Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow - Chapter 294

Chapter 294: Change in Behaviour Chapter 294: Change in Behaviour *************** CHAPTER 294 ~Zara’s POV~ As Ella and I walked back into the celebration, the lively chatter and clinking of glasses filled the grand hall.  The air was warm with the glow of candlelight and the vibrant energy of the pack members and guests who had come to celebrate.  Ella had visibly lightened up since our talk, a small smile tugging at her lips as she scanned the crowd.

“See?

Not so bad, right?” I nudged her playfully.

Ella chuckled softly.

“You’re right.

I just needed some air…

and some Zara wisdom.” “Always here to supply that,” I teased, giving her a wink.

But as we moved through the room, weaving between groups of chatting wolves and allies, I stopped dead in my tracks.  My parents were standing just ahead, their familiar faces lighting up when they caught sight of me.

“Zara!” my foster mother, Selene, exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy as she rushed toward me.

Her smile was warm, but her excitement was overwhelming.

“Oh, my darling girl, look at you!

You look radiant!” Before I could react, she wrapped me in a tight hug, her perfume-vanilla and lilac-instantly triggering childhood memories.  I hugged her back, though the awkwardness tightened my chest.

“Mum,” I greeted softly, stepping back as she studied my face.

My father, Liam, and my brother, Elias, approached as well, their expressions filled with happiness.

“Zara,” Liam said warmly, clasping my shoulder.

“It’s been far too long.

How are you?

And your husband-Snow, right?

How is he?” “Snow’s doing well,” I said with a polite smile, though my fingers itched to find Snow in the crowd.

“He’s busy, as always, but he’s here tonight.

Somewhere.” “Ah, good.” Selene clasped her hands together.

“We’ve been meaning to meet him properly.

I hear he’s quite the Alpha, strong and protective.” Elias, standing beside our parents, gave me a slight nod.

“Zara.

It’s good to see you.” “Elias,” I acknowledged, keeping my tone neutral even as I moved forward to hug him.

He had matured more since I last saw him, looking more rugged.

“Are you happy?” Selene asked suddenly, her eyes searching mine.

“Truly happy, darling?” I hesitated momentarily, but then my mind drifted to Snow-his unwavering love and calming presence.

“I am.

Snow makes sure of that every day.” Selene’s face softened with relief.

“Good.

That’s all we ever wanted for you.” I held back the urge to frown or tsk at her remarks.

She previously wanted me to go back to Ivan, disregarding Snow.

The conversation shifted to lighter topics, but my tension remained.

They asked about my life with Snow, his pack, and my role as future Luna.  I answered their questions as best as I could, but it was hard to focus when the memories of my time in their household lingered in the back of my mind.

“And your mother?” Liam asked, breaking into my thoughts.

My lips parted in surprise at the question.

“My mother?” “Yes, Zaria,” Selene said, a faint smile on her lips.

“I hear you’ve been reconnecting with her.” I nodded slowly, unsure of how much to share.

“It’s…

been good.

Better than I expected.

She’s helped me understand a lot about myself, about my place in my pack.” Selene’s expression faltered momentarily, but she quickly masked it with a smile.

“I’m glad, Zara.

Truly.” I sensed her unease but didn’t dwell on it.

Before the conversation could stretch further, I felt a familiar presence behind me.

Snow.

I turned instinctively, relief washing over me as I met his cool blue eyes.

His expression was unreadable, but the subtle tension in his jaw told me he’d been watching from afar, ready to step in if needed.

“Snow.” My voice softened.

He stepped closer, his hand finding the small of my back as he greeted my foster parents.

“Good evening.

It’s a pleasure to meet you finally.” Liam extended a hand, which Snow shook firmly.

“And you as well, Alpha Snow.

We’ve heard nothing but good things about you.” Snow’s lips curved into a polite smile.

“Zara speaks highly of you both.” Selene beamed, her eyes darting between us.

“You take good care of her, don’t you?” “With my life.” Snow’s hand simply tightened slightly on my back.

I leaned into him ever so slightly.

He was my anchor, my safe place in a room full of faces that reminded me of a past I was still coming to terms with.

“Excuse us,” Snow said after a few minutes of pleasantries.

“I promised Zara we’d get some air.” I nodded quickly, grateful for the excuse.

“It was nice seeing you all,” I said, offering them a small smile before Snow guided me away.

As we stepped out onto the balcony, the cool air hit my face, and I exhaled deeply.

“Thank you,” I leaned into him.

Snow brushed a strand of hair from my face.

“You looked like you needed rescuing.” “I did,” I admitted, smiling up at him.

“I don’t know if I am ready to face my mother, just yet.” “And why is that?” I shrugged.

“Well, after finding out the truth, I reaslised why she behaved a certain way with me and treated Elais better.

I don’t hate her but it’s easier to accept Zaria and more so, I feel a connection I never felt with Selene before.” He cupped my face, his thumb brushing against my cheek.

“It’s okay, baby.

You’re incredible, Zara.

Never forget that.” I placed my hand over his, feeling a wave of love for the man standing before me.

****************The Next Morning The sun was barely rising when Snow sat on the edge of the bed, pulling on his shoes.

I stirred, blinking sleepily as I watched him.

“Leaving already?” I asked witha deep yawn.

Snow glanced at me, his expression apologetic.

“I have to.

There’s a meeting I can’t miss back at the pack.

From tehre, I have to return to the company.

Ella and I will head back together.” I sat up, clutching the blanket to my chest.

“Ella’s leaving too?” He nodded.

“She has things to handle back home.

But if you want to stay here a bit longer with your mom, I can make that happen.

A few days wouldn’t hurt.

I bet she’d be thrilled.” I hesitated, torn between going back with him and staying.

“Are you sure?” “Of course,” he said, kissing my forehead.

“Take the time you need, Zara.

I’ll be waiting when you’re ready.” I smiled softly, my heart swelling with love for him.

“Thank you.” “Always.” And with that, he stood, giving me one last look before heading out the door.

As the sound of his footsteps faded, I lay back against the pillows, staring at the ceiling.

There was so much to think about, so much to process.

But for now, I’d take Snow’s advice and give myself the time I needed.