Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow - Chapter 189

Chapter 189: Politics Chapter 189: Politics ************** CHAPTER 189 ~Zara’s POV~ Since returning and discovering the truth concerning my parents, I hadn’t spent time with Ella nor discussed my new family with her.  She was my closest friend and deserved to know the truth.

The sun was beginning to set as I pulled into Ella’s apartment complex.

The golden hues of twilight cast long shadows across the parking lot, and I hesitated in the car, gripping the steering wheel tighter than necessary.

How do you even begin to tell your best friend that your life is a lie-or rather, that it’s finally the truth?

Ella had always been my rock, my go-to when life felt like too much.

I owed her honesty.

But now, after everything I’d been through, I wasn’t sure how she’d take it.

Would she see me differently?

I sighed and grabbed the box of pastries I’d brought as a peace offering, forcing myself out of the car.  Here goes nothing.

When I reached her door, I hesitated again.

The faint hum of her television seeped through the door, and I could hear her pacing, the creak of the floorboards familiar even through the barrier.

I knocked, and after a few moments, the door opened.

Ella stood there, her usually warm brown eyes clouded with something I couldn’t quite place.

“Zara,” she said, surprised.

“What are you doing here?” “Hey,” I greeted, mustering a smile and holding up the box.

“I brought pastries.

Thought we could catch up.” She hesitated for a moment before stepping aside to let me in.

“Sure, come in.” The living room was as cozy as ever, though the lingering tension in the air was hard to miss.

Ella motioned for me to sit as she flopped onto the couch.

“You’ve been quiet lately,” she said, crossing her arms.

“What’s going on?” I placed the box on the coffee table, sitting across from her.

“A lot.

And I mean a lot, Ella.

That’s why I’m here.

I wanted to tell you everything.” Her brows furrowed in concern.

“You’re scaring me, Zara.

Are you okay?” I nodded, though my heart was racing.

“I’m fine.

Better than fine, actually.

But€¦ there’s something you need to know about me.

About my family.” Ella tilted her head, her curiosity piqued.

“Go on.” I took a deep breath, clasping my hands together.

“You know how I’ve always told you my parents were distant?

How I never really felt€¦ connected to them?” She nodded, her eyes narrowing slightly.

“Well, it turns out there’s a reason for that.

They’re not my biological parents.” Ella blinked, her mouth opening slightly before she closed it again.

“Wait.

What?” I smiled nervously.

“I found out a few weeks ago.

My real family is part of the Golden Claw Pack.” Her jaw dropped.

“Zara, are you serious?” “As serious as it gets,” I said, chuckling nervously.

“My real mother is Zaria, the Luna of the pack.

And I have a brother, Ella.

We are actually siblings.” Ella’s eyes widened.

“You mean it?” I nodded.

“Yeah.” Ella shook her head, still processing everything I told her.

“Zara, this is€¦ a lot.

How are you handling all of this?” “It’s been overwhelming,” I admitted.

“But Snow’s been amazing through it all.

And Zaria-she’s been lovely and welcoming.

It’s like I’ve finally found where I belong.

Let’s not talk about Zade.

Oh, and Andrew is my€¦ our cousin.” Ella smiled softly, her initial shock giving way to understanding.

“I’m thrilled for you, Zara.

You’ve been searching for something like this for so long.

You deserve it.” Her words made my throat tighten.

“Thank you, Ella.

That means more than you know.” We fell into silence, the tension lifting as we picked at the pastries.

It felt good to talk to effortless and let her in on the truth.

But as I studied her, I noticed something was off.

Her smile didn’t reach her eyes, and there was a tightness to her expression that hadn’t been there before.

“Ella,” I said gently.

“What’s going on with you?

You’ve been quiet too.” She hesitated, looking down at her hands.

“It’s nothing, really.” “Come on,” I pressed.

“You know you can tell me anything.” Ella sighed, her shoulders sagging.

“It’s Styles.” “Styles?” I asked, my brows furrowing.

“What about him?” Her lips pressed into a thin line before she spoke.

“I think I have feelings for him.

But I don’t know if he feels the same way.

And then there’s this message I saw on his phone€¦” She trailed off, her voice tinged with frustration and sadness.

“What message?” I asked carefully.

Ella hesitated before explaining what she’d seen.

