**************
Chapter 152
~Snow’s POV~
I set the report down, leaning back in my chair as I crossed my arms. "For what?" My tone was as sharp as the irritation burning under my skin.
This day had already started poorly; I wasn’t in the mood for social niceties.
"A bit of friendly competition," Archer replied, his jovial tone doing little to soothe my mood. "We’re heading to the field for so sports. It’s a tradition among my team, and all the n are expected to join. It’s a good way to build camaraderie."
"Camaraderie," I echoed, barely holding back a scoff. "I appreciate the offer, but I have a full workload. Perhaps another ti."
I expected him to accept my polite refusal and leave, but instead, his expression shifted—his smile remained, but his eyes sharpened. The air between us thickened.
"Snow," he said, stepping closer and lowering his voice, "this partnership we’re building isn’t just about ink on a contract. It’s about trust, teamwork, and, most importantly, shared experiences."
"I understand that," I said, keeping my tone asured. "But I also believe in prioritizing efficiency. My ti is better spent ensuring this partnership thrives behind the scenes."
Archer’s smile widened, though it didn’t reach his eyes. "You see, that’s where you’re mistaken. Deals like ours aren’t just sealed in boardrooms. They’re cented on the field, over dinners, and through monts of connection."
I clenched my jaw, the weight of his words pressing against my chest. His aning was clear—this wasn’t an invitation; it was an expectation.
"You’re a smart man, Zephyr," Archer continued, his voice dripping with condescension masked as camaraderie. "You know how quickly reputations can be made—or broken."
The subtle threat ignited a flare of anger, but I forced myself to remain composed. Glacier growled, his irritation echoing my own.
"You’re saying that if I don’t join your... friendly competition, it’ll reflect poorly on ?" I asked, my voice cool and deliberate.
"Exactly," Archer replied smoothly. "We’re a team, Snow. And teams stick together."
I stared at him for a long mont, my mind churning. The thought of spending hours on so aningless ga while my priorities waited was infuriating. But the alternative—alienating a key partner—wasn’t an option.
"Fine," I said finally, my tone clipped. "Let’s go."
"Excellent," Archer said, clapping his hands together as though he’d just closed another deal. "You’ll see—it’ll be good for you to step away from the desk for a while."
He turned to leave, pausing at the door to glance back at . "Oh, and Zephyr? Bring your A-ga. My team plays to win."
I waited until the door closed behind him before letting out a slow, frustrated exhale.
"Arrogant prick," Glacier muttered.
I couldn’t argue with him. This wasn’t camaraderie—it was a power play. And I’d just been backed into a corner.
Sliding the report into my bag, I stood and adjusted my shirt. If Archer wanted a show, he’d get one. But I wouldn’t let him forget who he was dealing with.
As I followed him out, my thoughts drifted to Zara. I’d been so focused on protecting her from Jenna’s sches that I hadn’t had a chance to tell her about my feelings.
Soon, I promised myself. As soon as this nonsense was over, I’d make things right.
****************
~Zara’s POV~
The afternoon sunlight stread through my bedroom window as I flipped through the files on my desk. The work should have been enough to distract , but my thoughts kept drifting to Snow and his upcoming return.
Why, you may ask but I did not know.
I had Zade, I had Ella and Elias, my brother to keep company but still, I di not welco the thought pof paying them a visit and instead focused on Snow.
The way he laughed, teased , his kisses, those soft thin lips of his and his lovely hair, made my insides tingle.
Get a grip, Zara and focus on work.
I could tell he got jealous over . He was possessive but whether or not all of those things ant love was sothing I was still trying to figure out. After all, with Ivan, that leech, it did not end up nicely.
Sigh!
I leaned back against my chair, letting my hands fall down my face as exhaustion over took my senses.
Suddenly, a soft chi interrupted my focus. My phone buzzed with a new ssage, followed by another. Frowning, I unlocked it and noticed the ssages from the unknown number.
My first thought was Marcus Devereaux and whoever was playing him behind the scene.
Was this another threat now that they kow Snow wasn’t around or what?
Just as I opened the attachnts, my blood ran cold.
The first image showed Snow and Jenna in bed together. Her hands were draped around his shoulders, her lips dangerously close to his neck.
The second was worse. Much worse.
Snow’s face was buried between her bare breasts, his hand inside her, the scene so explicit I had to look away as my stomach churned.
Fuck!
Anger, hurt, and betrayal surged through in waves. Every tender mont, every soft word he’d spoken to felt like a cruel joke all within seconds.
Was this what he had been doing while I waited for him?
Tears blurred my vision as several thoughts and fantasies I had built shattered in my subconscious.
No.
It couldn’t be.
Snow wasn’t putting on a show here for when Jenna was around, right?
Still, no matter what excuse I gave, the hurt sank deep and Astrid whined bitterly within. She loved Glacier. Any sensible wolf could tell.
Basically, Snow and I were the only stubborn mules but to see him do this...
I shakily dialed his number. Each ring felt like an eternity, but the line went dead. His phone was off.
A choked sob escaped , and I clenched my fists, desperate to stop the trembling.
I had to reach him sohow. Just then, the sound of an engine pulled my attention to the driveway.
I glanced out the window to see Zade’s car in the driveway and without thinking, I bolted from my room, running outside.
Just seeing him brought a sense of calm, like I could lean on him and I did just that. The second he stepped out of his car and turned toward , I threw myself into his arms, tears streaming down my face.
"Zara?" Caught off guard, Zade’s voice was soft, concerned as his arms encircled . "What’s wrong?"
I clung to him, unable to find the words. The pain was too raw, the images too vivid as Jenna’s annoying face popped in my head, smirking at her victory.
"Zara, you..." I shook my head when he tried to pull away just to stare in my fce. My chest tightened, my blood ran cold and everything that made senses to suddenly didn’t anymore.
"Zara, baby, listen to . What’s wrong? Youc an tell . Wha... who hurt you?"
Hearing his concerned voice fill my ears was worth everything but I couodn’t bring myself to utter the truth.
Why?
I could not fault Snow. After all, he never told he loved . All we had was just a contract marriage, one in which I foolishly let myself fall for him in.
But one thing was clear.
Snow Zephyr had broken .
R𝑒ad latest chapt𝒆rs at freew𝒆(b)novel.c(o)m Only
Reviews
All reviews (0)