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Chapter 464
~Zara’s POV~
Snow and I made our way down the grand staircase. The air in the house was lighter today, especially after the night we’d had.
But I still wasn’t expecting the butler to whisper, "Lord Sterling is here, waiting in the lounge."
Snow raised an eyebrow at .
"I thought we wouldn’t be seeing him anyti soon?" I murmured.
"Apparently, plans changed. I, even forgot about him."
We stepped into the living room together, and there he was—Lord Sterling. Tall, broad-shouldered, and as always, dressed in crisp tailored clothes that sohow still looked relaxed on him.
His long blond hair was tied at the base of his neck, loose strands brushing against his jaw. Everything about him scread refined power and old-world charm.
The mont his eyes found mine, his lips curved in a smile.
"Lady Zara," he greeted, stepping forward and gently taking my hand. His cool lips brushed the back of it in a soft peck, a polite gesture of respect—and subtle flirtation.
Snow cleared his throat beside prmting Sterling to look up with a knowing smirk. "Alpha Snow."
"Sterling," Snow replied coolly. "Let’s move to the gazebo. It’s more private and refreshing."
"Of course," Sterling said smoothly, falling into step with us as we exited through the back doors, into the open garden.
The sunlight stread through the trees, casting soft patterns on the cobblestones as we walked toward the white gazebo nestled at the heart of the garden. Birds chirped sowhere in the trees, and the faint scent of fresh roses lingered in the breeze.
Once we were seated—Snow beside and Sterling across—we exchanged a few pleasantries. He asked about the pack, offered polite words about the recent turmoil, and even complinted the garden.
Then Snow leaned forward slightly, cutting through the small talk. "We all know youa re not here for catch up or re greetings. So, why not save us the chase and tell us... Why are you here, Sterling?"
The smile on Lord Sterling’s face didn’t waver. But his posture shifted ever so slightly, becoming a little more formal. "A ssage," he said simply. "From the Lycan King."
My heart skipped. Since we left his house, I hadn’t heard or spoken to Kaid since. And right now I felt a bit guilty about that.
Snow narrowed his eyes. "Go on."
Sterling rested his arms on the carved table between us, his expression growing more serious. "In light of recent events—the disturbance caused by the Thorned Crescent, the re-ergence of old forces—the Lycan Court is considering a formal alliance."
"With us?" I asked, blinking.
"With the werewolf nations," he corrected, then his gaze t mine. "But particularly with you, Zara. The King has heard of your involvent in both magical and political upheavals. He wants to know the extent of your needs and what role your pack intends to play moving forward."
Snow folded his arms. "So they finally will acknowledge us as a nation... after years of pretending we’re just unstable mutts."
Sterling chuckled, not denying it. "Desperate tis call for reevaluated loyalties. You’ve drawn attention, Alpha. You and your Luna. Besides, if ther alliance is allowed to thrive, soon enough they may march on the Lycans."
Lord Sterling cleared hsi throat and smiled. "No offence but I believe if that were to happen, their alliance will be crushed and made never to return or be heard of again."
I tilted my head. "And you’re here to... evaluate us?"
"To assess how strong the union would be, yes. Whether it would be beneficial to both sides. The King doesn’t want another silent war. And frankly..." He glanced at again. "We’re all intrigued by you, Zara. By your lineage and your influence but most importantly by the fact that King Kaid spoke highly of you during your recent quest."
My spine stiffened slightly. "So I’m to be asured and weighed for political worth?"
Sterling raised a brow, a touch of admiration in his smile. "That, and to determine whether the King should see you as a weapon... or a future queenmaker."
Snow growled low beside . "Careful."
Sterling lifted his hands in mock surrender. "Just doing my duty."
I leaned forward, my eyes narrowing just slightly. "Then let’s not waste ti. Ask your questions. You’ll get your answers. And you can tell your Council that we’re not here to serve them. If anything, they should be grateful we haven’t co knocking."
Sterling smiled in a pleased manner. "Now that’s the fire I heard about."
Snow’s hand found mine under the table, and I squeezed it gently.
The alliance might be on the table.
But if the Lycan Court thought they could control us, they had another thing coming.
"Good. Now, what does this an? Are the Lycans offering their complete support during the war or...?"
"How far away are you with the union?"
"Getting there. So far 30 packs have given their support. More are coming. I hope to have half the amount of packs joining us in a couple of days."
"Good. Very good."
*******************
After the long sit-down with Lord Sterling and Snow in the gazebo, I knew I needed to release so tension.
My body felt tight, restless—like energy was just waiting to be burned. And there was no better way to do that than training with Siona.
I stood in front of the mirror in our walk in closet, pulling my long hair into a tight ponytail before slipping on my black training pants and sports bra. I grabbed my leather-strapped gloves from the dresser when I felt a warm presence behind .
A second later, Snow stepped into the walk-in closet.
"You really are the hottest thing I’ve ever seen," he murmured in a deep low voice.
I turned slightly, amused. "That’s because I’m in workout clothes."
He walked toward until his chest brushed mine and his hands slid around my waist. His lips hovered just over mine. "No," he whispered. "It’s because you’re you."
Before I could respond, he leaned in and kissed . To my surprise, his kiss carried the sa fire he spoke off.
It wasn’t soft or sweet but filled with hunger.
His lips captured mine, igniting a spark in my chest. His mouth moved against mine with a sort of desperation—like he hadn’t kissed in months, not hours.
His hands road over my back, then lower, gripping like he didn’t want to let go.
I gasped into his mouth as he spun , pressing my back against one of the shelves. His mouth found the corner of mine, then my jaw, and then just below my ear.
My fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt, torn between lting into him and rembering I had sowhere to be.
"Snow," I breathed, pulling back with effort. My chest rose and fell in sharp, shallow breaths as I stared up at him.
And that was when I saw it.
My body froze.
His eyes.
One was his usual, striking ice blue but the other... violet.
A rich, deep violet that glowed faintly in the dim light of the closet. I blinked, staring into them, my breath caught in my throat.
Snow’s brows drew together. "Zara?" he asked after so seconds of staring, his voice softer now, concerned. "What’s wrong?"
I shook my head quickly, forcing myself to blink again. When I looked back up, both his eyes were back to their usual glacial blue.
The violet was gone. I swallowed. "Nothing. I—uh—I’m just a little tired. That’s all."
He didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t press either. "You sure? You can rest up if you are very tired," he suggested and cupped my face in his hands.
I nodded quickly. "Yeah but I need the training, rember?"
Snow exhaled, brushing my cheek with his thumb. "I can cancel with Siona if you want to rest."
"No," I said imdiately. "This is important, Snow. I need to stay sharp. If we’re going to have any chance against the Thorned Crescent or Shadow Clave... I have to be ready."
He paused, watching carefully, then finally nodded. "I understand." His arms ca back around my waist and pulled into him, grounding .
Then he leaned down and kissed again—slower this ti, full of promise and love.
When he pulled away, his lips hovered close to mine. "I love you."
My smile spilled into my eyes. "I love you always."
"Do not be stubborn when you are out there, Zara. If by any chance you need to rest, just say the word and we shall make it so."
I nodded as I patted his chest getly. "Yes mum."
Snow’s brows drew. "Zara, I am being serious here."
"And so am I. Which makes wonder if I am now closely watched by a hawk, called my husband. It is okay. I can take care fo myself."
When I lifted my head again, I noticed the sa colour change in his eyes as his brows drew together.
"Snow?"
He did not respond but instead crashed his lips against mine.
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