Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow novel Chapter 306

Chapter 306: The Man Who Chose Me

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Chapter 306

~Tempest’s POV~

(Present Day) _{ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com}

I hadn’t heard from Ryland since that night—since Koda walked away, breaking my heart in the process. I wasn’t sure what to think anymore.

Had Ryland backed out too? Had he decided, just like Koda, that I wasn’t worth the fight?

The silence had been deafening.

And now, as I stood in front of my mirror, adjusting the deep emerald-green gown that hugged every curve of my body, I made a decision. I wouldn’t let this uncertainty consume me.

I had a life. A purpose.

Stormborn Creations, my company, needed my attention. It wasn’t just a fashion house—it was a foundation.

A place where werewolf females, especially those cast aside, could find strength again.

Women who had suffered under oppressive mates rejected wolves looking for purpose, young girls who needed guidance.

It was my legacy.

After what happened to Aira, I knew the line I wished to pursue.

I grabbed my handbag, slid on my matching heels, and checked my reflection one last time. My red curls cascaded over my shoulders, and the jewellery around my neck glinted under the soft light.

I looked every bit the confident businesswoman I had built myself into.

"You can’t let heartbreak define you, Temp," I assured myself.

Just as I reached for the doorknob, a presence hit me.

Summer exhaled deeply in my mind.

"Ry... Ryland?"

I pulled the door open, and there he was.

Dressed in a fitted black shirt and dark jeans, his usually confident eyes were... sad.

"You came..." My voice was softer than I intended.

"Tempest, I..." He hesitated, his gaze searching mine.

"Late," I finished, folding my arms across my chest.

Ryland sighed, running a hand through his tousled brown hair. "I know. I’m sorry."

I tilted my head, skeptical. "Give me one reason why I should listen to you."

His jaw clenched, and then his voice dropped to something raw, something real.

"Because I love you. And I’m here now. Just... give me a chance to explain what happened."

My heart clenched at his words, but I kept my expression unreadable.

I exhaled. "Fine. You have ten minutes. I have somewhere to be."

"Okay." He stepped inside, and I shut the door behind him.

Folding my arms again, I arched a brow. "So?"

Ryland inhaled deeply. "I couldn’t leave the pack."

I scoffed. "Not convinced."

His jaw tightened, and then he raised his hands slightly. "Ivory Crescent was attacked."

My heart dropped.

I stepped forward. "Mum? Dad? The pack—?"

"Relax," Ryland said quickly, his hands moving to steady me. "They’re fine. One of our outer regions was attacked. Your family wasn’t harmed."

Anger simmered beneath my skin. "Who?" I asked through gritted teeth.

"Thorned Crescent."

"No," Ryland cut in sharply. "You cannot tell him. If word gets out, I’ll be in trouble for even telling you this. I just... I needed you to know why I didn’t come sooner."

My breath hitched. "You... you mean—"

"I want you, Tempest," he said, his grip tightening just slightly. "I’ll take whatever you’re willing to give. If that means sharing, then so be it. I don’t care. As long as I get to have you."

Tears burned the back of my eyes. I had prepared for rejection. I had braced myself for heartbreak.

But this?

This man was choosing me.

"Are you sure?" I whispered, barely able to trust my voice.

His lips curved into a small, soft smile. "Always, Tempest."

And before I could think, before I could overanalyse, his lips crashed against mine.

I gasped into his mouth, my hands flying to his shoulders as he kissed me deeply—desperately like he had been starving for this moment.

I melted against him, my body responding instinctively.

Ryland groaned against my lips before lifting me effortlessly, my legs wrapping around his waist.

"God, I missed you," he murmured, his breath hot against my skin as he trailed kisses down my jaw.

I tangled my fingers in his hair, tugging slightly, and he growled in response.

My gown had ridden up, and with ease, he pushed my panties aside, his fingers grazing my wetness.

"I missed all of you," he whispered, his touch sending shivers down my spine.

And in that moment, nothing else mattered.

Not the war looming ahead.

Not the fear or uncertainty.

Just this.

Just us.

Just the man who chose me.