Crimson Moon Redemption: My Alpha's Brutal Mistake
Chapter 77: Has my mate forgiven me? (Alpha Zach)

Chapter 77: Has my mate forgiven me? (Alpha Zach)

My mate despised me, and it was entirely my fault. If only I hadn’t been so desperate and had been a bit more cautious in my search for her. However, she wanted me to experience the brazen bull, so I decided to go through with it to please her because she was my top priority.

Not even our pup could compare to her in my eyes. I was eager to fully experience the mate bond, including the marking and mating. Thankfully, her wolf communicated her consent, and since she didn’t object, I assumed she agreed to my request.

If she had declined, I would have respected her decision and not pressured her. When my wolf attempted to connect with hers, he encountered a barrier, indicating that she had blocked the connection.

This was fine with me. Everything unfolded according to my plan, except I hadn’t anticipated her enjoying it as much as I did. I woke up to find her soundly asleep in my arms.

It felt like a dream, but it was real. However, this would be the last time I would see her. Despite all I had done to her, the brazen bull was nothing compared to the guilt I carried.

I was willing to give her everything and she was also capable of caring for the tribe and our pup with Gaius’s assistance, so I had no reservations.

Upon leaving the packhouse, I ran into Gaius. "Don’t worry, Alpha, I already checked on her, and she’s still inside," he reassured me, referring to Kari.

I smiled. "I was just about to contact you through the mindlink. Please take care of Belle and Zeke. Ensure that she becomes the Luna of the tribe until Zeke is old enough. I hope she has another pup after what happened last night, but even if she doesn’t, Zeke is enough."

I was afraid that facing Zeke again would deter me of the brazen bull. "Alpha, what do you mean?" Gaius asked, looking puzzled. I explained, "I need to confront the guilt I feel."

It was futile to deceive Gaius, as he was too astute. Please don’t lie to me, Alpha. I overheard your conversation to ensure your safety, but don’t tell me you’re going to do it."

It was impolite of him to eavesdrop on our conversation, but I couldn’t bring myself to scold him. "At least she marked me and allowed me to plant another seed."

"How certain are you that she’s going to get pregnant? I don’t think she meant those things," he said seriously. Even if she didn’t, I gave her my word. "Well, I was serious with my promise when I made it to her," I replied, seeing helplessness in his eyes.

"No, please let me talk to her," he said with tears in his eyes, but I shook my head. "It’s not necessary. Protect her as always and protect the tribe too."

Strangely, I remembered what he had told me about himself and the fact that I trusted him so much. "Alpha, can I ask you a question?" He asked, and I nodded.

"Why do you refuse to accept new members, even me, after you found out I betrayed you? I know you remember. Hart wanted you to choose a new beta, but you refused. Why?"

Well, Reid told me before he died that there would always be someone to replace him, so I figured it was better not to let anyone in," I explained.

Disappointment was evident in his eyes. "Oh, I thought it was because you love me."

I smiled and playfully ran my fingers through his hair. "You are the first best friend I ever had, so why wouldn’t I love you?"

He smiled, though tears glistened in his eyes. After exchanging greetings with some tribe members, I hurried to the brazen bull from the previous day. It was still early morning, and no one was around, providing the perfect opportunity for secrecy.

After starting the fire, I entered the brazen bull and securely locked it. To endure the pain, I focused on the best moments of my life. Memories of my beloved pup and the love he showed me, as well as the passionate moments with my mate, filled my mind.

She even asked for another round. ’Zach, I’m tired of healing you. We need to escape,’ my wolf urged. I chuckled. ’We’re risking it all for love, buddy. Don’t waste time healing me.’

I had always thought it was the beautiful memories that kept me going, unaware that it was my wolf’s healing power sustaining me. The heat became unbearable, but I refused to cry out or succumb to the pain.

My mate endured this suffering due to my neglect so I have to do same. ’She was saved by the Crimson Moon, but the Moon Goddess won’t save us," my wolf remarked. I smiled sadly, realizing it was time for us to part ways.

"I understand, buddy. I think it’s time to bid farewell," I said solemnly before blocking him out. My clothes were shredded, searing into my skin. Despite the darkness, I could sense the agony and the stench of my burning flesh.

Dizziness overwhelmed me, and darkness enveloped my senses. Unsure if it was a dream or reality, I heard the voices of my mate and pup.

"Daddy, please come back. If you die, my happiness will die with you, and so will Uncle Zion." I had forgotten the bond with my twin brother and hadn’t found a way for him to live, but the voice of my mate changed everything.

"Zach, I’m sorry. I realized too late that hatred only destroys a person. After last night, I didn’t hate you anymore. But how dare you do this without informing me first? Yes, I asked for it, but I didn’t know you would be so foolish to do it. Please come back. I love you. Please come back."

I was afraid to open my eyes, wanting to hear more. What if I opened my eyes and it was all a dream?

"Zach, we haven’t dealt with Kari, and we still haven’t found Ivy and Iris, including that grand witch. How could you leave me? I forbid you. Please wake up, or I’ll go back to the brazen bull," she said seriously. I opened my eyes, but my movements were restricted. Why was everything so white?

Bandages covered my entire body. When my eyes snapped open, it wasn’t a dream; my mate looked so pale that my heart ached.

She had also lost a lot of weight. "Belle, are you alright? You look so thin and pale."

"Zach, you’re awake," warm tears fell from her eyes as she embraced me and kissed me on the lips.

"It’s been three days, and she hasn’t eaten or drunk," Zeke revealed. Sorry filled my heart, yet there was joy. Had my mate really forgiven me? "Belle, have you forgiven me? Why did you starve yourself?"