Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow-Chapter 454: Meeting Mum 1

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Chapter 454

~Zara’s POV~

The morning sun filtered softly through the tall windows of Kaid’s mansion, casting golden rays over the quiet halls.

Thankfully, the chaos of the previous day had settled, but the weight of everything we’d all been through still lingered.

I watched from the top of the stairs as Snow made his way down the hallway toward Kaid’s office. He’d asked me earlier if I minded him speaking to Kaid alone, and I didn’t. I knew what he wanted to say.

And I was happy he was very mature about this.

Snow knocked once before stepping in.

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~Snow’s POV~

Kaid was seated on the edge of his desk, arms crossed loosely as he glanced over some scrolls. His sharp gaze rose when I entered, and he nodded once in acknowledgment.

"I figured you’d stop by before leaving," he said simply.

I gave a short smile. "I couldn’t just walk away without saying thank you properly."

Kaid raised an eyebrow. "I told you, no speeches."

"This isn’t a speech," I replied, stepping closer. "Just a simple truth—I owe you. Not just for what you did for Zara... but for what you did for me. For giving her the chance to bring me back. For not giving up on her even when I was gone."

Kaid was silent for a moment, his expression unreadable, then he exhaled. "I didn’t do it for you. I did it for her. But I won’t pretend your survival doesn’t matter to her—or now, to all of us."

"I know she’s important to you," I said softly. "And I know... this hasn’t been easy."

Kaid looked away for a beat, then back at me. "I’ve seen bonds before, Snow. I’ve even admired them. But I never expected to feel the weight of one from the outside like this. You and Zara... you were written in the stars long before I met her."

I swallowed. I did ot knmow what to say because as much as I could, I wanted to avoid any speech that would look like showing off to him.

Si instead, I went with this. "We’re leaving after breakfast. But if ever you need our help... my help... you’ll have it."

Kaid gave a nod. "Take care of her, Snow. She’s stronger than most, but even strength needs a place to rest."

"I know, I will do everything in my power to give her that lovely rest," I said, offering a final glance before turning toward the door. "Goodbye, Kaid."

"Goodbye, Alpha."

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~Zara’s POV~

I saw Snow return from the hallway, his face softer, like something had finally been made right. He caught my hand and squeezed it gently before brushing a kiss on my forehead. "He’s waiting," he whispered, then disappeared into the dining room.

I turned, took a breath, and followed the same path Snow had taken moments ago.

Kaid was at his desk watching the sunlight play across the walls. When I entered, he didn’t speak right away—just turned his head and offered me that quiet smile of his.

"A day ago, you wouldn’t believe you’d be here," he said, amusement dancing in his voice.

I laughed, stepping toward him. "A day ago, I thought I’d die in a mirror trial."

"And now you’re heading home with a mate and a war on the horizon," he added.

I met his gaze, the smile fading into something softer. "Kaid... thank you. For everything. For not letting me fall. For risking so much to help me. For bringing me to Davion. For standing by me even when you didn’t have to."

His expression didn’t waver. "You don’t need to thank me for something I’d do all over again."

"It doesn’t matter if you do not feel it. Know that I will forever be thankful to you." I hesitated before continuing. "And about the mansion... the name you gave it... I didn’t mean to assume anything before, but—"

"I did name it after you," Kaid said, his tone calm. "Because I saw something in you that I wanted to hold onto. A light. A fire. Something... rare. Even though deep down, I wished it would have been me you’d pick and I’d give it to you."

My heart squeezed.

"I’m sorry, Kaid," I whispered.

"Nah, it is okay. One way or the other, I guess I already knew you wouldn’t choose me, but I was still in denial."

"My heart... It’s always been with Snow."

Kaid nodded slowly as a bittersweet smile tugged at his lips. "It’s sad, Zara. I won’t pretend it isn’t. I don’t want to lose you—not as a friend, nor as someone I could’ve loved deeply. But how can I fight your heart... or fate?"

