Chapter 80 80
Denzel’s POV
We finally arrived at the Lycan Kingdom, and someone was immediately sent to receive us.
We were escorted through the grand halls and led to a private chamber, where we were informed we could freshen up before joining the Queen for dinner. The moment Venessa stepped inside the room, she released a slow breath.
The place unsettled her. I could feel it.
“It looks serious, doesn’t it?” I said lightly, pulling her into my arms and settling her onto my lap. She laughed softly, and we shared a brief, reassuring kiss.
We showered as requested and dressed for the evening. Soon after, a servant returned to guide us to the dining hall.
The gathering was small.
Queen Rochelle sat at the head of the table reserved for King Jamar. Beside her was Ashani Wright the former Beta which immediately caught my attention. Jahlil Wright, the current Beta, sat close by, along with a handful of others I didn’t recognize. The Gamma and Delta were reportedly on assignment, which explained their absence.
Still, the presence of the former Beta felt… deliberate.
If protocol truly mattered, the former Gamma and Delta should have been present as well. But only Ashani had been granted a seat. It wasn’t my place to question it, so I remained silent, watching.
That’s the bastard who kidnapped me, Venessa linked me quietly.
My gaze shifted to Jahlil.
He noticed and stiffened. His unease was obvious. He had violated protocol, and there was no chance I intended to let it slide.
“Your Majesty,” I greeted, bowing slightly. Queen Rochelle gestured for Venessa and me to join her at the table. We took our seats and paid our respects in silence.
“Your bride is stunning,” the Queen said pleasantly. “One could easily mistake her for a Lycan.”
I shook my head calmly. “She is very much a werewolf. I’m certain Beta Jahlil can attest to that.”
The Queen frowned and turned to him. “Do you know Alpha Shaw’s wife?”
Jahlil shifted uncomfortably. “I wasn’t aware she was linked to an Alpha. We were on a mission, and she was identified as the traitor’s daughter. I took her in. When I realized she was only an omega wolf, I released her.”
The Queen’s gaze snapped back to me. She knew he had overstepped.
“I have a treaty with the Lycan King,” I said evenly. “Crossing into my territory without permission signals hostile intent. Your Beta didn’t just trespass he abducted a member of my pack without my knowledge and attempted to eliminate her. I have not forgiven this. I demand retribution.”
Queen Rochelle leaned forward, a smile tugging at her lips. “I apologize for the misunderstanding, Alpha Shaw.”
She fell silent.
“An apology is insufficient,” I replied. “You may be Queen, but your kind has no authority to act as your Beta did. I want to know why he targeted her, what this so-called Danisha Gordon did, and how you intend to repair my trust in the Lycans.”
“I cannot disclose her crimes,” the Queen said after a pause, “but I can assure you this will not happen again.”
I smiled thinly. “That won’t do. I want compensation.”
Her smile vanished instantly. She understood what that meant she would owe me.
“Very well,” she said carefully. “I will consider it.”
“If you haven’t decided by the time I leave,” I added, “I’ll assume the debt stands.”
Her eyes hardened, offended but she knew I had spoken within my rights. She swallowed her pride and nodded. A favor owed bound her wolf. When the time came, she would have to tell me the truth about what the Lycans wanted with Danisha Gordon.
Dinner continued in tense silence.
When dessert was served, the Queen finally spoke again.
“Jamar is very ill. You may see him, but do not burden him with serious conversation. He tends to talk too much, and it weakens him. Jahlil will accompany you.”
I frowned. “With respect, Your Majesty, I am permitted to see the King without supervision.”
She stiffened. I understood then she didn’t want her husband to know what her Beta had done.
Which meant Jamar wasn’t the one hunting Danisha.
She was.
“This is my offer,” I said calmly. “If you agree to owe me that favor, I won’t mention the trespass or kidnapping to him. But I will see him alone.”
Reluctantly, she agreed.
Something about her was wrong. Her husband’s illness had given her more power than she should have held and it had gone to her head.
After some time, we were escorted to the King’s chambers. I took Venessa’s hand as we entered.
King Jamar sat upright in bed, his complexion pale, his body visibly weakened. Whatever illness plagued him was progressing rapidly. He looked like a man running out of time.
“Don’t just stand there, Denzel,” he said with a wheezy laugh. “Come here and give me a hug.”
The laughter ended in a harsh cough. His breathing was shallow, every inhale labored.
I stepped closer with Venessa, when she tugged gently on my hand.
“Nyla has seen him before,” she whispered. “In a vision.”
I looked at her sharply, surprised.
And suddenly, I couldn’t help but wonder what role the Lycan King played in the destruction she’d described and whether his fate was already sealed.