The Alpha King's Contracted Luna by Nelson Claudia

Chapter 167

Chapter 167

-Ava’s POV-

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“This is an extremely bad idea,” | muttered under my breath, my heels clicking nervously against the polished

floor. Yet, | followed Grayson without hesitation.

| wasn’t sure what had gotten into him-or me, for that matter. few minutes ago, we were sitting at the

restaurant, and now, here | was, being practically dragged out before our food had even arrived.

It all started the moment he said, “Number eighteen.”

His voice had been calm, but the way he said it sent a shiver down my spine. He hadn't explained anything-just

stood up, reached into his pocket to pull out what had to be an obscene amount of cash, and dropped it onto the

table without so much as glancing at it.

“Grayson, what are you doing?” | had asked, my voice high-pitched with confusion as he grabbed my hand and

started leadingout of the restaurant.

He didn’t answer.

“Seriously, where are we going? I'm starving, by the way. | haven't eaten yet!”

Still, no response. He was laser-focused, his grip firm but not painful as he guidedthrough the restaurant's

exit and out into the cool afternoon air.

| knew what number eighteen was. Of course, | did. | had written the damn list. But the fact that he was already

moving to fulfill it-so suddenly, so decisively-had my head spinning. How could he possibly have anything

prepared for this? It had been less than ten minutes since | handed him the list.

The dark fantasy | had written down wasn’t exactly something you could execute on a whim. It was detailed,

specific, something I'd only dared to scribble onto paper after a glass of wine and a lot of coaxing from Isabella.

Even as | wrote it, | never thought it would actually happen.

Now, as Grayson practically shovedin his car, | felt a nervous anticipation settling in my

chest.

“Grayson,” | tried again, tugging at his hand to slow him down. “Can you at least tellwhere we're going?”

He glanced atbriefly, his lips twitching into a small, knowing smile before he turned his attention forward

again to the road.

“No,” he said simply.

“No?” | repeated, my voice incredulous. “That's all you've got? No?”

“You'll see soon enough,” he said, his tone maddeningly calm.

| groaned. “This is ridiculous. | haven't even eaten. You can’t just dragout of a restaurant like this and not

giveany

answers.”

“I can,” he said smoothly.

| glared at the back of his profile which was infuriatingly perfect and the butterflies in my stomach betrayed me. |

hated how effortlessly he could get under my skin-and how much | liked it when he did.

Fri, Jan 24

Chapter 167

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We turned a corner, and | realized we were heading toward a quieter part of the city. The bustling sounds of the

main streets faded into the distance, replaced by the faint hum of streetlights and the occasional passing car.

My curiosity and nerves-were growing with every step.

“Grayson,” | tried again, my voice softer this time. “Seriously, what's going on? How did you even-

He stopped abruptly, cutting off my sentence. | nearly stumbled into him but caught myself just in time.

“We're here,” he said, his voice low as he turned the engine off,

| looked up and saw a tall, unmarked building in front of us. It was sleek and modern, with dark glass windows

that reflected the dim light of the streetlamps. There was no sign or indication of what was inside, but Grayson

didn’t hesitate. He pushed open the door and ledinside.

The interior was just as mysterious as the exterior-minimalist and dimly lit, with a polished black-and-gold

aesthetic. A receptionist sat behind a curved desk, her expression neutral but professional as she greeted

Grayson with a small nod.

“Mr. Blackwood,” she nodded, her tone polite. “Everything is ready.”

“Thank you,” Grayson replied smoothly.

| blinked. Everything is ready? Wha

tdid he have to get everything ready?

He leddown a hallway, his hand still firmly holding mine. The further we went, the quieter it became, until

the only sounds were the soft hum of the lights and the echo of our footsteps.

My heart was racing now.

Finally, he stopped in front of a door and turned to face me.

“Grayson, | don’t understand,” | whispered.

“You will,” he smiled slightly, his eyes holding mine for a moment before he pushed the door open.

The room was unlike anything | had ever seen. It was elegant and luxurious, with rich, dark wood paneling and

deep red accents. Soft, ambient lighting cast a warm glow over the space, creating an atmosphere that was

equal parts intimate and mysterious.

But it wasn’t the decor that caught my attention. It was the setup in the center of the room-a large, intricately

designed chaise lounge draped with silk sheets, surrounded by an array of items that immediately made my

stomach flip.

Ropes. Silk scarves. A sleek, leather paddle.

My eyes widened as | took it all in.

“Grayson,” | breathed, my voice shaky. “How did you—"

He stepped closer to me, his expression calm but intense. “Does it matter?”

“Of course, it matters! This is-" | gestured wildly at the room, my heart pounding so hard | was sure he could

hear it.

“This is number eighteen,” he said, his voice low and steady.

| swallowed hard, my cheeks heating up as his words sank in.

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Chapter 167

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Number eighteen. A fantasy | had written down on a whim, never imagining it would actually cto life. It

wasn't just about trying something new-it was about surrendering control Giving in completely. Trusting someone

else to take the

lead.

Grayson stepped closer, his hand coming up to gently tilt my chin so | was looking directly into his eyes.

“Do you trust me, Ava?” he asked, his voice soft but firm.

I nodded without hesitation. “Yes.”

His lips curved into a small smile, but there was something deeper in his gaze-something that made my breath

catch.

“Then letshow you,” he said, his thumb brushing lightly against my jawline.

| felt like my body was on fire, every nerve ending alive with anticipation. My mind raced with a million

questions, but none of them seemed to matter anymore.

Grayson reached for one of the silk scarves, holding it up between us. His eyes never left mine as he asked, “Are

you sure about this?”

| hesitated for only a moment before’nodding. “I'm sure.”

The corner of his mouth lifted in a signature Grayson smirk | had cto like-the one that always managed to

both infuriate and enchant me.

“Good,” he said simply.

He stepped behind me, his movements slow and deliberate. My heart was pounding in my chest as | felt the silk

scarf brush against my skin.

And then, just as | was starting to let myself relax, he leaned down, his lips brushing against my ear as he

whispered, “Let's begin.”

| knew then that number eighteen wasn’t just a fantasy. It was real. And | was about to live it.

Grayson’s voice was low, but it sent shivers down my spine as he turned to me, his eyes dark with intent. “Are

you ready?”

I didn’t answer right away. | wasn’t sure what | was ready for, but there was no going back now. The only

question left was:

How far would I let him take me?

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