The Alpha King's Reluctant Bride (Ava and Grayson) novel Chapter 81

-Ava’s POV-

I didn’t even realize when the phone slipped from my hand, the world around me coming to a standstill. Grayson’s eyes were already on me My heart froze mid-beat. “What?” I choked out, fumbling to bring the phone closer to my ear.

Darien sighed, his usual humor tinged with weariness. “I’m sorry I should have been clearer. Your father was attacked, and we’re certain it’s you for calling

I

As I prepared to hang up. Darien spoke again. “Ava, I know your father can be… difficult. But I’ve known him long enough to say this: he’d a Relief crashed over me like a wave, and I sagged against the seat. Thank you, Uncle Darien. Really, thank

I swallowed hard. My father’s pride was infamous, a fortress of stubbornness that often turned even the simplest acts of kindness into battle “The compound,” Darien replied. “That’s where the attack happened. He’s still there, but I heard he managed to strike one of the attackers Before I could respond, the car swerved slightly. I turned to Grayson, whose jaw was tight, his eyes fixed on the road. His werewolf hearing compound. Now”

1 sighed, not bothering to argue. Grayson was a force of nature, and when

he made up his mind, there was no stopping him. “Fine,” I muttered. “But, for the love of all things holy, please don’t pick a fight with him” He surprised me with a curt nod. “I’ll try. But your father had beer not push me.”

We drove in tense silence, the air between us thick with unspoken words. When we neared the compound, I leaned toward him. “We’re alm there. Just… please keep calm.”

Grayson didn’t respond, his grip on the steering wheel tightening

At the gates, the first thing that could possibly go wrong did. Two of my father’s men, Nathan and Victor, stepped forward. They were familia Nathan’s stern expression softened the moment he saw me. “HiAva,” he greeted warmly before his gaze shifted to Grayson, hardening into Grayson bristled beside me, his energy shifting from tense to outright menacing. “What?” he growled, his voice low and dangerous. “They have direct orders,” I interjected quickly, placing a calming hand on his arm. His fiery gaze dropped to where my fingers rested, then k Reluctantly, Grayson leaned back in his seat, his jaw ticking in frustration. I stepped out of the car and approached Nathan and Victor, deter Nathan’s lips curved into a lopsided smile. “You know your smile is my kryptonite, Ava.”

I couldn’t help but laugh softly, shaking my head. “Come on, Nathan You know me. You know I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t

important.”

94%E

Victor crossed his arms, his expression less amused. “Your father will have our heads if we disobey his orders. Don’t make us do this, Ava.”

“Please,” I begged, my voice soft and imploring. “I just need to see him. He was attacked. Don’t you think I deserve to check on him? You’

Nathan exchanged a look with Victor, his resolve wavering. Finally, he cursed under his breath. “Fine. But you owe us for this, Ava. Big time “Thank you.” I breathed, gratitude washing over me as they begrudgingly opened the gates. I turned and climbed back into the car, relief flo But Grayson didn’t move.

I glanced at him, confused. “What’s wrong?”

His hands gripped the steering wheel, but his glare was fixed firmly on Nathan and Victor, who were now standing to the side. His jaw was “You can’t be serious,” I said, a laugh bubbling our before I could stop it. They’re in their mid- forties, Grayson. Both married. Both have kids.”

“That doesn’t mean they should flirt with you,” he snapped, his voice low and growly. “Next time, they can smile at their mates, not at you.” I couldn’t help it-

I laughed, hard enough that my sides ached. “Grayson, are you jealous? Of Nathan and Victor?”

His glare darkened, but the faint blush creeping up his neck betrayed him. “Just drive,” I teased, resting my hand on his. “And for the record Grayson grumbled something under his breath, but he finally shifted the car into gear and for all his growling and posturing, there was some the gates.

I stepped out of the car and without even thinking, I grabbed the handle and pulled it open, stepping inside the compound, without knocking

I stopped suddenly, uncertain. I didn’t know where my father was, and I didn’t want to look like a fool wandering the halls. As I opened my m “What are you doing here?”

I tensed immediately. Both Grayson and I turned at the same time, and there she was—

my mother. She stepped into the hallway, her posture rigid, her usual polished appearance replaced by a more disheveled look. There was

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