The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate-Chapter 24: Take my life

Radulf realized what kind of damage he had done to Zenna, but why he even cared about this. He never even wanted Zenna and if she would take her own life, he would be free of the royal family and their torments.

’But I don’t want to lose her,’ Radulf’s inner voice spoke. His wolf was continuously yelling in the back of his head, but he was hearing nothing, except for Zenna’s sobs.

"Zenna, don’t..." His words didn’t even complete and she already jumped into the cold water of the lake.

Radulf kicked off his boots, removed the heavy overcoat and lunged forward. He jumped into the darkness of the water, thrusting his body forward to reach Zenna. His heart was racing with a fear of losing her. He could feel a deep ache building in his heart, the pain was even severe the last time he lost his family.

Zenna’s body sank deeper into the frigid water. It felt as though the very essence of her hope had dissolved into the abyss. Through her blurred vision, she caught a fleeting glimpse of Radulf’s figure in the water, but the image faded as darkness claimed her consciousness.

Radulf reached her just in time, his arms wrapping around her frail body as it drifted lifelessly in the depths. "Zenna!" he called, his voice muffled by the water. He tapped her cheek gently but her eyes remained closed, her head lolling against him.

Cursing under his breath, he tightened his hold on her and surged upward, kicking powerfully to break the water’s surface. The cold air hit his face as he gasped for breath, clutching Zenna tightly against him. He then swam toward the shore with her.

Reaching the edge, he laid her carefully on the ground, his hands trembling as he positioned her on her back and gave her chest compression.

Finally, Zenna’s body jerked, and she coughed violently, water spilling from her lips.

Radulf heaved a sigh of relief, brushing the wet strands of hair from her pale face.

He didn’t waste another second. Scooping her up into his arms, he held her close and strode toward the mansion.

~~~~

Gregor, who was on his way to retire for the night, froze mid-step as his beta, Derek, approached him with news of Zenna.

"What happened to her?" Gregor demanded.

Derek hesitated, his throat bobbing as he swallowed hard. "Zenna... she tried to take... take her own life," he stammered.

"What? Prepare the horse. I am going there," Gregor said.

"Will it be appropriate for you to leave at this hour?" Derek inquired, clearly worried about the consequences of his actions.

"Just prepare a horse for me," Gregor said before heading to his chamber. He quickly dressed up and went to the mansion’s gate, where Derek was present with a horse.

"Thank you," Gregor said and rode away on the horse.

~~~~

After Josiah finished checking Zenna’s vitals, he turned to face Radulf, his expression grave and laced with subtle accusation.

"The Luna is in a state of shock from nearly drowning," Josiah began, "her body temperature is dangerously low, colder than it should be. She needs warmth and better rest to stabilize."

Radulf stood by the bedside as he stared at Zenna’s pale, unconscious form.

"This state she’s in... it’s not just the water, Alpha. It’s everything she’s endured up until now." Josiah clasped his hands together and added, "Alpha Radulf needs to take care of his wife. This is the first time in four years I have seen the Luna in such a state. I’ve treated her wounds in the past too, but the mental pain is more severe than physical one."

Radulf glanced at him for a brief moment. "Did she get injured in my absence?" he asked.

"Does Alpha not know the state his wife lived here?" Josiah arched his brow.

"I wasn’t here for four years. And watch your tone, Josiah," Radulf said.

"Forgive me if I offended you, Alpha," Josiah apologized in a humble tone. "The Luna would usually get bruises and injuries whenever she would see her family, especially the Alpha King. Oh, the last time, I treated her was when she saw Prince Leone," he asserted. "I take my leave here. To warm the Luna’s body, I suggest the Alpha sleep with her. And please take care of her diet as well. Please don’t make her starve and don’t inflict mental pain on her."

Radulf gazed at him and nodded his head. He was feeling guilty for his actions but more than that, he was furious how Zenna’s family treated her.

As Josiah left, Savio walked in but remained far from the bed.

"Gregor wants to see you, Alpha," Savio informed him.

"Why is he here?" Radulf frowned. He instructed Pia to stay by Zenna’s side and went out to see Gregor.

"I didn’t expect your spies to work in my mansion," Radulf pronounced and stopped before Gregor. He didn’t realize what was about to come next and a strong punch landed on his face.

Savio promptly stepped up to take the charge for hitting his alpha when Radulf stopped him.

"Reject Zenna as soon as she wakes up," Gregor said and held Radulf’s collar tightly. His silvery eyes shone in fury as they met with Radulf’s green eyes. "You don’t deserve her. Because of you, she tried to take her life," he yelled at Radulf, his voice reverberating in the hallway.

"It won’t happen again," Radulf said.

"Again? I’m not leaving Zenna with you! If you have ever cared for her, you would not have forced her to take such a step. I don’t care how powerful you are, but for Zenna, I can take your life, Radulf. So, you better free her from this marriage," Gregor asserted.

Radulf chuckled and he lowered Gregor’s hands. "Then, you should find a way to kill me. I am not rejecting Zenna. If you want to take her from me, you need to take my life. That’s the only way she and I part ways," he affirmed.