Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow - Chapter 282

Chapter 282: And What About Pups?

Chapter 282: And What About Pups?

*************** CHAPTER 282 ~Zara’s POV~ We reached the Golden Claw Pack’s territory; the familiar scent of pine and the cool mountain air welcomed me home.  The sight of the sprawling packhouse, with its stone walls and tall spires, brought a mix of nostalgia and anxiety.

As we pulled up, my mother waited by the stairs.

Her regal presence was as commanding as ever.

She descended gracefully as the car stopped, her sharp eyes taking in each of us.

“Zara,” she greeted warmly, but one could not mistake the tone of royalty in it.  And immediately Astrid nagged me.

“What was that about not being royalty?” “Shu, it’s her poise.

With practice as a Luna, you can get it.” “Keep deceiving yourself.

Just look at Ella.” I glanced at Ella and noticed how tightly she gripped her bag strap.

“Bloody hell.

She looks like a scared lamb.” “Mom,” I replied, stepping forward to hug her.

We hugged briefly, but those few seconds felt like comforting minutes.

When she pulled back, her gaze shifted to Ella, her brow lifting slightly.

“And this must be Ella.” She smiled at me and then Ella.

“She’s more beautiful in person.” Ella, to her credit, smiled brightly and extended her hand.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs.

Gold.” My mother’s lips curled into a faint smile as she shook Ella’s hand.

“Please call me Zaria.

Any friend of Zara’s is welcome here.” Zade stepped forward next, earning a curt nod from my mother.

“Zade, good to see you again.” “Good to see you too.” “Don’t be a stranger, son, and give Momma a hug.” I smiled when she pulled him in for a hug.

“Ah€¦” Mother sighed, “I may see you often, but it doesn’t mean I do not miss you each time you have to leave my side.” Zade struggled in her embrace, and when he finally broke the hug, he sighed deeply.

“Mum, I was away from you for long when I trained with my uncles.

You survived.” Her shoulders dropped.

“You know it was necessary.

After Zara and…” “I know, mother.

I know.” Mum pecked the air at him before ushering us inside and gesturing for us to follow her.

“Come inside.

There’s much to discuss before the celebration tomorrow.” As we entered the packhouse, memories of my childhood flooded back.

Ella leaned closer to me as we walked and whispered.

“This place is incredible.

Like something out of a fantasy novel.” I chuckled.

“Wait until you see the garden.

That’s my favourite spot.” Once we were settled in the grand sitting room, my mother turned to me, her expression serious.

“Zara, there’s something we need to discuss.” My stomach tightened at her tone.

“What is it?” Mum exchanged a glance with Zade before focusing back on me.

“It’s about the Thorned Crescent Pack.

There’s been…

activity near the border.” I felt my blood run cold.

“What kind of activity?” “Scouts,” Zade answered.

“I was informed as soon as we crossed the border.

They are assessing the situation and searching for vulnerabilities.

Ella’s face paled, and she gripped my arm tightly.

“What does that mean?” “It means,” my mother said, “that we need to be prepared.

The celebration tomorrow is more than just a welcome home for you, Zara.

It’s a statement.

A reminder to everyone watching that the Golden Claw Pack is strong and united.” I nodded.

“Then let’s make sure that’s exactly what they see.” After helping Ella settle into her guest room and unpacking my things in my own, I decided to call Snow.

But as I sat on the edge of my bed with the phone in my hand, I found myself hesitating.  Snow had so much on his plate back at the mansion-meetings with Dare Devil, Jupiter, and Xavier to deal with Shadow Clave.

He didn’t need me worrying him over border scouts and my nerves about the celebration.

Before I could dial, a soft knock sounded at my door.

I placed the phone on the nightstand, quickly smoothing my hands over my sweater.

“Come in.” The door creaked open, and my mother stepped in.

She wore a simple but elegant navy gown, her hair swept back into a loose braid.

Even in her casual attire, she carried herself like the Luna she was-a force to be reckoned with.

“I thought I’d find you here,” she said, closing the door behind her.

Her sharp gaze softened as she looked at me.

