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-shotan 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 tically, "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 anytsoon," I replied, "Is there something going on at the hospital?" She gavea 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." 1/4 10:33 Sat, 22 Mar Chapter 281 Her laughter echoed behindas I walked out, slamming the door shut with a little more force than necessary, The hospital smelled the same. A strange mix of antiseptic, coffee, and exhaustion. It still hummed with life, with purpose, with the quiet urgency of people fighting battles both seen and unseen.

I had spent years here.

Fighting. Proving myself.

At the time, I thought it was tedious-trying to earn the respect of people who only sawas a name, a legacy, an expectation I had to meet. I had loved saving lives, loved helping people, but because of them... it had always felt like a battle.

I let out a breath.

Now? I wouldn't even mind my father's disapproving stare if it meant I got to see it again.

I wiped at my cheek, surprised to find it wet.

When had I started crying? I exhaled sharply, shaking it off as I stepped outside.

The moment the cool air hit me, I let out another breath, deeper this time, as if I could exhale the grief out of my lungs.

Damien was gone.

Dylan was gone.

And Crystal- I paused.

53) Crystal was gone too.

There were no evil threats looming over our heads anymore. No impending wars, no challenges to Grayson's throne.

Everything should feel right.

So why did it still feel so wrong? "Luna." The familiar voice snappedout of my thoughts. I turned to see Ivan, standing a few feet away. He bowed his head slightly-just like he always did, despitetelling him not to.

"Are you ready to go?" I looked at him, at the way he stood so rigid, still carrying the weight of his own past even when he thought no one noticed.

I swallowed and nodded, "Yeah," I said. "Let's go." The car ride was silent.

I stared out the window, watching the scenery blur past, but my mind wasn't really seeing any of it, which was how things had been anytI was left with my thoughts.

2/4 10:33 Sat, 22 Mar Chapter 281 Everything felt distant, like 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 yet, something felt off.

I just couldn't explain it.

63% I had gone with him to visit the house he grew up in-the house he burned down, the moment that had marked the beginning of the person he became. And still, after everything, after all the battles fought and won, I couldn't shake this feeling.

Like something was missing.

Like I was missing something.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't even realize we had arrived until Ivan's voice pulledback.

"Luna." I blinked, my mind snapping back to the present. Ivan had already stepped out of the car and was holding the door open for me, waiting, patiently.

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

The estate was quiet. It always was these days. There was no chaos, no sense of urgency like there used to be. No threats waiting around the corner. No war hanging over our heads. It should have been a relief. And yet, it felt unnatural.

The stillness felt unnatural.

I barely noticed my own movements as I walked through the hallways, past familiar doors and rooms I had memorized long ago. My feet carriedtoward Grayson's study, just like they had been doing every single day since I cback from seeing Dr. Monroe.

It had becpart of my routine.

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

I needed to get out of this house and I couldn't think of any other excuse.

I reached the door and paused, hand resting on the handle for a moment before I slowly pushed it open.

Empty.

Again.

Maybe it was all in my head, but it felt like he was purposefully stayingm el away. Like he was avoiding me.

The thought left a bitter taste in my mouth, but I pushed it aside.

Things were good. Everything was fine.

I let out what felt like the millionth sigh before stepping back, closing the door quietly behind me, and turning away.

I should go upstairs. Maybe lie down for a bit. Or eat something Ordon anything that madefeel like myself again.

Eventually, I moved, my body sluggish, as if something heavy had Paid m settled inside me. I barely. paid ve attention ton surroundings as I made my way to the bedroom. I turned the corner, lost in thought, and collided with someone. "Oh-sorry," I muttered automatically, stepping back.

3/4 22 63% Chapter 281 "Sorry." The person said at the stime.

I looked up.

Elaine..

Her sharp features softened slightly when our eyes met, but there was something hesitant about the way she stood, like she wasn't sure if she should stay or walk away.

We stared at each other for a beat too long, the awkwardness stretching between us like an invisible thread neither of us knew how to cut.

She cleared her throat, "You were looking for Grayson too?" I nodded.

Another pause. Uncomfortable.

I shifted, ready to step past her, to escape whatever this moment was turning into, when she spoke again.

"Ava... can we talk?"