Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow novel Chapter 124

Chapter 124: Golden Claw Pack

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Chapter 124

~Aira’s POV~

I pushed through the throng of guests, my heart pounding as I searched for my sister. I hated leaving Zade and Snow behind, but I couldn’t focus on anything else until I found Tempest.

I had a mate. I have a mate. I am not mateless. I have two mates.

Two!

Those words echoed in my mind as I sought out Tempest but one question rang out deep in my head. "Why?"

I barely got an answer from my thoughts when I finally spotted her near the terrace, her back to me as she stared out at the garden.

"Tempest," I said softly, approaching her cautiously lest she dashed out and ran off once more.

She didn’t turn around. "Do you have any idea how much this hurts, Aira?" Her voice was steady, but there was a quiver in her breath.

"I do," I admitted, stopping just a few feet behind her. "And I wish I could change it. I never wanted this to happen."

Tempest let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. "It’s not your fault. It’s the damned bond. The Moon Goddess and her twisted sense of humour, trust me."

"I’m so sorry," I whispered, my chest tightening as she finally turned to face me.

Her eyes were red-rimmed but defiant. "Don’t be. You can’t control this any more than I can."

We stood there in silence, no one saying anything at this point. We both had too much on our minds and hearts.

"What do we do now?" I asked quietly.

Tempest’s lips pressed into a thin line before she sighed. "We go back to the party. You need to figure things out with him, Aira. But... I need time."

I reached out, touching her arm gently. "Take all the time you need. I’ll be here whenever you’re ready."

She nodded and finally, Tempest’s expression softened slightly. "I know."

As we made our way back inside, I couldn’t shake the heaviness in my chest. The bond had chosen me, but at what cost? My sister’s joy? Then what about Rhys?"

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~Zade’s POV~

Watching Aira disappear after her sister left a strange ache in my chest, one I hadn’t expected. I’d always wanted my mate but gave up on the idea when I crossed thirty. Now, after almost four decades, I was blessed with one and a little cheery atop the icing.

"She’ll be fine," Snow said, breaking the silence.

I glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. "You sound pretty sure of that."

"She’s stronger than she looks," he replied in a certain tone. "And so is Tempest. They’ll figure it out."

I nodded, though my thoughts were far from settled. This wasn’t the way I’d imagined meeting my mate—not in a triangle of tension and heartbreak.

"Zade," Snow continued, "this bond doesn’t give us a choice, but you need to tread carefully."

"I know. The last thing I want is to hurt either of them. You’re like a brother to me and having your sister as my mate is my honour but..."

His eyes flashed in the direction where Tempest and Aira ran off. "I..."

Snow studied me for a moment before clapping a hand on my shoulder. "Good. Then let’s get through tonight, and we’ll figure out the rest later."