Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow - Chapter 341

Chapter 341: Dilemma Chapter 341: Dilemma *************** CHAPTER 342 ~Snow’s POV~ I wasn’t thinking straight.

I didn’t even know where I was driving at first-my mind was too clouded, too tangled in everything that had just happened.  All I knew was that seeing her in such a state left me feeling weak, angry, wanting to cherish and protect her, all of which I didn’t want to do because of Zara.

The best thing to do at this point was simply to get her treated and be at peace.

Glacier was restless, pacing in my head like a caged animal, his instincts screaming at me to keep Vera close, to bring her somewhere safe.

Somewhere ours.

“Not ours,” I snapped at him.

“I’m doing the right thing, nothing more.” “Right thing?

Leaving our mate alone in a strange place?

She needs us.” “She needs rest and safety.

Not me.

Not us.” Glacier growled in frustration, but I ignored him.

Vera sat quietly in the passenger seat, her fingers clenched tightly in her lap.

She hadn’t spoken since I helped her into the car, but every so often, I caught her sneaking glances at me.

I refused to meet her eyes.

Being this close to her, the bond was already testing my limits-I couldn’t let myself slip further.

After a few turns, I pulled up to a small, private hotel on the outskirts of the city.

It was discreet, secure.

A place where she could lay low while I figured out what the hell to do next.

I parked the car and turned to her.

“You can stay here for as long as you need.” She blinked at me.

“You’re€¦ leaving me here?” I sighed, running a hand through my hair.

“It’s safe, and I’ll handle everything else.

You don’t need to worry.” Her lips parted as if she wanted to argue, but instead, she lowered her gaze.

“Thank you.” I nodded and she added, “for everything.” I exhaled, then asked, “Do you have any relatives?

Anyone I can contact?” Vera shook her head.

“No€¦ it was just my parents.

We were coming here for a fresh start.” Her voice cracked slightly, and she quickly wiped at her eyes.

Glacier whimpered.

I wanted to ask about where she was from, but decided against it.

She didn’t need more reminders of her parents’ death.

Also, even after what she told me, I had to make sure her story checked out and went in search of her parents.

To my shock, it was all true.  They had been brutally murdered and I didn’t want her to witness such a sight.

I sighed, glancing at her again.

She looked pitiful and I hated the rogues who did that to her.

I clenched my fists at my side and managed to ignore her tears.

“I don’t know how I can ever repay you for your help, sir€¦” “Snow,” I said bluntly.

“Snow.” The way my name rolled out of her tongue made Glacier purr in satisfaction, and could almost strangle him.  But then, I couldn’t blame him for anything, knowing how vulnerable a wolf could be when he finds his mate.

I ignored it.

“You don’t need to repay me,” I added when she opened her mouth again.

“Just focus on resting.” She hesitated but nodded.

“Go take a shower,” I told her.

“I’ll get you some new clothes and take you to the hospital after.” Another nod, but just as I stood to leave, her voice stopped me.

“I know you’re shocked,” she said softly.

“I am too.

But€¦” She glanced down, her eyes flickering toward my hand.

Toward my ring.

“Shit.” Her gaze lingered on it before she whispered, “So€¦ you’re married?” The weight of that single question pressed down on me like a mountain.

I swallowed hard.

“Yes.

I am.” Vera let out a small, bitter laugh-barely a sound.

“So€¦ you’ll reject me, then.

Huh?” Tears gathered in her eyes before she quickly turned away, her hands gripping the edge of her dress.

Something in my chest twisted.

Glacier whined.

I clenched my fists, hating the way my wolf responded, hating the way I suddenly felt guilty when I shouldn’t.

Slowly, I shook my head.

“No.” Her eyes darted up, startled.

“Don’t think about that right now,” I said firmly.

“You need rest.

You need to heal.

We can handle that€¦ later.” She searched my face for something-maybe reassurance, maybe hope.

I didn’t know.

And I didn’t want to give her any of that.

All I knew was that right now she needed my help.  As for the rest€¦ I knew getting rejected would hurt her wolf badly and Glacier too.

So now wasn’t the time.

When we get there, we’ll cross it.

Finally, she nodded.

“Okay.” I turned and walked out before I could say something I’d regret.

The moment the door clicked shut behind me, I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

I needed air.

Space.

Because for the first time since I met Zara€¦ I didn’t know what the hell to do.

************* ~Vera’s POV~ As soon as the door shut, silence settled around me.

For a long moment, I didn’t move.

Then, slowly, I looked around.

The hotel room was simple, but clean-warm lighting, a neatly made bed, a small sitting area by the window.

The kind of place you put someone temporary.

Because that’s what I was, wasn’t I?

Temporary.

I sucked in a shaky breath, walking toward the mirror.

My reflection stared back-a mess.

Bruised, battered, exhausted.The rogues did a number on me.

Thankfully, I could heal with my wolf’s help.

I gently pressed a hand to my chest, feeling the faint pull of the mate bond beneath my skin.

It was real.

I never expected this turn of events when I left on this journey.

This was a shock and a blessing in disguise for me.

This was so real€¦ but€¦ But so was the ring on his finger.

I closed my eyes, a single tear slipping down my cheek.

“What now, Vera?”