The Alpha King's Reluctant Bride (Ava and Grayson) novel Chapter 182

-Grayson’s POV-

I never understood how someone as beautiful and caring as my other could ever love my father. In plain terms, I didn’t understand how anyone could love my father.

He was a cruel man, through and through, yet I could see it-she loved him deeply. She was his weak spot. Maybe that made the whole thing about fated mates seem more realistic. But despite her love, my father never once let her lead a pack meeting.

Anything that would make him relinquish even an ounce of power, he turned against it. Unfortunately, that was a trait I had picked up from him.

What I just did-giving Ava the authority to address my entire pack-l never in a million years thought I could do. But then again, I had never felt the way I felt about her for anyone else. And I didn’t trust anyone the way I trusted her.

Weirdly enough, not even Liam.

Speaking of which, irritation prickled at the back of my mind when I remembered walking into that hall earlier and not seeing him there. I had been very specific-everyone was to be present, no exceptions unless they weren’t within the city.

. I had let his previous betrayal–going behind my back with Elaine-slide, but he was really starting to push my patience.

I picked up my phone and dialed his number. He answered on the first ring, but I didn’t give him a chance to speak.

“And the reason you weren’t at the meeting is because?”

He sighed. “I got caught up in something, and by the time I was done, was already too late. So I just decided to go

“And you waited for me to call before deciding to let me know?”

“I was going to call once I finished dealing with another thing.”

“What other thing?”

home.”

Another sigh. “I know the topic is still sore between us, but it has to do with Elaine. There was a minor complication, but she’s fine now.”

I paused, leaning back in my chair and closing my eyes. “What happened?”

He laughed nervously. “It involved a lot of medical jargon I didn’t fully understand, but… she might have a complicated pregnancy. It’s something that can be managed, but she’ll need constant monitoring. Look, I’m sorry about all this, and I’m sorry I didn’t let you know beforehand that I wouldn’t be able to make it.”

His words settled over me like a heavy weight. Elaine was my only family left. I knew I hadn’t always shown her how much I cared-most times, I probably failed miserably-but I did care. If something happened to her… I couldn’t even imagine it.

Elaine had her flaws, flaws I had created in her, but she was still my family.

Maybe I needed to remember what that word actually meant.

“Is her life at risk? If she needs top medical treatment, I can have her flown-”

“She’s going to be fine,” he interrupted.

I paused again. “Next time, inform me. You’re my second in command, and with everything going on, I cannot afford a single crack.”

“I apologize.”

I didn’t respond, my hand hovering over the button to end the call, when his voice came through again.

“I really like Ava, but… maybe you should be careful with just how much power you’re giving her.”

Then the line went dead.

I pulled the phone away from my ear, irritation simmering beneath the surface. Like Liam saying her name had summoned her, Ava appeared at my doorway, holding a first aid box.

“Hi,” she said softly, a small smile playing on her lips.

I couldn’t help but smile back. “Hi.”

She stepped inside, her gaze steady on me. “The meeting just wrapped up.”

“Did anything happen?” I asked, my tone casual, but my eyes searching hers for any hint of trouble.noveldrama

She paused for a moment, a flicker of hesitation crossing her face before she shook her head. “No, nothing interesting.”

Her eyes drifted to my shoulder, and her brows furrowed slightly. “How’s the wound feeling?”

I blinked, realizing I hadn’t thought about it at all. Shrugging, I said, “It’s fine.”

She tilted her head, her lips twitching with amusement. “It’s time to change the bandage.”

Raising an eyebrow, I asked, “Here? Now?”

Her smile widened as she stepped closer. “Do you remember the first day we met? During your… first session that never got completed?” She set the first aid box on the table and moved around to stand beside me.

composure.

“You’re going to need to take off the jacket and shirt,” she said firmly, though the slight tremor in her voice betrayed her.

Raising a brow, I leaned back in my chair. “Are you trying to get me out of my clothes?”

She rolled her eyes and muttered, “Just take them off.”

Smirking, I did as I was told, shrugging off my jacket and unbuttoned my shirt before taking it off. As I tossed the shirt onto the table of my study, I saw her fumbling with the medical supplies in the first aid box. When she turned back around, her blush deepened as her eyes briefly met my bare chest. She tried to keep her gaze steady but I caught the quick glance she gave my torso before she could help herself. Before she could move closer, I grabbed her by the waist and pulled her down onto my lap. She let out a startled squeal, her hands instinctively bracing against my shoulders.

“What are you doing?” she demanded, though the flush on her face remained as vivid as ever.

“Helping you multitask,” I replied, my voice low and teasing. “Now, change the bandage.”

She huffed, shaking her head. “You’re impossible.”

“Maybe,” I said with a smirk, “but you’re still sitting on my lap.”

She sighed in exasperation but didn’t argue further. Reaching into the box, she pulled out fresh gauze and antiseptic. Carefully, she started unwrapping the old bandage from my chest, her touch light but deliberate.

I simply watched her as she worked, her focus unwavering despite her earlier flustered state. She was so close that I could smell the faint scent of roses and strawberry linging to her skin.

After a few moments, she broke the silence. “You know, you used to be very intimidating.”

I raised a brow. “Used to be?”

“Well, you’re still scary,” she admitted, glancing up at me briefly. But… less terrifying. To me, at least.”

“Should I be flattered?”

Her lips twitched, fighting a smile. “I’m not sure yet.”

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She dabbed at the wound with antiseptic, her movements precise and careful. “You’re also difficult,” she added, her tone teasing now. “And extremely annoying and sometimes I wonder how I even fell in love with

you.”