Our Fated Mate

Zenna stood on the balustrade and looked at the setting sun. The entire mansion was being decorated for their Alpha's return, but her heart was empty.

Nina challenged to break her marriage, but she couldn't allow a third person to do so. 'I will make sure Radulf sees the real me. I think he hates me because my father, the Alpha King, ordered his father to be hanged to death.'

"Zenna!" Her childhood friend, Gregor, called her name, and she turned to look at him.

"Wh-What are you doing here at this hour?" Zenna asked in a surprised tone. She tried to mask the turmoil within her, but Gregor saw through it.

"I heard Radulf has returned, so I thought of visiting you both. But seeing you here, I feel things aren't good," Gregor commented. If there was anyone more concerned for Zenna than anyone else, it was Gregor Tarquin, her childhood friend.

"No, that's not true," Zenna lied. She couldn't let such a thing get out. From the beginning, her relationship with Radulf was tainted. People had always gossiped that she could never get the attention of her husband, even when he was at war.

"Zenna, if you find it difficult, you know I'm always here for you. Radulf never truly cared for you. I even heard he has a fated mate. He's going to keep an affair right in front of you. Do you think that's acceptable at all?" Gregor asked, his eyes full of concern.

"There's a misunderstanding. Nina isn't Radulf's fated mate. Radulf and I have a lot of misunderstandings because we never truly communicated. I appreciate your concern, but trust me, I won't let my marriage fall apart," Zenna said with a determined gaze.

Gregor was aware of how the Alpha King treated Zenna. Even if she wished to run away from this nameless marriage, it was difficult for her. How he wished he could confront Radulf and ask him to take care of Zenna.

"Are you sure they aren't fated mates?" Gregor asked to confirm.

"Yes, she hasn't been marked. If they were fated, Radulf's wolf wouldn't be able to resist. You know people don't like me, so they must have spread this rumor," Zenna said confidently.

Gregor couldn't help but hug Zenna, wrapping his arms around her tightly.

Just then, Radulf saw them, and he curled his fingers into fists. Who is this bastard hugging her like that?' he asked himself. 'Did she have a lover behind my back?' He chuckled darkly and walked back into the chamber.

"If you ever need help, just tell me without hesitation," Gregor said as he pulled away. He patted Zenna's head and continued, "I know you are strong and will handle everything on your own, but I want you to consider my help. If your husband hurts you, tell me. I'll punch him for you," he added.

Zenna ended up smiling at his words. "Thank you, Gregor. You really lifted my spirits. Stay for the feast tonight. Please," she requested.

"I will," Gregor said with a smile.

~~~~~

Radulf had just returned from a cold bath, but the image of Zenna embracing another man still lingered in his mind.

Something strange was happening to his wolf ever since he had seen Zenna after so many years. But he didn't pay much attention to it—except for the anger brewing inside him.

"She dares to speak of divorce the moment I return? Over my dead body will I let her leave my side," Radulf growled under his breath, his fists tightening until his knuckles turned white.

"Alpha, your clothes have been prepared," a servant announced respectfully from the doorway.

"Leave them there," he ordered curtly, his back still turned to the servant.

The servant obeyed, placing the neatly folded garments on the bed before retreating silently. Radulf dressed swiftly, his mind still clouded with anger.

As he stepped into the living room, he was met with the sight of Nina waiting for him.

"I instructed Miss Nina to remain in her chambers and rest," Radulf said as she approached him.

"I am not tired. The servant informed me that there's a grand feast in the mansion for your return and victory. Will the Alpha introduce me to everyone tonight?" Nina asked with a hopeful gaze.

"Yes, I will," Radulf said, his lips curling into a small smile.

"I've wanted to do this for a while. I hope you won't mind," Nina said and took a step closer to him. She pressed her soft lips against his cold, dry ones and nibbled on them gently.

Radulf lifted his hands to grab her arms, but at that very moment, the doors opened, and Zenna walked in. His eyes locked onto hers as he cradled Nina's neck with one hand while the other remained on her back. He kissed Nina, but he kept his gaze fixed on Zenna.

That sight could infuriate anyone. Zenna watched her husband kissing another woman right in front of her. He was stabbing her heart in the most ruthless way possible.

Nina smiled as Radulf reciprocated her kiss until she felt a foreign grip on her shoulder.

The next second, she was pushed meters away from Radulf. Nina barely prevented herself from falling and looked up to see Zenna standing before her.

"Guards! Throw this woman out of the mansion," Zenna commanded, her eyes turning golden, showing her authority as Radulf's Luna.

"What are you doing?" Radulf intervened.

"Stay quiet!" Zenna snapped, turning to glare at him.

Nina screamed as two tall guards dragged her out of the chamber, the doors slamming shut behind them.

Radulf stepped forward to go after her, but Zenna was faster. She locked the door with the key and slipped it inside her blouse.

"Zenna, stop this childish play," Radulf said, his voice a low growl. "Give me the key."

"Take it yourself," Zenna challenged him. She knew he would never touch her, so taking the key from her was impossible.

"You think I won't?" Radulf arched an eyebrow, both hands resting on either side of her head, trapping her between them.

"Yes. Because you hate touching your own wife," Zenna said, keeping her gaze locked on his.

Radulf wryly laughed. He could have used his Alpha authority, but instead, he moved his hand to her neck. The pad of his fingers brushed her collarbone, and he noticed the change in her expression. Her breath hitched, and she gulped hard. Something about his touch was different. It was as if her whole body had been set om fire.

Radulf, however, found himself equally unsettled. A strange sensation stirred within him again, but this time, it was accompanied by an intoxicating fragrance.

The scent was unlike anything he had encountered before. It was a heady blend of roses, honey, and cinnamon, wrapping around him and his wolf like a siren's call.

"She is our fated mate, Radulf," his wolf's voice echoed in his mind.