The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate

"What? Alpha said that?" Pia exclaimed in shock.

Zenna sighed, placing the sapling she was about to plant back on the ground. "Yes. He blamed me for approaching him last night. Why does he always find fault in me? And because of this mate bond, I’m bound to do nothing against Nina. It’s suffocating." She then stood up and watered the saplings she planted today.

"I think you two have some serious misunderstandings, Luna. He wasn’t like this when he was young, but the war... it changed him. It hardened his heart. Also, what happened four years ago was something no one ever expected. You should try not to argue with Alpha Radulf," Pia said in a low voice, feeling troubled for Zenna.

Zenna’s lips curled into a bitter smile. "I’ve tried, Pia. Over and over again, I’ve tried. But Radulf mocks me, humiliates me at every turn. You saw this morning—he was ready to throw me off the stairs! He wished for my death. I can’t believe I once had hope for a man like him." Her voice cracked as anger and hurt simmered beneath the surface.

Before Pia could respond, a familiar voice interrupted. "I’ve been hearing loud voices for a while now. Turns out, my fiery friend is upset," Gregor’s teasing tone carried over, drawing both women’s attention.

Zenna turned on her heels, a smile breaking through her frustration as she spotted him. "Gregor!" she greeted warmly, her demeanor softening. She quickly handed the watering pot to Pia, who took her cue and walked away.

Gregor’s grin was casual, but his sharp eyes didn’t miss the tension lingering in Zenna’s expression. "What brings you here so early in the morning?" she asked, stepping closer. Then, lowering her voice, she added, "And... I apologize for the night of the feast. I think Radulf may have said something to you that he shouldn’t have."

Gregor waved her concern away. "No, he didn’t say anything," he lied smoothly, unwilling to cause further discord between Zenna and Radulf. He could see the strain she carried and knew another argument with the Alpha would only deepen her pain.

Gregor’s expression softened, and he stepped closer to Zenna, his voice gentle yet firm. "You don’t have to stay with him if it’s hurting you, Zenna. I’m telling you this as a friend. No one deserves to endure suffering, especially not in a marriage. You’ve been through enough already."

Zenna smiled faintly, her eyes distant as she glanced at the ground. "Thank you, Gregor. You’re a good friend, and I appreciate your concern." Her fingers fidgeted with a stray leaf, the weight of her words sinking in.

"But I’ve already made my choice. Leaving him... it’s not an option for me. And last night... he marked me. In his rut, I allowed him to. I don’t even know what that means for me. Without a wolf, what kind of pain would I feel if I asked for rejection? I don’t know if I can handle it."

Gregor was shocked to learn that Zenna was marked. "Why did you allow him when he doesn’t love you? And... and did you two..." He was furious because he knew Radulf would torment Zenna with that mark and shared mate bond.

"I’m his mate, chosen by the Moon Goddess. He called me his mate, Gregor. He sounded so... warm last night. I–I thought it was real," she murmured, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Gregor could see the conflict in Zenna’s eyes and understood why she lost control in front of her fated mate, but his concern for her deepened.

"By the way, don’t you have pack work today?" Zenna asked, her voice breaking through his thoughts.

"These days, work is less. The Moon Festival is near. What have you planned this time? Every year, we go together to the Moon Lake to pray to the Moon Goddess. Will it be the same this year?" Gregor inquired, hoping for an answer that would ease his worries.

"Yes."

"No."

Both Zenna and Radulf answered at the same time. Zenna’s smile faded when she saw Radulf walking toward them. Gregor turned, already anticipating the outcome.

"Now that I’m back, my mate should celebrate this festival with me," Radulf said, halting right in front of Zenna. He arched a brow at Zenna, his gaze never once acknowledging Gregor, who stood nearby.

"Gregor is my best friend, and I will be accompanying him," Zenna said firmly, her voice leaving no room for argument.

Radulf’s lips curled into a slight smirk, his tone dripping with possessiveness. "And what about me? I’m your husband, whose place should be above that of your best friend. Wasn’t it you who lectured me about letting those rumors spread about our relationship?" he challenged, stepping closer to her. "Gregor, if you would excuse us, I have an important conversation to have with my wife."

Gregor nodded, a silent understanding passing between them, before he turned and walked away, leaving the pair alone.

Zenna watched her friend leave, her expression hardening as she shot Radulf a glare.

"Can’t you show respect to others?" Zenna’s voice trembled with anger as she clenched her fists, trying to maintain control.

Radulf’s lips curled into a cold smile. "When I disrespect someone, I end up taking their life," he replied nonchalantly. His eyes darkened as he stepped closer. "You seem to enjoy Gregor’s company more than mine. Should I start calling your relationship with him an affair?"

"Radulf, how can you say something like that?" Zenna’s voice cracked with disbelief and fury. The accusation stung her deeply, frustrating her. She had no intention of letting him ruin her day, so she turned on her heels, determined to walk away. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

But before she could take another step, Radulf appeared in front of her, blocking her path. The sudden movement startled her.

"Kiss me," Radulf commanded.

"What?" Zenna furrowed her brows, the sudden request catching her off guard.

"Kiss me, Zenna," Radulf repeated, his gaze locking onto hers.

"I don’t want to," Zenna responded.

Radulf’s expression hardened, and his lips curled into a cold, knowing smile. "You should have been this defiant in front of your family. Too bad, Zenna. I’ll have to remind you of your place," he said and his eyes shone using his usual authority on her.

Reluctantly, she placed her hands on his shoulders and kissed him.