The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate

Radulf, hidden behind the thick trunk of the tree, listened intently to their conversation. His heart pounded against his chest as Zenna’s words replayed in his mind.

’She thinks I love her.’

His wolf, Black, spoke. ’Why? Don’t you?’

Radulf remained silent, resting his head against the rough bark. He didn’t have an answer—not one he was ready to admit.

He waited until Gregor and Zenna left before stepping out and making his way back to the mansion.

Upon entering their chamber, he found Zenna sitting comfortably, engrossed in a book. Her long lashes fluttered as she read, completely unaware of his presence until he spoke.

"We need to go to the palace this evening," Radulf announced.

Zenna’s demeanor shifted instantly. The calm expression she had just moments ago vanished, replaced by a flicker of concern.

"Did something happen?" she asked, closing the book and meeting his gaze.

"No," Radulf assured her. "Your father sent an invitation for our presence at an important gathering this evening." He exhaled lightly, watching her reaction. "Though, I believe it’s more of a formal summons. Nina’s father, Alpha Markal, has arrived in Nalveri."

Zenna lowered her gaze, a flicker of worry crossing her features. "I hope everything goes well," she murmured before meeting his eyes again.

Radulf settled beside her, his hand finding hers. His fingers traced gentle patterns across the back of her palm. "You still fear your father, don’t you?" His voice was softer now, laced with concern.

Zenna hesitated for a moment before shaking her head. "I am not scared of his punishments."

"Then?" Radulf’s brows knitted together.

She let out a sigh. "I fear his thoughts. I never truly know what goes on in his mind."

Radulf leaned back slightly, his jaw tightening. "He’s obsessed with power," he stated bluntly. "That’s the only thing that drives him. He kept his adopted son as Crown Prince for appearances, never revealing the truth to anyone. But in reality, his ambition has always been for his daughter to fulfill his dreams."

Zenna nodded slowly, a look of understanding settling on her face.

"Why are we leaving for Herah tomorrow?" Zenna asked, watching him closely.

"Because of the new moon," Radulf explained. "Our powers may weaken that night. It’s better to travel before it happens."

Zenna nodded in understanding before shifting the conversation. "Don’t take Gregor’s words to heart. He’s only concerned for me as a friend." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

Radulf’s eyes darkened slightly. "I know," he said, his tone laced with quiet possessiveness. "If he had even an ounce of feelings for you, I would have crushed him long ago."

Zenna’s breath hitched as she noticed the slight shift in the color of his pupils. She swallowed hard, recognizing the presence of his wolf just beneath the surface.

"You wouldn’t have done that," she countered calmly. "I know you, Radulf. You don’t kill innocents."

Radulf leaned in slightly, his gaze unwavering. "Anyone who lays eyes on you isn’t innocent in my book," he murmured.

A low growl rumbled from his chest, his wolf making its presence known, a clear sign of just how possessive they both were.

Zenna felt a chill run down her spine at the sheer intensity in Radulf’s voice.

"Leon isn’t innocent in my eyes either," he continued. "He looks at you the way he shouldn’t. He’s even touched you, Zenna." His fingers tightened slightly around hers.

"Do you know what it does to me every time I see him?" Radulf’s voice was controlled, but the fury beneath it was unmistakable. "It makes me want to rip him apart. That’s the kind of rage I feel."

Zenna held his gaze as her heart began pounding violently.

"But I won’t end him so easily," Radulf murmured darkly. "A painful death awaits him—for touching my mate, my wife." His jaw clenched as a thought crossed his mind. ’And for hiding the letters from reaching me.’

Zenna’s sudden kiss took Radulf by surprise, making him blink. He hadn’t expected it—not when his thoughts were clouded with fury.

"What was that?" he asked.

"I thought to calm you down," Zenna replied.

Radulf’s lips curled into a smirk. "Then," he murmured, his hand slipping to the small of her back as he drew her closer, "do it in a better way."

Before she could respond, his lips brushed against hers again. The kiss deepened almost instantly. His grip tightened around her waist as he pulled her onto his lap, his hands possessively pressing her body against his.

A soft gasp escaped Zenna as she felt his warm lips against hers, but she didn’t resist. Instead, she wrapped her arms around his neck, melting into the kiss as his lips moved against hers with raw hunger.

Radulf’s hold on her only grew firmer, his wolf surging forward with a growl of satisfaction.

Zenna shuddered as Radulf’s lips left hers, gasping for air while he trailed hot, open-mouthed kisses down her neck. Her fingers instinctively tightened around his shoulders.

A sharp gasp escaped her when his teeth grazed over the sensitive spot where his mark rested. The brief sting of his nip sent a jolt through her.

"Radulf..." she breathed his name.

He didn’t stop. His grip on her waist remained firm as he pressed her closer, his lips soothing the sting he had just left behind.

"You’re mine, Zenna," he murmured against her skin. His fingers traced the curve of her spine, finding the zipper of her dress. With deliberate slowness, he tugged it downward, the fabric slipping away to reveal the soft, inviting contours of her body to his hungry eyes.

His lips followed, pressing a trail of heated kisses down her collarbone, lower and lower, until he reached the swell of her breasts. A shiver ran through her as his mouth claimed one, his tongue teasing it while his free hand cupped the other, kneading this one gently.

"Ahh... Ngh..." Zenna gasped first, "Radulf," and then moaned his name while her hands moved to his hair, locking into his smooth tresses.