The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 176

Chapter 176

-Grayson’s POV-

+13

I was fifteen the first time my father hit me. It started as outbursts of his madness, a fury that seemed to have no direction other than me. At first, it shocked me, then it hurt, and finally, I learned to endure it. In time, my body adjusted to the pain, and I’d hardened myself to it.

That was three years before I got my wolf.

Now, without my wolf, that old, bitter familiarity with pain was the only thing keeping me grounded. The burning ache in my chest was excruciating, but I’d felt worse–or at least, I told myself I had.

When I blinked, the bright fluorescent light pierced my vision, making me wince. The antiseptic smell hit me next, sharp and clinical, and I knew exactly where I was. A hospital..

The memories surged forward all at once: the text, the shouting. Ava’s panicked voice calling my name, and the sharp explosion of pain in my chest. My hands twitched involuntarily, a grim reminder of the helplessness I’d felt in those

moments.

I turned my head, and the first thing I saw was a curtain of dark hair resting beside me. Relief flooded me instantly. Ava. She was okay!

“Ava.” My voice came out rough, barely audible, but it was enough to wake her.

Her head shot up, and her wide, tear–filled eyes locked onto mine. “Oh, my goddess, Grayson!” she cried, throwing herself forward in a hug. The sudden pressure made me wince, and she pulled back just as quickly. “I’m so sorry!”

I managed a weak nod, glancing around. “I need water.”

“Of course,” she said quickly, standing up and moving to the corner of the room. She poured water into a cup with shaky hands and brought it to me. I took it gratefully, the cool liquid sliding down my throat like salvation.

“What hospital is this?” I asked after a moment.

Her hesitation was subtle but noticeable. “It’s… my father’s hospital,” she admitted softly. “Grayson, I know you’re going to be

but I didn’t know what else to do. He was the only one I could trust to help you in time.” angry,

Luther Pierce saved my life. That was a sentence I never wanted to think about, but she wasn’t wrong. As much as I hated the man, I knew his reputation. I had learnt from Alaric that the Pierces were blessed by the Moon Goddess herself; if anyone could pull off a miracle, it was him.

I pushed myself into a sitting position, ignoring the dull throb in my chest. Ava rushed to steady me, her hands hovering. “Grayson, you shouldn’t sit up yet. Lie back down.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Are you playing doctor now?”

she didn’t even crack a smile. That’s when I saw it–the guilt written all over her face. She thought this was her fault.

spiraling thoughts. “Ava,” I said firmly, “whoever is behind the killings of Aphas sent and sent that message to my estate sent me a message just before the shooting started. It was a warning. They said they’d make good on their threat to see the king fall.” I paused, meeting her gaze. “It wouldn’t

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Chapter 176

hear me?”

04 ., 79%f

If

as she whispered, “It’s not just that, Grayson. you had your wolf, you would’ve healed by now. And the reason you don’t is because of me. You’re still cursed because of me. You can’t

“Ava.”

her eyes brimming with unshed tears.

I make,” I said firmly. “I chose this. I’ll figure out a way

be easier

left no room for argument. “I don’t want to hear another

she wanted to argue, but she finally nodded, though her eyes lingered on the

‘ifs,” I let out a

at her lips. “I’m not supposed to get on

again, about to respond, when the door opened, and Luther Pierce walked in like he owned the place. Technically, he did–it was his hospital–but his arrogant demeanor still rubbed me the wrong way.

straightened immediately, her body going tense. His sharp gaze landed on me, and he tilted his head slightly. “Of course,

he wasn’t pretending to

me

answered

his eyes, clearly irritated by my one–word response. “Any dizziness? Difficulty

“No.”

faint hint of pride in his voice as he said,

of warmth gone.

glancing over his shoulder. “And stop dragging my daughter into

turned to Ava, leaning backwards. “Have you ever considered the possibility

she said, still chuckling. “He doesn’t bother pretending to want you alive or keeping

but smile at that. “Yeah, he’s not exactly

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Chapter 176

laughter faded, and she looked at me, her expression softening. “I’m really glad you’re okay Grayson.”

voice quieter now. “Come here.”

3

she didn’t argue. She moved closer, and I shifted to make room for her. She climbed onto the bed carefully, mindful of my wound, but I didn’t care. I pulled her closer, ignoring

she whispered, her voice trembling.

top of her head, holding her tighter.