Chapter 123

Ava’s POV

40%

My phone vibrated in my pocket as I walked through Grayson’s mansion's endless corridors. Pulling it out, I smiled at the message from Grayson. True to his word, he was trying—really trying. The text was long, and I could picture his focused expression as he typed, detailing his location, activities, and explaining that he might not return home tonight.

Home.

The word tugged at my heart, spreading a warmth I wasn't ready to acknowledge. I loved him—my heart knew it, but my mind wavered. Should I tell him? Did he feel the same? The thoughts swirled until I reached the grand hall and froze.

Isabella stood in the center of the room, commanding attention. Over twenty omegas surrounded her, their postures stiff as they listened intently.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we are going to war,” she announced authoritatively.

I blinked, her words jarring me from my thoughts. War? What war?

“Bels,” I called, quickly pocketing my phone and approaching her. The omegas bowed as I passed. I smiled at them, but focused on Isabella. Grabbing her arm, I pulled her aside, lowering my voice, though I knew the omegas could still hear me.

“What are you doing?” I asked, exasperation clear in my tone.

She narrowed her eyes. “Better question: what are you doing? You just wasted three minutes of my time, and I have less than 72 hours to plan a birthday party!” Before I could respond, she flicked my forehead. “Behave yourself.”

I stared, dumbfounded. Birthday party?

“You were taking too long, so I decided for you,” she huffed, glancing at the omegas, who were averting their gaze. Undeterred, she addressed the group again: “As I was saying,” she began, “we are going to war.”

“Bels,” I interrupted, rubbing my forehead. “I already told you I don’t want to celebrate my birthday.” Mimicking her, I flicked her forehead. “And stop doing that.”

Turning to the omegas, I softened my tone. “You all can return to your duties. I apologize for my best friend disrupting you.”

There was a brief shuffling of feet before Brianna stepped forward. “Actually, Luna, we wanted to help. We overheard about your birthday and would be honored to assist.”

“See?” Isabella grinned triumphantly. “You’re the only one against this. Are you really going to be a downer?”

I sighed, realizing I’d lost. If Isabella wanted something, she got it—and now she had the omegas on her side. “Fine,” I relented, rolling my eyes. “But I need a shower and to change first.”

“I was just about to say that,” Isabella said, wrinkling her nose playfully. “You smell like drugs and hospitals.”

“Because I’m coming from one,” I retorted, shaking my head. Despite my irritation, I smiled. “Sometimes, I wonder how we’re best friends.”

She grinned. “You know you love me. Now, hurry back!” She clapped her hands, turning to the omegas. “As I was saying, we’re going to war.”

“No one is going to war,” I laughed, walking away, her antics leaving a small smile on my face.

But the smile vanished when I saw Elaine approaching from the opposite side of the corridor.

40%

Ever since her manipulative stunt—faking a suicide attempt to get us to return, only to threaten me once Grayson was out of earshot—I’d been avoiding her. She thrived on drama, and I wanted no part of it.

I tried to avoid her, but she blocked my path. “Are you not going to greet me?” she sneered.

I sighed, keeping my voice calm. “Doesn’t it get tiring? Being like this when you don’t really want to be?”

Her eyes narrowed, her irritation evident. “And how exactly do I want to be, Ava?” she spat, emphasizing my name with contempt.

I met her gaze. “You said it yourself—you don’t want to be miserable. Maybe you should work toward that instead of making everyone else miserable. Now, if you’ll excuse me—”

I turned to leave, but she grabbed my arm, her claws digging into my skin. Pain shot through me as my wolf growled. Without thinking, I shoved her back, and she slammed into the wall with surprising force.

Her eyes widened in shock.

“Why, you little—”

I cut her off, my voice firm. “Do not insult me, Elaine. I’ve put up with you long enough. I sympathize with you losing your parents; it must have been hard, and I understand Grayson played a role in that pain. But people go to therapy. They work through their issues. They don’t become vile and bitter, tearing others down. And whatever alliance you think you’ve formed with Monica and Crystal? I don’t care. I’m done playing nice. You push me, I’ll push back—twice as hard. And let me make one thing clear: I’m not leaving Grayson, no matter what you do.”

She blinked, her expression unreadable.

My wolf growled in approval, and I turned to leave. Pausing, I glanced back. “And one more thing—from now on, it’s Luna to you.”

Without waiting for a response, I walked away, feeling triumphant.

Reaching my room, I sighed, the adrenaline fading. Then, a familiar tingle spread through my head as my wolf’s voice echoed.

“Good work. That’s how you show them you’re his queen.”

Before I could question her cryptic words, she raised a psychic wall, shutting me out. I shook my head, a wry smile tugging at my lips. My wolf would win an award for cryptic and snobbish behavior. But I loved her anyway.

Love.

The word lingered, and I quickly dismissed it.

After a long shower, I changed into casual clothes and returned to the grand hall. The moment I stepped inside, I froze—but this time for a different reason.

40%

In the short time I’d been gone, Isabella had orchestrated a transformation. The once-bare hall now buzzed with activity. Tables were being arranged, decorations hung, and the omegas moved with precision under Isabella’s watchful eye.

She stood in the corner, barking commands like a general, directing the controlled chaos. But amidst the frenzy, there was laughter—soft chuckles, playful banter, and giggles.

I smiled. Isabella might have a flair for the dramatic, but her energy was infectious.

Approaching her, I called out, “You’ve been busy.”

She turned, her grin widening. “Well, someone has to make sure your birthday is memorable.”

“It’s just a birthday, Bels,” I said, shaking my head.

“Correction: it’s your first birthday as Luna to the Alpha King and your first as not being your parents’ doormat,” she countered. “That makes it special.”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t hide my amusement. “You’re impossible.”

“And you love me for it,” Isabella shot back, linking her arm with mine.

As the omegas worked around us, I relaxed, the weight of the day lifting. For the first time in a long time, I felt… content.

And for now, that was enough.

But, as if the universe had a cruel sense of humor, the air shifted. It was subtle at first—a stillness that settled over the room, heavy and oppressive. I recognized this suffocating aura; it accompanied my mother’s presence.

The omegas’ lively chatter ceased, and every head turned toward the entrance. There she stood, imposing. Her sharp eyes swept the hall, her lips pressed into a thin, disapproving line.

“What the hell is your mother doing here, and who let her in?” Isabella muttered, her grip tightening on my arm.

That was my exact thought. My heart dropped as her gaze locked onto me, assessing my casual clothes with disdain.

“Ava, come here,” she commanded, her voice cutting through the silence.

My wolf stirred, growling softly. I straightened, refusing to falter. “If you have something to say, Mother, then say it. I’m not moving.”

Her lips curled into a smile that made me regret my defiance. She straightened, her piercing eyes sweeping the room, taking in every frozen face.

“Very well then,” she said, her voice cold and authoritative. “Since you seem to prefer an audience.”

“Mother, wait—” I started, panic rising.

But she ignored me, her words like ice. “I came to tell you to pack your bags. You’re coming back with me because, as of this moment, Grayson Blackwood has signed you over to me.”

Chapter 124