The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate

Radulf had never known fury like this before. His wolf raged within him, howling for vengeance against everyone involved in this act of cruelty.

But before unleashing his wrath, he needed to ensure Zenna’s safety.

She needed an immediate treatment. He removed his overcoat and covered Zenna with it. Scooping her fragile form into his arms, Radulf stormed out into the pouring rain, the icy droplets soaking through his clothes.

His determined strides halted abruptly as his cold, menacing gaze locked onto Kaelen. "Tell the one who dared to order this punishment for my mate that they will face my wrath," Radulf growled, his voice laced with the promise of death.

"And the one who wielded the whip—" his eyes glinted with fury, "—will not see the sunrise tomorrow. Every single person involved in this barbarity will suffer." His words sent shivers down the spines of the warrior wolves standing frozen in the rain, their heads bowed under his imposing presence.

Without another glance, Radulf turned on his heel, Zenna cradled protectively in his arms, and strode toward his estate. Savio followed silently, his face grim, knowing the storm that was about to unfold.

Once at the mansion, Radulf carried Zenna straight to the bedroom and gently placed her on the plush bed. Even in her unconscious state, she winced in pain, her soft whimpers tearing at his soul.

He climbed onto the bed behind her, carefully propping her against his chest to offer her what little comfort he could.

Moments later, Pia entered with the pack doctors, her expression taut with worry. She quickly drew the curtains around the bed, giving them the privacy they needed.

"Bring her a loose dress, something soft that won’t aggravate her wounds," Radulf commanded, his voice sharp but underlined with concern.

Pia nodded and hurried out, while Josiah, the pack’s healer, stepped closer, carrying his mortar filled with a freshly prepared herbal paste.

He gave Radulf a grim nod before speaking. "Alpha, the Luna’s back is badly wounded. As an omega, her healing is slower. This will require potent treatment and care."

Radulf’s jaw clenched as he hummed in acknowledgment. He reached for Zenna’s dress with steady hands, lowering the zipper at the back.

His breath hitched, and his heart twisted painfully at the sight of her marred skin. Deep cuts crisscrossed her delicate back, the angry red marks evidence of the brutality she had endured. The lash marks seemed to mock his failure to protect her.

"Carefully now," Radulf murmured, gently laying her on her stomach to avoid aggravating her injuries.

Josiah hesitated as he stepped closer, pushing the curtains aside to examine Zenna’s injuries. His face paled as his gaze fell on her back. "How could anyone punish her like this?" he murmured, his voice filled with disbelief and disgust. "It’s barbaric... utterly inhuman."

Clutching the mortar tightly, Josiah hesitated before meeting Radulf’s piercing gaze. "Alpha, it would be best if you applied this paste to Luna’s back," he suggested, his voice steady despite the grim situation. "But first, the blood must be cleaned."

Before Radulf could respond, Pia entered the room carrying a loose dress, her face paling at the sight of Zenna’s wounded back. Her heart clenched, but she kept her emotions in check.

Josiah soaked a clean cotton cloth in a bowl of lukewarm water and handed it to Radulf. "Gently, Alpha," he advised, though he knew the task would be as painful for Radulf as it was for Zenna.

Radulf took the damp cloth, his jaw tightening as he stared at Zenna’s torn skin. With painstaking care, he pressed the cloth to her back and began wiping away the blood.

The moment the cloth touched her skin, Zenna whimpered in pain, her body twitching involuntarily. The sound was like a dagger to Radulf’s heart.

His hands trembled, an unfamiliar feeling of helplessness washing over him. He had faced countless battles, shed blood without hesitation, but this... this was different.

He paused, his breath unsteady, before resolutely continuing. "I’m sorry, Zenna," he murmured, his voice barely audible, as though speaking to himself more than to her.

Pia looked away while crying, unable to bear the sight of the Alpha’s trembling hands and Zenna’s quiet cries.

Despite the ache in his chest and the weight of his guilt, Radulf finished cleaning the wounds.

"Pass me the paste," Radulf said gruffly, his voice a low growl, as he prepared to take the next step in tending to his mate’s wounds.

Once he finished applying the paste, Radulf stood up, his sharp gaze settling on Pia. "Help Zenna change her clothes," he instructed. His rain-soaked clothes clinging uncomfortably to his skin.

Turning toward Josiah, Radulf added, "If you have a pill to reduce her pain, give it to her. And check her vitals."

Pia nodded and moved to Zenna’s side, carefully lifting her limp hand. Josiah joined her, his fingers pressing gently against Zenna’s wrist to check her pulse.

Radulf, halfway to the door, stopped in his tracks. His instincts refused to let him leave, not while his mate lay battered and broken in front of him. Turning back, he watched silently as Pia and Josiah worked.

"As expected, the pulse is weak," Josiah said, pulling his hand away from Zenna’s wrist with a grim expression.

He rummaged through his medical bag, pulling out more supplies. "Luna has developed a fever as well. I suggest Alpha stay with her and hold her hand—it might make her feel better since you’ll share her pain."

Radulf nodded, his face stoic despite the turmoil raging within. "Alright, I’ll return shortly," he replied before leaving the room.

Outside, Savio waited near the door, his posture alert. "How’s Zenna?" he asked, his concern evident in his tone.

"Not good," Radulf growled, his voice deep and menacing as a low snarl escaped his lips.

Together, they made their way to Radulf’s chamber. Inside, Radulf removed his drenched shirt, his back turning toward Savio as he reached for a dry one. Savio’s eyes widened in shock as he noticed the faint whip marks etched across Radulf’s back.

"Why do you have whip marks too?" Savio asked, stepping closer to inspect them.

"I’ve marked Zenna. Any physical pain she endures is transferred to me as well. It’s the bond we share," he explained, pulling on a fresh shirt before slipping into dry pants.

Running a hand through his damp hair, Radulf turned toward Savio with a sharp glint in his eyes. "Find out every detail about what happened in the palace. Leave no stone unturned. And make sure Nina comes to Zenna’s chamber—I need to speak with her."

Savio nodded, stepping back toward the door. "I’ve placed the letters in your study. I hope you read them soon," he added before leaving to carry out the Alpha’s orders.

Once alone, Radulf entered his study. He reached for the stack of letters on his desk and picked one at random.

With the letter still in hand, Radulf made his way back to Zenna’s chamber. His mate needed him, and whatever secrets those letters held could wait.

For now, his priority was her recovery—and ensuring vengeance for what had been done to her.