The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate

Zenna stepped into the dining hall, her eyes landing on Radulf and Nina already seated at the table. The aroma of freshly prepared breakfast already filled the room.

"Good morning, Zenna. Are you feeling better?" Nina asked in her warm tone.

"Good morning," Zenna replied politely, her gaze briefly shifting to Radulf, who had just signaled the servants to start serving the food. "Yes, I’m much better now," she added.

As she took her seat at the table, Nina spoke again in a casual yet inquisitive tone. "You don’t mind if I join the two of you for breakfast, do you?"

"Of course not," Zenna replied though her gaze lingered on Nina for a moment.

Radulf, who was slicing into the steak on his plate, interjected smoothly. "You two went to the market yesterday. I was under the impression that Zenna had made a new friend," he remarked.

Nina responded with an eager smile. "I hope to become a good friend to Zenna," she said earnestly, glancing at Melissa for affirmation.

Zenna, however, simply offered a faint smile, avoiding a direct response.

Radulf’s next action caught her off guard. Without a word, he slid his plate across the table toward her.

"Here, eat this," he said firmly, taking the plate before her.

Nina’s sharp gaze didn’t miss the subtle changes in Radulf’s behavior toward Zenna. The way he seemed to pay her extra attention left Nina quietly amused.

Taking a bite of steak, she turned to him. "Who attacked the South camp last night? Have you found out anything yet?" she asked casually.

Radulf’s expression remained impassive as he replied, "The investigation is ongoing."

Nina arched a brow in a thoughtful tone. "It’s strange, isn’t it? An attack out of nowhere. Zenna," she turned her attention to her, "did anything like this ever happen before, when Radulf wasn’t here?"

Zenna shook her head. "No, this is the first time something like this has happened."

"Interesting," Nina mused, her eyes flicking back to Radulf. "It seems someone isn’t too happy about your return, Radulf. Perhaps they’re trying to send a message—highlighting the weaknesses in your security, showing how easily they can breach it."

Radulf leaned back slightly, his lips curling into a faint smile. "You’re quite perceptive," he remarked.

Nina let out a soft chuckle. "That’s all you have to say? Shouldn’t you be more concerned? It seems you already have an enemy lying in wait for you," she pressed, her voice tinged with playful mockery.

Radulf’s response was a simple nod, keeping a neutral expression on his face.

Shifting her focus, Nina addressed Zenna. "What’s your take on the attack? Surely you have some thoughts," she probed.

Before Zenna could answer, Radulf’s deep voice cut through the conversation. "Nina, let’s enjoy breakfast in peace," he said firmly, setting his fork down. "I’d rather not discuss such matters during meals."

Recognizing his tone, Nina raised her hands slightly in mock surrender. "Forgive me," she said with a small smile before returning her attention to her plate.

Zenna, meanwhile, remained quiet, her mind swirling with questions. She couldn’t help but wonder what was going on in Radulf’s head. Despite his calm exterior, she suspected there was more to his thoughts than he was showing on his face.

After finishing their breakfast, Zenna caught Radulf’s attention. "I need to speak with you," she said firmly.

Radulf glanced at Nina, then back at Melissa. "Nina, you should go ahead," he instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument. Once Nina exited the room, Radulf turned his striking green eyes to Zenna. "So, what is it you want to talk about?"

Zenna squared her shoulders. "Let’s go check on the women and children who were attacked last night," she suggested.

"Of course. I heard you moved them to the new building temporarily," Radulf remarked, falling into step beside her.

"Yes, it’s the safest place for them right now," Zenna replied.

Radulf glanced at her thoughtfully. "How did you manage to find Julian’s mother? Did you capture any rogue wolves in the process?"

"She was discovered halfway outside the border. I think the rogues abandoned her when they realized they needed to prioritize saving their own lives," Radulf explained as they reached the carriage waiting outside.

Radulf opened the door, holding it for Zenna. "After you," he said with a small, courteous gesture.

Zenna climbed in, settling herself, while Radulf followed and closed the door behind him.

