The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 281 Chapter 281

-Ava's POV

"Can you check again? I just want to make sure that everything is alright."

Dr. Monroe, the gynecologist I had practically moved in with at my parents' hospital ever since we got back-or rather, survived all that chaos-shot me an exasperated look over the rim of her glasses.

"I have told you, Ava," She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose as if summoning the patience of the gods. "Just like I told you yesterday. And the day before that. And the day before that. And what I will probably still have to tell you tomorrow- the babies are fine."

I pursed my lips, "Are you sure? Because-"

Her eyes narrowed. A warning.

I clamped my mouth shut and pushed myself to sit up, sighing dramatically, "Fine. Okay. But are you absolutely sure you don't-"

"You finish that sentence, and I'm kicking you out of here."

"Well, that's just unprofessional," I huffed, sliding off the examination table.

She shook her head, muttering something under her breath that I was sure was not flattering.

Then her voice softened, "I haven't had the chance to tell you how sorry I am about your father. I can't imagine how hard it must be."

Just like that, the teasing was gone. The weight slammed back into my chest, sudden and suffocating. I turned to her and forced a smile, but I couldn't bring myself to say anything.

Her expression flickered with understanding, "I shouldn't have brought it up. I'm sorry."

"No, it's fine. Really." The words felt hollow, mechanical. I busied myself adjusting my dress, gathering my things, anything

to escape

this moment.

She hesitated, then asked, "Do you have any idea when Dr. Pierce will be returning?"

"Not anytime soon," I replied, "Is there something going on at the hospital?"

She gave me a small, sad smile, No. Everything is fine. It's just that... as scary as they both were, things are just really different without them."

Yes. That was the exact way to put it.

Different.

Too different.

And I hated how much it still hurt.

"I know," I murmured, walking to the door.

As I pulled it open, her voice followed me, "I guess I'll see you again tomorrow?"

That finally tugged out a real smile. I turned to her. "And every day after that until I have to go through the torture of pushing them out."

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Chapter 281

out, slamming the door shut with a little more

of antiseptic, coffee, and exhaustion. It still hummed with life, with purpose, with the quiet urgency of people fighting battles both seen and

spent

Fighting. Proving myself.

an expectation I had to meet. I had loved saving lives, loved helping people, but because of

battle.

let out a

Now?

disapproving stare if it meant I got to see it

my cheek,

I

sharply, shaking it off as

cool air hit me, I let out another breath, deeper

the grief out of

Damien was gone.

Dylan was gone.

And Crystal-

I paused.

53)

Crystal was gone too.

threats looming over our heads anymore. No impending

to

Everything should feel right.

why did it still feel

"Luna."

voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I turned to

slightly-just like he always did, despite me telling him not

you ready

the way he stood so rigid, still carrying the weight of

when he thought no one

and nodded, "Yeah," I said. "Let's

car ride was

wasn't really seeing any of it, which was how things had been anytime I was

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Chapter 281

mean, things were good. We were good. There was no tension,

couldn't

63%

down, the moment that had marked the beginning

Like something was missing.

I was

lost in my thoughts that I didn't even

"Luna."

mind snapping back to the present. Ivan had already stepped out

car and was holding the door open for me,

nodded, more to myself than to him, and stepped out, my

days. There was no chaos, no sense of urgency like there used to be. No threats waiting

The stillness felt unnatural.

movements as I walked through the hallways, past familiar doors and rooms I had memorized long ago. My feet carried me toward Grayson's study, just like they had been doing every single day since I came back from seeing Dr.

become part

myself I was going back to the hospital because after everything I was scared that something had happened to my children. That was