Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow - Chapter 201

Chapter 201: Heart-to-Heart Chapter 201: Heart-to-Heart *************** CHAPTER 201 ~Tempest’s POV~ Back in my room, I sighed, running a hand through my hair.

Last night had been unexpected, to say the least.

But as much as I wanted to brush it off, I couldn’t stop thinking about it-about him.

My phone chimed again.

Another message from Koda.

Koda: You still mad at the world?

Or can I tempt you to talk to me again?

I smiled despite myself, my fingers hovering over the screen as I typed a reply.

Me: Depends.

Are you planning to run away this time?

His response came almost instantly.

Koda: Not a chance.

My heart fluttered, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a flicker of hope.

Maybe, just maybe, he meant it.

Regardless, Summer urged me to give it-him a chance.

Back in my room, the soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the walls.

But I barely noticed.

My thoughts were consumed by Koda, by the events of last night, and by the emotions I had kept buried for so long.

I stared at my phone, Koda’s last message still lighting up the screen.

Koda: Not a chance.

He wasn’t like Ryland, I must say but sex with him was  His words played on repeat in my mind, pulling at something deep within me.

Summer was practically purring in my head, her excitement bubbling over.

“See?” she said.

“He wants you.

Just give him a chance, Tempest.” I sighed, flopping back onto the bed.

“It’s not that simple,” I murmured aloud, running a hand through my hair.

Summer growled softly, her voice firm.

“You’re making it complicated.

He’s our mate, Tempest.

We can’t keep running from that.” “But what if he’s still thinking about Aira?” I countered.

“What if last night was just a distraction for him?

A way to forget her?” Summer fell silent, her unease mirroring my own.

Despite her enthusiasm, even she couldn’t deny that possibility.

As much as I wanted to believe in Koda’s words, in the pull between us, doubts lingered.

And then there was Ryland-strong, steady, and always in the back of my mind.

What was I doing?

The chime of my phone startled me from my thoughts.

Another message from Koda.

Koda: Still there?

Or did I scare you off?

I bit my lip, hesitating before typing a response.

Me: Doesn’t take much to scare me.

But no, I’m here.

The reply came instantly.

Koda: Good.

Can we talk?

Or would you rather keep pretending last night didn’t happen?

I stared at the message, my heart pounding.

He wasn’t letting this go.

And a part of me didn’t want him to.

Me: Fine.

Let’s talk.

Before I could overthink it, I hit send.

A few moments later, my phone buzzed again, but this time it was a call.

Koda’s name flashed on the screen, and for a moment, I hesitated before answering.

“Hello?” “Finally,” Koda’s deep voice rumbled through the phone.

“I thought you might ghost me.” I couldn’t help the small smile tugging at my lips.

“You’re not that lucky.” He chuckled and the sound came off warm and familiar.

“I guess not.” For a moment, neither of us spoke, the silence filled with unspoken tension.

“So,” he said finally, his tone softer.

“How are you feeling?” I let out a dry laugh.

“You mean after last night?” “Yeah,” he admitted.

“I’ve been thinking about it€¦ about you.” His words sent a shiver down my spine, but I pushed it aside, trying to sound casual.

“And what have you decided?” “That I don’t regret it,” he said firmly.

“Not one bit.” My heart fluttered, but I kept my tone steady.

“Good.

Because I don’t either.” There was a pause, his breathing the only sound on the line.

“Then why do I feel like you’re holding back?” Because I was.

“It’s not that simple,” I said quietly.

“It can be,” he argued gently.

“If we let it.” I sighed, rubbing a hand over my face.

“Koda€¦ last night was amazing, but you’re still hung up on Aira.

And I-” “Stop,” he interrupted me, his voice firm but not unkind.

“You’re right.

I was hung up on her.

But last night?

It was real and it made me realize something.

I love her but, Aira won’t love me and I decided to let her go.” “You see.

You’re only using me,” I quickly added.  Koda sighed deeply.

“That’s where you’re getting this all wrong.

I already gave up on her before the ball.

Recently I saw her with a guy, Alpha Zade and judging from their closeness, I knew something could build up.

Aira never looked at me like that.

Although it hurt, I realized how foolish I was tossing my mate aside.” I hummed, unsure of what response to give.  “Aira€¦ She’s not the one I want.

I know you had your shortcomings for fucking someone else the day you found a mate.” “I had a reason.

My mate didn’t want me.

So I decided to scrub that pain with someone else who wanted me.” “And how did that end for you and him?” I was about to retort when I realized how deeply I had led Ryland on.  “You see.

I know everything is just…” he sighed.

However, if we are open to getting to know each other, maybe we can start off on the right foot.” “Were we on the left foot?”  Koda laughed genuinely, easing off the tension I felt.

“You know what I mean, Tempest.

You are not a replacement.” My breath hitched, his words catching me off guard.

“You are unique, Tempest,” he continued, his voice softer now.

“I don’t know where this is going, but I know I don’t want to let it go.

Not yet.” My chest tightened, Summer practically howling in delight at his confession.

But even as his words stirred something deep within me, a flicker of doubt remained.

“What about Ryland?” I blurted before I could stop myself.

Koda fell silent for a moment.

“Ryland?” I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of my own words.

“It’s nothing,” I said quickly.

“Forget I said anything.”