Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow - Chapter 343

Chapter 343: Denial 2
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CHAPTER 344

~Snow’s POV~

The road stretched endlessly ahead of me, as I sped ahead with one destination in mind—home.

Night had fully fallen, the moon casting its pale light over the empty streets.

I barely registered the passing scenery as my chaotic thoughts, mess of emotions and Glacier’s constant, restless presence filled my head.

“You shouldn’t have left her.”

“She’s fine. She’s safe.”

“That’s not the point, Snow. You’re supposed to protect her—our mate.”

“Zara is my mate.”

Glacier growled low. His frustration was already getting intense but I ignored him, gripping the steering wheel tightly.

My phone buzzed on the dashboard, breaking me out of my thoughts. I glanced at the screen, my father’s name flashing brightly.

Sighing, I connected the call. “Father.”

“Snow,” came his authoritative voice. “Why didn’t you show up at the pack today?”

I clenched my jaw, bracing myself for the inevitable interrogation. “Something urgent came up,” I replied evenly.

“More urgent than dealing with Ivan’s father?”

I sighed and when I spoke, I chose my words carefully. “You handled it, didn’t you?”

There was a long pause on the other end. “I did,” my father admitted grudgingly. “But I needed you there. This was important, Snow. He…”

“Blames me for his son’s death. Yes but I didn’t. And he should be thankful after everything his son did to Zara and myself.”

“Snow…”

I cut in, “I’ll be there first thing in the morning,” I promised, keeping my voice firm. “I just need some space this evening.”

My father let out a heavy sigh, and for a moment, his tone softened. “Everything okay, son?”

“Nothing I cannot handle. I’ll be fine after a good rest,” I lied. Even I knew that wouldn’t be.

I couldn’t just sleep off the fact that I now had a fated mate.

“Alright, son. Be good.”

“Thanks, Dad. My regards to Mum.”

He grunted in acknowledgment before hanging up.

I set the phone down and focused on the road ahead. My hands tightened around the wheel as I tried to shake off the unease creeping through me.

By the time I pulled into the driveway of my mansion, the weight of the day had settled heavily on my shoulders.

My mansion loomed in the darkness, its soft lights glowing warmly through the windows.

I stepped inside, the warmth of my home wrapping around me, but before I could fully relax, I spotted Zara in the living room.

What the…

“Zara.”

She stood as soon as she saw me, her worry evident in the way her eyes searched mine. Within seconds, she crossed the room and threw her arms around me, holding me tightly.

I buried my face in her hair, inhaling her familiar scent. This was what I needed not some mate the moon goddess threw at me.

But then she pulled back, her sharp eyes narrowing as she studied me.

“Hospital?” she asked, her voice laced with concern. “And… rogues? I smell their scent on you.”

My heart skipped a beat and I froze for a moment. What about Vera? She didn’t sniff her?

I blinked, trying to not look suspicious before shaking my head. “It’s nothing.”

Zara frowned, crossing her arms. “You were supposed to meet your father. How come you’re coming from the hospital instead? Did you encounter rogues?”

I exhaled heavily, rubbing the back of my neck. “I helped someone,” I admitted, keeping my tone casual. “It’s not a big deal.”

Her expression softened, but the worry lingered in her eyes. “And the hospital?”

I hesitated. “The victim. She’s okay now.”

Zara’s brow furrowed, her gaze scrutinizing me for any signs of injury. Finally, she nodded slowly. “Alright.”

She stepped closer, wrapping her arms around me again. I kissed the top of her head, but Glacier’s sudden retreat within me sent a surge of anger through my chest.

“Why are you pulling back now?” I snapped internally.

“Because you’re lying to her,” Glacier growled. “You’re keeping her in the dark. She’ll know something’s wrong.”

“Of course she would. I need to tell her the truth.”

“No. She’s not our mate.”

“She is my mate, damn it.”

Zara pulled back slightly, her eyes searching mine again. “Snow? Is everything okay?”

I opened my mouth to tell her the truth—to tell her about Vera, the bond, and the chaos it had thrown me into—but Glacier’s voice interrupted me.

“Don’t. Not yet.”

“Why not?”

“She won’t understand,” he growled. “She’ll make you push Vera away. She’ll make you deny fate. You need time.”

“Time for what? To hurt her more by hiding it? This is Zara. She deserves to know.”

Glacier growled louder, his frustration radiating through me.

“If you tell her now, you’ll only make things worse.”

“Snow?” Zara’s voice pulled me back to the present.

I shook my head, silencing Glacier. “I…” I hesitated, then forced a smile. “It’s nothing. I’m just tired.”

She studied me for a moment longer, her eyes filled with a mixture of concern and suspicion. But then she sighed, taking my hand.

“Come on,” she said gently. “Let’s eat, and then you can have a nice bath. You need rest.”

“Zara…”

“I’ll call the office tomorrow and let them know you’re taking the day off,” she added firmly.

I smiled faintly, grateful for her care even as guilt gnawed at me. “I’ll rest,” I promised. “But I need to visit Ivory Crescent tomorrow.”

Her expression softened, and she nodded. “Alright. But tonight, you’re staying here with me.”

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Later That Night

The warmth of the bath soothed my aching muscles, but it did little to quiet my mind.

Zara sat across from me on the edge of the tub, her fingers absently playing with the bubbles as she hummed softly.

I watched her, my heart aching with everything I couldn’t say.

“You’re doing the right thing,” Glacier muttered.

“It doesn’t feel like it.”

Zara glanced up at me, her smile soft and full of love. “Feeling better?”

I nodded, forcing a smile. “Yeah. Thanks to you.”

Her smile widened, and she reached out to brush her fingers against my cheek. “Good. Because tomorrow is another day, but tonight is ours.”

I leaned into her touch, silently vowing to cherish every momen

t with her.

Because I had no idea how much longer I could keep this secret.