The Alpha King's Reluctant Bride (Ava and Grayson) novel Chapter 143

Ava’s POV

It felt like an eternity before 1 found my words. “What are you doing here?”

That was a stupid question. This was his house.

Grayson didn’t answer immediately. He just stared at me, his piercing gaze searching for something I wasn’t sure I wanted him to find. Then, he stepped closer, and instintively, I stepped back. I hated the way his face shifted-pain and surprise flickering in his eyes, just for a moment. Still, neither of us spoke

“Aren’t you supposed to be mad at him?”

Normally, that would’ve come from my subconscious, but this time it was my wolf, clearly irritated.

Yes, I thought. Iwas mad at-or I am.

But now, standing here with him in front of me, I just wanted to throw my arms around him and cement the fact that he was actually here, alive and breathing. My lips trembled but before I could speak, someone beat me to it.

“Grayson, you’re back.”

We both turned our heads at the sound of heels clicking against the floor. Elaine strode toward us, wearing something more appropriate than the near-scandalous attire she’d tried to enter the ball in earlier.

She moved straight to him and throwing her arms around his neck. “I was so worried.”

The words felt hollow.

If they weren’t cousins-and knowing Elaine’s history-I would’ve thought she was being disingenuous. Her concern had seemed genuine the first time he went missing, and again after his attack. But this time? When it happened, she acted as though she couldn’t care less. Then again, she’d just learned that Grayson had indirectly caused her parents’ deaths. She had every reason to hate him.

I stayed silent, unsure of what to say or how to feel. His being here didn’t erase what he’d done. The weight of that truth hit me like a slap, and reality came rushing back. I had a ball to get back to, responsibilities to fulfill.

I turned, ready to leave, but Elaine’s voice stopped me.

“Did you know Ava wouldn’t let me into her ball?” she said, venom lacing her words. “She practically embarrassed me in front of everyone and then kicked me out! And did she even ask you before inviting those people here?”

What?

I blinked, stunned. I hadn’t asked for his permission because he refused to speak to me, but still-what? “You walked in there half-naked,” I snapped. “And you were with Monica, who is supposed to be banned and-” Elaine folded her arms across her chest and interrupted me. “Do you hear how she talks to

me?”

L

Grayson still didn’t say anything. In fact, he hadn’t spoken a word since he’d wished me a happy birthday. If all he was going to do was stand there and stare at me then…

“Grayson, aren’t you going to say something?” Elaine demanded

A second passed before he finally spoke, his voice deep and steady directed at me. “You look really beautiful.”

1 froze.

Elaine’s head snapped toward him, her eyes wide with disbelief Bur before she could speak, he cut her off “This is as much her house as it is mine, and she can do as she wishes”

My heart jumped, and I had to force it to settle because this didn’t fix things. It didn’t change what he’d done. His voice softened, and his next words were directed at Elaine. don’t expect you to forgive me for what I did, even though I never meant for it to happen. I understand that you have every right to hate me. As much as i wish things could be different, I can’t change the past. But I won’t take your side against Ava, not when I know you’re in the wrong.”

For a moment, it felt like he was baring his soul. It was the most honest I’d ever heard him. Not even the letter he’d left could top this moment.

Elaine blinked, her lips tightening before she narrowed her eyes at him. “When I heard your plane had crashed, for a fleeting moment, I wished you’d died so you could pay for what you took from me. But it doesn’t matter. You might as well be dead to me.”

Grayson’s expression shattered, raw pain flashing across his face. My heart ached for him. But then, just as quickly, he masked it, reverting to his usual cold, unreadable demeanor. “If that’s how you feel.”

“Fine,” Elaine spat, gathering her dress dramatically. “You two can have each other. You deserve each other anyway. I’ll have someone send for my things, and you can both go to hell and rot in it for all I care.”

She turned on her heel and stormed away, but not before shooting me a look of pure hatred. Grayson and I stood there, the air thick with tension. Without thinking, I closed the distance between us and wrapped my arms around him, burying my face in his chest.

For a moment, he didn’t move. Then his arms came around me, pulling me into him as though he never wanted to let go.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered into my hair, his voice rough.

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