Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow - Chapter 249

Chapter 249: Suspicious Chapter 249: Suspicious *************** CHAPTER 249 ~Snow’s POV~  For a moment, everything else disappeared.

The pain in my body, the tension in the room, Kaid’s overbearing presence-it all faded into the background.  There was only Zara, her warmth dropping on me, her presence healing a part of me that had been frayed and worn.

When we finally pulled apart, her eyes glistened, her lips parting slightly as though she wanted to say something but couldn’t find the words.

“I almost lost you,” I confessed.

“But you didn’t,” she replied softly, brushing her fingers along my jaw.

“I’m here, Snow.

I’m safe.

Thanks to you.” “And Zade,” I admitted grudgingly.

“And even Kaid.” Zara smiled faintly, her gaze softening.

“You’re all impossible, you know that?” I chuckled, shaking my head.

“You wouldn’t have us any other way.” Her hand lingered on my cheek, her thumb tracing gentle circles.

“No, I wouldn’t.” The sound of a throat clearing broke the moment, and I turned sharply to see Kaid standing in the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest.

His eyes flicked between Zara and me, a shadow of irritation passing over his face.

“She needs rest,” he said bluntly, stepping into the room.

“I’m well aware,” I replied sharply without hiding my irritation.  Kaid’s lips twitched into a smirk.

“You should take your own advice, Alpha.

You’re hardly in better shape.” I wanted to argue, but Zara squeezed my hand gently, her silent plea stopping me.

She glanced at Kaid while wearing her expression on her person like a sleeve-a mix of gratitude and weariness.

“Thank you, Kaid,” she appreciated him sincerely.

“For everything.” Kaid’s smirk softened into something resembling a genuine smile.

“Anything for you, Zara.

Always.” Glacier growled softly in the back of my mind, but I ignored him.

No matter how much Kaid’s presence grated on me, this wasn’t the time for petty territorial disputes.

“I’ll leave you to rest,” Kaid added, his gaze lingering on Zara a moment longer before he turned and left the room.

The tension eased slightly as the door clicked shut behind him.

Zara let out a soft sigh, leaning her head against my shoulder.

“I don’t think I can handle another standoff between you two,” she murmured.

“Trust me, neither can I,” I said, smiling at her before kissing her temple.

After ensuring Zara was comfortable, I reluctantly left her to rest.

Despite the lingering tension in the air, I knew she needed space to recover without Kaid or me hovering over her like hawks.

As I walked into the hall, my thoughts churned with unease.

I found Zade leaning against a nearby pillar, arms crossed and deep in thought.

His sharp gaze flicked to me as I approached.

“Finally decided to breathe?” Zade quipped, though his tone was more tired than mocking.

Ignoring his jab, I leaned against the wall beside him.

“We need to talk.” Zade arched an eyebrow.

“About?” “Siona,” I replied, watching his reaction closely.

“Do you know how Zara knows her?” Zade’s expression didn’t change, but the slight tension in his jaw betrayed his thoughts.

“I was going to ask you the same thing.” I frowned, crossing my arms.

“Zara acted like she knew Siona.

She even called her by name before Kaid introduced her.” “That’s not just coincidence,” Zade muttered, his brows furrowing.

“But if Zara knows her, she hasn’t mentioned it to me.” “She hasn’t mentioned it to me either,” I admitted, in a low tone.

“But there’s something else.” Zade straightened slightly, his gaze sharpening.

“Go on.” I hesitated, the memory of that night flickering in my mind.

“The night Zara went missing from the mansion€¦ When she returned, I caught the scent of someone else on her.

It wasn’t strong, but it was distinct.

At the time, I thought it might’ve been accidental-someone she passed by, maybe or an attack she was covering up.” “And now?” I exhaled heavily.

“Now, I’m not so sure.

When Siona got close earlier, I smelt that same scent.” Zade’s eyes narrowed, his body tensing.

“Are you suggesting Siona had something to do with Zara’s disappearance?” “I’m not suggesting anything yet,” I said quickly, though the thought had crossed my mind.

“But I can’t ignore the similarity.

Either Siona was involved, or there’s a connection I haven’t pieced together.” Zade rubbed a hand over his face, muttering something under his breath.

“We need answers, Snow.

We can’t afford to let this slide-not with everything else going on.” “Agreed,” I said, my jaw tightening.