As she spoke, my heart ached for her.

“Ella,” I said softly.

“You deserve someone who’s honest with you.

Someone who isn’t playing games, not this€¦ benefits stuff you guys are doing because, in honesty, it’s going to affect one or both of you, no matter what.” She nodded, her eyes glistening.

“I know.

But it’s hard, Zara.

I can’t stop thinking about him, even when I know I should.” I reached across the table, taking her hand in mine.

“You’re amazing, Ella.

Don’t settle for anything less than you deserve.” Her smile wavered, but she squeezed my hand.

“Thank you, Zara.

I needed to hear that.” We sat there for hours, talking and laughing like old times.

For the first time in weeks, we experienced a sense of relief, even if it was fleeting.

As I left her apartment that night, I couldn’t help but hope that, like me, Ella would find her place-and her happiness-soon.

****************** ~Luna Zaria’s POV~ The crisp evening air carried the faint scent of lavender as I stepped through the front doors of the mansion.  The familiar hum of the household buzzed around me-Nick overseeing the kitchen preparations and maids tending to the fireplace.

I inhaled deeply, savouring the comfort of home after yet another long day of managing pack affairs.

“Luna Zaria,” Nick greeted, appearing from the dining room.

His impeccable posture and calm demeanour were as steadying as ever.

“Three of the pack elders have just arrived and are waiting in the main parlour.” I sighed, nodding.

“Thank you, Nick.

Please have tea and some refreshments brought in.” He inclined his head and disappeared toward the kitchen.

Moments later, I walked into the parlour to see Elder Rohan, Elder Sylas, and Elder Marek seated around the low wooden table.

Their serious expressions lightened only slightly when I entered, and all three rose to their feet in respect.

“Luna Zaria,” Rohan greeted, his deep voice reverent.

“It’s always an honour.” “Elders,” I said warmly, gesturing for them to sit.

“To what do I owe this visit?

It’s rare to have all three of you here at once.” Sylas leaned forward, his hands resting on the table.

“We came to check on you, my Luna, and on Zara.

News of her return and her lineage has spread quickly, even beyond our territory.” I stiffened, though I masked it with a calm expression.

“I see.

The news was bound to reach ears outside the pack.” “It’s not just the news that’s concerning,” Marek interjected, his sharp gaze fixing on me.

“There are whispers-rumours that some packs might take issue with Zara’s claim to her lineage.

The timing of her reappearance is€¦ notable.” “Notable?” I asked, arching a brow.

Rohan cleared his throat.

“With the Alpha Ball approaching, some factions may see this as a power play.

They could question the motives behind revealing Zara’s true heritage now.” I leaned back in my chair, steepling my fingers as I considered their words.

The politics of pack alliances were always complex, but the idea of anyone questioning Zara’s place in this family ignited a protective fury in my chest.

“Zara has been through enough without being dragged into unnecessary political games,” I said firmly.

“Her return was not orchestrated-it was fate.

And anyone who challenges that will have me to answer to.” Sylas nodded approvingly.

“Your strength, Luna, is why we have always followed you.

But strength alone won’t silence doubters.

And some would complain about your absence for long if you’re planning to attend the Alpha Ball, we’ll need a strategy to counter any rumours.” I hesitated.

The Alpha Ball was one of the most important gatherings of the year, a place where alliances were forged and rivalries simmered beneath a veneer of civility.

It was also a potential powder keg of scrutiny, especially with Zara’s newfound identity.

“I haven’t decided if we’ll attend,” I admitted.

“Zara’s well-being comes first.

She’s still adjusting to everything, and I won’t throw her into a political arena unprepared.” “Wise,” Marek said, his expression thoughtful.

“But if I may, Luna, it might also be an opportunity to solidify her position.

To show the other packs that she belongs, not as an outsider, but as part of the Golden Claw legacy.” The weight of their words hovered above us.

As much as I despised the political posturing of the Alpha Ball, Marek wasn’t wrong.

“Don’t get me wrong.

Zara wants to go with her husband, though.

Whether or not she is announced as a Gold wouldn’t deter her.” “Oh, I see,” Marek nodded.

Before I could respond, Rohan cleared his throat again.

“Is Zara here?

We’d hoped to meet her officially tonight.”