The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 176

Chapter 176

-Grayson’s POV-

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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?”

even crack a smile. That’s when

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

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Chapter 176

hear me?”

.,

If

trembled 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

“Ava.”

stopped mid–sentence, her eyes brimming with

for the choices I make,” I said firmly. “I chose this. I’ll figure out a way to break the curse without my mate, but you need to understand that

would be easier if-”

argument. “I don’t want to hear another

argue, but she finally nodded, though her eyes lingered on the wound on my chest. “It missed your heart by a fraction.

more ‘ifs,” I let out

her lips. “I’m not supposed to get on the bed. My

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

gaze landed on me, and he tilted his head slightly. “Of course, you’re alive,”

wasn’t pretending to care.

stepped closer, his eyes scanning me critically. “How do

answered

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

“No.”

of pride in his voice as he said,

to me, all traces of warmth gone. “I’m

turned to leave but paused at the door, glancing over his shoulder. “And stop dragging my daughter into your shenanigans,”

leaning backwards. “Have you ever considered the

least he’s honest about hating you,” she said, still chuckling. “He doesn’t bother pretending to want you

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

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Chapter 176

faded, and she looked at me, her expression softening. “I’m really glad

held her gaze, my voice quieter now. “Come

3

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 the dull ache

sorry,” she whispered,

on top of her head, holding her tighter. “You