The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate-Chapter 68: Outline of her lips

"Forgive me, Gregor, for making you wait for too long," Zenna apologized as soon as she entered the gazebo.

"I understand something important must have come," Gregor replied. "How is Radulf with you these days?" he asked with a worried gaze.

"Well, he is taking care of me," Zenna replied. "But I won’t forgive him easily. Since I’m his mate, he stays on toes around me," she added with a smile of victory.

Gregor laughed slightly. "You aren’t allowing him near you!?"

"Yes," Zenna replied. "The day I was punished in the palace, Radulf felt the pain too. He had faint marks from the lashes on his back too. Savio told me, and it made me realize how special mate bond exists between us. Also, I misunderstood him all the time," she whispered in a low, upsetting voice.

"Misunderstood him? How?" Gregor asked, leaning forward slightly.

Zenna’s gaze softened as she recalled the memories. "Do you remember the day his parents were sentenced to death? That same day, he was ordered to marry me and immediately sent off to war. He wasn’t even given a moment to process the loss or the chaos surrounding him. And then, he endured unimaginable suffering in the war."

She paused, her voice heavy with regret. "All the while, I was too focused on my own pain. I only thought about how I felt, completely ignoring what he might have been going through."

Gregor nodded thoughtfully, his expression serious. "You were unaware of the burdens he carried—what his pack endured, what he endured. But, Zenna, I don’t believe in responding to pain by inflicting it on others. If anything, seeing pain should make a person more compassionate, more understanding, because they know how much it hurts."

"You’re absolutely right," Zenna agreed. "But not everyone copes with pain in the same way. We all have different ways of handling those emotions, some healthier than others."

She glanced away, her thoughts lingering on Radulf’s struggles, her heart aching for the pain they had both endured in their own ways.

"That’s true," Gregor said. "But I don’t want to see you suffer anymore. Since your childhood, you’ve been tortured endlessly, and for no fault of your own. You have a kind heart—you don’t want to see others in pain, but don’t let that kindness turn into pity. And above all, don’t bend to Radulf just because of his past. He has to earn your forgiveness and respect."

Zenna nodded thoughtfully. "I’ll keep that in mind," she said, appreciating his concern. Then, she straightened in her seat, her expression softening as she shifted the topic.

"Enough about my life and its troubles. Let’s talk about yours. How exactly do you plan to find your mate? Social gatherings could help, but you’re far too picky sometimes. Remember the last party we attended? Every time someone asked you to dance, you found an excuse to escape!" she teased, raising an eyebrow at him.

Gregor chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Umm... I’ll think about it," he replied.

"Princess Aria has gone to your house to meet you," Radulf’s deep voice cut through the tranquil atmosphere of the gazebo, causing both Zenna and Gregor to turn their heads sharply toward the entrance.

Radulf stepped into the gazebo, moving to stand behind Melissa. His hands gently rested on her shoulders, a silent gesture to keep her seated.

"Why would she want to see me?" Gregor asked, his brows furrowing in confusion.

Radulf smirked faintly, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Perhaps she’s hoping to find a life partner—a mate—in you."

Zenna’s eyes narrowed slightly as she murmured under her breath, "Did Father arrange this?"

Radulf’s smirk deepened, his amusement growing. "Your father loves meddling in everyone’s lives, doesn’t he? It seems your dear childhood friend is next on his list. But let me tell you something, Gregor—Aria is a crazy bitch." His voice pronounced, dripping with derision. "If the two of you end up married, she’ll make your life a living hell."

"Gregor, your father has given you six months to settle down. Princess Aria must have just come to meet you. Don’t worry. If anything goes wrong, I’ll help you," Zenna said in a reassuring tone.

Radulf’s gaze turned darker, his grip on Zenna’s shoulders turned firmer. "You won’t help Gregor," he stated sternly. "Your father won’t spare you if you go against his wishes. So, stay away from all of this."

