Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow novel Chapter 142

Chapter 142: New Duty

**************

Chapter 142

~Zade’s POV~

An hour later, we found ourselves seated at a small restaurant within the mall. The aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling meat filled the air as we browsed the menu.

"So," I began, leaning back in my chair, "how have you been holding up?"

Tempest hesitated, her fingers playing with the edge of her napkin. "I’ve been... fine. Just trying to figure things out."

I nodded, my expression gentle. "It’s okay to take your time. No one expects you to have all the answers right away."

She looked up at me, her eyes searching mine for something I couldn’t quite name. "Why are you so nice to me, Zade?"

"Because you deserve it," I said simply. "You’re stronger than you think, Tempest. And I see that."

Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she looked away, focusing on the menu. "You’re annoying, you know that?"

I chuckled. "It’s part of my charm."

As the waiter arrived to take our orders, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, things between us could find a way to heal.

***************

~Koda’s POV~

The faint buzz of activity in the pack house reached my ears as I made my way down the wide hallway toward the Alpha’s office.

The polished wooden floors gleamed under the light of the hanging chandeliers, and the air carried the faint scent of pine and leather—a smell I’d come to associate with authority and power.

I straightened my posture as a sharp voice resonated in my mind through the mind-link.

"Koda, report to my office. Immediately."

"Yes, Alpha," I replied without hesitation, quickening my pace.

Reaching the large oak door, I knocked twice and waited until I heard his deep voice call out, "Enter."

The office was grand yet functional. Shelves lined with books on strategy, law, and pack history stretched along one wall, while another was adorned with portraits of past Alphas.

Behind the imposing desk sat Slade, a man whose very presence demanded respect, the alpha of Silver Claw Pack.

"Slade," I greeted, lowering my head in deference as I stepped inside.

"Koda," he said, his gaze sharp but not unkind as he motioned for me to approach. "Come closer."

I obeyed, stopping in front of his desk. Slade reached into a drawer and retrieved a gold envelope, sliding it across the desk toward me.

"I have an important responsibility for you," he began, his tone measured. "The annual end-of-year festivities ball will soon be held on the first Saturday of December. As you know, our pack is hosting this year."

I nodded, already understanding the weight of what was being asked.

Taking the file, I flipped it open briefly, scanning the names inside. The list was extensive, filled with notable figures across packs and regions. My eyes froze momentarily when I saw two familiar names near the bottom: Aira and Tempest Zephyr.