Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow - Chapter 269

Chapter 269: Lead the Way Chapter 269: Lead the Way *************** CHAPTER 267 ~Tempest’s POV~ My mother’s eyes widened slightly, though she remained silent, letting me continue.

“It wasn’t supposed to happen,” I began, my voice cracking.

“He confessed his love for me again, told me he was sorry for burdening me with his feelings.

He even said he’d stay away if that’s what it took to make me happy.

And then-” I pressed my palms against my face, trying to push away the memory of his lips on mine, the raw emotion in his eyes as we pulled apart.

“And then I kissed him,” I finished in a whisper.

The silence between us was deafening.

Mum finally spoke after a minute or two, her tone calm and controlled.

“Do you love him, Tempest?” I dropped my hands, meeting her gaze.

“I don’t know,” I admitted.

“I know I’m supposed to love Koda-he’s my mate.

And I do care for him deeply.

But with Ryland, it’s different.

It’s like he sees parts of me I didn’t even know existed.

And I…

I’ve fallen for him, Mum.” Her expression softened, and she reached across the table to take my hand in hers.

“Love is never simple, Tempest.

And sometimes, it doesn’t follow the rules we think it should.

But you have to make a choice.

You can’t keep holding on to both of them-it isn’t fair to you or them.” Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes.

“I don’t want to hurt either of them.” “You will,” Mum said softly but firmly.

“No matter what you choose, someone will be hurt.

But prolonging this indecision will only cause more pain in the end.” I nodded slowly, her words settling into the pit of my stomach like stones.

“Follow your heart,” she continued.

“Not your sense of duty, not your guilt.

Just your heart.

It will guide you where you need to be.” Taking a deep breath, I whispered, “I think I need to see Koda.” Mum squeezed my hand.

“Then go to him.

Speak your truth, Tempest.

You owe it to yourself and to them.” Her strength and wisdom buoyed me as I left her quarters, though the uncertainty still lingered like a shadow at my heels.

*************** By the next day, I was already travelling to Koda’s pack to see him.

I knew I couldn’t waste any more time with my decision.

The journey to Koda’s pack was a blur of nerves.

As the car sped down winding roads and through dense forests, I repeatedly replayed the words I would say to him.  My heart was a chaotic mess, torn between hope and fear, and the unusual quietness of my wolf, Summer, only heightened my unease.

“You’re too tense,” Summer finally said as the pack’s borders appeared.

“Can you blame me?” I muttered aloud, gripping the seatbelt tightly.

“Just don’t overthink it.

Koda-our mate deserves to hear what’s on your mind.” “Easier said than done,” I replied, though her words did little to ease the turmoil in my chest.

The gates to the pack’s territory loomed ahead, guarded by two warriors who nodded respectfully as I approached.  The farther I drove in, the more the packhouse came into view, and my car stopped.

I asked around, and soon, I located where he was.

I found myself standing at the edge of the training grounds, where Koda was sparring with a group of warriors.  His movements were precise and powerful; his hair was damp with sweat as he landed a final blow that sent his opponent sprawling.

He turned, catching sight of me, and the intensity in his eyes softened immediately.

“Tempest,” he called out to my surprise, his gleeful voice carrying across the field.

The warriors around him stepped back respectfully as he approached me, his gaze never leaving mine.

I smiled at him and before I could fully compose myself, he rushed towards me and picked me up before twirling me around.

“Tempest,” he said warmly and smiling genuinely.

He looked as though he’d been waiting for me all day.

“Hello, Koda, hahha, please put me down.

Everyone’s watching.” “Let them.

My mate is around.” “Now how are you going to get around this?” Summer’s voice broke through my thoughts.  After he placed me down, Koda pressed his lips against mine, kissing me deeply and totally ignoring the cheers from his warriors and a few pack members around.  Only God knows how I managed to avoid that scene, perhaps because my mind was scattered at the time.

After that, we went into the packhouse.

Koda led me through the elegant halls, the walls adorned with tapestries depicting the pack’s rich history.

Finally, we reached a large double door, which Koda pushed open to reveal a spacious office.

Behind a polished wooden desk sat Alpha Slade, Koda’s Alpha.

“Alpha,” Koda said, bowing his head respectfully.

“This is my mate, Tempest…” “Tempest Zephyr.” Alpha Slade stood, his imposing figure commanding the room.

His piercing gaze swept over me.

Although he knew who I was, we had barely had much of an interaction in the past.

“Welcome to Crescent Ridge.

I’ve heard much about you.” “Thank you, Alpha Slade,” I said, returning his gaze with as much composure as I could muster.

“It’s an honour to be here.” He smiled faintly, his demeanour softening.

“The honour is ours.

Any mate of Koda’s is a valued guest in our pack.

Besides, you are Alpha Storm’s daughter.

That alone is a welcome ticket.” Alpha Slade’s words held weight, and I could see Koda’s pride in the way he straightened beside me.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Alpha Slade dismissed us, his sharp eyes lingering on me as though he could sense the unspoken weight I carried.

We made a few stops and after that, it was time for me to speak to Koda about the real reason I came here.  As we stepped out into the cool evening air, Koda turned to me, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

“I’ve been thinking about this moment for a long time,” I blinked at the warmth filling his voice.

Could I do it?

I wondered.  “There are so many places I’ve imagined taking my mate.

If you’re not too tired, I’d love to show you a few of them.” I hesitated before I could answer, as the reason for my visit was different from what he thought.

But the joy in his expression was infectious, and I couldn’t bear to dampen his enthusiasm.

“Sure, why not?

Lead the way,” I said, forcing a smile.