The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate

Radulf entered the chamber, impeccably dressed, his eyes immediately finding Zenna seated near the small table.

"You didn’t leave," he remarked, his tone even. "I’m not a tea enthusiast. You should enjoy it alone—or perhaps with Nina," he added, his gaze briefly flicking to the untouched teapot.

Zenna rose from her seat, her soft expression belying her persistence. "Can’t you share just one cup with me? For my sake?" she asked gently. "I promise, after today, I’ll never ask again. I even had Pia reheat it just a few minutes ago."

Radulf hesitated, then nodded. "Fine. Pour me a cup."

A small smile tugged at Zenna’s lips as she quickly poured the tea, her movements graceful yet unsteady under his scrutinizing gaze. She placed the cup and saucer before him, watching as he picked it up and inhaled its fragrant aroma. Taking a slow sip, he didn’t utter a word, though the tea’s quality seemed to satisfy him.

Seated across from him, Zenna finally broke the silence. "I hoped you would have stayed with me last night—until morning," she admitted. "I don’t think I said anything to offend you."

Radulf rested the cup on the table, his sharp gaze locking with hers. "What exactly are you trying to say?" he asked.

Zenna hesitated before speaking. "I want you," she said. "You said it yourself last night—that we both desire each other."

Radulf leaned back with an inscrutable gaze. "Desire, yes," he replied. "But don’t mistake that for something deeper." He studied her closely, gauging her reaction. "What’s changed your mind so quickly? I thought you’d sworn to avoid this... married life, after what I did to you."

Zenna’s breath caught, but she pressed on. "You saved my life," she said, her voice softer now. "I thought I would die after the punishment in the palace. I never imagined you would come for me." Her gaze dropped momentarily as she fidgeted with her fingers. "I’ve been unkind, and for that, I owe you an apology."

Radulf’s expression remained cold, though a flicker of amusement passed through his eyes. "I saved you because you carry my family name," he said firmly. "If I hadn’t, it would have brought shame to me and my lineage. Nothing more."

Zenna flinched at the bluntness of his words but nodded silently.

"The tea was good," Radulf said, standing abruptly. "I won’t be having breakfast today. I have important work outside." He paused briefly. "Don’t let yourself fall into trouble while I’m away."

Zenna frowned slightly, curiosity lacing her tone. "Where are you going? Is it a pack meeting?"

Radulf turned his head slightly, offering her only a cryptic reply. "To play a game."

"A game?" Zenna echoed, her brow furrowing in confusion.

He only hummed in response, a faint smirk on his lips.

"Well," she said finally, "I hope you enjoy it."

Radulf’s sharp gaze lingered on her as she sipped her tea. Her rosy lips, glistening from the warm liquid, held his attention. Without thinking, he crossed the space between them, causing Zenna to look up in surprise.

"What—" she began, but her words faltered as he stood before her.

Gently, Radulf traced her lips with his thumb, the unexpected intimacy making her breath hitch. His voice dropped to a whisper, rough yet tender. "Don’t go anywhere without taking Victor, my gamma."

Before Zenna could respond, Radulf straightened and walked away, leaving her stunned in the solace of his chamber.

She touched her lips, still tingling from his touch, and murmured to herself, "What was that?"

~~~~

"So, are we meeting the Crown Prince today?" Savio asked, his shock evident in his wide eyes. "I thought the plan was to deal with those spies first."

Radulf, seated in the carriage, leaned back with a calm demeanor. "Change of plans, Savio," he replied curtly. "I need to find out what Leon is up to. He likes Zenna."

Savio followed him into the carriage, closing the door behind him, but froze mid-step at the revelation. "The Crown Prince likes his sister!?" he exclaimed, his voice rising with disbelief.

Radulf’s gaze turned sharper, his tone firm. "Leon isn’t her brother. He’s the adopted son of Phillipe," he clarified. "Not many know this, but because Leon developed feelings for Zenna, he sabotaged our correspondence. He hid 1,056 letters, keeping them from ever reaching me. His intent was clear—he wanted this marriage to fail."

Savio’s jaw dropped, his mind struggling to process the information. "I’m more shocked that Phillipe adopted a son!"

Radulf gave a cold smirk, his eyes glinting with contempt. "It wasn’t out of kindness. Phillipe is only concerned about the safety of his crown. He needs someone of his bloodline on the throne—someone with a strong alpha lineage to secure his power."

Savio’s brows furrowed as he tried to piece it together. "What exactly are you saying?"

Radulf’s expression grew darker, his words dripping with disdain. "Zenna was punished because she refused to obey her father’s twisted wishes. Phillipe demanded she bear a son as quickly as possible. His goal is to claim the child Zenna and I might have in the future. That’s why he was so insistent."

Savio’s temper flared, his fists clenching tightly at the thought. "What!? How could he demand such a thing from his own daughter? And to think he plans to take away the child you’ll have with her—unbelievable!"

Radulf’s voice remained calm but his eyes carried the anger boiling inside him. "Savio, I’ll end the royal lineage. No one can touch Zenna and the child we will have in the future." He couldn’t deny that one day the differences between him and Zenna might end. They might have a family. But that was a far-fetched dream for him. He lost everything to Phillipe’s evil scheming once, but it would not happen again.

"We will definitely win this time, Radulf. What happened four years ago won’t be repeated. We will also find out the truth behind it. However, during this time, you should start living a life, too, with Zenna," Savio suggested with a warm tone.