Chapter 106 106
Denzel’s POV
If King Jamar hadn’t returned when he did, she would have caused far more damage than necessary. That was the kind of chaos she thrived on. The war that unfolded in the past life had most likely been set in motion by her hand. She had always been dangerous that way stirring unrest, sowing conflict, and then standing back to watch it burn.
“I’m sure the king will announce his return when the time is right,” I said eventually. “But Keon, we need to meet. This rogue situation is spiraling out of control. It’s bigger than our people realize, and I don’t believe it’s going to calm down on its own. I also need safe passage through the bear kingdom tomorrow on my way back to my pack. The outlands are too dangerous now.”
“Very well,” Keon replied after a brief pause. “I’ll instruct my men to let you pass. I’ll also notify you of a suitable time for us to meet.”
Relief washed through me. I thanked him and ended the call.
When I returned to bed, I pulled Venessa close. She curled into my arms instinctively, and I kissed her gently until sleep finally claimed us both.
The next morning, after breakfast, I informed King Jamar that we would be leaving. He didn’t take it well. He pleaded with me to leave Venessa behind so they could spend time together.
I refused.
If time were abundant, I would have considered it. But every second mattered now. I needed clarity peace of mind to do what had to be done, and that meant keeping my wife with me. Venessa found my refusal endearing, and I was glad she understood how deeply she mattered to me.
We promised to return on Friday two days later and Jamar let us go, though clearly against his wishes.
“I feel bad leaving him alone, Denz,” Venessa said quietly as we prepared to depart.
I rubbed her back, understanding her guilt all too well.
“I know. He’s been with us for a while, and now that you know he’s your father, the bond feels stronger. We’ll work something out. I promise you’ll have your time with him. If it means putting Rayon in charge of the Blood Moon Pack and moving here with you, I’ll do it.”
She searched my face, then leaned in and kissed me deeply.
We were both afraid.
I knew she feared leaving me behind someday that fear was why she’d chosen a surrogate to bear our children. While I was grateful for her foresight, my heart ached for something different. I wanted it to be her. I wanted every step of that journey with her by my side.
I didn’t know what to do.
The goddess felt distant silent no matter how fervently I prayed. If only there were a way to make Venessa stay.
My Jeep had been destroyed, so we traveled back to Blood Moon in one of the king’s vehicles. Keon kept his word, granting us passage through bear territory. That route shielded us from the outlands, where the rogues were strongest and most aggressive.
Once home, I planned to call a meeting and do what needed to be done.
There was no way Tremaine had achieved this level of influence alone. He had help from every direction. Some were betraying their king. Others were turning their backs on the goddess. We needed to expose them.
“So what do you plan to do now?” Venessa asked, squeezing my hand.
“Just like Ashani,” I said, “there are others helping Tremaine. His promises are seductive powerful enough to cloud judgment. People will follow him without thinking. We need to find those people among us.”
She tightened her grip.
“King Fabian is likely involved,” she said. “Look at what he’s already done for power. He doesn’t strike me as someone who would stop now. He seems like the type who would ally with them.”
There was one flaw in her reasoning.
“Fabian doesn’t answer to anyone,” I replied. “Tremaine’s deal requires submission him being King and Alpha. Fabian would rather rule alone than accept that.”
She didn’t argue. The conversation drifted, and we avoided discussing the Silver Forest bandits further.
When we arrived at the pack, fury consumed me.
The place bore the scars of an attack burned structures, damaged grounds. My people had been hurt, and no one had informed me. Rayon lay severely injured, along with several others. Venessa immediately panicked and rushed toward the infirmary to treat my officers.
I followed, barely able to think.
Most of the pack had taken refuge in the shelters. We had been gone for only thirty-two hours and this had happened.
Inside the infirmary, the sight made my blood boil. Tyrell and Jalisa were hooked up to life support. Rayon and Devon were wrapped in layers of bandages. Devon was awake. The others weren’t.
“What happened?” I demanded.
Devon slowly sat up, still weak.
“The rogues attacked in the night,” he said. “They left a message for you.”
My jaw clenched.
“They said you should keep your witch out of their way. That the one she serves is no more. It’s time for them to rule.”
I didn’t need him to explain who the “witch” was.
Whatever Venessa’s light had done that day it had either terrified or enraged them.
Either way, this was retaliation.
This was the first organized assault the rogues had launched against a pack. It meant one of two things: they had grown bold or desperate. Either way, the balance had shifted.
And we were running out of time.
The greatest danger wasn’t just outside our borders.
It was within them.
Traitors. Informants. Loyalists turned.
Exposing them would be difficult but we had no choice.
My gaze drifted to Tyrell and Jalisa, lying unconscious. Horror settled in my chest when I noticed Jalisa’s stomach flat.
The baby bump was gone.
“They fought with us, Alpha,” Devon said quietly, reaching for my hand.
“He gave everything he had. Both of them did. Please… forgive them.”
I knew how much courage it took him to say that.
A thousand reasons screamed inside me reasons to never forgive them.
But these were desperate times.
And if we were going to survive what was coming, we would need everyone friends and enemies alike standing together.
Whether I liked it or not.