Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow novel Chapter 348

Chapter 348: Worried

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

Chapter 349

~Zara’s POV~

When I asked Ella to give me a name, she froze. I could understand her initial hesitation, but I wanted to confirm if what I saw was true.

"Zara, I love you, but I cannot..."

"I am an alpha wolf, Ella. Also, I know what I am walking into. Give me a name," I insisted.

She contemplated briefly before nodding. "Fine. Her name is Vera."

"Vera?"

"Yes. Although I do not know her surname, I overheard someone on the phone speak her name."

I tried to think back to my vision or whatever they were. The one with Thorned Crescent and Shadow Clave. And then it hit me.

"What colour is her powers?"

"They were blue, Zara. I... the witches have been in hiding for years. Why are they out now?"

I sighed, trying to think carefully. The witch that attacked me had a different power glow. So they weren’t same, right?

Still, for attacking her alone, this witch was a dark witch. And given that, it meant they were after me too and those closest to me.

My gaze fell back on her worried face. "Ella, I’m so sorry," I said softly, my voice laced with guilt. "I should’ve been there. I should’ve protected you."

She shook her head. "This isn’t your fault, Zara. I made my choice, and now I’m paying for it."

Tears stung my eyes as I reached out to squeeze her hand. "You’re coming home with me," I said firmly.

Ella’s eyes widened. "What?"

"I’m taking you back to the mansion," I said. "You’ll stay with us until you’re healed. I’ll make sure nothing like this happens again."

"Zara, you don’t have to—"

"I do," I interrupted, my tone leaving no room for argument. "You’re my best friend, Ella. You’ve always been there for me. Let me do the same for you. Also, I’ll ask Snow’s doctor to check up on you and continue your treatment. You have nothing to worry about."

Her lips trembled, and she nodded, tears spilling down her cheeks. "Thank you," she whispered.

I smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "That’s what friends are for."

As I sat beside her, my mind was already racing, planning how to keep her safe while finding out more about the witch who had done this.

Because one thing was certain—whoever had hurt Ella was going to pay.

While I was busy with my thoughts, I did not notice when Ella actually reached forward and touched my necklace—the enchanted one Snow had gotten for me.

I flinched instantly, which made Ella chuckle. "Relax. I’m not biting."

She let her hand drop and wriggled her brows playfully at me. "Tell me. Who gave you that, and what’s that?"

"Snow did. It’s to protect me."

"Against witches?"

"Umm, yeah, but it has protections and stuff." I shrugged, nit wanting to delve deepe rinto this.

"Nice. I wish I could get something like that."

"You don’t need that while I am here," I assured her while ruffling her hair. Ella growled as she swatted my hand.

"Come on, get some rest, okay?"

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

~Snow’s POV~

The drive to the hotel was quiet, but my thoughts weren’t. My mind churned, trying to make sense of this mess. Zara’s scent clung to my shirt from our embrace earlier, and instead of bringing me the usual comfort, it only added to my guilt.

How could I even face her when I was keeping something so monumental from her? A fated mate. Something I never asked for but now existed.

Glacier stirred in my mind as I pulled into the hotel parking lot, his restless energy an ever-present weight.

"You shouldn’t leave her," he muttered.

"I’m checking on her," I snapped. "Or did you forget that I had to go to the pack today?"

"And then what? You’ll walk away again? Pretend the bond doesn’t exist?"

"Shut up, Glacier."

"She’s our mate. You can’t just—"

"I said, shut up!"

I slammed the car door shut, forcing the conversation out of my head as I strode toward Vera’s room.

When I stepped inside, the room was empty. A strange sense of unease settled in my gut as I glanced around. Everything was as I left it—her bag on the bed, the blanket folded neatly on the chair—but she was nowhere to be seen.

"Hello?" I called out, stepping further inside.

No response.

"She’s fine," Glacier said, though his voice held a hint of worry. "She’s capable."

"But what if—"

Glacier purred at the question, but I ignored him, my grip on her shoulders tightening slightly. "I... N... Of course I was. After what you went through..." I exhaled sharply, stepping back and running a hand through my hair.