The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate

"The moon is out!" someone shouted across the restaurant, and in an instant, Zenna shot up from her seat. A ripple of excitement spread through the room as others hurriedly went outside, eager for the moon-sighting.

Radulf, standing beside Zenna, instinctively reached out to hold her back, but before he could grasp her, she bolted toward the exit. "Hey!" he called after her. She was fast—too fast, in her intoxicated state. Without hesitation, he sprinted after her.

Outside, Zenna came to an abrupt stop at the center of the open space, while the people kept gathering around. She had her head tilted back as she gazed at the sky.

The full moon hung above them, luminous and breathtaking, its silvery glow washing over the world and filling every wolf with strength.

But Radulf wasn’t looking at the moon. His eyes were locked on Zenna, mesmerized by the way the moonlight illuminated her face, looking at her with admiration.

He saw how Zenna joined both her hands, ready to pray, but then she tilted her head and gestured to Radulf to do the same. "Pray to the Moon Goddess. Don’t just stand like that," she urged.

Radulf smiled and joined both his hands for the prayer. He saw Zenna closing her eyes and many others who were surrounding them. So, he, too, shut his eyes, praying to the Moon Goddess.

In the past, Radulf had always celebrated this festival with his family. Back when his parents were alive, he never felt the need to ask the Moon Goddess for much—he had everything he could ever want. A loving family, loyal friends, and a strong pack. He had been deeply grateful for the life he was given.

But after everything that had happened—after the cruel way his parents were taken from him—he had stopped praying altogether.

For the longest time, he had ignored this festival, letting it fade into distant memory. He had spent countless nights staring at the moon, demanding answers that never came.

Yet now, standing beneath the Moon Goddess’s light once again, he found himself whispering a silent prayer.

’I stopped praying to you after losing my parents so unjustly. I forgot this festival even existed. I would look up at you, question you, but never find an answer. But now, after returning here and finding my mate in Zenna, I’m beginning to think differently. She’s the answer I never knew I needed. Please, strengthen our bond. Help her trust me.’

Lowering his hands, Radulf opened his eyes. In the distance, the howls of newly transformed wolves echoed through the night. He turned to Zenna, noticing that she still had her hands joined in prayer.

When she finally opened her eyes, he asked, "How long is your prayer?" His curiosity deepened. "What did you ask for?"

Zenna’s lips curled into a mischievous smile. "I won’t tell," she teased before adding, "but I did ask the Moon Goddess to punish my bully."

Radulf frowned. Was she talking about him? He studied her closely, noticing the way she swayed slightly, the effect of the wine evident in her movements. Then, something else caught his attention—her scent. It was intoxicatingly strong, far more intense than usual.

He glanced around, scanning the alphas present, and as expected, some had already taken notice of her.

"I feel hot," Zenna murmured, fanning her face with her hands.

Without hesitation, Radulf took her hand and led her inside the restaurant. He quickly settled the bill before ushering her toward the carriage.

"Walk slower," she mumbled, leaning against him, her grip tightening around his arm. Her head rested against his arm. "I don’t feel good."

Then, in a soft, breathless voice, she asked, "Why do you smell so pleasant?"

Radulf halted, his body going rigid. Was this the wine’s doing? Had it triggered her heat earlier than expected? If so, it was a terrible mistake to have ordered that drink.

Without another thought, he scooped her into his arms, carrying her bridal-style, ignoring the intrigued gazes of onlookers. His only focus was getting her away from prying eyes.

Upon reaching the carriage, he instructed the chauffeur to head back to the estate. As they settled inside, he let Zenna rest her head against his shoulder, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside.

A sudden brush of lips against his neck made him freeze. Turning swiftly, he caught Zenna looking up at him with hazy, unfocused eyes. Gently, he pushed her back. "What are you doing?" he asked.

She shook her head, her expression filled with confusion. "I don’t know... I feel strange, Radulf," she whispered. "My body doesn’t feel like my own. It’s hot and cold at the same time. And your scent... it’s so unique. It makes me want you."

"Don’t speak like that," Radulf stated, running his hand through his hair.

Her pheromones had intensified, wrapping around him like an invisible force, making his every nerve ache for her. His entire control wavered. He could feel his own instincts and wolf clawing to the surface, demanding that he claim what was his.

Without thinking, he moved closer, his hand pressing against the window beside her, caging her in. Then, in one swift motion, he crashed his lips against hers, tasting the lingering sweetness of wine on her lips.

Instead of pulling away, Zenna melted into him. A soft gasp escaped her before she wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing herself closer. She had never felt anything like this before, and the feeling was too pleasant for her.

Radulf’s hand moved down to her waist, and he pulled her up on his lap, not leaving her lips. Her hand rested on his firm chest. Feeling the need for oxygen, she pulled away from the kiss and gasped for air.

"I think I’m in heat," Zenna mumbled.

"Yes, you are," Radulf said, keeping his eyes on hers.

"Radulf, I love you. You should know that I have always loved you," Zenna confessed. "Please love me too," she added with a pleading gaze.