Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow - Chapter 309

Chapter 309: Replaying Memories Chapter 309: Replaying Memories *************** CHAPTER 309 ~Tempest’s POV~ A Few Hours Ago€¦ After Snow and the others left, Golden God had stayed behind, lounging lazily in the VIP room like he had all the time in the world.

“So,” I said, crossing my arms as I leaned against the private bar in the lounge, “how the hell do you always know everything before the rest of us?” Golden God smirked, taking a slow sip of his drink.

“A magician never reveals his secrets, Tempest.” I narrowed my eyes.

“You’re not a magician.

You’re an informant with too much access to things you shouldn’t have.” He chuckled, setting his glass down and propping his chin on his fist.

“And yet, you’re here asking me for answers.” I rolled my eyes.

“Cut the bullshit.

How did you know about the attack on Ivory Crescent before Draven did?

He’s literally the pack’s Beta, for crying out loud.” Golden God tilted his head slightly, his golden-blond hair shifting as he studied me.

“I have my ways.” “That’s not an answer.” He sighed, drumming his fingers against the table.

“Fine.

Let’s just say I have…

sources everywhere.

And those sources are very well compensated for the information they provide.” I huffed.

“And what exactly is your endgame, Golden?

Why do you even care?” His smirk faltered slightly, and for the first time since I met him, I saw a flicker of something serious in his eyes.

“Because I hate losing,” he said simply.

“And right now, Kane is a threat.

I don’t like threats.” I studied him for a moment before exhaling.

“So you’re telling me you’re keeping tabs on my family for€¦ what?

A game?” He lifted a shoulder.

“Think of it as a strategic investment.” I clenched my jaw.

“You’re impossible.” “And you’re adorable when you’re annoyed.” I scowled.

“Go to hell.” Golden God grinned.

“I might, but at least I’ll have good company.” I downed the rest of my drink, slamming the glass onto the bar.

“Just tell me this-are you working for someone, or are you playing your own game?” He didn’t answer right away.

Instead, he stood, adjusting his leather jacket with a lazy stretch.

“Let’s just say€¦ I’m on the winning side.” I frowned.

“And whose side is that?” Golden God winked.

“The one that stays alive.” *************** ~Present Moment~ I sighed, shaking my head as I took another sip of whiskey.

Golden God was a walking enigma, and I didn’t trust him.

But his information had never been wrong before.

If he said Kane was planning something, then Kane was planning something.

And that meant we didn’t have much time.

Storm’s life was in danger.

And Aira’s?

I wasn’t sure if she truly understood just how far Kane would go.

I set my glass down, rolling my shoulders to ease the tension.

Tomorrow, I needed to talk to Aira myself.

She needed to be prepared, and she needed to be ready to end this.

Because if Kane thought he could waltz in and take what wasn’t his-he had another thing coming.

**************** ~Ella’s POV~ I tossed another shirt into the box, my fingers tightening as I separated Styles’ belongings from mine.  It had been hours since I started, but every item I touched felt like a piece of my heart was being chipped away.

Although we were neighbours, we got so involved with each other that sometimes he left his stuff in my place, and I was so comfortable with it.

Apparently, he wasn’t concerned about them abandoning things like that and moving out.

I wasn’t doing this to get rid of him-I wasn’t ready to let go.

But I needed some distance.

Keeping his things lying around only made it harder.

I still couldn’t deny how I felt and if I could, I would chase after him, pinning away to let him see how much I loved him.  And honestly, before I told Zara about what he did, that was my plan.  I believed if I showed him much love, he would have no choice but to stay.

How wrong I was.

Zara made me realize that.

And meeting Ares did too.

With a deep sigh, I grabbed a small leather box from the top shelf of my closet.

It was filled with random keepsakes-little moments frozen in time.

Concert tickets, a few old letters, and a couple of notes he had left me on the fridge with inside jokes only we understood.

And then I saw it.

A camera.

I swallowed hard, my hands trembling as I lifted it.

This was our camera.

Styles and I had used it to capture memories, some too ridiculous, some too intimate.

A part of me wanted to throw it in the box without looking, but my fingers betrayed me as I flipped it on.

The screen blinked to life, and the last image taken filled the display.

My breath hitched.

It was the two of us in his bathtub, soaking in warm water, a half-empty bottle of wine between us.

Styles was behind me, his arms draped around my shoulders, his chin resting on top of my head.

He had that lazy grin-the one that made my heart flutter every damn time.

My eyes were closed, lips slightly parted as if caught mid-laugh.

I ran my thumb over the screen, my vision blurring as a tear slipped down my cheek.

I hated him for leaving me in the dark.

I hated him for making me doubt everything we had.

But mostly€¦ I hated how much I still loved him.

A sob tore through me, and I quickly wiped at my face.

‘Enough, Ella.

Get yourself together.’ Just then, my phone rang, breaking through my sorrow.

I glanced at the screen.

Caleb/Ares.

I hesitated before answering, my voice hoarse.

“Hello?” “Ella,” Ares’s deep, smooth voice came through.

“I’m in town for business.

Thought I’d take you out for some fun.” I let out a breath, closing my eyes-Ares’s.

Always so persistent.

“I’m not really in the mood, Ares’,” I murmured.

“I just€¦ I want to be alone.” There was silence on the other end for a second before he spoke again, his tone softer.

“Are you okay?”