The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 182

Chapter 182

-Grayson’s POV-

I never understood how someone as beautiful and caring as my other could ever love my father. In plain terms, I didn’t understand how anyone could love my father.

He was a cruel man, through and through, yet I could see it–she loved him deeply. She was his weak spot. Maybe that made the whole thing about fated mates seem more realistic. But despite her love, my father never once let her lead a pack meeting.

Anything that would make him relinquish even an ounce of power, he turned against it. Unfortunately, that was a trait I had picked up from him.

What I just did–giving Ava the authority to address my entire pack–I never in a million years thought I could do. But then again, I had never felt the way I felt about her for anyone else. And I didn’t trust anyone the way I trusted her.

Weirdly enough, not even Liam.

Speaking of which, irritation prickled at the back of my mind when I remembered walking into that hall earlier and not seeing him there. I had been very specific–everyone was to be present, no exceptions unless they weren’t within the city.

. I had let his previous betrayal–going behind my back with Elaine–slide, but he was really starting to push my patience.

I picked up my phone and dialed his number. He answered on the first ring, but I didn’t give him a chance to speak.

“And the reason you weren’t at the meeting is because?”

He sighed. “I got caught up in something, and by the time I was done, it was already too late. So I just decided to go

“And you waited for me to call before deciding to let me know?”

“I was going to call once I finished dealing with another thing.”

“What other thing?”

home.”

Another sigh. “I know the topic is still sore between us, but it has to do with Elaine. There was a minor complication, but she’s fine now.”

I paused, leaning back in my chair and closing my eyes. “What happened?”

He laughed nervously. “It involved a lot of medical jargon I didn’t fully understand, but… she might have a complicated pregnancy. It’s something that can be managed, but she’ll need constant monitoring. Look, I’m sorry about all this, and I’m sorry I didn’t let you know beforehand that I wouldn’t be able to make it.”

His words settled over me like a heavy weight. Elaine was my only family left. I knew I hadn’t always shown her how much I cared–most times, I probably failed miserably–but I did care. If something happened to her… I couldn’t even imagine it.

Elaine had her flaws, flaws I had created in her, but she was still my family.

what that word actually

If she needs top

Chapter 182

going to be fine,” he

inform me. You’re my second in command, and with everything going on, I cannot

“I apologize.”

hand hovering over the button to end the call, when his

be careful with just how much power you’re

line went dead.

irritation simmering beneath the surface. Like Liam saying her name had summoned her, Ava appeared at my

small smile playing on her lips.

but

stepped inside, her gaze steady on me.

my eyes searching hers for any

a moment, a flicker of hesitation crossing her

drifted to my shoulder, and her brows furrowed slightly. “How’s the wound

thought about it at

twitching with amusement. “It’s time to change the

I

she stepped closer. “Do you remember the first day we met? During your… first session that never got completed?”

as she adjusted the box. “I remember”

“And

you

here.” She shot me a pointed look, amusement

in my seat, sliding my chair backward to give

strand of hair from her face as she leaned forward.

the first aid box. After a moment, she looked up at me, her expression soft but curious. “I have

I said, watching her

your first session…” She paused, brushing my hair back from my forehead. “Were you really going to pull your trousers

spread across my face, and I let out a low laugh “No. I just wanted to rattle

Jan

Chapter 182

3

her eyes narrowing slightly.

“Hmm?”

your office right after we started that session? You barely gave me a chance to do anything before you dismissed

After a long pause, I finally spoke. “Because I realized in that moment…

behind my words. I could see her thoughts racing, the flicker of realization dawning on