The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate

While Zenna was getting ready, Pia casually mentioned, "Young Lord Gregor is in the mansion."

Zenna froze mid-motion, her brush hovering over her hair. "What? Why?" she asked.

"I think someone informed him about your condition last night," Pia explained hesitantly. "He seemed furious. He even punched Alpha Radulf."

"He punched Radulf? And he’s alive!? I wish I were there to witness it," Zenna’s eyes widened as she stared at her reflection in the mirror, the shock rendering her speechless for a moment. Then, shaking herself from her daze, she said, "I think my hair is done, Pia. I’d like to see Gregor. He shouldn’t have come here." Her voice was laced with worry as she carefully rose from her seat.

Her long hair cascaded down her back as she stood. She moved toward the door, following Pia, who led the way through the mansion’s halls.

When they arrived at the guest room, it was empty.

"Where did the Young Lord go?" Pia murmured, glancing around in confusion. "Has he already left for home?"

Before Zenna could respond, a voice from behind startled them. "Young Lord Gregor is with Alpha Radulf."

Both women turned swiftly to see Savio standing there.

"Good morning, Luna. How are you feeling?" Savio asked, his tone laced with genuine concern. "Last night, everyone was worried."

"I feel better now," Zenna replied softly, offering him a small, polite smile. "Forgive me for worrying you too, Savio," she added her apology. She hadn’t realized that, beyond Pia and Gregor, Savio had also been concerned for her well-being.

Savio’s gaze softened, but he quickly regained his usual composure. "Pia, why don’t you go ahead? I’d like to have a small conversation with the Luna," he suggested.

Pia hesitated, her eyes darting to Zenna for approval. When Zenna gave her a slight nod, Pia reluctantly walked away, leaving the two alone in the room.

Zenna’s expression hardened the moment Pia was out of sight. "If this is about Radulf, I refuse to hear it," she said firmly, folding her arms across her chest. She had made a promise to herself not to get melted for Radulf. "Anything related to him only brings me more pain."

"I understand," Savio stated. "I am truly sorry on my lord’s behalf that you have to undergo all that. Whatever transpired four years ago had changed him drastically. He doesn’t like anyone from the royal family. And he’s taking that anger out on you. I’m not here preaching for Alpha Radulf, but I’ve witnessed everything. I hope the Luna doesn’t give up on this marriage," he advised her.

Zenna lowered her arms to her side.

"It’s easy for everyone around me to tell me not to give up on such a marriage. Even I resolved to make it work. Your lord thinks I am the reason his family died and so did his lover," Zenna stated, her voice already beginning to quiver.

"A lover? Who?" Savio confusedly asked. "There was no lover," he asserted.

"There was," Zenna stated with confidence.

"I’m sure the Luna has a certain misunderstanding about it. Alpha Radulf never fell for anyone. I know him since my childhood days. We are close friends and if there was a girl he liked back then, I would have known too," Savio clarified to her.

Zenna furrowed her brows together as she clearly heard him saying that. Not saying, but yelling those words to her. "I think you are mistaken, Savio. He must have not told you about this. Never mind. I won’t take such a step again. Thank you for being so nice to me. You are a nice man," she asserted with a small smile.

Savio wanted to assure her that there was no woman in Radulf’s heart, but now the conversation was over and Zenna wasn’t ready to listen. ’Seems like Radulf told her another lie,’ he thought.

"Is Gregor in the living hall?" Zenna asked.

"No. In the private room with the Alpha," Savio replied.

"Please show me the way," Zenna urged and walked behind him.

~~~~

"This is the last chance I’m giving you, Radulf. After this, if I find out that you treated Zenna no lesser than trash, then I will force you to reject her," Gregor warned him sternly.

"Can you go this deep for a mere friend?" Radulf inquired, holding the chalice in his hand, which was half-filled with wine.

"A mere friend?" Gregor chuckled. "I share a deep bond with Zenna. But then, how can a man like you even understand that?" he muttered.

"Then, why don’t you make me understand?" Radulf crisply asked, his hold on the chalice tightening. "You don’t need to worry for Zenna. It raises strange rumors about her relationship with you," he asserted.

"Oh, please," Gregor mocked a laugh at him. "No one ever questioned Zenna’s character the way you do. Your wife waited for your return for four years, but all you returned her was hatred and betrayal. Rumors say a lot about you, your family."

A flicker of annoyance reflected on Radulf’s face. "I’ve not allowed you to say nonsense before me. Leave once you see Zenna," he said, "and focus on your pack. Don’t challenge me to take over your pack and make you my servant."

"Apologize to my friend," Zenna said as she heard the last statement of her husband.

Gregor promptly rose to his feet and rushed to Zenna. He carefully examined her hands, arms, and face. Radulf gulped the wine and placed the chalice on the table, tilting his head to look at them.

’She is allowing him to touch her, but she disdains my touch,’ Radulf thought, gluing his eyes at them.

’It is all your fault,’ Black snapped at him. ’Our mate is smiling at another man. My heart is burning with envy,’ he muttered.

Radulf finally left his seat and walked to them. Gregor, who was going to embrace Zenna, stopped the moment Radulf brought his arm between them and gently shoved him away.

"I allowed you to see her, not hold her," Radulf said, suppressing his wolf’s growl.