<h4>Chapter 490: Snow’s Suspicion</h4>


    <strong>Chapter Unedited</strong>


    <strong>****************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 490</strong>


    <strong>~Snow’s POV~</strong>


    "Alpha Alexander just sent word," Alpha Draven said. "He wants us toe to his territory for further discussion. He said he’ll reveal his position after meeting face to face."


    I didn’t hesitate. "Fine. If it saves lives, we go the extra mile. I’m ready."


    Draven gave a curt nod. "We’ll depart at dawn."


    I nodded back, my hands resting on the edge of the table. "What of Zeno and Xavier?"


    "Zeno is arriving here tomorrow," he said, adjusting the scroll. "We’ll host him, then proceed together to Xavier’s region. He’s... hesitant. Hisnds are secure, untouched by rogue attacks. He doesn’t yet see the need to act."


    "Then we’ll make him see it," I said simply.


    "As you wish."


    With that, Draven exited, leaving me in the dim silence of strategy and tension.


    I stared down at the map, eyes unfocused, my mind still caught on the invisible thread humming faintly in the space between me and Zara.


    I could still feel it—that presence near her. The admiration. The pulse of something too fond. Too <i>interested.</i>


    My fingers twitched near my phone before I finally reached for it.


    I unlocked it with a swipe, her name right there at the top of my recents. One tap and the line was dialing.


    It rang once—


    Then I ended the call.


    My thumb hovered over the screen as I stared at it, my breathing shallow.


    "No," I muttered. "Let’s not worry Zara."


    She had enough on her shoulders. I’d chosen to trust her, hadn’t I?


    But the unease in my chest refused to fade.


    Because somewhere out there, someone was looking at my mate like she was something to im.


    And gods help him...


    He had no idea just how much I was willing to burn to remind the world—she was already taken.


    <strong>*****************</strong>


    <strong>~Zara’s POV~</strong>


    I didn’t go back to the office immediately.


    After storming out of that restaurant and leaving both Davion and Kaid behind to stew in their own egos, I’d needed air. Space. Silence.


    The car windows were down as I let the city blur past—ss towers, silver lights, and people going about their lives without the weight of kingdom politics crushing their ribs.


    How nice it must be to just exist.


    When I finally stepped into Snow’s office, the ss walls weed me with sunlight, but I didn’t feel any lighter. The air felt still, like it had held its breath while I was gone.


    I dropped my bag on the desk and sank into the leather chair, staring at the untouched files waiting for me like obedient dogs.


    But I couldn’t focus.


    I hated that Davion still had the ability to disturb my calm, and I hated even more that Kaid had walked into that moment like he had a im to defend.


    Neither of them did.


    Still, I couldn’t stop the echo of their words. The looks. That stretch of silence where neither of them had dared to back down.


    I ran a hand through my hair and exhaled sharply. "Why are men so exhausting?" I muttered aloud.


    As if on cue, the elevator outside chimed.


    Footsteps. Fast. Sharp. Familiar.


    A secondter, the door to Snow’s office opened without a knock.


    Tempest.


    She walked in like she owned the ce, dressed in high-waisted jeans and a cream top that hugged her like a second skin, hair coiled into a crown of braids that screamed elegance and war readiness.


    "You look like you just had lunch with your worst enemy," she said, kicking the door shut behind her.


    I blinked. "Wow. You’re getting scary urate."


    Tempest arched a brow and crossed the room, sitting casually across from me and tossing her bag on the floor. "Talk."


    "I was trying to forget it," I said with a sigh.


    "Nope. Not letting you bottle this one. Spill. Start with why you looked like a goddess walking into Crescent Mall yesterday and now look like you want to gut someone with a nail file."


    I gave her the quick version—Davion showing up, pressuring me into lunch, the stupid movie, and the awkward meal that ended with Kaid crashing the table like a jealous wolf.


    Tempest whistled low. "That’s... a lot."


    "Tell me about it."


    She leaned forward, resting her arms on her knees. "So who were you more pissed at?"


    I didn’t answer immediately. "Both."


    "Kaid for showing up uninvited?"


    "No, Kaid for thinking he had the right to im a say in anything. And Davion for trying to pretend this is all casual when it’s anything but."


    Tempest nodded, thoughtful. "You handled it well, though. Walking out was the smartest y."


    "Still felt like I was trapped between two alpha chest-thumpingpetitions."


    "Because you were."


    I let out a smallugh, even though the weight on my shoulders hadn’t fully lifted.


    Tempest’s voice softened. "You miss him, don’t you?"


    I didn’t ask who. I didn’t need to.


    "Snow," I whispered.


    She nodded slowly. "You two are connected in ways the rest of us only watch from a distance. When he’s not near, the bond pulls... but when someone else gets close?"


    "It <i>burns,</i>" I said.


    We sat in silence for a moment. She didn’t need to say anything else.


    Finally, I stood and walked toward the window. I looked out at the skyline, thete afternoon sun stretching golden fingers across ss towers.


    "I felt something strange during lunch," I admitted. "Not just the awkwardness. Something... tugged inside me. Not a warning. Not danger. Just... awareness."


    Tempest tilted her head. "Like Snow felt it?"


    "I don’t know. Maybe. But if he did, I bet he’s over there losing his mind and trying not to call me."


    Tempest smirked. "Or pacing holes into Draven’s floors."


    I turned back to her, a small smile tugging at my lips. "That actually makes me feel a little better."


    "Good," she said, rising. "Because you’re going to need that energy. The summit’s approaching, and if the drama’s already rolling in, it’s only going to get messier from here."


    "I know."


    She walked over and bumped my shoulder with hers. "But hey... at least your revenge lingerie is on standby."


    I rolled my eyes. "You’re the worst."


    "And yet, here I am. Keeping you sane."


    Iughed—genuinely this time.


    And I let myself breathe for the first time since that awkward lunch.


    Whatever wasing next—rogues, dragons, or jealous kings—I’d face it like always with my head high, ws ready and Snow waiting on the other side.