The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate

"I’ll return soon, Savio," Radulf assured.

Savio gave him a firm nod before pulling him into a brief hug. "Rest easy. I’ll take care of everything in the pack while you’re away."

As they stepped apart, Radulf made his way toward the carriage. Savio secured the door from the outside before turning to Victor, the gamma chauffeur. "Ensure they reach Herah safely," he instructed.

Seated inside, Zenna gazed out the window, her eyes brimming with childlike excitement. "This is my first time traveling so far," she admitted.

Radulf turned to her with a knowing smile. "Then you’re in for an adventure."

She beamed. "I hope so! I’ve brought plenty of money with me. I plan to shop a lot in Herah."

Radulf chuckled, shaking his head. "Unless you’re interested in potions and magical herbs, you might not find much else worth buying there."

Zenna’s curiosity sparked. "Potions and magical herbs? We never seem to have access to those."

"The witches control them," Radulf explained. "They’re the only ones who know where to find the magical herbs, and they guard their knowledge closely. Only the potions they choose to sell ever make it to outsiders."

Zenna’s eyes gleamed with intrigue. "That makes Herah even more fascinating. I can’t wait to see it for myself. Maybe the witches will sell me a love potion," Zenna murmured with a playful glint in her eyes.

Radulf arched a brow. "A love potion?"

She met his gaze with a teasing smile. "I want you to confess your love to me."

Radulf’s eyes narrowed slightly. "You’d resort to magic just to force the words out of my mouth?"

Zenna shook her head, her expression softening. "No, that’s not what I mean. I just... wish to hear you say it. I know you love me, but you never say it out loud."

Radulf let out a low chuckle, tilting his head slightly. "Why don’t you say it first?"

Without hesitation, Zenna leaned closer. "I love you."

Something stirred deep within him. His wolf rumbled in response, a primal satisfaction coursing through him. A slow smile curved on his lips, making him feel happier.

Zenna’s eyes shone with anticipation. "Now, it’s your turn."

Radulf stretched his arms lazily, feigning a yawn. "I’m tired. Let me sleep for a while."

The brightness in Zenna’s eyes dimmed, and the smile she wore just moments ago disappeared. She turned away, gazing out the window in silence.

Radulf shut his eyes, but he could feel the weight of her disappointment. Black growled in disapproval, but he remained still, unsure if Radulf was ready to say the words she longed to hear.

Radulf had indeed dozed off, only to be jolted awake when his head bumped against the window. Zenna’s soft, melodic laugh reached his ears.

Blinking, he turned to her, his drowsiness fading as he took in the sight before him. The way the dim light played on her face, the sparkle in her eyes—it was enough to leave him momentarily spellbound.

Realizing the road was uneven, Radulf gripped the edge of the carriage window to steady himself. "You enjoyed watching me get hurt, didn’t you?" he muttered, rubbing his eyes with his free hand.

Zenna’s laughter softened into a teasing smile. "You’re thick-skinned. A little bump like that wouldn’t even faze you."

Before Radulf could respond, the carriage jostled over a patch of loose pebbles, sending Zenna tilting toward the window.

But Radulf’s reflexes were faster. Without thinking, he lifted his hand, cushioning the impact just in time.

Zenna’s head pressed against his palm instead of the hard wood, her breath hitching slightly. Her wide eyes met his.

Neither of them moved for a moment.

Radulf swallowed, his palm still resting against her head. "See? Unlike you, I don’t enjoy watching others get hurt," he murmured.

"I didn’t enjoy watching you get hurt," Zenna replied with a pout. She held her seat tightly as the carriage navigated the rough terrain with a slower speed.

"Want to sit on my lap?" Radulf offered her. The jerks were hard, and he wanted Zenna to not feel the discomfort. When she didn’t reply, he reacted on his own.

Grabbing her arm, he pulled her in his direction and made her sit on him.

"I’m heavy. Your legs may go numb," Zenna said, her breath fanning his cheek.

"They won’t. You are light," Radulf replied, locking his green orbs with hers. "Why don’t you sleep for some time?" he asked.

"I am not sleepy," Zenna replied. "Did I sleep talk last night?"

"Yes, you did," Radulf admitted.

"Really? Again? What did I say?" Zenna’s brows furrowed together.

"That you love me," Radulf answered.

Zenna stopped blinking, and she pursed her lips together to suppress a smile.

"It’s true. You said that," Radulf said.

"Lie better from the next time," she murmured.

"Why would I lie about it?" Radulf asked, causing Zenna’s smile to fade. "You said you love me the most in this world," he asserted.

Zenna realized Radulf had trouble sleeping. That’s why he could hear her sleep talk. It worried her, but she didn’t express it. Instead, she cradled her hand around his neck and kissed him.

Radulf was caught off guard by the sudden kiss, and he closed his eyes. He kissed her back, more passionately. His hand caressed her thigh, which he had been holding before nipping her lip lightly. She parted her lips, inviting his warm tongue inside her mouth, and let the kiss deepen.

Radulf felt another jolt, but Zenna didn’t. She was in comfort now, but what she needed was air. He pulled away at the right time and peppered kisses on her cheek and jawline before meeting her neck.

"Radulf, we-we should stop," Zenna whispered, her chest rising and falling.

"Why? Don’t you enjoy it?" Radulf murmured against her neck, his hot breath fanning it before he nibbled her earlobe. A sweet cry escaped her throat, and she realized she had made a mistake by waking up his beast.

"Zenna loves me," Radulf whispered in her ear, smiling before resting his head on her shoulder.