Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow - Chapter 209

Chapter 209: Return Chapter 209: Return *************** CHAPTER 209 ~Zara’s POV~ The tires crunched against the gravel as I pulled up outside the mansion.

My hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, my heart still racing from the conversation with Siona while I waited for the gates to be opened.

Her words echoed in my head, each one a reminder of the weight I now carried.

I had thought my life was and would be simple but no.  It wasn’t so.

Instead, right from meeting that scum, Ivan, until now, all my decisions and actions have been anything but simple.

Before I could gather my thoughts, the front door burst open, and Snow rushed out, his silhouette illuminated by the soft glow of the porch lights.

I drove into the compound, pulling over at the front of the house.

The moment I stepped out of the car, his hands were on my arms, his grip firm but not painful.

Snow’s blue eyes burned with worry, searching my face for answers.

“Zara,” he breathed, “Where the hell were you?

What happened?” I opened my mouth to respond but faltered as I took in the raw emotion etched across his face.

His brows furrowed, his jaw tight-Snow was rarely rattled, but tonight he looked like he had been pacing the edge of a storm.

“Snow€¦” I began, “I’m sorry.

I didn’t mean to worry you.” “Didn’t mean to worry me?” His voice rose slightly.

“Do you have any idea how scared I was?

You didn’t answer your phone.

You just vanished!” The frustration in his tone was clear, but beneath it was a desperation that tugged at my heart.

His protectiveness, his fear-it was all for me.

“I had to clear my head,” I said, my hand instinctively reaching up to cup his cheek.

“I wasn’t in danger, I promise.” He exhaled sharply, leaning into my touch for a moment before pulling me into a tight embrace.

“Don’t do that to me again,” Snow murmured, his voice raw.

Before I could respond, the sound of footsteps behind him drew our attention.

Zade, Aira, and Tempest emerged from the mansion, their expressions mirroring Snow’s concern.

“You see,” Zade said lightly, but his eyes betrayed his unease.

“I told you she’d come back.” “Doesn’t make it any less worrying,” Aira added, her gaze scanning me from head to toe as if to ensure I wasn’t hurt.

“Are you okay?” I nodded, offering her a reassuring smile.

“I’m fine, really.” Tempest crossed her arms, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly.

“You don’t look fine.

What’s going on?” Their concern weighed heavily on me and it made me realize how loved I was.  <Author: Or how much of a troublemaker.> <Zara: *rolls eyes*> For a moment, I debated telling them everything.

But how could I?

Siona’s revelations felt too massive, too fragile to share yet.

I knew I needed alliances but right now, looking at them, I wondered if they were ready for such a news?

“I just needed some air,” I said carefully, glancing at each of them in turn.

It wasn’t an entire lie.

I needed the air while checking out my dream.

“It’s been€¦ a lot lately.” Snow’s hand tightened around mine, assuring me.

“You should’ve told me,” he said softly.

“We could’ve talked about it together and taken a stroll.” “I know,” I admitted, guilt creeping into my chest.

“I just didn’t want to burden anyone.” “Burden?” Zade snorted.

“You’re family, Zara.

You don’t get to carry everything alone.” His words struck a chord, and I felt a lump rise in my throat.

They were right.

Here I had the best gift the world could have given me and only found them after living two unfulfilled lives.  “Thanks,” I whispered, lowering my head.

Aira stepped forward, alerting me of her presence as her gentle probing eyes scanned me.

“Whatever it is, you don’t have to face it alone.

We’re here, okay?” I nodded again, unable to find the right words.

Their support was overwhelming, but the enormity of what I had learned still loomed over me.

“Come on,” Snow urged, his voice softer now as he guided me toward the mansion.

“Let’s get you inside.

You look like you need rest.” “And a calming tea or warm milk,” Tempest offered.

All I could do was nod at them.

As we walked, Tempest shot Zade a curious glance.

“You think she’ll tell us what’s really going on?” Zade’s lips pressed into a thin line.

“She will when she’s ready.” I caught his words, and for the first time since returning, a small sense of peace settled over me.

Despite the turmoil swirling within my mind, I firmly believed that I was not alone.

And when the time came, I would tell them everything.

We got inside; I was cooped up in our room while Snow got everything ready.

He wanted me to soak in a warm bath to help relax my nerves while Tempest got me the warm milk.

I gave him my best smile in this situation and got into the bathtub.

Once in, I let my head rest inside the water and my thoughts spiralled.  I hadn’t conversed with Astrid more lately and I knw she was the best bet I had when it came to this.  I didn’t need to tell her anything; she could feel me.

She heard all Siona had to say.

We were reborn for a reason.  “I know how you feel,” Astrid surged in my mind, pushing forward.  “Good, because it is too much for me to handle.

I want to share it with Snow but I do not think he is ready.” “Remember, Zara, you€¦ we are not alone.

Snow understands you better than you think.

He can feel you.” “I know but can he handle me forming an alliance with Kaid?

What if he doesn’t approve and who knows what Kaid’s conditions would be?” Astrid smiled and I felt her soothing presence wash over me.

“Remember what Siona said?” “What?” “Use your wits, your cunningness, to bring them together.

You are smarter than you give yourself credit for.

All you need to do now is show them and do not bend for any man.

You Zara, area bridge.” I remained silent for a while and then I asked the most important question.  “So, a witch?

Why didn’t you ever say anything?”