Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow - Chapter 397

Chapter 397: Driving A Tempting Bargain
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CHAPTER 397

~Ella’s POV~

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.

Ares took a step closer, his presence still overwhelming, even as he smiled that heartbreaking smile. “You’re my weakness, Ella. And I can’t keep fighting a losing battle. I won’t.”

His words twisted in my chest. “You were never losing—”

“But I was,” he interrupted, his voice dropping to a whisper. “I was always losing, Ella. Because in the end, it’s not about who fights harder.” His jaw was clenched, a flicker of something dark crossing his features. “It’s about who you choose.”

Tears burnt in my eyes. “I haven’t chosen yet.”

Ares stared at me for a long moment before shaking his head. “And that’s the problem, isn’t it? I never stood a chance. Maybe I had a fraction of hope… after you forgave me when I lied and Kent was out of the way, but the moment you met your mate…”

The air between us grew thick, heavy with words left unsaid.

Ares let out a slow breath and stepped back.

“I won’t fight a Beta for his mate, especially one who won’t decide,” he said quietly, his voice laced with finality. “It’s an insult, and I should have known better.”

“Ares—”

“I loved you,” he admitted, his voice raw. “But I…” He bit his lips and shut his eyes. “Ella, it is hard, but I accept the Moon Goddess’ will.”

I felt something inside me crack.

And before I could say anything else, Ares moved and kissed me, but before I could reach for him or respond, he broke the kiss, turned and walked out the door.

And this time, he didn’t look back.

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~Zara’s POV~

The decision had been lingering in my mind for days. I had debated it, weighing every possibility and risk. But in the end, I knew what I had to do in order to get what I wanted.

I picked up my phone and sent a message.

Zara: We need to talk. I’m ready to make a decision.

It didn’t take long for Kaid to respond.

Kaid: Finally. Come to my house.

I rolled my eyes at his usual arrogance but didn’t argue. Before long the address to his hosue was sent to me.

I almost laughed. Finally, he was using his mansion. During one of our earlier talks, he mentioned how he loved staying close to his business and retreating to his mansion when he needed to relax, away from all the buzzing of the city.

An hour later, I pulled up in front of Kaid’s house, a sleek, modern mansion that screamed wealth but in a more understated way than Snow’s.

I stepped out of my car, smoothed my dress, and walked up to the door.

Before I could knock, the door swung open, and there he was—leaning against the frame with a lazy smirk.

“You look serious,” Kaid mused, crossing his arms over his chest. “This must be important.”

“It is.”

He stepped aside, allowing me in. “Then let’s talk.”

I followed him into the living room, taking a seat on the plush, dark leather couch. Kaid poured himself a glass of whiskey, then raised a brow at me in silent question.

I shook my head. “I need a clear mind for this.”

He chuckled. “That sounds ominous.” Kaid sat across from me, swirling his drink lazily. “So, what’s this big decision of yours?”

I met his gaze. “I agree to your proposal.” Kaid smirked buta rched his brow, signalling me to go on. “I want to partner with you.”

Kaid arched a brow, intrigued. “Go on.”

“I’m expanding my business. You know about the fashion brand I bought while I was still married to Snow?”

“Of course. And technically, you are still married to him.”

I rolled my eyes but did not comment further. “I want to do more. I want to launch a cosmetics line—one that merges the best of both Lycans and werewolves. A luxury brand that uses rare ingredients from both worlds.”

Kaid’s lips curled into a smirk. “Ambitious.”

“Is that a problem?”

He let out a soft laugh. “Not at all. I like ambition. Especially in a woman who knows what she wants.”

“Good,” I said smoothly. “Because with your influence, we could make this massive. You have connections that I don’t, and with your resources and my vision, we can take over the market.”

Kaid took a slow sip of his drink, watching me over the rim of his glass. Then, he set it down and leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees.

“I like it,” he admitted. “It’s bold. And I do love making money.”

“So, we have a deal?”

Kaid tilted his head. “Not so fast.”

I frowned. “What do you mean?”

“What’s in it for me, Zara?” His voice was smooth, calculated. “I don’t want to be used like that. What do I get?”

“More money?”

“I am the Lycan King, you know?”

I met his gaze head-on, a slow smirk forming on my lips. I knew just money wouldn’t be enough to get Kiad to help me with all his influence. And I needed it as well.

“Well… how about a chance for me to reconsider your earlier outburst?”

His eyes darkened with amusement. “My outburst?”

I lifted a brow. “When you said you were going to make me yours and the outburst at the alphas’ ball the other time.”

Kaid let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. “You really don’t forget anything, do you?”

“I have a sharp memory.”

He studied me for a long moment, then leaned back in his chair, swirling his drink again. “So, you’re saying that if I agree to this deal… I might have a chance?”

I lifted a shoulder in a half-shrug. “Who knows? Business first.”

Kaid smirked, looking both amused and intrigued. “You drive a hard bargain, Gold-Zephyr.”

“I know.”

He raised his glass toward me in a silent toast. “Then let’s make history, partner.”

I clinked my invisible glass with his.

It was time to build something of my own. And maybe, just maybe… play a little game along the way—one that involved Snow knowing what he lost.