The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate-Chapter 20: Into my territory

Nina glanced at her wrist, surprised to see that the wound had already healed. Before she could dwell on it further, the heavy double doors swung open with a low creak, revealing a servant who entered first, followed by Radulf.

"I was informed that Miss Nina has regained consciousness," Radulf announced. He gave a brief nod to the servant, signaling them to leave, and they quickly obeyed.

"Yes," Nina replied softly while meeting his gaze. A playful smile tugged at her lips as she added, "Is Alpha concerned about me?"

Radulf’s sharp features softened ever so slightly as he stepped closer. "Since I brought you here, it is my duty to be concerned," he replied.

Nina couldn’t help but smile at his words. With a graceful motion, she swung her legs off the side of the bed, intending to stand.

"Stay in bed, Nina," Radulf commanded, dropping the honorifics. She looked up to meet his intense gaze to find out what his facial expression was at that moment.

Nina stayed seated, feeling tense, as Radulf lowered himself into the chair across from her.

"You drugged Zenna last night," he began bluntly, his tone devoid of any warmth. "I won’t ask why, but I need to know where you got the drug." His eyes narrowed and he continued, "You’re new here, and the servants wouldn’t dare help you with something like that."

Nina’s fingers fidgeted in her lap, betraying her nervousness as she answered. "Radulf, have you forgotten that my pack is renowned for its collection of rare herbs, poisons, antidotes, and various drugs?" she said.

Radulf arched a brow, his expression darkening. "So, you brought all of that with you?" he asked, suspicion lacing his words.

"No," Nina replied, shaking her head. "Only a drug to help me sleep. During the war, I struggled with insomnia, so I used it to rest. That’s all," she explained, "you can even check my belongings to be sure."

She reached out, taking his hand in hers, her touch light but insistent. "Radulf, I want to be yours," she said earnestly, her voice growing softer. "Your pack needs a powerful Luna by your side. I can give you everything—love, care, strength—everything you desire."

Her desperation bled into her words, her eyes searching for a glimmer of hope.

’I hate her already. She drugged our Zenna,’ Black, Radulf’s wolf, growled in his mind.

Radulf pulled his hand away and stood abruptly, towering over her. "Nina, you’ve crossed a line," he said coldly, his voice sharp. "I was in a rut, and you schemed to mate with me. As for becoming mine, we’ve already settled this. I am married to the Alpha King’s daughter."

With that, Radulf turned on his heels and left, his steps echoing faintly down the corridor as Nina’s gaze followed him until he disappeared from sight.

’Radulf, what’s your plan?’ Black questioned.

’I need a run,’ Radulf replied. ’It’s been too long since I last ran through the estate.’

As he reached his chambers, Radulf stripped off his clothes. He strode toward the balcony, the cool evening air brushing against his bare skin. Without hesitation, he leapt from the edge, his body shifting mid-air into the magnificent form of his wolf.

Black emerged with power and grace. His crimson eyes gleamed with an otherworldly intensity as he landed effortlessly on all fours. Without a moment’s pause, Black surged forward for a run through the sprawling estate.

While running, Radulf went back to the time when he used to run with his father. It was such a bittersweet memory now. He missed this feeling during the war, but now he felt a void of his father, a figure who would always be there before him to protect him.

Black slowly came to a halt upon reaching a huge cliff. His fur swept in the strong wind and he lifted his head gradually. ’Father, I will take over this entire Kingdom one day. I will uncover the truth soon.’

When the night fell, Radulf returned to his chamber through the same balcony.

As Radulf stepped into his bedchamber, the faint scent of Zenna filled his senses. His sharp eyes scanned the room, and there she was—lying on his bed, looking as if she’d been there for a while. He took a step forward, but her eyes abruptly fluttered open, and he halted mid-step.

Zenna blinked, momentarily disoriented, but when her gaze settled on him, her expression shifted from surprise to utter shock. Standing before her was Radulf, completely bare. Her eyes widened, and her face flushed a deep crimson. Quickly, she turned her head away, flustered and unable to meet his gaze.

Her reaction brought a smirk to Radulf’s face, a spark of amusement lighting his green eyes.

"Why are you roaming around naked?" Zenna demanded, her voice laced with both embarrassment and annoyance as she pressed a hand to her burning cheek.

Radulf chuckled. "This is my bedchamber," he remarked casually. "Surely I can stay naked here. You, on the other hand, are the one who’s crossed into my territory, Princess."

He moved toward the robe hanging on the stand, slipping it on ease. Then, without warning, he sat down right behind her.

Zenna stiffened and her heart started beating rapidly. "I should leave," she muttered. But she couldn’t move as Radulf placed both of his hands on her shoulders.

"Do you know how to dance?" Radulf’s voice was low.

She tilted her head slightly, a hint of curiosity sparking in her eyes. "Why do you want to know?" she asked with inquisitiveness.

"Just answer," Radulf replied.

Zenna hesitated. She’d never been taught to dance—such things weren’t deemed necessary in her upbringing. But the thought of admitting that to Radulf, of seeing him smirk or tease her, made her stomach twist. She decided to lie.

"Yes, I do," she said, trying to sound confident.

A small smile tugged at the corners of Radulf’s lips. "Great," he murmured, leaning in slightly. "Your brother has sent an invitation to the ball."

Zenna’s eyes widened in surprise. "Prince Leone sent an invitation!?" she exclaimed in shock, her excitement momentarily overriding her unease. She turned fully to face him, her lips came so close to his that she could feel his warm breath against hers.

Radulf’s pupils enlarged a little, the intoxicating scent of her mingling with the tension between them. "So close, Princess," he thought, his lips curling into an almost predatory smirk.