Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow novel Chapter 464

Chapter 464: Lord Sterling’s Support

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Chapter 464

~Zara’s POV~

Snow and I made our way down the grand staircase. The air in the house was lighter today, especially after the night we’d had.

But I still wasn’t expecting the butler to whisper, "Lord Sterling is here, waiting in the lounge."

Snow raised an eyebrow at me.

"I thought we wouldn’t be seeing him anytime soon?" I murmured.

"Apparently, plans changed. I, even forgot about him."

We stepped into the living room together, and there he was—Lord Sterling. Tall, broad-shouldered, and as always, dressed in crisp tailored clothes that somehow still looked relaxed on him.

His long blond hair was tied at the base of his neck, loose strands brushing against his jaw. Everything about him screamed refined power and old-world charm.

The moment his eyes found mine, his lips curved in a smile.

"Lady Zara," he greeted, stepping forward and gently taking my hand. His cool lips brushed the back of it in a soft peck, a polite gesture of respect—and subtle flirtation.

Snow cleared his throat beside me prmting Sterling to look up with a knowing smirk. "Alpha Snow."

"Sterling," Snow replied coolly. "Let’s move to the gazebo. It’s more private and refreshing."

"Of course," Sterling said smoothly, falling into step with us as we exited through the back doors, into the open garden.

The sunlight streamed through the trees, casting soft patterns on the cobblestones as we walked toward the white gazebo nestled at the heart of the garden. Birds chirped somewhere in the trees, and the faint scent of fresh roses lingered in the breeze.

Once we were seated—Snow beside me and Sterling across—we exchanged a few pleasantries. He asked about the pack, offered polite words about the recent turmoil, and even complimented the garden.

Then Snow leaned forward slightly, cutting through the small talk. "We all know youa re not here for catch up or mere greetings. So, why not save us the chase and tell us... Why are you here, Sterling?"

The smile on Lord Sterling’s face didn’t waver. But his posture shifted ever so slightly, becoming a little more formal. "A message," he said simply. "From the Lycan King."

My heart skipped. Since we left his house, I hadn’t heard or spoken to Kaid since. And right now I felt a bit guilty about that.

Snow narrowed his eyes. "Go on."

Sterling rested his arms on the carved table between us, his expression growing more serious. "In light of recent events—the disturbance caused by the Thorned Crescent, the re-emergence of old forces—the Lycan Court is considering a formal alliance."

"With us?" I asked, blinking.

"With the werewolf nations," he corrected, then his gaze met mine. "But particularly with you, Zara. The King has heard of your involvement in both magical and political upheavals. He wants to know the extent of your needs and what role your pack intends to play moving forward."

Snow folded his arms. "So they finally will acknowledge us as a nation... after years of pretending we’re just unstable mutts."

Sterling chuckled, not denying it. "Desperate times call for reevaluated loyalties. You’ve drawn attention, Alpha. You and your Luna. Besides, if ther alliance is allowed to thrive, soon enough they may march on the Lycans."

Lord Sterling cleared hsi throat and smiled. "No offence but I believe if that were to happen, their alliance will be crushed and made never to return or be heard of again."

I tilted my head. "And you’re here to... evaluate us?"

"To assess how strong the union would be, yes. Whether it would be beneficial to both sides. The King doesn’t want another silent war. And frankly..." He glanced at me again. "We’re all intrigued by you, Zara. By your lineage and your influence but most importantly by the fact that King Kaid spoke highly of you during your recent quest."

My spine stiffened slightly. "So I’m to be measured and weighed for political worth?"

Sterling raised a brow, a touch of admiration in his smile. "That, and to determine whether the King should see you as a weapon... or a future queenmaker."

Snow growled low beside me. "Careful."

Sterling lifted his hands in mock surrender. "Just doing my duty."

I leaned forward, my eyes narrowing just slightly. "Then let’s not waste time. Ask your questions. You’ll get your answers. And you can tell your Council that we’re not here to serve them. If anything, they should be grateful we haven’t come knocking."

Sterling smiled in a pleased manner. "Now that’s the fire I heard about."

Snow’s hand found mine under the table, and I squeezed it gently.

The alliance might be on the table.

But if the Lycan Court thought they could control us, they had another thing coming.

"Good. Now, what does this mean? Are the Lycans offering their complete support during the war or...?"