The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate

"I didn’t expect him to save me or take care of me," Zenna said, resting the brush on the dressing table.

"Luna, perhaps the deep misunderstandings between you two have made it difficult for you two to open your hearts. Well, you did like him," Pia said, reflecting a small smile on her lips.

"Not anymore," Zenna replied promptly.

"How long do you wish to take to get ready?" Radulf’s voice echoed in the dressing chamber. Pia immediately stepped away with her head low as Radulf walked in. She sensed he needed a private moment and excused herself.

As Zenna attempted to stand up, Radulf’s both hands trapped her between them. He leaned toward, his chin hovering just above her right shoulder while tightly grasping the edges of the dressing table.

"Why don’t you like me anymore?" Radulf asked.

"You know the reason," Zenna said.

"I don’t know why you liked me," he changed the question.

"I was a foolish wife, who thought her husband liked her equally as she did," Zenna said. She felt a sudden pain in her back as a frown appeared between her brows. Radulf noticed it and stood straight, extending his hand to her.

"Let’s go," he said.

Zenna stared at him for a moment but didn’t grab his hand. Instead, she turned away and stood up before walking ahead of him. However, Radulf was quick to be by her side and placed his hand on her lower back. She gazed at him for a brief second but didn’t say anything.

"I can sit on the chair," Zenna said.

"The wounds on your back aren’t fully healed. It’s better to sit comfortably if you can," Radulf said.

Before Zenna could protest, Pia appeared, carrying a tray with a well-prepared meal. Radulf moved with ease, setting up the bed table on the mattress. As he adjusted it into position, Pia stepped forward, carefully placing the dishes on the table.

Radulf picked up the spoon and stirred the soup. "This one is magical. It will help your wounds heal faster," he said.

"I can eat on my own," Zenna said, attempting to take the spoon from him.

"Don’t you enjoy your husband looking after you? Last summer you met a few of the pack’s women, whose husbands would take good care of them. You wished how I was there for you," Radulf stated and stirred the spoon in the soup to cool it down a bit.

She stopped blinking, wondering how he found out something like that.

"Here, open your mouth," Radulf said, bringing the spoon full of soup to her mouth. Zenna opened her mouth and sipped it.

’He is exceptionally soft,’ Zenna thought and silently ate.

After she finished eating, Radulf checked the pills which were supposed to be given to her in the morning. "Take them with water," he instructed and called for Pia.

She cleaned the table while Radulf put it aside, asking Zenna to take rest.

"I’ve been lying on the bed since yesterday," Zenna said.

"It’s for your quick recovery," Radulf answered as he tucked her into the duvet.

"Why did you save me?" Zenna asked.

"Are we again going to argue?" Radulf queried. "Save your arguments for later," he asserted.

Zenna turned tight-lipped and averted her gaze from him. "I don’t think I’ll get sleep now," she murmured.

"Close your eyes," Radulf said.

Just then, Pia walked in, apologizing to them for intruding. "Alpha, Beta Savio wishes to see you urgently," she informed him.

"Don’t let her out of the chamber," Radulf told Pia as he stood up from his place and left.

Reaching the corridor, he saw Savio with a troubled look on his face.

"What is it, Savio?" Radulf asked.

"Alfred is here to question you. The Alpha King suspects you," Savio said. "What if he accuses you wrongly?" he asked worriedly.

"Stay calm," Radulf patted his beta’s shoulder. "Lead my way," he urged and the two left for the living room, where Alfred was present.

"Greetings to Alpha Radulf," Alfred said, bowing slightly. He, too, returned the greeting and asked Alfred to take a seat.

"Maybe another time, Radulf. I am here to investigate a matter. The Alpha King saw three heads in the balcony of his chamber. With our prime investigation, it was found out that you threatened the warriors yesterday," Alfred asserted, glancing at Kaelen.

"Commander, Radulf declared in front of us that whoever has hit Zenna after the Alpha King’s order would not see the next day," Kaelen stated.

"If your mate is hit badly, you’ll say the same words to the one who inflicted that brutality on her. Alfred, I was agitated seeing Zenna’s state. She was dripping with blood. Is there any evidence that I killed those three?" Radulf asked, keeping his unwavering, confident gaze on him.

"Commander, don’t trust him. His father tried to take the Alpha King’s life," Kaelen said.

"And I’ve been properly punished for what my father did. For this matter, I want the evidence. If you fail to bring one, then an apology should come," Radulf stated.

Alfred didn’t wish to argue with Radulf, knowing the fact of his strength. He asked Kaelen to stay quiet. "I am only performing my duty to properly investigate the matter. I hope you understand, Radulf," he said.

"Yes, I do," Radulf replied. "Maybe someone close to the Alpha King is trying to do such scary things," he said.

"We will find out soon," Alfred said and took his leave. Kaelen glared at Radulf before walking away.

"I wonder what kind of expression Phillipe must be holding now," Radulf murmured.

As he turned to head to his office, a servant announced, "Prince Leon is here!"

Radulf furrowed his brows together in suspicion. As he turned around, the prince was in his sight.

"Where is Zenna and how is she?" Prince Leon asked.

Radulf and Savio bowed to him, greeting him with respect.

"She is resting in the chamber. I have given her the medicines," Radulf said.

"I would like to see her," Leon pronounced.

"I am afraid, but she is asleep," Radulf lied, not wanting the prince to see her. He had to find Leon’s intentions toward Zenna, which in his eyes were not good.

"Radulf, I’m the next Alpha King of this kingdom, Prince Leon. Show me the way to Zenna’s chamber. I want to see how she’s doing," Leon said sternly, using his authority.

"That sounds odd, Your Highness. Your father punished my wife to almost death while you are showing concern for her. Shouldn’t you show some dignity here?" Radulf asked.

"Watch your tongue, Radulf," Leon turned furious, his wolf growling.

"Forgive me but I don’t wish to disturb the sleep of my wife. I hope he understands that his sister needs a good rest to recover fast," Radulf stated in his humble tone.

"Fine. Then, inform me when Zenna is awake. I’ll come in the evening to check on her," Leon asserted, taking a step back and disappearing from his sight. His beta and bodyguard followed him closely.

"Prince Leon is the one who never let those letters approach you," Savio said. "Why would he do that? Did you ask the Luna?" 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

"Not yet," Radulf said. "Pia told me even the prince would punish my wife in my absence," he murmured, his gaze turning sharper. However, he didn’t make any assumptions for now.

Outside the mansion, as Leon entered the carriage, he told his bodyguard, "Stay here. Radulf may try to deceive you, so be careful," he instructed.

"I understand, Your Highness. Rest assured, I’ll inform you once your sister wakes up," the bodyguard stated and closed the carriage’s door from outside.