“I’ll talk to Zara.

When she’s ready, because right now, let’s just say almost everyone unknown is a suspect.” “Even the known ones.” As soon as Zade said that, Snow and he exchanged glances.

They cleared their throat, and Zade asked, “And Siona?” “We’ll deal with her if we need to.” Zade nodded, his expression grim.

“Fine.

Keep me updated.” With that, he pushed off the wall and disappeared down the corridor, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

Later, I stepped outside and dialed a number I hadn’t expected to use again so soon.

The phone rang twice before Xavier’s familiar gruff voice answered.

“What do you want?” he asked without warm-up.

I chuckled softly.

“You’re welcome, by the way.” “For what?” Xavier shot back, clearly annoyed.

“For giving you the chance to stretch those lazy limbs of yours.

It must’ve been a nice change of pace,” I teased, waiting for his lazy retort.

Xavier groaned audibly.

“You’re lucky I like Zara, or I wouldn’t have shown up at all.

And stop calling me by my name, Snow.

I swear-” “Relax, Golden God,” I interrupted, leaning against the balcony railing.

“You really need to lighten up.” Xavier snorted.

“Coming from you, that’s rich.

Anyway, is Zara okay?” “She’s recovering,” I said, my tone softening.

“Thanks to you.” “Don’t thank me,” Xavier replied gruffly.

“Thank my aim.

And the next time you get yourself into a mess, try not to drag me into it.” “Oh, come on,” I teased.

“You love playing the hero.” “I’d love a vacation more,” he shot back.

“But here we are.” I laughed, shaking my head.

“You’re insufferable.” “And you’re an idiot,” Xavier retorted.

“But you’ve got good instincts.

Keep your head on straight, Snow.

Melvin’s not done, and neither is Ivan.” “I know,” I said seriously.

“I’ll be ready.” “You better be.” The line clicked off, and I slipped my phone back into my pocket, the weight of Xavier’s words settling over me.

I returned to Zara’s room, half-expecting to find Kaid hovering over her like a protective shadow.

To my relief, the room was quiet when I stepped inside.

Zara was awake, sitting up in bed, her face pale but alert.

“Snow,” she said softly, her voice like a balm to my frayed nerves.

“How are you feeling?” I asked, pulling a chair closer to her bedside.

“A little better,” she admitted, managing a small smile.

“Thanks to you.” “And Kaid, and Zade,” I added with a wry smile.

She chuckled softly, but her gaze turned serious.

“It’s not just that.

It’s knowing you’re here.” Her words warmed my chest, but I couldn’t ignore the questions swirling in my mind.

“Zara,” I began, choosing my words carefully.

“How do you know Siona?” Her smile faltered slightly, and she looked away, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the blanket.

“I don’t, really.

I mean…

I’ve seen her before, but we don’t really know each other.” My eyes narrowed slightly.

She was lying.

“Zara.” My tone was much firmer now.

“I know she’s the one you met the night you went missing from the mansion.” Her head snapped toward me, her eyes wide with shock.

“What?” “You heard me,” I said, leaning closer.

“I caught her scent on you then, and I caught it again today.

I need to know the truth, Zara.

What happened that night?” Her lips parted, but no words came out.

The silence stretched between us.

“Zara,” I urged, my voice softening.

“Please.” Tears welled in her eyes, and she looked away, her shoulders trembling.

Whatever she was hiding, it was tearing her apart.

Before she could answer, the door creaked open, and Kaid stepped inside.

His presence filled the room instantly, his gaze locking on Zara.

“Is everything alright?” he asked, glancing between us.

Zara quickly wiped at her eyes, forcing a smile.

“Yes, I’m fine.” But I wasn’t convinced.

And neither was Kaid.

Whatever secrets Zara was keeping, I would uncover them.  “I find that hard to believe.” Kaid stepped closer.

“Tell me, is your husband disturbing you?” All the anger I had managed to hold off for Zara’s sake resurfaced, and I felt like punching him in the gut.  I snapped.

“Maybe you need to leave and stop hovering around my wife like a hawk.” Zara stole a glance between us before falling on the bed.

Instinctively, both of us reached for her just as her hand shot out to stop us.  “Two of you leave.

I do not want to be disturbed further.” We wanted to argue, but she wouldn’t have it, and so, the Lucan King and I were tossed out.