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Chapter 213
~Zara’s POV~
The moment Snow arrived, his presence swept away every trace of the oppressive fear Kaid had instilled. His strong arms wrapped around me tightly, bringing me into the safety of his warmth.
"Zara." Snow’s voice was laced with concern as he pulled back to cup my face. "What happened, love? Are you hurt?"
I shook my head quickly, my hands clutching his jacket. "No... I’m okay now." My voice trembled slightly, betraying the emotions I tried to hide. "I just... needed you."
Snow’s expression softened, though Glacier’s growl echoed faintly in my mind, his anger simmering beneath Snow’s protective demeanour. "Let’s get you into the car," he said gently, leading me to the passenger side.
Once inside, the familiar scent of Snow and the enclosed space brought a fresh wave of comfort. As soon as he settled into the driver’s seat, I unbuckled my seatbelt and leaned over, throwing my arms around him again.
"Zara," he whispered, his hands instinctively wrapping around my back as he held me close. "You’re scaring me, love. Tell me what’s wrong."
"I just needed to feel safe," I said, my voice muffled against his chest. "I needed you."
His hand moved up to cradle the back of my head, his thumb tracing soothing circles against my scalp. "I’m here. I’ve got you. Nothing and no one will hurt you."
I felt the faint tug of his mind link reaching out to mine, gently and patiently. "Zara, please," his voice came through softly in my mind. "What happened? Was it him? Did Kaid do something?"
The mention of Kaid made me shudder, and I tightened my hold on Snow. "It was his allure," I admitted through the link, my thoughts spilling over like a dam breaking. "He tried to manipulate me, Snow. But I fought it. I fought him."
Glacier’s growl reverberated sharply, a mix of pride and anger. "I’ll kill him," Snow’s voice came, low and deadly, though his physical touch remained gentle.
"You don’t need to," I said, pulling back enough to look into his eyes. "I won. He didn’t take anything from me. I’m here, with you."
Snow’s eyes softened, though the tension in his jaw didn’t ease. He exhaled heavily, brushing a stray strand of hair from my face. "You’re incredible, Zara. Stronger than I’ll ever be."
"No," I said firmly, my hand coming up to rest on his cheek. "It’s because of you. Because of us. Our bond is what saved me."
His expression cracked slightly, the vulnerability in his eyes stealing my breath. "I couldn’t protect you," he admitted quietly, his voice laced with guilt. "You faced him alone, and I wasn’t there."
"You were there," I whispered, leaning forward to press a kiss to his lips. "In my heart, in our bond. You’re always with me, Snow. Always."
"Uh... and did you just forget about me?"
Snow and I heard her loud and clear, and Snow’s brows creased slightly.
"Astrid?"
"Yeah. I helped her and ignited the mate mark," she explained and I smiled.
"Fine girl. Thank you greatly."
I rolled my eyes, and Snow shook his head at me before pressing his forehead against mine. "Thank you, Astrid," he mind-linked her. "Thanks for taking care of my woman for me."
Just watching him speak to Astrid like that filled my heart with so much joy and before I knew what I was doing, I was pressing my lips to his.
Snow’s eyes widened slightly before closing and kissing me back. Glacier growled in approval and I felt him be happy.
Our kiss deepened, a quiet reassurance passing between us. It wasn’t desperate or rushed but filled with the unspoken promise of never letting anything come between us.
When we finally pulled apart, Snow rested his forehead against mine. "I swear, Zara," he said, his voice trembling slightly. "No one will ever hurt you. Not while I’m breathing."
I nodded, my heart swelling with love and gratitude. "I know," I whispered. "I trust you."
The drive back to his mansion was silent, but it wasn’t tense. Snow’s hand never left mine, his thumb tracing idle patterns as if grounding us both.
Once we arrived, he helped me out of the car and didn’t let go of me as we walked inside.
"I want you to rest," he said as we entered the living room. "You’ve been through enough for one day."
I nodded, exhaustion tugging at me now that the adrenaline had worn off. Snow guided me to the couch, and as soon as I sat down, he kissed the top of my head.
