Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow novel Chapter 234

Chapter 234: What My Heart Wants

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Chapter 234

~Tempest’s POV~

I broke the kiss abruptly, stepping back as my breath came in shaky gasps. Tears blurred my vision as I looked at him, his face filled with longing and confusion.

"I can’t," I whispered, my voice trembling. "I just can’t do this Ryland. It’s so wrong to do this to you."

"I’m not complaining. Tempest, listen to me. I may not own much or match your position but I love you truly."

"Ryland, stop it."

He shook his head. "No. Tempest—" he continued, but I shook my head. "Tempest, I..." I spun around and sprinted away before he could stop me.

The tears spilt over as I fled, my heart aching with the weight of what I’d just done. I didn’t stop until I was back in my room, the door shut firmly behind me.

Sliding down to the floor, I buried my face in my hands as the echoes of his words and his touch lingered like a ghost.

"I can’t," I repeated softly, though I wasn’t sure if I was trying to convince him now—or myself.

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~Luna Star’s POV~

We had just finished the opening ceremony for the pageant and I excused myself quickly to catch my breath. For some reason, my head spun.

I did not know why but my wolf was restless even through Zara’s speech.

Usually when Frost was edgy like this, it meant danger was close. Still, we couldn’t snuff it out. I knew right then that I needed—we needed—air.

From the balcony of the pack house, I leaned against the railing, my sharp eyes following Tempest as she fled from the gardens, her posture stiff, her hands trembling as she disappeared through the doorway.

A pang of concern twisted in my chest.

I sighed, shifting my gaze back to the man standing in the garden below—Ryker Ryland.

He stood frozen, his head tilted down, fists clenched at his sides. Even from here, I could sense the storm of emotions swirling inside him.

For a moment, I remained still, torn between stepping back and letting Tempest work through her feelings or following her to offer the guidance I knew she needed.

She’s too much like her father, I thought ruefully. Stubborn to a fault.

But a mother knows when her child is breaking, even when they try to hide it.

I turned away from the balcony, and my decision was made. Heading down the hall, I stopped outside Tempest’s room and knocked softly.

The sound of hurried footsteps followed before the door cracked open. Tempest’s eyes met mine, red-rimmed and slightly puffy.

"Mom?" she asked, her voice hoarse.