He looked down, and when he spoke again, this time, Kaid’s voice was low. "I was stubborn. I wanted to believe I could win even when Richard warned me, even when I watched the way you looked at him. But now I understand that even the Moon Goddess supports him."

His eyes lifted again, and this time there was no bitterness—only peace.

"I understand why Ares let Ella go. Fighting the bond... it’s like screaming against a storm that was never meant to pass."

I didn’t think. I crossed the room in a blink and threw my arms around him, holding him tight.

Kaid didn’t flinch. His arms came around me in return, hugging me.

"You’ll always be one of the best things I found in this chaos," I said into his chest.

"And you," he murmured, resting his chin atop my head, "will always be my fiercest what-if betrothed." freēwēbnovel.com

We stayed like that, wrapped in silence and somehow, that was enough for both of us.

By the time I left his study, I felt lighter than I had been before.

The morning air was crisp as we stepped out of Kaid’s estate, the scent of dew and lingering pine wrapping around us like a farewell embrace.

The rising sun painted the sky in warm orange and golden streaks, and the soft wind tousled Snow’s still-damp hair as we walked down the stone steps, side by side.

Waiting at the base of the stairs was a sleek black SUV—no doubt Kaid’s doing.

The vehicle shimmered faintly under the morning rays, polished and powerful, ready for the journey ahead. One of Kaid’s trusted warriors stood by the door, already holding it open for us.

I glanced back once, my gaze locking on Kaid who stood in the doorway, hands tucked in his pockets, that familiar calm expression resting on his face. Behind him, Siona gave a short wave with ehr unique, all-knowing smile.

Snow turned too, nodding toward Kaid with quiet respect. "Thanks for everything."

Kaid inclined his head. "Drive safe. And don’t forget to eat something real. Not whatever bland thing they serve at your borders."

"I’ll make sure of it," I replied with a soft laugh.

"Good." His eyes flicked to mine briefly, and I could tell his gaze held so many unspoken words. Then he nodded again and stepped back into the house.

Before we left, the others had returned to their houses. Air and Tempest informed us they would be visiting their father’s pack later in the day before us.

Snow helped me into the SUV and slid in beside me. The leather seats were warm from the morning sun.

As the doors shut and the engine came to life, the driver—a Lycan warrior Kaid trusted—pulled smoothly out of the estate and onto the main road.

The ride was quiet at first and peaceful.

I rested my head against Snow’s shoulder, and he wrapped his arm around me, his thumb brushing slow circles into my arm. The motion was reassuring.

"We’re really doing this," I murmured.

"Going home?" he asked.

I nodded. "To your mother. To Storm. To the pack."

He was quiet for a long moment before he whispered, "I wasn’t sure I’d ever get to do that again, that I’d never see them. Or you."

I tilted my head to look at him, his features etched in a softness I’d only seen in fleeting moments. "But you are. We made it. You made it."

Snow leaned in, pressing a kiss to the side of my forehead. "I owe you my life, Zara."

"You owe me breakfast," I teased, though my voice trembled a little with emotion. "And maybe a decade of cuddles."

His chest vibrated with a low chuckle. "That I can do."

We watched the forest blur past the windows as the SUV sped down the path leading out of Kaid’s territory. The road ahead would take us to Ivory Crescent—back to his mother, back to the people who thought they lost him forever.

I could already imagine her reaction.

Tears. Hugs. Maybe a few threats about never doing something so reckless again.

And yet... I was ready for all of it.

Snow reached for my hand again and held it tightly.

"We’re going home," he whispered.

In my heart, I knew this was just the beginning of what we were about to face together.

"Let’s do that, and after, we are going to my mother’s."

"Yeah, I bet Zaria cannot wait to scold the living daylights out of me for hurting you nd worrying everyone."

"You know, Mum, she can be a bit dramatic," I teased and poked him with my elbow.

"She can, but her concerns are admirable. Anyone can..." A gasp tore through my lips as I cut Snow off. He followed my line of sight, and the next thing he face-palmed.

Staring at us from a mile away at the top of the billboard in the pack was the words boldly written: WELCOME HOME, SON!