The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate-Chapter 109: Stop holding back

Pia quickly dismissed the servants and shut the doors behind her, giving Radulf and Zenna the privacy they needed.

Radulf was the first to pull away, his breath coming in ragged pants as he stared into Zenna’s eyes. The need for air was undeniable, but his need for her burned even stronger. His hands still rested on her waist as if letting go would mean losing her forever.

"If you’re going to push me away, do it now," he said, his voice husky with restrained desire after a certain moment. His green eyes gleamed in the morning’s light, reflecting the intensity of his emotions.

Zenna met his gaze without hesitation. "I won’t stop you."

Radulf narrowed his eyes. "Watch your words," he warned, his fingers tightening slightly.

"Don’t play with my mind now," she countered, lightly punching his shoulder in protest.

His lips twitched, but his amusement quickly faded. "I’m not playing with you, Zenna. Every time you stop me, you accuse me of only wanting your body, of looking at you with nothing but lust." His voice carried an underlying frustration. "If that were true, don’t you think I would have treated you like an object long ago? Do you really believe that’s all you are to me?"

Zenna bit her bottom lip and lowered her gaze, hesitating before speaking. "It’s your fault," she admitted softly. "You planted that doubt in my mind. Every time we get close, I worry. I still remember our first time, Radulf. You blamed me for everything that happened that night. You said it was out of desire."

Her words struck him like a blade, and guilt gnawed at his insides. He exhaled sharply, his hand moving to her chin, tilting her face up so she had no choice but to look at him.

"The situation was different back then," he said firmly. "And now, it’s different too." His thumb brushed against her skin. It was a touch more tender than he intended. "Zenna, there was a time when I couldn’t stand being near you, when even the thought of touching you was unbearable. But now..." His voice softened, as if confessing a truth even he hadn’t fully accepted. "Now, your absence unsettles me." 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

He watched her closely, gauging her reaction, but when she remained silent, he continued.

"I shower you with gifts, not because I think they can replace what was lost, but because I feel the need to make up for those four years. It’s the only way I know how to show you that you matter to me. I don’t neglect you anymore."

His gaze flickered downward, settling on her lips for a lingering moment before his thoughts began to spiral.

’What if I made her feel the same turmoil I do? What if she understood how much she truly means to me?’

A storm raged inside him, his emotions too chaotic to put into words. He clenched his jaw and took a step back.

"I just remembered," he said abruptly, his tone suddenly turning colder. "I have important work to finish."

Radulf finally stepped back and strode out of the room, not giving Zenna a chance to respond. The door shut behind him with a quiet thud, leaving her standing there.

Pia, who had been waiting outside, flinched when the Alpha suddenly emerged as he walked away without a word. She furrowed her brows. "Did they argue again?" she murmured before hurrying inside.

Zenna remained standing on her place, lost in thought. Pia approached her cautiously. "Luna, did you two fight again?" she asked, concern lacing her voice.

Zenna shook her head, forcing a small smile. "No. Radulf had urgent business to attend to." Her fingers clenched the fabric of her dress. "I think... it’s time I stop holding back, Pia," she admitted in a hushed voice. "Tonight, I will do it."

Pia’s eyes widened slightly. "Are you sure?" she asked again. "If so, I’ll make the arrangements. You and Alpha will return late after the Moon Festival, so everything will be perfect."

Zenna shook her head. "No. You should enjoy yourself today too. I’ll take care of things myself," she insisted. A faint blush crept onto her cheeks as she added, "Besides, I only need to change into a nightdress after we return."

Pia smiled knowingly but didn’t press further. "Alright. Let’s focus on the festival for now. Come, let’s try this dress on and see if any alterations are needed."

Zenna nodded, allowing Pia to guide her toward the dressing area.

~~~~~

Meanwhile, in Radulf’s Office:

Radulf stood by his desk, arms crossed as he faced Savio.

"Did Leon receive the message?" Radulf asked.

"Yes. I made sure it reached the Crown Prince," Savio confirmed. "What’s your plan for the evening?"

Radulf’s jaw tightened. "I just want Aria to pay for what she’s done."

Savio exhaled sharply. "But the only person who was supposed to testify against her is dead. The Alpha killed him in a fit of rage."

A smirk tugged at Radulf’s lips. "Which is why I’ve arranged a fake witness. Aria isn’t smart enough to cover her tracks. While everyone is busy celebrating tonight, she’ll be running around in panic, trying to silence someone who doesn’t even exist."

Savio let out a low chuckle. "True. That should be entertaining to watch." Then, after a pause, he shifted the topic. "I’m surprised you let Nina Harbinger go so easily."

Radulf’s expression shifted slightly. "Nina is after something much bigger. I told you before—she isn’t trustworthy. That’s why I kept her close. But now, since she’s set her sights on marrying Leon, I see no reason to interfere. I’d rather watch and find out what exactly Markel’s daughter is plotting."

A deep frown appeared on Savio’s face. "Nina doesn’t want Leon. She wants you," he said flatly. "Be careful, Radulf. She’s playing her game wisely. Make sure she doesn’t come between you and Zenna."

Radulf’s brows furrowed in thought. ’Why is Nina after me? Did I make a mistake by allowing her into my home? I thought I made myself clear to her.’