The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate

During breakfast in the guesthouse, a strange rumor began circulating among the gathered patrons. A rogue wolf had been spotted the previous night.

Zenna, Radulf, and Victor sat at their table, attentively listening as whispers and hushed conversations filled the room.

"Really? Was it an Alpha?" someone asked, their voice tinged with curiosity and concern.

"Yes," a tall, middle-aged man with a thick mustache replied with a grim expression. "His eyes were red, like they were thirsting for blood." He leaned in slightly, recounting the chilling encounter he and three of his friends had while returning home.

A scoff came from another man sitting with them. "You were all drunk last night," he remarked, shaking his head in disbelief.

"It’s true! We spotted that rogue Alpha," the mustached man insisted in a loud enough voice. He lifted his bandaged hand for everyone to see. "Look, I even got injured while running from him."

Murmurs spread through the gathered crowd as people exchanged uneasy glances.

Zenna, deep in thought, leaned slightly toward Radulf. "Why would an Alpha go rogue?" she murmured, and her brows furrowed. "Is that even possible, Ru?" It was the first time she had used his shortened name, and Radulf’s fingers momentarily tightened around his glass.

"Maybe he’s a newly formed Alpha," Radulf speculated, bringing the rim of his glass close to his lips.

"A newly formed Alpha... bitten by another Alpha," Victor added.

Radulf nodded. "Yes. I think they’ll catch him soon."

"And what if they fail?" Zenna questioned, her voice laced with concern. "If this rogue wolf is a newly formed Alpha, there’s a chance he doesn’t even know what he’s doing. What if the ones who capture him torture him for causing chaos here?"

Radulf studied her carefully before leaning back in his chair. "You’ve thought quite far ahead," he remarked. Then, with a firm tone, he added, "But it’s none of our concern. We need to prepare to leave for the capital soon." His words were final, a clear sign that he had no intention of getting involved. He knew Zenna wanted them to look into this, but drawing attention to themselves was the last thing he needed.

Zenna exhaled softly. "I was only suggesting," she muttered, glancing away. "I’ve heard of cases like this before, where wolves like him were captured and tortured."

"You do have a lot of knowledge, Lisa. I appreciate that," Radulf remarked before taking a sip of water. As he set the glass back on the table, he added, "We’ll leave the city in the evening. How about that?"

Zenna’s expression shifted. "I thought we’d be staying here for a week," she objected, her brows knitting together.

Radulf met her gaze. "Change of plans," he stated simply.

Zenna exhaled, clearly displeased, but she didn’t oppose him. She knew they couldn’t stay away from their pack for too long. But they didn’t have any enjoyable thing in Herah, except for meeting the High Priestess.

Radulf noticed the disappointed look on Zenna’s face and sighed inwardly.

"Victor, stay here and rest properly. Zenna and I will have to go out," Radulf instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"Sure," Victor replied, not looking up from his seat.

Before Zenna could protest or ask questions, Radulf grabbed her arm and gently but firmly dragged her out of the room with him.

"We’ve already shopped. If you think that’s going to make me happy, you’re wrong," Zenna said, her voice tinged with frustration as they began walking slowly down the hall.

Radulf smirked, his eyes glinting with mischief. "I know my kisses make you happy," he said casually in a teasing tone.

Zenna’s eyes widened in shock, her cheeks instantly flushing a deep red. "What?" She blinked rapidly, caught off guard by his boldness. "No. How could you even speak about it so openly?" she muttered, feeling embarrassed but secretly flustered by his words.

"Then what does make you happy?" Radulf asked, his smirk never fading. "So far, that’s the only thing that makes your anger disappear."

Zenna huffed, pulling her hand free from his grip and taking a few steps away. She crossed her arms over her chest with a stubborn expression forming on her face. "That’s not what makes me happy," she insisted before turning away and walking ahead.

Radulf watched her for a moment before effortlessly closing the distance between them. His hand found the small of her back, warm and steady. "Then let’s watch something beautiful together," he murmured, his voice softer now.

Zenna glanced at him from the corner of her eye, her curiosity piqued despite herself. "Something beautiful?" she repeated his words.

"You’ll see," Radulf replied, guiding her forward with a hint of mystery in his gaze.

As they strolled through the bustling marketplace, their steps slowed in front of a quaint yet mysterious potion shop.

The wooden sign above the entrance bore intricate carvings of symbols that pulsed faintly with magic, and the scent of dried herbs and incense drifted through the slightly open door.

Radulf’s eyes gleamed with curiosity as he turned to Zenna. "Let’s go inside."

Zenna hesitated, glancing warily at the shop. "Wait... Isn’t this place run by witches?" she asked, lowering her voice.

Radulf smirked. "And? Are you scared of a few witches?"

She shot him a sharp look. "I’m not scared. I just doubt we’ll be welcomed." She then sighed, glancing around warily. "And what if someone recognizes us? We specifically asked the High Priestess to keep our presence a secret, but we can’t trust the others."

Radulf leaned in slightly, his voice calm but firm. "They won’t find out," he assured her. "This shop is open to everyone. I overheard people talking about it yesterday while we were shopping. It seems well-known for its potions."

He tilted his head toward the entrance, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Since we’re here, why not see if they have anything interesting? Maybe even try a potion or two?"

"Are you sure you want to try them?" Zenna mused when they both heard a strange growl.