Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow novel Chapter 165

Chapter 165: Mum

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Chapter 165

~Zara’s POV~

A sense of unease settled over me—the weight of the dream, the explosion, and now this revelation pressing down like a heavy burden.

"What now?" I asked, my voice trembling.

Zade placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Now, we protect you. No matter what."

Snow’s expression darkened, a fierce determination blazing in his eyes. "And we find out who’s behind this. Whoever they are, they have just declared war."

As I absorbed his words, I felt like this was only the beginning—something darker and more dangerous was at play than we realized.

And somehow, I was at the center of it all.

Traditional charm filled the packhouse’s spacious hallways. Ancient tapestries and ornate wooden panels lined the walls. Yet, even amidst the grand decor, I couldn’t shake the feeling that tension was in the air—like the calm before a storm.

As we walked, Zade’s phone buzzed. He fished it from his pocket, his brows furrowing slightly as he read the message. "It’s the annual Alpha Ball," he said, glancing up. "The invitation just came in."

Snow’s expression hardened. "I got mine, too," he muttered.

"What’s this Alpha Ball?" I asked, curiosity piqued. I knew it sounded a bit strange to them, given that my father, no matter how small our pack was, was still an alpha.

But I barely concerned myself with those things and focused on my life.

"It’s an annual gathering of all the pack leaders," Zade explained, his voice tinged with the seriousness of tradition. "Alphas discuss alliances, share news, and flaunt their power. It’s politics disguised as a celebration."

Snow turned to me, his eyes narrowing. "You’re not going."

"Excuse me?" I asked, crossing my arms.

"It’s too dangerous," he said flatly. "With everything happening—the explosion, Marcus, the Thorned Crescent—it’s not safe for you to be there."

"Snow," I said firmly, meeting his gaze. "I won’t let some ’dead man walking’, dictate my life. I’m going."

A flicker of surprise crossed his face before his jaw tightened. "It’s not just Marcus—"

"I know the risks," I interrupted, "but hiding isn’t going to solve anything. I refuse to live in fear."

Beside me, Zade smiled, a glimmer of pride in his eyes. "Well said, sis."

Snow looked between us frustratedly but he didn’t argue further. Instead, he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Fine. But if you’re going, I’m staying by your side the entire time."

"Deal," I said with a small smile.

As we continued down the hall, a new thought struck me. "I want to visit my parents tomorrow," I said suddenly. "I need to confront them about the truth of my parentage."

Zade and Snow exchanged a glance.

"I’ll go with you," Snow said immediately.

"You don’t have to," Zade said, raising a hand. "I’ll accompany her. I need to thank her family for protecting her all these years."

Snow’s eyes narrowed, clearly not liking the idea of not being with me and protecting me should anything happen.

I know he was aware of Zade’s potential. I could sense it in my very being. Whatever training he underwent over the years undoubtedly shaped him in this way.

Deep down, I couldn’t help but wonder, should he and Snow have a fallout, who would win?

I felt exposed under her scrutiny, yet there was a strange comfort in her presence—a familiarity that made no sense but felt undeniable.

"Yes," Snow said, stepping closer to my side, his voice steady. "Mum, this is Zara."

Her smile deepened as she glanced at Snow. "My prodigal boy. You don’t check up on this old lady anymore. Is that because you got yourself a wife or because Zade doesn’t visit much anymore?"

Snow scratched the back of his head, like a child caught in a bad act.

But her next action shocked me. Chuckling softly, she waved him off and then extended a hand toward me. "Zara," she said warmly, "it’s a pleasure to finally meet you."

The weight of her words hung in the air, and for a moment, I felt like a piece of a puzzle being placed into its rightful spot.

Without further ado, I too rose to my feet and greeted her. "Likewise," I managed, taking her hand.

Her grip was firm but kind, her touch sending me an odd sense of belonging.

Then she pulled her sunglasses down, giving me the perfect view of her face. "Hi, Zara, I am Zaria, your mother."

"Hello."

Never in my life had I been so shy before, but today, I was. I didn’t know what to do or how to act as I stood there watching her but still not looking at her.

Zade glanced at me, his expression softening as he gestured toward a nearby couch. "Let’s sit. There’s much to discuss."

Snow and my mother exchanged a look before she nodded gracefully and took a seat, her gaze never wavering from me.

As I sat between Zade and Snow, the realization settled over me like a heavy cloak. This wasn’t just another meeting.

This was the beginning of something far bigger—a confrontation with the truths of my past and the challenges of a future that felt more uncertain than ever.

"So Snow, how does it feel to be married to my daughter?"