As the carriage began moving, Radulf broke the silence. "Why did you go to the market yesterday? From what I can tell, you’re not particularly interested in befriending her."

Zenna’s eyes narrowed slightly. "I didn’t want you taking her out, that’s why," she said bluntly.

Radulf leaned back, smirking faintly. "If I recall correctly, you’ve made it quite clear you’re no longer interested in me. By your logic, nothing I do should concern you."

"Yes, but that doesn’t mean you need to entertain Nina," Zenna countered, her tone laced with frustration.

Radulf’s smirk deepened. "You can’t hate me, can you?"

Zenna turned to glare at him, her voice sharp. "What makes you think that?"

"You haven’t stopped paying attention to me, even though you claim to despise me," he teased, his tone laced with confidence.

Zenna’s glare intensified. "I don’t like you. You’re insufferable, arrogant, and despicable," she snapped.

Radulf’s smirk didn’t falter, as though her words amused rather than offended him. "Thank you for the compliment," Radulf said with a teasing smile, his green eyes glinting with amusement.

Zenna shot him a sharp look. "I didn’t praise you. How can you feel so proud of yourself?" she asked, her tone edged with irritation.

Radulf leaned back slightly. "I know. You were listing my qualities," he stated confidently. "Shouldn’t I be proud of them?"

Zenna sneered, crossing her arms. "Qualities? You mean your arrogance and insufferable attitude?"

"Exactly," he said as if her words were genuine praise.

Letting out an exasperated huff, Zenna turned her head and focused on the scenery outside the window, choosing to ignore him.

’I do have good qualities too,’ Radulf thought.

~~~

After spending time visiting the children and their mothers, Radulf returned to his office, his mind weighed down by responsibilities. A formal invitation from someone he considered a "friend" in name only lay unopened on his desk.

Without a second thought, he tossed it into the trash, unwilling to waste time on meaningless gestures even though Savio had asked him to consider such gestures.

Settling into his chair, he opened the file in front of him, his sharp eyes scanning the contents. Yet, his focus faltered as his thoughts wandered to a troubling possibility.

"What if it’s the Alpha King? Who else would have the power and audacity to plant a spy here? That would explain why Zenna is always so terrified—she believes her father keeps a watchful eye on her, even from a distance," Radulf murmured to himself.

A knock on the door interrupted his musings. Savio entered the room, bowing deeply.

"Alpha, we have found out two unknown people in the pack, who entered the pack at the time of your marriage. They are definitely from the palace, but their origins aren’t known to us," Savio informed him.

"Who are they?" asked Radulf.

"Their names are Kade and Vivian," Savio stated. "Shall I summon them, Alpha?"

"No. We will keep an eye on them," Radulf asserted. "And accuse them of spying before throwing them out of this pack. Then, the Alpha King won’t be able to save them. However, if we summon them now, the Alpha King will use his position and suppress my voice," he explained.

Savio nodded in understanding. "We will do that, Alpha."

"Also, what does Vivian do in the mansion? Is she close to Zenna?" asked Radulf.

"I’m unaware of that, Alpha. You can directly ask the Luna about this," Savio suggested.

"Hopefully, she straightforwardly answers me," Radulf murmured.

"Do you know Gregor sent the Luna her favorite flowers in the morning?" Savio’s eyes sparked with a tease.

"And what should I do about that? Crush those flowers right in front of Gregor’s eyes?" Radulf’s eyes gleamed with fury.

Savio sighed and shook his head. "Seriously? Gregor is a close friend to Luna Zenna. You can’t do that to her. Instead, why don’t you find out what her favorite flowers are?" He took a step back, adding with a smirk, "And please, don’t ask me because I won’t tell you." With that, he strode out of the office, leaving Radulf alone with his thoughts.

Radulf rolled his eyes in exasperation. "And why should I bother learning about Zenna’s favorite flowers? I have no intention of becoming a loving husband to her," he muttered, frustration evident in his voice.

’This is the problem with you, Radulf,’ Black’s authoritative voice echoed in the back of his mind. ’You promised to take care of our mate. After finishing this work, we will find out what flowers Gregor gifted her. Let’s make her happy.’