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Chapter 114
~Snow’s POV~
She laughed, a little nervous but a lot more confident than before, as if she’d finally crossed a line she’d been cautious about.
We spent the rest of the evening like that, trading soft glances, teasing each other, and finishing our ice creams.
As we walked back to the car, I wrapped my arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. Her arm slipped around my waist, and she leaned her head lightly on my shoulder. It felt natural and easy.
We were silent in the car but I caught her gaze a few tis as the glow from the streetlights highlighted the curve of her lips, making want to kiss them again.
"What are you thinking about?"
She hesitated as a blush coloured her cheeks. "I’m thinking... this feels nice," she admitted softly. "Just being here, with you."
Her words hit sothing deep, and I reached over, taking her hand in mine. "You deserve this, Zara," I murmured, trying to keep my voice steady. "And more."
When we returned to the mansion, Zara seed lighter and happier. Aira t us at the door with a knowing look, raising her eyebrows as she saw us enter together, her gaze quickly assessing us both.
"Did you two have fun?"
Zara’s smile grew. "It was... nice," she replied simply, glancing at before heading to her room.
After she’d gone, Aira turned to , grinning. "Nice move, little brother. Not quite the surprise I had in mind, but close enough."
I rolled my eyes. "Next ti, give a little warning," I muttered, though I couldn’t hide my smile.
"Yeah, yeah, then it would take the thrill out of the tease, wouldn’t it?" Aira chuckled as I watched her free herself.
No longer was she the broken girl from Koda’s love and her useless mate’s shenanigans.
"Also, don’t you think I am already old for the title, ’lil brother’, it sounds..." I barely had a chance to finish my words when Aira walked past, slapping on the butt and calling the very phrase I just warned about.
"You can’t change the past, lil bro. We, Tempest, and myself were born before you."
"It’s just four years."
"Aah... alas, four years was ti enough for us to grow and survey the world before the heavens dished you out."
Aira stopped by the door, placing her hands on the door fra. "And... we love you that way."
~Later~
That night, as I settled back in my study, I couldn’t shake the feeling of that simple, shared mont. The warmth of her hand in mine, the soft way she looked at —Glacier rumbled in my mind, pleased with the mory.
"She’s coming around," he said. "Maybe it’s ti we showed her the depths of our world, let her see what it ans to be part of this life."
"Maybe," I murmured aloud, considering his words.
My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of soft footsteps outside my study. Aira appeared in the doorway, a look of satisfaction on her face.
"Zara enjoyed herself tonight," she said, crossing her arms as she leaned against the doorfra. "Don’t pretend you didn’t notice."
I shrugged, trying for nonchalance. "It was just a night out. Nothing more."
She raised an eyebrow. "Don’t downplay it, Snow. I know I have said it before but this is the most relaxed I’ve seen her since she ca here."
I looked away, but I knew she was right. There was sothing about tonight that felt... different, more real than the endless responsibilities and duties that normally consud us.
Aira’s expression softened. "She’s a good match for you, you know. And I think she’s beginning to feel it too. Just... be patient."
I t her gaze, nodding slowly. "I will."
After Aira left, I found myself thinking back to the way Zara had looked at tonight, the way she’d laughed, the subtle blush that coloured her cheeks.
For the first ti in a long ti, I felt sothing shift within —a quiet but undeniable pull that went deeper than I’d anticipated.
It wasn’t just my duty or responsibility to protect what was mine, driving anymore. It was sothing stronger, more real.
And for once, I didn’t try to fight it.
"Good. Now we are getting sowhere. All we have to do is make our wife fall for us."
"You an , right?"
"Us," he argued as I chuckled.
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~Zara’s POV~
The next morning, Aira seed more determined than she was with Ella yesterday.
"Zara," she declared, her eyes twinkling with a plan. Almost imdiately, Snow and I looked up, our eyes locking before we looked at her.
He had co in to check up on with Aira this morning. Ever since the incident, I usually had my al in my room, leaving Snow, Aira and little Storm to enjoy their al together.
"You need a shopping day. It’s been ages since you got to see anything outside this mansion’s walls."
"It’s just been a few days, Aira."
She shrugged, waving off my words with her hand. "And, let’s be real, you’ve hardly touched that unlimited credit card Snow gave you. It’s about ti you put it to use."
I tried to protest, but Aira wasn’t having it. She placed her hands on her hips, shooting a look that brooked no argunt.
"Look, I’ve managed just fine—"
"You’ve managed, but I’m talking about thriving. And you’re going to need so fresh styles for upcoming events, whether you want them or not," Aira said with a grin, dragging towards the door.
"What events? There’s been none so far."
Aira paused, turning to her brother. "Tell her. We have the all-Alphas ball coming up."
"Shouldn’t that be for an alpha and his luna?"
"Yup," Aira said with a nod.
"Good. Last I checked I was no Luna."
"You’re his wife and soon would be crowned Luna. Isn’t that right, brother?"
I did not dare look in Snow’s direction, knowing we had a marriage contract and in barely a few months, we’d divorce and lead separate lives.
If not, I’d have probably been crowned Luna or soon-to-be Luna by now.
And based on that, I needed to avoid werewolves’ important social gatherings.
"You still have your mother and father, Alpha Storm is capable and Luna Star is still ready to lead."
"And Snow?" she shut a brow not buying my excuse.
"For now he is needed."
"Enough delays and argunts, Zara. You are not escaping."
I glanced at Snow for backup, but he just raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained. "Have fun, Zara. Go all out if you’d like."
With both Aira and Snow teaming up, I had no chance of escape. Soon enough, Aira and I were in the car, heading towards the city’s best designer boutique.
Upon arrival, we were greeted warmly and shown into a lounge area. Aira started picking out dresses, examining everything with a critical eye, until a stunning handless red sequined dress caught my attention.
It was fiery red, with sequins that shimred in the light and ended just above mid-thigh with small red feathers adorning the hem.
Without a second thought, I reached for it, a smile spreading across my face. But just as my hand touched the fabric and lifted the hanger, another manicured hand clamped down on the other side.
"It’s mine," ca a voice as icy as it was familiar.
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