Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow - Chapter 148

Chapter 148: The Invitation Chapter 148: The Invitation ************** CHAPTER 148 ~Jenna’s POV~ A sharp exhale escaped me.

This wasn’t just about Snow anymore.

This trip was crucial for Jay Enterprises, and I couldn’t afford to fail.

But I couldn’t stop myself from thinking about the larger picture-the one where I wasn’t just a representative of my family’s company.

I was Snow’s partner, his equal.

And Zara?

She would be nothing more than a distant memory.

With renewed determination, I exited the building and slid into the backseat of my waiting car.

I pulled out my tablet, skimming through emails and reports, my mind already working on how to ensure this trip cemented my place by Snow’s side.

Soon, Zara.

Very soon.

************ ~Snow’s POV~ The drive home was quiet, the rhythmic hum of the car engine doing little to soothe my restless thoughts.

As much as I wanted to focus on the trip ahead, my mind kept drifting to Zara.

Jenna’s audacity earlier was irritating, but it was her constant mention of Zara that had truly irked me.

It wasn’t Jenna’s place to comment on my wife.

Wife.

The word carried more weight than I cared to admit, especially now.

I didn’t want anything triggering Zara off, most especially Jenna.  With the issue on ground, she already has a lot on her plate and I needed her to be safe till my return.

Arriving at the mansion, I stepped out of the car, the evening air cool against my skin.

The soft glow of the lights spilling from the windows gave the house a warm, inviting appearance.

After a quick shower and a quiet lunch, I made my way to Zara’s room.

The door was slightly ajar, but the room was empty.

“Where is she?” Glacier stirred in my mind, clearly displeased.

ALl day he had been itchy to spend time with her and her wolf.  He often told me how he missed seeing Astrid since that mating night.

I turned to leave, only to hear the soft sound of her voice behind me.

“Looking for me?” I turned, and there she was, leaning casually against the wall.

Her hair was slightly disheveled, her lips curving into an amused smile.

She wore a simple sweater and jeans, yet she looked radiant.

“I wanted to see you before I left,” I said, taking a step closer.

Her smile softened.

“I was just getting some air.

I didn’t think you’d look for me.” I chuckled, rubbing the back of my neck.

“Of course, I would.” She tilted her head, studying me.

“You’ve been busy lately.

Everything okay?” “Just work,” I replied, though my voice betrayed the tension I felt.

“The trip came up suddenly, and I didn’t have a chance to tell you earlier.” She nodded and thankfully her expression gave one of understanding.

“I figured it was something important.” Boy was I glad we weren’t fighting anymore like that last time.

“I wish I didn’t have to go,” I admitted, guaging her reaction.

Her eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, I saw something flicker in her gaze-surprise, maybe even something more.

“You’ll do great, Snow.

Just…

stay safe, okay?” I took another step closer, closing the distance between us.

Her scent, a mix of lavender and something uniquely hers, wrapped around me.

“Zara,” I murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

She looked up at me, her lips parting slightly as if she were about to say something.

I leaned in, my hand gently cupping her cheek.

Her eyes fluttered shut, her breath hitching as the space between us disappeared.

But before I could close the gap entirely, a familiar voice interrupted.

“Sir,” Scott’s composed tone broke the moment.

Zara and I both turned, finding my butler standing a respectful distance away.

“Your car is ready, and your driver is waiting to take you to the airport.” I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to step back from Zara.

She seemed startled but quickly recovered.

“Thank you, Scott,” I said, my voice clipped.

Zara smiled faintly.

“Go.

Don’t keep them waiting.” I hesitated, my gaze lingering on her for a moment longer before nodding.

“I’ll see you when I’m back.” With that, I turned and followed Scott toward the waiting car.

************* ~Aira’s POV~ The cozy warmth of Tempest’s home enveloped me as I stepped through the door, carrying a small box of pastries I’d picked up on the way.  Her house, nestled on the outskirts of the city, always felt like a retreat-a place where the chaos of pack politics and family expectations seemed to melt away.

“Tempe, I brought your favorite!” I called out, setting the box on the kitchen counter.

From the living room, I heard the faint rustling of papers before her voice carried over.

“If it’s not chocolate éclairs, I’m kicking you out.” Laughing, I opened the box to reveal exactly that.

“I know better than to come empty-handed or with the wrong pastries.” Moments later, Tempest appeared, her red hair pulled into a messy bun and her casual attire suggesting she hadn’t planned to go anywhere.

“You’re safe this time,” she said with mock seriousness before grabbing a pastry.

As she bit into it, I leaned against the counter, watching her.

Despite the relaxed atmosphere, there was a tension in her movements-a restlessness I knew all too well.

“You’ve been cooped up too long,” I teased.

“When’s the last time you actually left this house?” Tempest rolled her eyes.

“Yesterday.

For groceries.” “That doesn’t count.” Her lips twitched into a reluctant smile, but before she could reply, a soft chime echoed through the room.

Both our gazes shifted to her phone, which sat on the coffee table.

She padded over, picking it up and unlocking the screen.

Her brows furrowed as she read the message.

“What is it?” I asked, joining her.

Tempest glanced at me, but her expression told me nothing and it worried me.

“An invitation.” “For what?” She handed me the phone, and I scanned the message.

It was from the Silver Claw Pack, inviting her to the annual end-of-year festivities ball.

“Well, that’s…

unexpected.”