“May I sit?” “Of course, Mum.” I gestured to the plush chair near the window.

Instead of taking the chair, she sat beside me on the bed, her hands folded neatly in her lap.

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

The silence stiffening and suffocating.  “It’s been a while since you’ve been home,” she said finally, her voice soft but laced with a touch of sadness.

“I know,” I replied, guilt tugging at me.

“Things have been…

chaotic.

But I’m here now.” Her lips curved into a faint smile.

“That’s all that matters.” For a moment, I thought she’d leave it at that, but her smile faded as her expression turned more serious.  “Zara, I’ve missed you.

Truly.

But I can’t ignore the fact that you’ve been holding back since you arrived.

You’re my daughter-I know when something’s weighing on you.” I hesitated, my fingers fidgeting with the edge of my sweater.

“It’s nothing, really.

Just…

everything feels like it’s happening all at once.

Between Kaid, the Thorned Crescent Pack, and Shadow Clave-it’s overwhelming.” “Kaid?

Don’t tell me the Lycan King is still pressuring you?” “Technically, no.

But I know if I were to be single, he would.” Mum reached out, placing a gentle hand over mine.

“You’ve been carrying so much on your shoulders, Zia.

You’ve always been strong, but even the strongest need support.

That’s what family is for.” What she said was true, but I felt a lump form in my throat.

“It’s just…

sometimes I feel like I have to be everything for everyone.

A good Luna, a good sister, a good friend-and now, I feel like I’m constantly looking over my shoulder, waiting for the next threat.” Mum’s hand squeezed mine once more.

“You’re not alone in this, Zara.

You have Snow, Zade, Ella…

and you have me.

We’ll face whatever comes together, as a family.

Always remember that.

And know that I’d not lose you again.” I nodded, the weight in my chest easing slightly.

“Thank you, Mum.” She smiled again, this time warmly.

“Now, enough of this heavy talk.

Tell me, how is married life treating you?” I couldn’t help but laugh at the sudden shift in topic.  “What?” She shrugged her shoulders and scooted closer to me.

“I’ve…

you know, umm…

I have always wanted to have this conversation between myself and my daughter.

And€¦”  Mum sighed, rubbing her temples.

She managed a soft smile as a tear slid down her face.

“I have always envied my friends who had this€¦” she gestured between us.  “Hey, Mum, I understand.

It’s not entirely new to me but how about starting out as friends and getting to know each other more?” My mother’s eyes brimmed with more tears, and before I knew it, they rolled down her cheeks as she nodded.

“I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

I want that so much, Zara.” I did not know why, but just seeing her tear up made my heart clench.

I hugged her, patting her back till she calmed down.  When we pulled back, she reminded me of her earlier question and I chuckled.

“Didn’t know you still recalled.” “Oh dear, I could never forget.

Now, hurry and tell me everything.” My laughter filled the room, and I felt Astrid’s calm.

She was home, and she loved it.  “Snow is…

amazing.

He drives me crazy sometimes, but in the best way.

He’s so protective, and he loves me fiercely.

It’s hard to describe, but I feel complete with him.” Mum’s eyes softened, and she tilted her head slightly.

“He sounds like your father.” I blinked, surprised.

“Dad?” She nodded, a wistful smile gracing her lips.

“Your father was the same way when we were younger-always putting my safety first, even when I didn’t think I needed it.

It’s a trait of a true Alpha, Zara.

Snow loves you, and that’s clear to anyone who sees the two of you together.” Her words filled me with warmth, and I found myself smiling.

“He does.

He makes me feel…

cherished.” Mum patted my hand and leaned back slightly, her expression growing playful.

“And what about pups?

Any plans there?” My cheeks burned, and I groaned, covering my face with my hands.

“Mum!” She laughed wholeheartedly.

“What?

It’s a valid question!

I’d love to spoil my grandchildren someday.” I peeked at her through my fingers, still flustered.

“Let’s focus on keeping the pack safe first, okay?” “Fair enough,” Mum said with a wink.

“But don’t think I won’t bring it up again.” We both laughed, the tension from earlier easing completely.