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

behind me as I walked out, slamming the door shut with a little more force

same. A strange mix of antiseptic, coffee, and exhaustion. It still hummed with life, with purpose, with the quiet urgency

spent years

Fighting. Proving myself.

it was tedious-trying to earn the respect of people who only saw me as a name, a legacy, an expectation I

battle.

let out a

Now?

even mind my father's disapproving stare if it meant I got to see it

at my cheek, surprised to find it

had I

it off as

me, I let out another breath, deeper this time, as if

the grief out of

Damien was gone.

Dylan was gone.

And Crystal-

I paused.

53)

Crystal was gone too.

looming over

challenges to Grayson's

Everything should feel right.

why did it

"Luna."

snapped me out of my thoughts. I

head slightly-just like he always did,

ready to

stood so rigid, still carrying the weight of his

even when he thought

nodded, "Yeah," I

car ride

the window, watching the scenery blur past, but my mind wasn't really seeing any of it, which was how things had

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Chapter 281

I was here but not really here. Even with Grayson. I mean, things were good. We were good. There was no tension, no fights, no unspoken words weighing between us. And

couldn't

63%

that had marked the beginning of the person he became. And still,

Like something was missing.

was

I didn't even realize we

"Luna."

the present. Ivan had already

holding the door

nodded, more to myself than to him, and stepped out, my feet moving on autopilot as I made my way

No threats waiting around the corner. No war hanging over our heads. It should

The stillness felt unnatural.

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

part of

told myself I was going back to the hospital because after everything I was scared that something had happened to