Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow - Chapter 349

Chapter 349: In My house
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CHAPTER 350

~Snow’s POV~

By the time I pulled into the driveway of the mansion, the tension in my chest loosened ever so slightly.

The sight of warm lights glowing from the windows and the familiar smell of home made everything feel a little less chaotic. This was my sanctuary—or at least, it had been.

I stepped inside, shrugging off my coat. Zara was in the living room, her back to me as she adjusted one of Storm’s toys on the shelf.

“Hey, love,” I called, and she turned, her face lighting up immediately.

“Snow!” she said, rushing toward me. Her arms wrapped around me in a tight hug, and I buried my face in her hair, letting the stress of the day melt away for a moment.

When she pulled back, though, her expression turned serious. “We need to talk.”

I raised an eyebrow, leading her to the couch. “What happened?”

“It’s Ella,” she began, her voice soft but tinged with worry. “She was attacked, Snow. She’s hurt.”

“What?” I straightened immediately, concern tightening my chest.

Zara nodded, her hands wringing in her lap. “She’s okay now, but… it was bad. A witch attacked her. She’s got a wounded leg and—Snow, I brought her here. She’s in the guest room.”

I frowned slightly, but not out of disapproval. Ella was Zara’s closest friend, practically family. If she was in danger, this was the safest place for her.

“You did the right thing,” I said, reaching for her hand.

Her shoulders relaxed, and she leaned against me, her head resting on my chest. “Thank you. I just… I can’t lose her.”

“You won’t,” I promised, stroking her hair. “She’s safe here. We’ll keep her safe. My only worry is that Shadow Clave is moving fast, love. This is a matter of concern.”

“I know.” Zara looked up at me, her eyes filled with gratitude and something deeper. For a moment, everything else faded—the mess with Vera, the bond, the lies. It was just Zara and me, and I was reminded why she was my chosen mate, my wife, my world.

“Come on,” she said after a while, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Let’s have dinner. You must be starving.”

I nodded, following her to the dining room, where the table was already set. We shared a quiet meal, the kind where no words were needed, just the comfort of each other’s presence.

Later that night, as we lay in bed, Zara snuggled close, her hand resting on my chest. “I’m glad you’re here,” she murmured, her voice thick with sleep.

I pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I’m always here, love.”

As she drifted off, I stared at the ceiling, my chest tight with the weight of the truth I still hadn’t told her. Tomorrow, I promised myself. Tomorrow, I’ll start whether Glacier liked it or not.

******************~The Next Morning~

I woke to the smell of fresh coffee and Zara’s laughter drifting from the kitchen. When I joined her on the terrace for breakfast, the sunlight streaming through the trees, I decided today was the day to start easing into the truth.

Zara handed me a mug of coffee, her smile as radiant as the morning sun. “You’re in a good mood,” she teased, taking a seat across from me.

“Can’t I just be happy to spend time with my wife?” I replied, earning an eye-roll.

“You better be,” she quipped and proceeded to pop a piece of fruit into her mouth.

I chuckled, but the light-hearted moment didn’t distract me from the storm brewing in my mind.

I needed to tell her—about Vera, about the bond, about everything. But as I opened my mouth to start, Scott appeared at the edge of the terrace.

“Alpha, Luna,” he greeted with a polite bow. “The new maids have arrived. Shall I bring them to the living room?”

Zara beamed, setting down her coffee. “Perfect timing! Yes, let’s meet them. You’d love one of them, especially. She is very good at handling Storm,” Zara chatted as she stood.

I stood reluctantly, following her into the house. The moment we entered the living room, the air shifted. My heart slammed against my ribs when my eyes locked on her.

My wolf—Glacier—howled within me in joy.

“There she is, Vani,” Zara quipped, pointing to Vera.

My heart seemed to have stopped briefly. Vera—no, Vani—stood among the group of maids, her hands clasped demurely in front of her, her dark hair falling over one shoulder.

Her icy blue eyes met mine briefly before she dipped her gaze, but not before a flicker of recognition passed between us.

I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat making it difficult to breathe. Glacier stirred restlessly.

“Mate,” he rumbled, his possessiveness clawing at my resolve.

“I know.” I snapped back internally.

“Snow?” Zara’s voice pulled me back to reality. She glanced at me curiously. “Are you okay?”

“Y-Yeah,” I said, clearing my throat. “I’m fine.”

Zara turned back to the maids, her warm smile never faltering. “Welcome to the Zephyr household. We’re glad to have you here.”

As introductions began, I excused myself quickly, muttering something about needing air. Zara glanced at me with concern, but she didn’t press the issue, and I departed the room before I could further embarrass myself.

~A Little Later~

I waited by the staircase, pacing back and forth as the maids were given a tour of the mansion. My heart pounded as my mind raced.

When I finally spotted Vera trailing behind the group, I acted. Reaching out, I grabbed her sleeve and pulled her into a side hallway.

She gasped, her eyes widening as she looked up at me. “Snow?”

“What are you doing here?” I hissed, keeping my voice low.

Her lips curved into a soft, almost innocent smile. “I told you I needed a job. This was the one my parents had arranged for me.”

I ran a hand through my hair, the frustration bubbling to the surface. “Do you have any idea what kind of position you’ve put me in?”

Her smile didn’t waver. “I’m just trying to move on, Snow. To survive.”

Glacier growled approvingly, but I shoved him back. “This isn’t a game, Vera—Vani, whatever you’re calling yourself. My wife—”

“Your wife,” she cut in, her voice soft but laced with something sharper. “I know. Trust me, I haven’t forgotten. I was equally shocked when I came here this morning and saw you.”