Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow - Chapter 286

Chapter 286: A Clumsy Search Chapter 286: A Clumsy Search *************** CHAPTER 286 ~Zaria’s POV~ I stood in front of the large mirror in my room, inspecting the intricate lace gown I had selected for tomorrow’s welcome party.  It was fitting-regal yet understated.

After all, the focus needed to remain on Zara, not me.

A soft knock interrupted my thoughts.

“Enter,” I called, glancing at the door as my lady-in-waiting, Courtney, stepped in.

“Luna,” she greeted with a small curtsy.

“Have the preparations been finalized?” I asked, smoothing the fabric of my gown as I turned to face her.

“Yes, Luna.

The decorations, food, and guest accommodations are all in order.

Everything will be perfect.” I nodded, my lips curving into a faint smile.

“Good.

Tomorrow is not just a celebration of Zara’s return.

It’s a message to everyone watching.

The Golden Claw Pack stands united and strong, despite the threats looming over us.” Courtney hesitated for a moment, then spoke carefully.

“And Zara, Luna?

How are things with her?” My smile softened as I moved to the window, gazing out at the moonlit gardens below.

“We reconnected today.

After everything that’s happened, it felt…

right.

Like a piece of my heart has been restored.” “That’s wonderful news, Luna,” Courtney said genuinely pleased.

I nodded, my fingers brushing the windowsill.

“It’s only the beginning, though.

I need to show Zara what it truly means to be a part of this family again.

She’s been through so much-more than she should ever have had to bear.

Tomorrow, she’ll see how much she’s loved and cherished here.” Courtney tilted her head thoughtfully.

“Do you have plans for the days following the party, Luna?

Perhaps more opportunities to spend time with her?” “Indeed,” I replied, turning back to face her.

“After the party, I’ll take her to the Moonlit Gardens.

It was always her favourite place as a child.

I want to remind her of this pack’s beauty and serenity.” “That sounds perfect, Luna,” Courtney beamed.

I clasped my hands in front of me, my voice firm but warm.

“And there’s the matter of strengthening her bond with the pack.

Zara needs to know she has our support.

I’ll ensure she spends time with the elders and warriors to rebuild those ties.” “Wise as always, Luna.” I let out a small sigh.

“I only hope it’s enough.

Zara is stronger than I ever imagined, but even the strongest hearts need a resting place.

I hope to make here, her first home, her resting place.” Courtney placed a reassuring hand on my arm.

“She’ll see that in time, Luna.

You’re doing everything you can.” I gave her a slight, grateful nod.

“Thank you, Courtney.

Now, let’s ensure everything is perfect for tomorrow.” *************** ~Ella’s POV~ My phone buzzing was like a cruel joke, one in which the faint glimmer of hope that Styles-Noel, whoever he really was-might finally respond.  But when I picked it up and saw no new messages, the disappointment washed down on my reality vigorously.

“Still nothing,” I muttered, tossing the phone onto the bed.

I couldn’t get him out of my head.

His face, voice, and how he made me feel like I was the only person who mattered…

And yet, here I was, left with silence and unanswered questions.

“Enough,” I muttered to myself, standing abruptly.

If Styles wasn’t going to give me closure, I’d have to find it elsewhere.

My first thought was a joyride, but I shook my head, dissing that.

Instead, I went to the kitchen, intent on finding a distraction-or at least a bottle of wine.

The massive packhouse felt like a maze as I wandered through the halls, finally locating the kitchen and grabbing a bottle of red from the counter.

“Cheers to unrequited love,” I mumbled, uncorking the bottle and taking a long sip straight from it.

The wine burnt slightly on the way down, but it did little to dull the ache in my chest.

I sighed and decided to go outside for some fresh air.

Maybe Zara was out there.

If I could pick up her scent, I’d find her.

Sniffing the air like a pup learning to track for the first time, I wandered aimlessly, my senses dulled by the wine.

I wasn’t sure how far I’d gone when I suddenly collided with something-or someone.

A firm chest.

A very firm chest.

The impact sent me stumbling back, the bottle slipping from my hand and shattering on the ground.

“Oh, for crying out loud!” I groaned, looking up at the man I had walked into.

He was tall-much taller than Styles-and built like a Greek god.

His sharp jawline and piercing green eyes made my breath hitch.

“Careful there,” he cautioned, his voice smooth and deep as he extended a hand to help me up.

I stared at him, my cheeks flushing instantly.

“I’m so sorry.

I wasn’t paying attention.” He chuckled, pulling me to my feet with ease.

“No harm done.

But are you alright?” “I…

yeah, I’m fine,” I stammered, suddenly self-conscious.

He tilted his head, studying me with an amused smirk.

“You’re not from around here, are you?” “No, I’m a guest,” I said, brushing off imaginary dust from my dress.

“Ella.” “Alpha Caleb,” he introduced himself, his smirk widening as he added, “of the Bronze Fang Pack.” Oh, great.

An alpha.

Just what I needed.

“Well, Alpha Caleb, thank you for catching me before I completely embarrassed myself,” I enunciated, forcing a smile.

“You’re doing fine on your own,” he teased, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

I rolled my eyes, but my lips twitched into a reluctant smile.

“Good to know.” Before I could say anything else, Caleb’s gaze dropped to the broken bottle on the ground.

“Rough night?” “You have no idea,” I muttered, running a hand through my hair.

“Care to share?

I’m a great listener,” he offered, leaning casually against the wall.

I hesitated, the wine loosening my tongue as I blurted out, “I was trying to forget about someone.

Thought wine would help, but it clearly makes me run into people.” Caleb’s smirk softened into something kinder.

“Well, maybe running into someone isn’t such a bad thing.

I mean€¦” He licked his lips, and that was where my senses blurted out his words.  Suddenly, he looked so appetising, so yummy, with all the right proportions of masculinity and handsomeness.  And€¦ yeah, did I mention he looked like a Greek God?

If I were to pick, I’d call him my personal Ares.

Before I could stop myself, I stepped closer, my gaze locked on his lips.

The wine buzzed in my veins, and I pretended he was Noel momentarily.

Closing the distance, I pressed my lips to his, the kiss clumsy but desperate.