Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow novel Chapter 282

Chapter 282: And What About Pups?

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

Chapter 282

~Zara’s POV~

We reached the Golden Claw Pack’s territory; the familiar scent of pine and the cool mountain air welcomed me home.

The sight of the sprawling packhouse, with its stone walls and tall spires, brought a mix of nostalgia and anxiety.

As we pulled up, my mother waited by the stairs. Her regal presence was as commanding as ever. She descended gracefully as the car stopped, her sharp eyes taking in each of us.

"Zara," she greeted warmly, but one could not mistake the tone of royalty in it.

And immediately Astrid nagged me. "What was that about not being royalty?"

"Shu, it’s her poise. With practice as a Luna, you can get it."

"Keep deceiving yourself. Just look at Ella." I glanced at Ella and noticed how tightly she gripped her bag strap. "Bloody hell. She looks like a scared lamb."

"Mom," I replied, stepping forward to hug her.

We hugged briefly, but those few seconds felt like comforting minutes. When she pulled back, her gaze shifted to Ella, her brow lifting slightly.

"And this must be Ella." She smiled at me and then Ella. "She’s more beautiful in person."

Ella, to her credit, smiled brightly and extended her hand. "It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Gold."

My mother’s lips curled into a faint smile as she shook Ella’s hand. "Please call me Zaria. Any friend of Zara’s is welcome here."

Zade stepped forward next, earning a curt nod from my mother. "Zade, good to see you again."

"Good to see you too."

"Don’t be a stranger, son, and give Momma a hug." I smiled when she pulled him in for a hug. "Ah..." Mother sighed, "I may see you often, but it doesn’t mean I do not miss you each time you have to leave my side."

Zade struggled in her embrace, and when he finally broke the hug, he sighed deeply. "Mum, I was away from you for long when I trained with my uncles. You survived."

Her shoulders dropped. "You know it was necessary. After Zara and..."

"I know, mother. I know."

Mum pecked the air at him before ushering us inside and gesturing for us to follow her. "Come inside. There’s much to discuss before the celebration tomorrow."

As we entered the packhouse, memories of my childhood flooded back. Ella leaned closer to me as we walked and whispered. "This place is incredible. Like something out of a fantasy novel."

I chuckled. "Wait until you see the garden. That’s my favourite spot."

Once we were settled in the grand sitting room, my mother turned to me, her expression serious. "Zara, there’s something we need to discuss."

My stomach tightened at her tone. "What is it?"

Mum exchanged a glance with Zade before focusing back on me. "It’s about the Thorned Crescent Pack. There’s been... activity near the border."

I felt my blood run cold. "What kind of activity?"

"Scouts," Zade answered. "I was informed as soon as we crossed the border. They are assessing the situation and searching for vulnerabilities.

Ella’s face paled, and she gripped my arm tightly. "What does that mean?"

"It means," my mother said, "that we need to be prepared. The celebration tomorrow is more than just a welcome home for you, Zara. It’s a statement. A reminder to everyone watching that the Golden Claw Pack is strong and united."

I nodded. "Then let’s make sure that’s exactly what they see."

After helping Ella settle into her guest room and unpacking my things in my own, I decided to call Snow. But as I sat on the edge of my bed with the phone in my hand, I found myself hesitating.

Snow had so much on his plate back at the mansion—meetings with Dare Devil, Jupiter, and Xavier to deal with Shadow Clave. He didn’t need me worrying him over border scouts and my nerves about the celebration.

Before I could dial, a soft knock sounded at my door. I placed the phone on the nightstand, quickly smoothing my hands over my sweater. "Come in."