Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow - Chapter 222

Chapter 222: Uncomfortable Chapter 222: Uncomfortable *************** CHAPTER 222 ~Zara’s POV~ As I stepped outside, the morning air was cool against my skin, and the gentle breeze carried the earthy scent of pine and dew.  My nerves were already fraying, but I squared my shoulders and inhaled deeply, letting the cool air-ground me.

Today marked the first step toward the Ivory Crescent Pageant, and I couldn’t afford to falter.

Aira’s familiar voice rang out behind me cheerfully.

“Ready to conquer the world, Luna?” I turned to see her bounding down the steps, her dark curls bouncing as she adjusted the strap of her bag.

Her energy was infectious, even if I wasn’t quite sure I shared her enthusiasm yet.

“Let’s start with the pack,” I said, managing a small smile.

“Perfect,” Tempest chimed in, joining us from the side of the house.

Her sleek, no-nonsense attire was a stark contrast to Aira’s casual outfit, but the sharp glint in her eyes said she was as ready as ever.

“The car’s packed, and we’ve got everything we need.” As the three of us climbed into the waiting SUV, I couldn’t help but glance back toward the house.

Snow stood at the doorway, watching us leave.

His calm expression and a slight nod of encouragement sent a wave of reassurance through me.

“You’ve got this,” he mouthed silently, and I nodded back, his unwavering support giving me the strength I needed.

The drive to the packlands was filled with chatter, mostly from Aira, to my surprise, while I sensed a certain reluctance from Tempest.

“So,” she began, twisting in her seat to face me.

“What’s your plan for the pageant, Zara?

You know, besides being fabulous and dazzling everyone with your Luna energy?” I let out a soft laugh, shaking my head.

“Honestly?

I’m still figuring that part out.

Snow wants me to ‘outshine the tradition,’ whatever that means.” Tempest smirked from the driver’s seat.

“It means he believes in you.

And he’s not wrong.

You’ve got a way of turning things into something unforgettable, Zara.” “Unforgettable disasters, maybe,” I muttered, earning a playful swat from Aira.

“Stop it,” she said, her tone mock-serious.

“You’re going to be amazing.

And you’ve got us to back you up.

Right, Tempest?” Tempest glanced at me through the rearview mirror, her usual cool demeanour softening slightly.

“She’s right.

You’re not alone in this.

Whatever you need, we’ll make it happen.” Their confidence in me was comforting, even if I didn’t entirely share it yet.

“Thanks,” I said softly.

“I mean it.” As we entered the packlands, the scenery shifted, the dense forest giving way to sprawling fields and clusters of homes.  The Ivory Crescent Packhouse loomed in the distance, its stone walls and towering spires as intimidating as ever.

“Back home,” Aira said with a grin, leaning forward to get a better look.

We parked near the main entrance, and the three of us stepped out, the weight of the moment settling over me.

This wasn’t just about me anymore-it was about the young women waiting inside, the future leaders of the pack.

Luna Star greeted us at the door, looking as sharp as always.

She pulled me into a brief embrace, her warmth surprising me.

“Welcome home, Zara,” she greeted.

“We’ve been waiting for you.” Her words carried more weight than I expected, and I nodded, determined not to let her-or myself-down.

“Let’s get started,” I said, straightening my back.

The nerves were still there, but so was a growing sense of purpose.

This was my chance to prove not just to the pack but to myself that I was ready to lead.

And with Aira, Tempest, and Luna Star by my side, I knew I wasn’t alone.

The moment we stepped into the pack house, the comforting hum of activity surrounded us-pack members moving through the halls, the scent of fresh pastries wafting from the kitchen, and the soft chatter echoing from nearby rooms.

I barely had a moment to soak it all in before Tempest stiffened beside me.

“Tempest!” A deep, smooth voice called from behind us.

Her shoulders tensed visibly, her posture turning rigid as she slowly turned to face the speaker.

My gaze followed hers, landing on a striking young man standing by the door.

He was tall and broad-shouldered, his presence commanding.

Dressed entirely in black-an unbuttoned shirt revealing a hint of a defined chest-he exuded an air of effortless confidence.  His hair framed sharp features, and his piercing eyes seemed to flicker with amusement as they locked onto Tempest.

Before any of us could react, Luna Star’s voice rang out cheerfully.

“Hello, Ryker!” The young man turned toward her and bowed slightly in greeting.

“Luna Star,” he said respectfully.

Luna Star’s eyes sparkled as she glanced between him and Tempest, whose gaze had shifted to the floor.  “I see you’ve returned, Ryland,” Tempest chimed in a pointed tone.

I blinked.

“Ryland?” I echoed softly, glancing between the two of them.

“Which name should I use?” The young man-Ryker?

Ryland?-shifted his attention to me, his expression softening.

He bowed his head again.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Luna Zara.

Please call me€¦” Before he could say more, Tempest cut in, her voice clipped.

“Only I call him Ryland.” There was an edge to her words, but as soon as she said them, her cheeks flushed faintly.

“Oh,” I said, intrigued.

“I didn’t realize it was…

special.” Tempest crossed her arms, suddenly defensive.

“It’s not.

It’s just-” “It’s fine,” Ryker-Ryland?-interjected smoothly, his lips twitching into a faint smile.

“She’s right.

It’s…

a personal thing.” “Well, can we call you Ryland too?” Aira asked suddenly, her tone curious as her gaze darted between the two of them.

Tempest’s head snapped toward Aira, her eyes widening in shock.

“Aira-” To everyone’s surprise, Ryland inclined his head slightly, his smile widening just enough to show a flash of teeth.

“You may,” he said calmly, his gaze lingering on Tempest.

“If it’s what Tempest wants.” Tempest’s mouth fell open, and for once, she was at a loss for words.

She barely had any time to counter him when Aira interjected.  Aira grinned, clearly enjoying the moment.

“Well, Ryland it is, then!” <Author: Merry Christmas, Everyone!> CREATORS’ THOUGHTS BaeVida For more chapters daily…

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