Chapter 73 73
Denzel’s POV
I woke in the dead of night to find Venessa sleeping quietly beside me.
Moonlight traced the soft lines of her face, her features so delicate, so unguarded, that my chest tightened with regret. How could I have been cruel to her in a past life? How could I have failed someone who loved this deeply?
I thanked Fate for giving us another chance however brief it might be. It hurt knowing our time was limited, but I would accept whatever scraps of happiness I was given. Every word she had spoken, every choice she had made, now fell into place. Carrying the weight of the future while being unable to speak of it must have been unbearable.
I thought of how swiftly she had rejected me, how she had refused to meet my gaze. I had believed she didn’t want me. The truth cut far deeper everything she had done was to save my life. The depth of that sacrifice made me feel undeserving.
I brushed my fingers over her cheek and lowered myself to press a gentle kiss to her lips.
I wished Fate would grant us more time time to grow old together, to have children, to build the life we were denied before she was taken from me. I had failed her once. I would not fail her again.
By morning, I would make the announcement. I would tell the pack the truth and explain why. This time, I hoped no, I believed we would succeed.
I lay back down and drew her into my arms. Nigel stirred, a low purr vibrating through my chest, filled with a joy I had never felt from him before. My wolf was happy truly happy and it was all because of Venessa.
When morning came, the bed beside me was empty. She must have slipped away early.
I laughed silently, knowing this would be the last time we wouldn’t wake up together.
After dressing, I headed to the dining hall. The moment I stepped inside, silence swept the room.
Rayon and Devon sat at the table, with Troy the newly appointed Delta beside them. I found myself wondering what Venessa might tell me about his character. The thought made me smile. Having her was like having my own personal seer, and Nigel shared my amusement.
My gaze moved through the room until I found her seated in her usual place, eating with Tonya.
Join me at the table, I linked to her.
She looked up, startled, glancing around as if to be sure I meant her. I noticed the scornful looks some pack members cast her way. That would end today.
When we’re done eating, I want everyone in the settlement gathered at the field for an announcement, I linked to the entire pack. This had to be done properly.
“Venessa, join me,” I said aloud, making sure every ear heard the invitation.
I had heard the whispers, the cruel remarks made about my mate. All of it would die tonight along with the lies when we spoke our vows.
“Tonya can come with you,” I added, unwilling to let Venessa feel isolated at the high table.
I watched them rise and walk toward us. Eyes followed her every step. She sat beside me stiffly, clearly uncomfortable, so I did something I had never done not even when Jalisa was my wife.
I showed affection.
The bond surged, wild and insistent, and the pull between us was impossible to resist. My heart raced at the thought of how fiercely she loved me, how far she had gone for my sake. There was no love greater than what Venessa had given.
The least I could do was honor it.
I leaned in and brushed my mouth against her ear, a soft nibble meant only for her. A quiet moan escaped her despite her effort to suppress it.
“Don’t leave me alone in the mornings again,” I murmured. “I want you by my side. Always.”
She swallowed hard.
I drew back just enough to turn her toward me, then claimed her lips in a kiss that stole her breath.
Tonight, I will take what is mine, I linked to her.
She relaxed fully into my arms.
When I finally broke the kiss, I calmly served food onto her plate. The room remained stunned into silence, but no one dared speak.
Breakfast passed easily after that. Rayon and Venessa spoke like old friends, and slowly, realization dawned across the room they were nothing more than that.
Friends.
I couldn’t wait for nightfall.
Venessa had asked for nothing elaborate, so we would keep it simple. Quick. Meaningful.
And final in all the ways that mattered.