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?”

be a joke, but she didn’t even crack a smile. That’s when

It was a warning. They said they’d make good on their threat to see the

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Chapter 176

you hear me?”

., 79%f

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 me. You’re still cursed because of me. You can’t find your

“Ava.”

stopped mid–sentence, her eyes brimming with unshed

out a way to break the curse without my mate, but you need to

would be easier if-”

for argument. “I

nodded, though her eyes lingered on the wound on my chest. “It missed your

more ‘ifs,” I let out

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

Pierce walked in like he owned the place. Technically, he did–it was his hospital–but his arrogant demeanor

body going tense. His sharp gaze landed on me, and he tilted his head slightly. “Of course, you’re

he wasn’t pretending to care.

scanning me critically. “How

answered shortly.

by my one–word response. “Any dizziness?

“No.”

there was a faint hint of pride in

me, all traces of warmth gone. “I’m discharging you. I want you out of

that, he turned to leave but paused at the door, glancing over his shoulder. “And stop

room was silent. Then I turned to Ava, leaning backwards. “Have you

surprise, and then she laughed. A real, genuine laugh, “At least he’s honest about hating you,” she said, still chuckling. “He doesn’t bother pretending to want you alive or keeping you here for

smile at that. “Yeah, he’s

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Chapter 176

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

my voice quieter

3

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

she whispered, her

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