"I’ll make us something warm to drink," he said, brushing his fingers lightly against my cheek before disappearing into the kitchen.
As I leaned back against the cushions, Astrid stirred softly in my mind. "He’s good for us," she said calmly and full of approval.
"He’s everything," I whispered back.
When Snow returned with two mugs of steaming tea, his smile was small but genuine. He handed me a mug, sat beside me and pulled me into his side.
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~Snow’s POV~
Zara’s quiet breathing filled the room, her head resting against my chest. I couldn’t stop replaying what had happened at the mall. She had clung to me so tightly, trembling in my arms as if she’d been seconds away from breaking.
When I first arrived and saw her standing there, pale and shaken, my desire was to destroy whoever had caused her pain. Then, her scent hit me, mingled with another’s—a scent I’d never forget.
Kaid.
Though I’d only met him twice, his scent was seared into my memory, a constant reminder of his audacity. It wasn’t just his presence that enraged me—it was the knowledge of what he’d tried to do to Zara.
Taking her as my mate and marking her, the bond heightened every emotion I felt for her.
My instincts screamed to protect her, to shield her from every threat. But the thought of Kaid using allure on her... it made my blood boil.
She had fought him. She had resisted. And she had won. But the fact that she had to endure it at all was enough to make Glacier roar within me.
Now, as she slept soundly in our bed, the tension in her face softened by rest, I kissed her forehead gently and slipped out of the room. I needed to do something before my anger consumed me.
Pulling out my phone, I dialled. "Jupiter. I need to see you. Now."
"Snow?" Jupiter’s familiar voice came through, tinged with curiosity. "This sounds serious."
"It is."
After arranging to meet at our usual spot, I left the house quietly.
**************
The bar was dimly lit, the low hum of chatter and clinking glasses creating a familiar ambience.
When I arrived, Jupiter was already there, seated on a stool in front of the counter, a glass of whiskey in hand.
"Snow," he greeted with a smirk, raising his glass. "You look like you’ve seen hell and walked through it."
I sat beside him, nodding to the bartender for a drink. "It’s Kaid," I said simply.
Jupiter’s smirk faded, his brow furrowing. "The Lycan King?"
I nodded, gripping the edge of the counter tightly. "He used allure on Zara today. At the mall."
Jupiter let out a low whistle, swirling his drink. "That bastard has some nerve. And she’s okay?"
"She fought him off," I said, pride and anger mingling in my voice. "But the fact that he even tried..."
Jupiter’s expression darkened, but then he leaned back, giving me a sly grin. "Well, at least she’s got you. Marked and all." His gaze flickered to the mark on my neck.
I rolled my eyes, though the corner of my mouth twitched. "This isn’t about that."
"Oh, but it is," Jupiter teased, taking a sip of his drink. "You finally told her how you feel. Confessed, marked her... must’ve been quite the night."
"Jupiter," I warned, but he only laughed, clapping a hand on my shoulder.
"Relax, Snow. I’m happy for you. Really. Zara’s amazing, and she deserves someone who’d burn the world for her." His grin faded slightly. "But Kaid’s not just anyone. You know that."
"I know," I said, my jaw tightening. "That’s why I need your help."
Jupiter raised an eyebrow, setting his glass down. "What are we talking here? Recon? Interception? Full-on confrontation?"
"I want to know why he’s here. What he wants. Why now."
Jupiter studied me for a moment before nodding. "I’ll see what I can dig up. But Snow... be careful. Kaid doesn’t play by the same rules as us. If he’s targeting Zara, it’s not random."
I nodded, my mind already racing. "Thanks, Jupiter."
He smirked again, lifting his glass. "Anything for you, Alpha. Now, about that marking... was it everything you dreamed of?"
I groaned, shoving him lightly as he laughed, but deep down, his teasing was a reminder of what truly mattered—Zara was mine, and I’d do anything to keep her safe.
Even if it meant going to war.
"Snow?"
"Huh?"
Jupiter’s smile was warm enough for me. "Yes?"
"Start spilling the juices, bro. I’m all ears."