The Alpha King's Reluctant Bride (Ava and Grayson) novel Chapter 181

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Chapter 181 Chapter 181

-Ava POV-

Grayson’s brows shot up in surprise, his steely gray eyes narrowing slightly as if I’d just said the most absurd thing he’d ever heard.

“You?” he asked, his tone incredulous, carrying an undercurrent of disbelief.

“Yes, me,” I replied firmly, squaring my shoulders, even though my insides felt like they were ready to give out on me. My voice wavered slightly, but I stood my ground. “You trust me, don’t you?”

His expression softened almost instantly, the hard lines of his face easing as his eyes searched mine. Slowly, he reached out, brushing a strand of hair from my face.

“More than anyone,” he murmured, his voice a quiet reassurance

“Then trust me to handle this,” I insisted, my heart pounding.

Grayson sighed deeply, his hand moving to the back of his neck as he considered my words. The air between us hung heavy with tension, and for a moment, I thought he might refuse. Finally, he gave a small nod, though his reluctance was clear.

“Fine,” he said, his voice low but firm. “But if anyone so much as raises their voice at you-”

“They won’t,” I interrupted quickly, forcing a smile even as my nerves threatened to choke me. “I can handle it.”

He didn’t look convinced, but he stepped aside, gesturing toward the hall with a flick of his hand. As I walked back inside, every step felt heavier than the last. My heart thumped loudly in my chest, the weight of responsibility settling firmly on my shoulders.

When I entered the room, all eyes snapped to me again, the air so thick with tension I could feel it pressing down on me. The room, which had already been silent, somehow seemed to grow quieter.

“This was a terrible idea,” I thought to myself, but I swallowed my apprehension and straightened my shoulders, determined not to show even an ounce of doubt.

“Something important just came up,” I began, my voice steady despite my nerves. “Grayson will not be returning to the meeting, so I’ll be taking over from here.”

The murmurs started almost immediately, whispers spreading like wildfire as the high-ranking members exchanged glances. I saw Jacob’s face tighten, his eyes watching me closely. raised my hand slightly, cutting through the murmurs before they could gain any more momentum.

“I know some of you are unhappy with the decision Grayson made earlier,” I continued, my tone calm but firm. “I’ll speak to him and do my best to get him to reconsider asking you to leave the pack. I promise.”

“You’ll get him to retract his decision?” a voice called from the back of the room. There was a sharpness to the tone that made me stiffen.

Turning to look, I found myself staring at Charles. His arms were crossed, and he was leaning back in his chair with a smug expression.

“No one can get him to do anything,” he added, his words dripping with condescension.

My wolf stirred within me, growling softly at the challenge, but forced myself to stay calm. Charles was baiting me, looking for a fight, and I wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction.

“Weren’t you asked to leave?” I shot back, my voice sharp enough to make several heads turn.

“And didn’t you just say you were going to convince him to let us stay?” Charles retorted, a smirk playing at his lips.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to keep my voice even. “I don’t know you, Charles, and I’m not going to argue with you. I said I would speak to him, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. In the meantime, if you have something constructive to

leave.” add to this discussion, I suggest you raise your hand. If not, I suggest you

There was a brief pause, and then, to my surprise, Charles fell silent. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ivan hiding a smile, and I turned my attention back to the group.

“I apologize for not introducing myself properly before now,” I began, addressing the high-ranking members directly. “The circumstances surrounding my arrival in this pack weren’t exactly….. straightforward. Grayson and I didn’t meet under normal conditions, and I know that has caused some confusion. But I want to assure you that I mean this pack no harm. My loyalty lies here, with all of you.”

The room was quiet as they listened, and I felt a flicker of hope that maybe they were willing to give me a chance.

“My father was a victim in one of the recent attacks,” I added, lowering my voice slightly.

There was a murmur of surprise, and someone from the back of the room spoke up. “But don’t you not get along with your father?”

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