The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate

Radulf and Zenna sat near the fountain, the gentle trickling of water filling the silence between them. He had shared the most tragic part of his past, hoping it would strengthen her resolve, just as his suffering had hardened him. But instead of steeling herself, Zenna broke into quiet sobs, clutching the handkerchief in her trembling hands.

"Do you feel better?" Radulf asked, his voice softer than usual.

Zenna lowered the handkerchief and fidgeted with its edges, her fingers twisting the fabric.

’I celebrated the anniversary alone, never once thinking about the tragedy that befell my family... my husband. Why is my father so cruel? How am I supposed to even look Radulf in the eyes after learning all this?’ she thought, oblivious to the fact that Radulf could hear every word echoing through their bond.

’At least you kept happiness alive within the pack. That was Mother’s final wish, yet I failed her,’ Radulf responded through the link between them.

Zenna lifted her head, her eyes searching his. "You don’t have to make me feel better. There’s no joy in this anymore. My father truly ruined you... and then he pushed me into your life for his own gain," she murmured.

"And I can’t let you go. So don’t even think about it," Radulf stated firmly.

"I have no intention of leaving," she admitted. "But every time I think about how we started, it hurts me."

Radulf exhaled, his grip on her hand tightening. "I told you—I’ve been changing. And I don’t hate this change. I like teasing you, talking to you, learning about you. I almost became like Phillipe... I nearly treated you the way he did. But I am not him, and I don’t wish to be."

As their hands rested on the bench, their fingers brushed, and without hesitation, Radulf reached for her hand. He brought it onto his lap, his thumb drawing circles on the back of her palm. Then, he shifted closer, closing even the smallest gap between them.

"Isn’t it peaceful here?" he asked, gazing up at the star-lit sky.

Zenna followed his gaze before nodding. "It is... I don’t think many people come here."

A thought crossed her mind, and she turned to him. "By the way, will you go to the academy? That boy invited you, didn’t he?"

Radulf exhaled, shaking his head. "My schedule is tight these days," he admitted. "Besides, I was thinking about eliminating Aria first. Loretta cherishes her daughter... What do you think?" His thumb continued its slow movements against her skin.

Zenna tensed slightly. "What does ’eliminate’ mean to you?" she asked cautiously.

"There’s only one meaning," Radulf said simply. "But achieving it now is difficult. We’ll have to be away from here for a while."

Zenna considered his words before murmuring, "Shall we return now?"

Radulf nodded. "Sure." Rising to his feet, he pulled her up with him. Together, they made their way back to the carriage and rode in silence toward the mansion.

Upon their arrival, they retired to their chamber. As Pia entered with a tray of water, Radulf took a glass and drank before instructing her, "Bring our dinner here later."

"Yes, Alpha," Pia replied, bowing before leaving the room.

Zenna had just set down her own glass when Radulf turned to her, tilting his head slightly.

"Zenna, I’m curious about something," he said.

She blinked. "Huh?"

"When is your next heat cycle?" he asked casually, but his gaze was intense. "And during your past heats—before I marked you—did any Alphas try to approach you? I’m sure your pheromones must have been impossible to resist."

Zenna met his stare, her heartbeat subtly quickening. "I took suppressants," she answered. "I didn’t want to be in trouble."

"Don’t take suppressants this time," Radulf said. It was a request more than a command. "It’s not good to have them for a long time. So, when is your next heat cycle?" He asked again.

"Soon," Zenna replied. She noticed a smile forming on Radulf’s lips.

"I wish you could take the scent of pheromones," Radulf said.

"For that, I need a wolf first," Zenna asserted. "And I think we should not meet during my heat cycle," she opined.

"That’s not possible," Radulf said.

"Why? What if you end up getting me pregnant? I don’t want to carry a child yet when my father is badly wanting one from me," she said with annoyance.

"Fine. I won’t do anything to you. But what if you come begging to me during your heat? And why would I pregnant you without being careful? I know the situation better than you," Radulf muttered, not liking her comment. She was pushing him away, and it was irritating for him.

"I won’t come begging to you. For four years, I’ve lived just fine, even during my heat cycles. They aren’t that intense, so I can handle them well," Zenna stated confidently.

Radulf’s lips curled slightly, though his gaze darkened with amusement. ’I hope this time they are intense...’ he mused. ’Then, you’ll crawl to me, beg me to relieve you from that unbearable ache. It will be fun watching you surrender, Zenna.’

Zenna caught the strange glint in his eyes and frowned. "What’s with that look?" she muttered. "Never mind. I’ll leave." Without waiting for a response, she turned and stepped into the dressing room, closing the door behind her.

With a soft exhale, she undressed and slipped into a silk robe, tying the sash securely around her waist. But the moment she opened the door, she stilled—Radulf stood before her, his imposing figure blocking her way.

"Do you need something?" she asked, slightly flustered.

"Yes." His voice was low, husky. "You."

Before she could react, Radulf’s hand slipped behind her nape, drawing her in as his lips crashed against hers. His other hand found her waist, pulling her against him until her back pressed into the door.

Zenna barely had time to process what had gotten into him. He was unusually gentle, coaxing rather than demanding, but beneath that tenderness lay a hunger. Since last night, when she had stopped him suddenly, he had been holding back.

Her fingers gripped the fabric of his shirt, her body responding before her mind could catch up. She returned the kiss with equal fervor, matching the intensity he poured into it.

Just then, Pia’s voice echoed from outside the chamber.

Zenna’s eyes widened, and she hastily tapped Radulf’s shoulder.

"Ignore it," he murmured against her lips, refusing to part from her just yet.

She barely had a moment to breathe when he finally pulled away, both of them panting softly.

"What’s gotten into you?" Zenna whispered, her gaze searching his.

Radulf exhaled sharply, his forehead resting against hers. "I don’t know. I just want you. Don’t push me away." His voice turned rough with restraint. "It’s hard to resist."

Zenna swallowed hard, acutely aware of the heat radiating between them, and also his manhood pressing against her.

She hesitated for only a second before grabbing his collar and pulling him closer. "Then don’t resist," she murmured, her lips brushing against his.

"Alpha Radulf, Miss Harbinger wishes to see you!" A guard’s voice interrupted them from outside.

Zenna froze, but Radulf didn’t. Instead, he growled lowly before capturing her lips again.

"I told you... to ignore them," he murmured between kisses, lifting her effortlessly into his arms.

Her legs wrapped around him instinctively as he carried her deeper into the room, ignoring the world beyond the door.