<h4>Chapter 171: Banter</h4>
<strong>**************</strong>
<strong>Chapter 170</strong>
<strong>~Zara’s POV~</strong>
One nce at my mum and she flinched,pletely shaken under Zaria’s gaze.
Only now that the truth was out did everything seem clear. She may have treated me well but it exins why it seemed like Elias was more favoured than I was.
Just then Zade spoke, bringing up another topic.
"Alpha Zarek, what direction or road was Lady Zariaing from?"
As soon as he asked, I knew where he was headed. He wanted to know where she was taking me, and where she wasing from.
"It was east of Azure Lane, heading south," father exined.
Zade nodded. "That means she never went to Silverwood, but she was running from them."
At the mention of Silverwood, my family froze, and my eyes narrowed.
They knew something.
Zade continued. "Did she tell you anything before she died other than her name?"
Before Dad could speak, Selene nodded. "One word—Silverwood."
"Two, actually; the other she muttered as she died," Dad interjected. "Never."
"Silverwood Never..." Snow drawled. "That only means she was..."
"Running from them," Zade chimed in.
**************
We arrived back at the Golden w Packhouse just as the sun dipped below the horizon. The sight would have been breathtaking if not for the brewing storm between Snow and Zaria.
"I’ll take Zara back to my second mansion," Snow dered as soon as we stepped inside, his voice steady butced with resolve. "I think we’ve earned some uninterrupted time together now that she’s back. Maybe a honeymoon, hmm?"
Zade was about to speak when my mother cut in. Zaria raised an eyebrow, folding her arms.
"Oh, a honeymoon, is it? You’ve had months with her, Snow. It’s my turn now. Do you know how many memories I’ve missed out on? Years of significant events have passed. I deserve some time to create memories with my daughter to make up for it."
"She’s my wife," Snow shot back.
"And she’s my daughter," Zaria countered sharply.
"Luna Zaria, you... you don’t understand." Snow sighed. I know it was hard for him to state that what we had was a contract marriage. First it would annoy my mother, also shock her, and who knows, maybe make her want to scold me.
But I bet if she knew why I did it, to get away from Ivan fucking Zephyr, perhaps she’d understand.
"No, make me."
Snow crossed his arms, a teasing smirk ying on his lips. "Luna Zaria, I understand you’ve missed years with Zara, but I’m her husband. Only I can pamper her the way she deserves."
Zaria arched a brow, her expression regal yet amused. "Is that so? No."
Snow tilted his head, his blue eyes sparkling mischievously. How can you ensure Zara wouldn’t be exhausted from spending so much time with you? Maybe she’d enjoy something a little different—like traveling, exploring, or rxing in luxury."
Zaria let out a softugh, shaking her head. "Oh, please. I’m sure she’d love to stay here, where she can learn more about her heritage and meet her extended family. After all, it’s not every day a daughter gets to reconnect with her mother after so long."
Snow leaned forward slightly, his tone yful. "You’ve got apelling argument, but have you considered that Zara might want some peace and quiet? Away from all the pack obligations and duties?"
Zaria ced her hands on her hips, her smile widening. "You mean peace and quiet while you whisk her off to one of your grand estates? That sounds like a delightful retreat—at least for you. I’m offering her quality time. Real bonding."
"Real bonding," Snow echoed, chuckling. "You mean teaching her the ins and outs of pack politics, I assume? Sounds riveting."
Zaria’s eyes sparkled with mock indignation. "And your concept of captivating involves transporting her to an isted paradise, where you are likely to indulge her to the hilt."
"Well," Snow said with a wink, "she <i>is</i> my wife. Spoiling her is my job."
The back-and-forth brought a softugh from Zade, who had been observing quietly until now. "You two are adorable," he remarked, stepping closer. "But maybe we should ask Zara what <i>she</i> wants instead of ying tug-of-war."
The tension between them was almostical, except for the pounding ache building in my head.
I sighed, massaging my temples as Zade stepped forward, cing aforting hand on my shoulder. "Zara, what do <i>you</i> want?" he asked gently.
Zaria turned to me with a warm smile, her eyes soft. "He’s right, darling. What would you like? I’ll respect whatever you choose."
Snow’s gaze met mine, and he nodded. "Of course, love. It’s your decision."
I looked at him, my puppy eyes pleading. "Honestly, I want to spend time with both Snow and you," I said, hoping it would soften the tension.
Zaria’s gaze sharpened, and she frowned. "And what about me, Zara? Why am I being sidelined?"
I sighed, giving her an apologetic smile. "I’m not sidelining you, Mum. I just thought you had a busy life. I didn’t want to impose."
"For you, my dear," Zaria said softly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, "I can always make the time."
Her words resonated deeply with me, prompting me to embrace her tightly without any hesitation. Her arms wrapped around me, and I could feel the depth of her emotions in the way she held me.
"You always have a ce with us," she whispered, her voice breaking slightly. "Always."
When we pulled apart, Zade stepped in, enveloping me in a warm hug. "Don’t be a stranger," he murmured, pressing a kiss to my forehead.
Iughed softly. "Don’t worry. You’ll probably see me more than you’d like."
As I stepped back, a teasing glint entered my eyes. "Speaking of which... when am I going to meet your mate?"
Zade’s expression stiffened; his smile faltering for a moment before he sighed, throwing me a half-hearted re. "Zara... You couldn’t resist, could you?"
Zaria’s eyes widened, and she turned to him sharply. "Mate? You found your mate? And you didn’t think to inform me?"
Readtest chapters at f(r)eewebnov??l Only