Chapter 141 141
Venessa’s POV
Blood Moon Pack was exactly as we had left it.
Tyrell and Devon had done well in our absence, and Rayon seemed to have settled back into place seamlessly upon his return. The people were relieved to see us more than that, they were grateful. Several confessed that since the last attack, no one had dared threaten them again.
The message we sent that day had been loud and unmistakable. Tremaine would not be foolish enough to sacrifice more of his followers so recklessly.
While Denzel immersed himself in the military and engineering divisions, I took charge of the shelters, assisted by Jalisa.
As much as I despised working alongside her, I forced myself to endure it.
Seeing how Eshera had tried to exploit my pain to twist it, to use it as a doorway to pull me over to her side had changed something in me. I could not afford to cling to personal grievances when the fate of our people was at stake.
Jalisa understood Luna affairs. That much could not be denied. And because of that, I allowed her to help me organize and finalize the shelters.
There was tension between us thick, uncomfortable, unspoken but we made it work.
After a week of relentless effort, the shelters were finally in optimal condition. We instructed the remaining civilians still living above ground to relocate below.
I couldn’t be certain whether the pack had already been infiltrated, but uncertainty was a luxury I could not afford. All I could do was remain vigilant and keep my focus fixed on the objective ahead.
I was seated in my office, making final checks before transferring responsibility of the shelters to Tonya and joining the military division, when someone knocked.
“It’s open,” I said absently, my eyes still on the document in my hand.
The papers detailed supply usage and rationing. According to the projections, the provisions would sustain the sheltered population for exactly three months, after which restocking would be necessary. We had also instructed them to emerge during high noon and return before sunset.
People needed sunlight. We could not strip them of something so basic not even in war.
The door opened, and to my surprise, Jalisa stepped inside.
I wondered why she was here. Our work together was finished. Still, I masked my thoughts carefully; I didn’t want to appear defensive or provoke discomfort.
“To what do I owe this visit, Princess?” I asked lightly.
There was shame in her eyes.
I had been teasing her with the title since my arrival. Though she was born a bastard, Fabian still acknowledged her as his daughter making her a werewolf princess in title, if not in standing. It wasn’t meant as an insult… but coming from me, the Princess, it inevitably carried weight.
“I need to speak with you, Your Highness,” she said softly. “I won’t take much of your time.”
I gestured for her to sit.
“I want to start by thanking you,” she said, bowing her head. “For being kind civil toward me after everything I tried to do to you.”
She swallowed hard.
“I have no excuse. I truly don’t. I don’t know what came over me. I didn’t love Denzel, but my father expected me to remain with him.”
Her voice trembled.
“I was afraid. Unhappy. But I stayed. Every time I was with him, it hurt, Venessa but I endured it to keep my father satisfied. I was terrified of what he might do to Denzel… and to me. I know that doesn’t justify anything. Please forgive me.”
She lifted her gaze, eyes shining.
“I can see how much effort it takes for you to work with Tyrell and me to even allow us near you. The fact that we’re alive at all speaks volumes about the kindness in your heart. I am grateful beyond words.”
Her shoulders squared, resolve hardening her expression.
“I promise you this: Tyrell and I will never betray you. If it means giving our lives for the greater good, we are ready. We have nothing left to lose.”
The conviction in her eyes told me she meant every word.
I couldn’t tell her everything was fine. I couldn’t tell her I forgave her.
That would take time. Time I didn’t have.
The damage they’d caused was not something that could simply be undone.
Still… remorse mattered. And an enemy who truly repented could become a powerful ally.
“Do not burden yourself with the past, Jalisa,” I said gently. “We have much to accomplish in this lifetime. I’m glad you’ve seen the error of your ways and that you stand with us now.”
I smiled.
She studied my face carefully, searching for any sign of falsehood. When she found none, she nodded, thanked me quietly, and left my office.
I finished reviewing the paperwork, then headed to Denzel’s office.
The moment I stepped inside, I knew something was wrong.
Denzel was tense. So were Rayon, Devon, and Tyrell. The air was heavy strained.
“What happened?” I asked.
Denzel turned to me, his eyes burning with restrained rage. It wasn’t directed at me but the fury was unmistakable.
“The Collective has called a meeting,” he said tightly. “Top Alphas of bears and wolves. You’re to represent the Lycans King Jamar won’t be attending. But that’s not the real issue.”
I listened carefully.
“They’re afraid of war,” he continued. “Some of them are proposing dialogue with Tremaine. Coexistence.”
My stomach dropped.
“They want to give him land,” he said bitterly. “Let him settle his people. Build his empire. They’re willing to hand him exactly what he wants just to avoid conflict. They’re calling it a peaceful approach.”
I was appalled.
“Whose idea was this?” I demanded.
No one answered.
“Honestly,” Denzel said, “I asked the same question. They claim it emerged independently during separate meetings then somehow gained traction until it sounded more reasonable than our solution.”
I clenched my fists.
“They want to meet this evening,” he added, “in King Donovan’s territory.”
I shook my head immediately.
“No,” I said firmly. “Tell them the meeting will be held here. I don’t trust anyone and I don’t like specifics when there may be deeper schemes at play.”
Rayon nodded in agreement.
“I’ll make the call,” Denzel said grimly. “They’ll comply unless they’re prepared to revolt against the Lycan throne.”
Neither of us was pleased.
Not even close.