The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate

"Gregor!"

"Zenna!"

Their voices overlapped as they called out to each other, eyes lighting up the moment they spotted one another. Without hesitation, they closed the distance between them, their excitement evident in their tones.

"Aster," Gregor said, turning to his mate with a fond smile. "This is Zenna, my childhood friend." Then, shifting his gaze to Zenna, he added, "And Zenna, this is my mate, Aster Westwood."

Zenna beamed warmly as she extended her arms, and Aster responded in kind, embracing her in a friendly hug.

"It’s so wonderful to meet you, Aster!" Zenna said, stepping back to take in Aster’s features. Her gaze lingered on her hazel eyes, and she couldn’t help but admire them. "You have such stunning eyes."

Aster smiled, touched by the compliment. "Thank you, Zenna. And I must say, you’re just as beautiful as your name suggests."

"Thank you. Please, take your seats," Zenna said warmly, gesturing toward the chairs.

She glanced toward Pia and the servants, who carried in an assortment of freshly prepared snacks. Delicate cookies and beautifully frosted cupcakes, their sweet aroma filling the air.

"You both drink hibiscus tea, right?" Zenna asked as she picked up the teapot.

"It’s my favorite," Aster said with a bright smile.

Zenna returned the smile and carefully poured the tea into their cups, the deep crimson liquid swirling gently. Once she settled into her seat, Gregor leaned forward slightly.

"How was your trip? You both returned earlier than expected," he remarked.

Zenna exhaled softly. "We couldn’t leave the pack unattended for too long. The trip was good, but duty calls," she replied with a small shrug.

Her gaze then flickered between Aster and Gregor, a knowing glint in her eyes. "So, when are you two getting married?" she asked teasingly. "I can tell Gregor is quite happy after finding his mate."

Gregor chuckled, his eyes full of warmth as he glanced at Aster. "Happiest I’ve ever been," he admitted. He then showed the bracelet that Aster made him wear. "This is a beautiful gift my mate gave me."

"Oh, that’s beautiful!" Zenna complimented and gazed at Aster, who was blushing too. "So, when are you two going to get married? I can see you’re already so in love," Zenna teased, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

Gregor smirked and turned to Aster. "Tell her," he urged.

Aster’s smile widened. "Soon, Zenna. My brothers arrived in the capital this morning. I think within this month, Gregor and I will be married." She paused for a moment before adding, "And you, of course, are the first person invited."

Zenna beamed. "Thank you! I’m excited for your wedding," she said sincerely. Then, gesturing toward the table, she added, "Please, eat the cookies, and don’t miss the cupcakes. These are all for you and Gregor."

Aster hummed in acknowledgment and picked up a cookie. Instead of taking a bite herself, she lifted it to Gregor’s lips. He took a small bite, his gaze locked onto hers, and smiled before chewing.

Zenna watched them with a fond smile. ’They’re such a cute couple,’ she thought.

Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed in her mind. ’I thought we were the cutest in the capital.’

Her gaze instinctively shifted toward the door. Radulf had returned from outside. Behind him was Savio, walking slowly.

Zenna rose to her feet, her expression softening as her eyes met her husband’s. Meanwhile, Gregor and Aster also stood from their seats. Aster wiped her mouth with a napkin, but a sudden shift in the air made her pause.

A heavy, commanding aura filled the room. It was a presence she instinctively recognized as that of a dominant Alpha. Now, she truly understood what it meant to stand before one.

"Radulf, Gregor has come with his mate," Zenna said as Radulf approached her. She gestured toward Aster. "This is Miss Aster Westwood, Gregor’s mate."

Radulf’s sharp gaze flickered toward Aster, assessing her briefly before shifting to Gregor. "It’s nice to meet you, Miss Westwood," he said. Then, turning to Gregor, he added, "Congratulations on finding your mate."

"Thank you, Radulf," Gregor replied with a nod of respect.

"Please, continue without me. I’ll join you all shortly," Radulf said before striding further inside the mansion toward his office.

Savio, who had been standing behind him, took a moment to greet Gregor and Aster before following his Alpha out of the room.

Gregor exhaled and turned to Zenna. "Radulf seems busy."

"He is," Zenna confirmed. "He had a meeting with the pack’s members earlier."

"I hope it went well," Gregor said, glancing in the direction Radulf had disappeared.

Zenna nodded. "I think so. But for now, the tea is getting cold," she reminded them with a playful smile.

Gregor chuckled and gestured for Aster to sit back down.

As they finished their tea, Aster turned her attention to the cupcakes, taking a small bite before her eyes lit up with delight. "They’re delicious. Did you make them?" she asked, savoring the sweetness.

Zenna smiled. "Not every single one, but I did bake a few." She glanced toward Pia. "I’ll ask her to pack some for you."

Aster quickly swallowed and waved her hand. "Ahh, that’s not necessary—"

"Since you like them, consider them a small present," Zenna insisted. Then, turning to Pia, she instructed, "Please pack some cupcakes and place them in a basket."

Pia gave a respectful bow before heading toward the kitchen.

As the atmosphere grew more comfortable, Zenna leaned forward slightly, curiosity evident in her gaze. "I heard from Gregor that you were without a pack for a long time. How did your brothers find you? I’m just curious. But if you’re uncomfortable talking about it, I won’t push you."

Aster exhaled softly, setting down the half-eaten cupcake. "It’s a long story," she admitted. "But I’ll tell you."

She then recounted everything. Her past struggles, the loneliness, and how her brothers had eventually found her. Zenna listened attentively, her expression shifting between understanding and sympathy.

"I’m upset with them for taking so long," Aster admitted. "But I think it’s time to let it go. Now that I’ve found my mate and my place, I don’t need to keep burning my heart by holding onto those memories."

Zenna nodded. "That’s true. Holding onto resentment only weighs you down."

Aster smiled slightly. "Gregor has told me a lot about you. You’re strong, Zenna. And from now on, I’m going to be your biggest supporter." Her hazel eyes shone with determination. "Even though I’m a Beta she-wolf, I’m a good fighter. So, if anyone ever troubles you, just let me know."

Zenna couldn’t help but laugh, touched by Aster’s sincerity. "That’s so sweet of you, Aster. I appreciate it."

Aster grinned. "Good! Consider me your unofficial guard from now on."

Zenna smiled and nodded at her. She liked this newfound friendship and internally thanked the Moon Goddess for making her meet such wonderful people.

"Zenna, I forgot to give you this earlier," Aster suddenly remembered the present she had bought on her way. Even Gregor had forgotten about it. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

"What is it?" Zenna looked at her with intrigue and saw how Aster presented a small square box to her.

"A present for you. This was my first time visiting you, and I didn’t wish to come empty-handed."

Zenna took it from her and thanked her. Opening it, she found a pair of earrings inside. They were round-shaped with pearls hanging at their ends. "These are beautiful. Thank you, Aster. I truly liked this gift. This is very thoughtful of you." Her eyes glistened with tears as she was touched by Aster’s gesture.