The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate

Zenna groaned in pain as she shifted on the bed, every muscle in her body aching. A low whimper escaped her lips as she slowly opened her eyes, her vision adjusting to the dimly lit room.

She inhaled sharply and forced herself to sit up. The soft fabric of a robe brushed against her skin, and her fingers instinctively clutched at it. She hadn’t been wearing this last night. Radulf must have put it on her.

As Zenna’s eyes wandered around the room in search of Radulf, the door swung open, and he stepped inside.

"You’re glowing," he remarked the first thing in the morning, focusing his gaze on her face.

Zenna blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Huh?" she mumbled before shaking her head. "When did I fall asleep?"

Radulf’s lips curled into a smirk as he moved closer, settling onto the mattress in front of her. "I’d say sometime after the fifth round," he replied casually.

Her breath hitched, heat creeping up her neck as the memories of the night before came rushing back. She bit her bottom lip and asked, "Did you like it? Did you not regret it?"

"I enjoyed it as equally as you did. And I do not regret what happened last night. I wanted it to happen too," Radulf said, his fingers tucking the lose hair behind her ear. "Take rest today. It’s better if you listen to me this time," he stated.

As Radulf stood up from his place, Melissa spoke, "Did you put the robe on me?"

"Yes. I cleaned you up as well. I couldn’t let you sleep in that state," Radulf asserted.

Zenna gulped and her cheeks flushed red. She lowered her eyes to avoid his piercing gaze.

Radulf smiled seeing her reaction and quietly walked out of the chamber. As he shut the door, he gazed at Pia and said, "Make sure the Luna stays in bed today after having her bath. She needs to rest."

Pia bowed respectfully, watching Radulf’s figure disappear before quickly stepping into the bedchamber. A warm smile spread across her face as she greeted Melissa.

"Luna, the bathhouse is ready," she announced cheerfully, approaching the bed.

Zenna, still feeling the lingering soreness from the night before, allowed Pia to help her up. With careful movements, they made their way out of the chamber and toward the bathhouse.

As Zenna sank into the steaming water, a sigh escaped her lips. The soothing warmth eased the tension in her aching muscles.

Her gaze drifted downward, and her breath hitched slightly when she noticed the deep red marks across her chest. Evidence of Radulf’s intensity from the previous night.

Her fingers lightly traced over the bruises, her mind replaying the way his lips had claimed her, leaving no part of her untouched.