"Radulf is right. Zenna, you don’t need to get involved in this because of me," Gregor said, his voice heavy with concern. He rose from his seat, the lines of worry etched deeply on his forehead. "I’ll go now," he added, the unease evident in his demeanor.

"Gregor, please—let me know if anything goes wrong. Don’t keep anything from me," Zenna urged, her voice filled with genuine concern.

Radulf, however, rolled his eyes, a hint of agitation creeping into his expression at her words.

"Yes, I will," Gregor replied, offering a brief glance at Radulf before he turned and walked away.

The moment Gregor was out of their sight, Melissa’s frustration bubbled to the surface. "Why did you say that to him? Why tell him not to take my help?" she spat, tilting her head to lock eyes with Radulf. "He’s done so much for me—things you can’t even begin to understand."

Radulf didn’t seem moved. "So?" he said in an indifferent tone

Melissa let out a short, incredulous laugh. "Seriously, Radulf?" she muttered. Finally, she stood up, taking a few steps away from him. "I will help him even if my father kills me," she said.

"You won’t do it," Radulf’s green eyes shone as they bore into hers. He was now in front of her, his breath brushing against the tip of her nose. "You will not step into his matter. You are the Luna of this pack. I won’t entertain any calamity to fall upon my pack. Keep that in your mind even before trying to do anything," he pronounced in his deep, angry voice.

"Then, you should help him. I beg you," Zenna requested.

Radulf let out a low chuckle as he watched her. "I have no intention of helping him. His problems are his own. He’s an adult; he can handle his own issues," he stated.

Zenna’s face softened with a flicker of disappointment. "I thought... I thought you were changing," she said, feeling upset.

Radulf’s gaze grew colder. "You were living in an illusion," he said sharply. "No one can change me—not even my mate."

Her frustration reached its peak. "That dress you sent for me... You can send it back to that shop. I don’t like it!" Zenna snapped, her anger flaring as she took a step back, ready to leave.

Before she could move further, Radulf caught her wrist in a firm grip and pulled her back. His arm encircled her lower waist, holding her close against him.

"Don’t act like a foolish woman, Zenna," he growled with a warning this time. "You’ve seen what we’ve been through before. And it’s still unclear what your sister truly wants. Stay out of it. If you step out of line, you’ll have to face the consequences—and they’ll come from me."

The intensity in his eyes, and the menace in his words, made it clear he wasn’t joking.

"I’ve already heard the whispers from the servants," Radulf mused. "You were awestruck by that dress. Wear it at the ball. I want you to be the most beautiful woman in the kingdom," he added, his gaze lingering on her lips, making it clear that his words held a deeper meaning.

Zenna felt a calmness wash over her at his comment. The idea that he wanted her to stand out, to be the most stunning woman in the room, softened her earlier frustration.

"I thought you were going to return in the evening. Was the game really that short?" she asked, her eyes finally meeting his.

"It wasn’t entertaining, so I left early," Radulf replied, his gaze never leaving her. "You seem to enjoy Gregor’s company, though. Not me. Would you mind smiling at me the way you do for him?"

"When did I do that?" Zenna murmured, trying to leave.

"You always do," Radulf admitted. His hand reached up, gently cupping her cheek, his thumb tracing soft circles on her skin, while his fingers rested lightly at the nape of her neck.

Zenna’s breath hitched, and she let out a quiet sigh. "You always anger me. That’s why," she replied in a low, almost breathless voice, the frustration still lingering but fading in the wake of his touch.

Radulf’s breath caught in his throat as he looked at her. His thumb shifted, moving to trace the outline of her lips the same way as he did earlier in the morning. His heart beat louder in his chest as he took in the sight of her.

Zenna’s fingers gripped the edges of her gown, and her pulse quickened. Her eyelids fluttered, her body responding to his touch, caught between desire and restraint.

"Shall we kiss?" he asked, his eyes locking with hers as he waited for her response.