126 A Little Ploy
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CHAPTER 126
-Snow’s POV-
The party had been a whirlwind of events, emotions, and revelations. By the time we returned to the mansion, Zara’s quiet demeanour told me she was still processing everything and had so much on her mind.
Who could blame her? I too had a lot to think about.
But not now.
I couldn’t even bring myself to answer any of her questions either.
And I needed to make sure my sisters were doing okay.
I turned, facing her, giving her a once–over before my gaze settled on her face. “I know you are tired and want to talk to clear things up, but let’s get you to your room first.”
She nodded and did not utter a single word as we
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126 A Little Ploy
made our way up the stairs to her room.
We paused outside her room, the faint glow from the hallway light casting shadows along the walls. She turned to me, her lips curving into a tired but genuine
smile.
“You did well tonight,” I said softly, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “You were… captivating. Truly beautiful, Zara.”
A blush crept up her cheeks, and she gave a small laugh. “Thank you. You weren’t so bad yourself.”
I leaned in, pressing a light kiss to her cheek. “Rest, Zara. You deserve it.”
She nodded, stepping inside her room. “Goodnight,
Snow.”
“Goodnight,” I replied, waiting until the door clicked shut before heading toward my study.
The quiet of the study was a stark contrast to the energy of the party. I poured myself a glass of whiskey, the amber liquid glinting under the soft light. Taking a sip, I pulled out my phone, scrolling through my
contacts.
120 A Little Ploy
I called Tempest first, my concern for her mounting after the tension at the party. The phone rang several times before going to voicemail.
“Aira,” I muttered, dialing her number next.
The same result. No answer.
Frustration bubbled up, but I forced myself to stay calm. Tempest and Aira were adults, capable of
handling themselves, but the protective brother in me couldn’t let it go.
Sighing, I set the glass down and scrolled further until I landed on the contact labeled Luna Star.
My mother.
I pressed the call button and waited. The line barely rang twice before her familiar, authoritative voice answered. “Snow, darling. This is unexpected. Is everything alright?”
“Mostly,” I replied, leaning back in my chair. “But there’s something I need to update you on.”
There was a pause, and I could almost hear her shifting into her maternal but commanding demeanor. “Go on.”
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126 A Lube Play
“At the party tonight, something happened with Aira,” I began.
“Aira? What’s wrong? Is she hurt?” my mother’s voice sharpened, concern evident.
“No, not hurt. But…” I hesitated, unsure how to phrase it. “She met her mate.”
Silence greeted me for a beat before she exhaled sharply. “Her mate? Who?”
I hesitated again, knowing the next words would carry weight. “Zade.”
“Zade?” she repeated, her tone now laced with a mix of disbelief and curiosity.
“Yes. My best friend, Zade. And there’s more- Tempest…”
My mother’s sigh came through the line. “Oh no. Tempest has feelings for him, doesn’t she?”
“She does,” I confirmed grimly. “And as you can imagine, it’s complicated.”
“Complicated doesn’t begin to describe it,” she murmured. “How is Aira handling it?”
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“She’s trying. So is Tempest. But it’s going to take time.
My mother hummed thoughtfully. “You’ll need to keep a close eye on them, Snow. The mate bond is powerful, but so is sibling loyalty. They’ll need your support to navigate this.”
“I know,” I said, running a hand through my hair. “I just thought you should be aware. I’ll handle it from here.”
“I trust you,” she said firmly. “But let me know if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
We exchanged goodbyes, and I ended the call, staring at the darkened screen of my phone.
Andrew’s POV
The soft light from the bedside lamp cast a warm glow over my room as I leaned back against the headboard, a satisfied smile playing on my lips. The party had gone as planned, but one moment in particular had stood
out.
I picked up my phone and dialed Zade’s number.
It barely rang before his deep voice answered.
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126 A Little Play
“Andrew.”
“Hey, cousin,” I greeted, still smiling. “How are you holding up?”
Zade chuckled, the sound low and slightly bitter. “It’s been… an interesting night.”
“I bet,” I replied. “I saw what happened. Did you see what I wanted you to see?”
There was a pause before Zade spoke again, his tone more serious. “Yes. There’s no mistaking it. The resemblance is undeniable.”
I nodded to myself, pleased with his observation. “Good. I didn’t think I was imagining things.”
“I didn’t get a chance to gather a sample, though,” Zade admitted. “Too much going on with Aira and Tempest.”
“No need to worry about that,” I assured him. “I took care of it. I have the sample, and I’ll send it to you
soon.”
“That’s reassuring,” Zade said, his voice lighter.
There was a brief silence before I shifted the topic. “So,
Zade. Aira.”
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126 Att Ploy
He groaned lightly. “Not you too.”
I laughed. “What? You can’t blame me for being curious. What’s the plan? Are you going to accept the
bond?”
“There’s no rush,” he said carefully. “Aira has enough on her plate right now. I’ll give her space, let her come to terms with everything. When the time is right, we’ll figure it out.”
“Fair enough,” I said, leaning back further. “But you know me I like things to move along. Keep me posted, alright?”
“Of course,” Zade replied, his tone amused. “Goodnight,
Andrew.”
“Goodnight, cousin.”
As the call ended, I set the phone aside and reached for my laptop. Opening the email I’d received earlier, I couldn’t help but smile.
“Bingo,” I murmured to myself, the glint in my eyes sharpening.
The pieces were falling into place. It was only a matter of time before everything came to light.
127 One Stop to Having You
