The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate-Chapter 28: Watch you suffer

Zenna sighed in exasperation, rolling her eyes at Radulf’s reaction. "Gregor, let’s go outside," she said curtly. Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel, ready to stride toward the door.

Gregor hesitated briefly, glancing between Zenna and Radulf, before silently moving to follow her.

"I’m not done here," Radulf called after her. "You should rest. Your body is still recovering—pushing yourself will only make things worse." He showed his genuine concern.

Zenna stopped in her tracks, feeling angry. Turning her head just enough to address him without meeting his gaze, she replied coldly, "Save your concern, Radulf. I don’t need it—especially when it’s fake."

Without waiting for a response, she resumed her stride and disappeared through the doorway, leaving Radulf behind.

Gregor glanced at Radulf for a brief moment. He said nothing, and with a slight nod, he turned and followed Zenna.

"Fake concern?" Radulf let out a dry chuckle as if amused by the accusation. His gaze flicked to Savio, who stood silently nearby. "Are you enjoying the show, Savio? I saw you smirk," he muttered, his tone laced with sarcasm.

Savio shook his head. "I didn’t enjoy it, Alpha. However, the Luna’s anger toward you is inevitable," he replied truthfully. "But tell me—why did you lie to her about having a lover? When did you suddenly fall in love, and this lover of yours... died? What kind of absurd lies are you feeding your wife?"

Radulf ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply as if the weight of his own actions was beginning to sink in. "I didn’t mean to lie," he began, though his tone lacked conviction. "There was a girl I was... attracted to. I never loved her—not in the way Zenna might think. I simply replaced the word ’attraction’ with ’love’ in a moment of anger. I didn’t know Zenna would take my words so seriously."

He paused, shaking his head. "She was acting so unfazed—cold, even. It got under my skin, and in my frustration, I said a few things... things I didn’t mean," Radulf admitted, realizing what kind of mess he had made.

Savio arched a brow, clearly unimpressed by Radulf’s response. "A few things? Alpha, you didn’t just light a fire—you poured oil on it. I hope you have a plan to extinguish it before it consumes everything," he said.

"There’s no fire," Radulf said firmly, his voice devoid of emotion. "Zenna and I have no feelings for each other. She’s holding onto this marriage for her father’s sake, and I’m maintaining it for... other reasons. To unveil the secrets," he added.

Savio’s eyes narrowed, his disappointment was clear in them. "Don’t let those reasons ruin your marriage, Radulf. You’ve marked her—she’s your mate, your Luna. You’re tormenting her with this cold indifference. Since when did my friend become such a man?" He paused, his voice softening as he continued, "I understand you’ve lost so much, that you’ve been forced into things you never wanted, but Zenna isn’t your enemy. She deserves your understanding, not your spite."

Radulf hummed. "Maybe you’re right," he muttered, though his tone suggested he wasn’t entirely convinced. He then added with a low growl, "I need to go after Zenna. I don’t trust her friend’s intentions."

~~~~~

Zenna and Gregor stopped at her favorite spot in the mansion, the mid garden, a secluded place where only plants and trees surrounded them, offering a moment of peace amidst the chaos.

Zenna ran her fingers over the delicate petals of a flower. "Forgive me if Radulf said something hurtful to you," she murmured.

Gregor shook his head gently, his eyes filled with concern. "He didn’t," he assured her. "But why, Zenna? Why did you take such a step? You knew I was here for you—you could have come to me," he said as he closed the distance between them, his gaze locked on hers.

"I-I’m sorry," Zenna whispered, tilting her head to look at him. Her voice trembled and she lowered her eyes, unable to meet his gaze for long because of the guilt.

Gregor’s hands curled into a fist at his side. "What did he say to you, Zenna?" he asked, his voice firm yet pleading. "What could possibly push you to such a drastic step? Tell me, because if he hurt you, I’ll fight him for you. I’ll stand by your side, no matter what."

"Something that broke my heart," Zenna whispered. She turned away, her hands clasping tightly in front of her. "I expected too much from him. I thought... I thought I could change his heart, make him see me differently. But no matter what I do, it won’t happen. Also, he won’t reject me—even if I beg him," she murmured, her voice cracking as tears welled up in her eyes.

Gregor’s chest tightened at his friend’s pain, and without hesitation, he said, "Then I’ll help you."

But before he could take another step to walk away to confront Radulf, Zenna reached out and held his wrist, thus stopping him.

"Don’t," she urged. "I don’t want you involved in my matters, Gregor. This is my burden to carry. You shouldn’t be dragged into this mess." Her eyes met his, glistening with unshed tears.

"I know you care for me more than anyone else in this world, but you have your own life. If you step into mine, it could bring repercussions for both of us."

Gregor’s jaw tightened for a second. "Then what do you want me to do, Lisa?" he asked, his voice rising slightly. "Sit back and watch you suffer? Is that what you want from me?"

"No," Zenna replied. "I have decided to stay indifferent too. When Radulf will be tired of me, he will leave me eventually," she proclaimed.

"Radulf won’t ever let you go because he wants you for his own personal motives," Gregor stated. "And I know you will cry every day. I couldn’t fight the royalty to save you back then, but I can fight Radulf," he said and pulled Zenna into a hug. "Just give me a nod and I’ll handle everything for you. That’s what friends are for," he affirmed.