Chapter 26 26
Venessa’s POV
“We both know Venessa wouldn’t be the right choice for that,” Denzel said firmly. “You tried to frame her once. I won’t allow you to do it again. Get Alesha or someone else to attend to you. Unless you’ve been poisoned or are suffering from an incurable illness, you have no use for Venessa.”
The moment the words landed, I excused myself and left.
I could hardly believe what had just happened. Denzel had stood up for me openly, unapologetically and Nigel had flashed so strongly I felt it in my bones. It strengthened my resolve. If I needed motivation to expose Jalisa, that was it. The Werewolf King was a creep through and through, and suddenly Jalisa’s twisted behavior made far too much sense.
I returned to my room and showered, scrubbing away the lingering tension. Thanks to Jalisa, I had missed lunch, and hunger gnawed at me. I decided to head into town and eat at a restaurant before they closed. I dressed simply and made my way out.
Near the gate, I saw Denzel standing alone.
The air shifted instantly awkward, heavy, loaded with everything we couldn’t say. We were so close, yet forbidden from touching. Night had already fallen, and I didn’t have much time.
“All dressed up,” he remarked, his gaze dropping to my jeans and T-shirt.
I smiled faintly. “If this counts as dressed up, then sure, Alpha.”
His eyes darkened. “Call me by my name when we’re alone, Venessa.”
I shook my head. “To what end? You can’t leave her, and I’ll be gone in a few months. There’s no point lying to ourselves.”
Pain clouded his gaze, his dark eyes turning misty. “I’m sorry, Venessa. I stopped touching her”
“You don’t owe me explanations,” I cut in gently.
He fell silent.
Then he stopped me, pulled me against his body. The eyes staring back at me were black Nigel fully present.
“I still want you,” he said hoarsely. “I could hold you like this for a lifetime. I know you want to leave, but can you reconsider? Just give me time.”
Tears gathered in my eyes as his voice broke.
“I want to run away with you,” he confessed. “I’ve fought this, I swear I have but I can’t anymore. It’s only you. Don’t ask me to let go, Venessa. I can’t. We’re bound. The Goddess made it so we can’t walk away from each other. Please… stay. I’m begging you. Don’t ask me to leave you because I can’t.”
A tear slipped down his cheek. The war raging inside him was unmistakable, and it tore at my heart.
“Denzel,” I whispered.
He kissed me then desperate, hungry, his lips crashing into mine. His tongue pleaded for entry, and I surrendered, letting him explore without restraint. His hands gripped my waist, holding me tightly, as though afraid I might disappear. I felt how badly he needed me, and a soft moan escaped before I could stop it.
Reality struck. Someone could see us.
I pulled away, breathless. His dark gaze never left mine.
“Please,” was all he said.
I remembered that look the same one he’d worn the night I served him the poisoned tea. That same terrible resolve. The kind that led to death. The realization chilled me.
I couldn’t lose him again.
“I’ll wait,” I said softly. “But be wise.”
His eyes faded back to grey.
“You linked me to meet you in the deserted service quarters,” he said. “What was that about? What were you doing there?”
I hesitated, choosing my words carefully.
“Two people were… together there,” I said. “Hiding. It felt suspicious. Unless they weren’t supposed to be.”
His brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”
“I wanted to amuse you, Alpha. Next time I invite you to watch, please come. Sometimes seeing really is believing.”
He frowned. “Do you know who they were?”
I shook my head. “I wanted to find out with you.”
A smile tugged at his lips. “You’re naughty, Venessa. Spying on people having sex in secret isn’t exactly proper.”
I smiled back. “Yet you enjoy watching me touch myself at night.”
He froze.
“Don’t worry,” I added lightly. “My curtain will remain closed until further notice.”
A low growl vibrated from his chest.
“Mine,” Nigel rumbled.
I smiled, stepping back. “Next time I call you, please show up. I’d appreciate it.”
Then I excused myself.
My heart raced as I walked away, but I forced myself to stay calm. I hoped I’d given him enough reason to answer me next time. He needed to see it for himself. Hearing it from Rayon wouldn’t be enough but witnessing the truth with his own eyes would change everything.