The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate

Zenna’s eyelids fluttered slightly, her eyeballs moving beneath them as her lips quivered, though no words escaped them.

Slowly, she began to drift back to consciousness, and fragmented memories of what had transpired earlier flashed vividly through her mind.

A pain radiated across her back, but its effect didn’t feel much. Shouldn’t it ache more given the way the whip hit her back?

She became aware of a warm, familiar hand holding hers, a comforting touch that stirred a faint sense of reassurance within her. A faint frown formed between her brows as her senses gradually returned, and she summoned the strength to open her eyes.

At first, her vision was blurry, the shapes and colors around her blending together. But as the haze lifted, her gaze landed on someone lying close beside her. The image sharpened, and recognition flickered in her expression.

"Zenna," came a deep, familiar voice, tinged with relief and joy. Radulf propped himself up on his elbow, his eyes locked onto hers as if he were afraid she might vanish again. His face lit up with a mixture of elation and concern.

"Pia! Pia!" he called out urgently.

"Yes, Alpha?" Pia rushed into the room, wondering if something happened.

"Call the doctor immediately. Zenna is awake," Radulf instructed.

Turning his attention back to Zenna, Radulf found her staring at him, her gaze marked by lingering frailty. Her lips parted slightly, and a faint whisper escaped.

"Water," Zenna murmured weakly.

Without hesitation, Radulf reached for the glass of water on the bedside table. Moving with utmost care, he slid his arm beneath her head, gently lifting her up until she rested securely against his chest. The warmth of his body radiated into hers as he held the glass close to her lips.

"Drink slowly," he instructed softly, his voice laced with concern.

Zenna obeyed, taking a few slow sips. Once she had enough, Radulf placed the glass back on the table, his eyes never leaving her face.

The sound of footsteps announced Josiah’s arrival. The pack’s doctor entered the chamber and bowed respectfully to the Alpha.

"Please check her vitals," Radulf commanded.

Josiah approached the bed as Radulf lifted Zenna’s left hand for him. Josiah began checking her pulse, noting its steady rhythm. He then moved to examine her eyes.

"Alpha," Josiah spoke humbly, "may I check the wounds on Luna’s back?"

Radulf nodded and he carefully helped Zenna shift onto her side.

"I think her wounds are healing faster now," Radulf observed.

The doctor examined her back, his fingers lightly tracing the edges of the healing injuries. After a moment, he looked up at Radulf and nodded.

"You’re right, Alpha. The Luna’s recovery is progressing remarkably well. With proper care and rest, she should regain her strength soon."

Radulf’s shoulders relaxed slightly, though his protective gaze remained fixed on Zenna. "That’s good to hear," Radulf said while Josiah turned his gaze away before lowering them.

"Pia, ask the chef to prepare porridge for Zenna," Radulf instructed.

"Yes, Alpha," Pia responded promptly, leaving the chamber to carry out his orders.

Josiah, meanwhile, gathered his equipment and gave a slight bow. "I’ll be nearby if you need me, Alpha," he said before quietly exiting.

As the room fell silent, Radulf turned his full attention back to Zenna. Gently, he helped her adjust, letting her rest on the support of her arm. With a tenderness, he brushed a few stray strands of hair away from her cheek.

Zenna’s eyes searched his. "Did you save me?" she asked.

"Hmm."

"Why?" she demanded in a sharp tone. "It would be better if I had d–" Zenna’s weak voice faltered, her words abruptly silenced as Radulf placed a finger over her lips.

"Don’t say that," he urged. His eyes shimmered deep green.

She then forced herself to look back at him. "But you all hate me," she whispered.

"Why didn’t you use my name? Why did you allow that bastard to hurt you?" he demanded, his voice rising with barely contained fury. A low growl rumbled from his throat, reverberating through the chamber.

Zenna stared at him, bewildered by the shift in his demeanor. The cold Alpha she thought she knew was gone, replaced by a man whose anger burned fiercely—but it wasn’t directed at her. His protectiveness was palpable, wrapping around her like a shield.

But was it real? Was she truly seeing the protective mate she had always dreamed of? Or was it just another fleeting illusion?

"Don’t pretend that you care for me," Zenna said. "You’re all the same. Everyone desires something from me."

Her words pierced through him like a dagger. Radulf’s heart ached, her pain reflecting his own guilt. He clenched his fists tightly at his sides, knowing that he, too, had been complicit in her suffering. If only he had acted sooner—if only he hadn’t turned a blind eye—none of this might have happened.

Taking a shaky breath, he forced himself to meet her defiant gaze. "What did your father say to you?" he asked.

"I’m not telling you," she replied.

Radulf’s jaw tightened further, his green eyes darkening with frustration. "Zenna..." he started, his voice softening slightly, "I may have to make you speak then."

"I hate you the most," Zenna whispered, her voice trembling as tears welled up in her eyes, making them glisten.

She quickly lowered her gaze, unable to look at him any longer. "Go away. I want to be alone," she added.

Radulf crouched beside her. "I am not leaving you," he said firmly. Leaning forward, he pressed a soft, lingering kiss on the crown of her head.

"Hate me with all your heart," he whispered against her hair, "but I won’t leave your side."

Zenna’s lips quivered. "Liar," she murmured.

"I promise you, I’ll bring your father’s head to your feet," Radulf declared, his eyes burning with fury.

Zenna’s gaze snapped to his. "Are you on a path to committing treason against the King?" she asked sharply. "I’ve told you before, even the walls have ears. Don’t say things like that!"

Radulf ignored her reprimand as his anger simmered beneath the surface. "I will not let him live peacefully after what he did to you," he said.

Zenna shook her head, getting frustrated. "I angered my father—that’s why he punished me," she argued.

"Don’t say a word in his favor," he muttered.

"But that’s the truth," Zenna replied.

Radulf studied her, his piercing green eyes locking onto hers. A faint smirk tugged at his lips as he spoke. "You’re bad at lying," he concluded.

Zenna pressed her lips together, averting her gaze as if to shield herself from his probing stare.

"I felt like burning the entire palace to the ground for you," Radulf admitted, his lips finding her cheek. Zenna gulped as his warm breath fanned her cheek . "I wanted to burn them all alive. But that would be too easy a death for them, wouldn’t it? They deserve to suffer tenfold for the pain they inflicted upon you."

He leaned closer to her ear. "Even if you don’t tell me the truth, I’ll find it out on my own. So, don’t ever waste your time protecting anyone who doesn’t deserve it."

"The only thing that impresses me about you," he continued, "is the way you stand against wrongs and hold onto your fierce attitude, even in the face of cruelty."

Zenna’s gaze softened as she looked at him, curling her fingers because of her nervous heart.