"He doesn’t hate me anymore," Zenna murmured, feeling as if she had finally closed the distance between their hearts. "But he hasn’t confessed his love for me. Is it that difficult for him to say those words?" she wondered.

~~~~~

Despite the severity of her wounds, Aria’s back had healed much faster than expected. That morning, the King had summoned all family members to dine together, but Aria had outright refused.

"Your Highness, the Alpha King might not take kindly to your absence," her lady-in-waiting, Sarah, cautioned gently with concern laced in her voice.

Aria furiously turned away, her hands curling into fists at her sides. "I have no interest in sitting at the same table as my father, Sarah," she said sharply. "He ordered that cruel punishment without a second thought. Why should I care what he thinks anymore?"

Sarah didn’t dare to say another word as she knew the anger of the princess could take a worse turn and she might lose her life.

"I want to go outside," Aria said. "Prepare a carriage for me," she ordered.

Sarah took a few steps back before turning around to leave to carry out the order.

"Zenna, you started this and I’ll make sure to give you a blow you will never forget," Aria muttered, her eyes burning with revenge and resentment at the same time.

Sarah returned soon, informing Aria the carriage was ready. "Your Highness, where do you plan to go?" she questioned.

"To see my dear elder sister," Aria replied and walked out of the chamber.

"Oh lord, what is the princess up to now?" Sarah murmured, concern etched across her face as she watched Aria stride away. Unable to shake off her worry, she hurried after her.

However, just as Sarah reached the carriage, Aria turned to face her. "I do not want anyone accompanying me," she declared.

Before Sarah could protest, the coachman swiftly shut the carriage door. Within seconds, the horses set into motion, and the carriage disappeared down the path, leaving Sarah standing helplessly in its wake.

The journey was swift, and soon, the carriage rolled to a stop before the grand estate of the Shadow Hunter Pack. As the door swung open, Aria stepped down with effortless grace, her flowing gown trailing behind her. Without hesitation, she made her way inside.

Pia, who had been occupied speaking with the newly appointed head house servants, caught sight of Aria’s arrival. Her brows drew together in surprise. ’Why is she here?’ she wondered, wary of the princess’s unexpected visit.

Aria approached with an air of composure, a pleasant smile adorning her lips. "Where is my dear sister? I would like to see her," she inquired, her voice unusually soft.

At her words, Pia and the other servants immediately lowered their heads in a display of respect.

"Lady Zenna is resting in her chamber, Your Highness," Pia informed her politely.

Aria’s smile didn’t falter. "Please let my sister know I have arrived," she requested.

Pia hesitated before responding, her tone remaining humble. "I am afraid I cannot, Your Highness. The Alpha has given strict orders that Luna Melissa is not to leave her bedchamber today."

Aria’s expression remained unreadable for a moment before she spoke again in a much calmer tone. "I see. Then, show me the way to her chamber. If my sister cannot come to me, I shall go to her."

Pia’s unease deepened. Something felt off. Aria had never been one to speak so courteously—at least, not to her. The princess’s demeanor was almost too pleasant, which was odd.

Still, she bowed her head and motioned toward the staircase. "Of course, Your Highness. Please, follow me."

Leading the way, Pia ascended the grand staircase, her footsteps light against the polished floors. Aria followed close behind, her expression unreadable as they approached a set of ornate doors.

Reaching the threshold, Pia gently pushed the doors open and stepped inside. Zenna sat propped against a mound of plush pillows, a book resting in her hands—the same book Radulf had bought for her on their first outing together.

Pia cleared her throat softly. "Princess Aria is here to see you, my lady," she announced.

At the mention of her sister’s name, Zenna lifted her gaze from the book.

"Sister Zenna!" Aria exclaimed, a bright smile lighting up her face as she stepped forward.

Zenna was shocked to see Aria there. "Princess Aria!" She widened her eyes in surprise and closed the book in her hand. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

As she attempted to get down the bed, Aria stopped her. "I heard you needed rest. So, don’t get down from the bed, dear sister." She approached the bed while Zenna gazed at her in confusion.

’Why is she calling me ’sister’? And what’s with her tone?’ Zenna thought.

"Leave us," Aria ordered Pia, who worriedly looked at Zenna and made her way out without uttering a word.

"Why did Princess Aria come here?" Zenna questioned.

"To apologize," Aria replied. "It must have hurt a lot when Sister Zenna got punished from the father every time she tried defending herself," she asserted and sat on the mattress.

"Hmm." Zenna was still unable to understand the reason behind Aria’s visit. "How are your wounds? Are they healed, Your Highness?" she asked.

"Of course. I am an alpha she-wolf, Sister Zenna. I am sorry for always treating you so badly. I want to start afresh. Will you give me another chance, Sister Zenna?" Aria questioned, looking into her eyes.

Zenna was out of words. She didn’t know what she should answer. No one from the royal family was trustworthy. And Aria’s sudden shift in attitude began to bother Zenna.

"It’s alright if you don’t wish to forgive me. I’ll keep trying to get on your good side, Sister Zenna. Let me share a secret with you. Father will kill you and Radulf once you give birth to a son. So, be careful of him," Aria stated.

’I know that. But why is she telling me this?’ Zenna thought.

"Sister Zenna, don’t underestimate our father. You know him better than anyone. He knows how to use people, and then throw them away," Aria stated. "Your mother could have lived if Father hadn’t made fake promises to her."