today?” I asked.

but Isabella had to ruin that. And now I’m starving because I never got to eat lunch yesterday. Oh, and I’m pretty sure you helped my body burn off

said, “then we’ll get food. What do you feel like eating?”

everything” she declared. “I could eat for two people right

have meant anything–they were just a figure of speech–but something about

assured me quickly. “I’m not pregnant. I’ve been taking pills to make

my chest, guilt creeping in. We hadn’t revisited the conversation about children since I

Sun, Jan zo

Chapter 171

now, as I thought about it

she glanced out the

see a crowd of people streaming into what looked like a carnival. Bright lights and colorful tents dotted the area, music and laughter filtering faintly through the

and her body practically buzzing with excitement. “No,” I said firmly, anticipating her

a pout that she knew was my weakness. “My parents never let me go to carnivals as a child plus there will be food in there,” she murmured, her tone dripping with

said, but my grip on the wheel relaxed, and I turned the car toward the entrance. The grin she shot me was worth every bit

carnival enveloped us. The scent of fried food mingled with the sweet

all in, her excitement palpable. She grabbed

teased as she stopped to stare at a row of oversized

am,” she said, her gaze fixated on a giant white wolf plush. “But

a small chuckle escaping me. “Do you want it?”

the booth. The game was a simple ring toss, but the odds were clearly stacked against

the rings with a knowing smirk, clearly expecting me to fail. But after a few well–aimed throws, the smirk vanished, replaced by a look of surprise as

your prize,” he said

I grabbed the white wolf plush and handed it to her. She hugged it to her

she grabbed my hand and dragged me towards the food stand, I found myself just following her because if I didn’t want too, she wouldn’t

she pointed at the steaming array of food on display. “I want that one,” she said with a grin, tapping

face contorting in unconcealed disgust. I’m not eating anything from here,” I

hands on her hips. “What do you mean you’re

tone calm but firm. “Ava, I don’t eat street food. It’s unhygienic. Who knows how long that