Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow - Chapter 149

Chapter 149: Sister’s Shopping Chapter 149: Sister’s Shopping NB: The last two chapters have been edited.

Thanks for your patience.

************** CHAPTER 149 “Well, that’s…

unexpected,” I said cautiously, but Tempest’s disapproving look made me clamp my lips shut.

“Not really,” she replied, flopping onto the couch.

“Father always makes sure our names are on every important guest list.

It’s one of the many perks of being a Zephyr.” I couldn’t argue with that.

Our father’s influence extended far and wide, ensuring we were included in every major event-even if we didn’t always want to be.

Before I could respond, my own phone buzzed.

Pulling it from my pocket, I found a similar message waiting for me.

“Guess we’re both invited,” I said, sitting beside her.

Tempest snorted.

“Of course we are.

The question is, are we going?” I hesitated, weighing my answer.

“Do we have a choice?” “Not really,” she admitted after a while.

For a moment, we sat in silence, pondering on the invitation.

These events were never simple-politics, alliances, and rivalries always ongoing beyond the surface of celebration.

“You know who’s hosting this year, right?” Tempest asked, breaking the silence.

“Silver Claw,” I replied.

“Koda’s pack.” Her jaw tightened ever so slightly at the mention of his name, and I watched as she fought to maintain her composure.

“You’ll be fine,” I said gently, placing a hand on her arm.

“You don’t have to talk to him if you don’t want to.” “It’s not that,” she said quickly, though her tone betrayed her.

“I just…

hate these things.

They’re all about appearances.” I smiled knowingly.

“And yet, you always end up being the center of attention.” She rolled her eyes, but a faint blush crept into her cheeks.

“Well,” I said, standing and stretching, “if we’re going, we might as well make the most of it.

I’ll help you pick out a dress.” Tempest groaned.

“Please tell me you’re not dragging me to some fancy boutique.” “Of course I am,” I replied with a grin.

“And you’ll thank me later.” Her dramatic sigh echoed through the room, but I caught the glimmer of amusement in her eyes.

For all her protests, I knew she’d enjoy it-at least a little.

Because, Tempest was a fashionista.

*************** ~Tempest’s POV~ Aira was relentless.

By the time we left the house, she had an entire itinerary planned for finding the “perfect outfit” for the ball.

As we browsed through racks of gowns at an upscale boutique, I found myself tuning out the sales assistant’s overly enthusiastic suggestions.

My mind drifted back to Koda, to the last time we’d crossed paths.

It had a few weeks or days even, but his words still lingered.

He’d may have been sorry and wished things had been different, but he never said anything to me before leaving or pack that day  Unfortunately, apologies didn’t erase the past, and they certainly didn’t heal the scars.

“Tempest,” Aira’s voice snapped me back to the present.

“What?” She held up a stunning midnight blue gown, the fabric shimmering under the soft lighting.

“Try this.” I eyed it warily.

“It’s too much.” “It’s perfect,” she insisted, shoving it into my hands.

“Go.

Try it on.” With a resigned sigh, I made my way to the fitting room.

As I slipped into the dress, I couldn’t help but admit-at least to myself-that it was beautiful.

The fitted bodice accentuated my figure, while the flowing skirt gave it an ethereal quality.

Stepping out, I found Aira waiting with an expectant smile.

“I knew it,” she said triumphantly.

“You look amazing.” I caught my reflection in the mirror and had to agree, though I’d never say it aloud.

“Fine,” I said with a huff.

“I’ll take it.” Aira beamed, clearly pleased with herself.

“Now, let’s find shoes to match.” As we continued shopping, I found myself relaxing, if only slightly.

Maybe the ball wouldn’t be so bad after all.

The faint hum of the car’s engine was the only sound as we drove home.

Aira sat beside me, scrolling through her phone with a satisfied smile.  The shopping bags at our feet felt heavier than they should have, a reminder of the night to come.

“I think this is going to be fun,” Aira said, breaking the silence.

I glanced at her, raising an eyebrow.

“You think dragging me to a political masquerade is fun?” She grinned.

“It’s not just politics, Tempest.

It’s about power, presence, and yes, a little fun.

Besides, you have the perfect dress now.” I sighed, leaning back against the seat.

“It’s just…

exhausting.

Pretending to care about people I don’t even like.” Aira chuckled.

“Then don’t pretend.

Be yourself.

That’s always been enough.” Her words gave me pause, and I turned to stare out the window.

The passing trees blurred together as my thoughts drifted once again to Koda.

He’d be there.

I knew it.

Avoiding him was impossible, but facing him?

That was another matter entirely.

“We’ll survive,” Aira said softly, as if reading my thoughts.

“Yeah,” I muttered, though I wasn’t entirely convinced.

************** ~Aira’s POV~ When we arrived back at Tempest’s house, I noticed the tension in her shoulders as she carried her bags inside.

I followed her to the living room, setting my own bags down before collapsing onto the couch.

“Want to talk about it?” I asked, watching her pace the room.

“About what?” she replied, feigning ignorance.

“Koda,” I said bluntly, crossing my arms.

She froze mid-step, her back to me.

“There’s nothing to talk about.” “Liar.” Tempest turned slowly, her eyes narrowing.

“Aira, drop it.” I shook my head, leaning forward.

“You’ve been holding onto this for too long.

Whatever happened between you two, it’s eating you alive.” “It’s not,” she said defensively, though her voice wavered.

I stood, walking over to her.

“You don’t have to face him alone, you know.

I’ll be there.” Tempest sighed, her shoulders slumping.

“It’s not about facing him.

It’s about…

what’s left unsaid.

What’s unresolved.

The unrejected matebond.” I placed a hand on her arm.

“Then maybe it’s time to resolve it.” Her gaze met mine, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.

After a long moment, she nodded.

“Maybe,” she murmured.