Chapter 29 29
Venessa’s POV
After a hearty meal at the restaurant in town, I returned to my bedroom. The room felt too quiet as I stretched out on the bed, staring at the ceiling, my thoughts spiraling toward what lay ahead. Whatever was coming next, I knew one thing for certain the fire I had seen in Denzel’s eyes hadn’t faded. It was still there. He was still mine, even if neither of us dared say it out loud.
I only hoped that when my time here was over, he would be strong enough to let go.
I had a single purpose now: expose Jalisa and save Denzel’s life. Everything else my feelings, my pain, my longing had to come second. I would focus on that goal with everything I had.
“Tomorrow, we eavesdrop on Jalisa’s plans in her office,” I said firmly.
That office was where I had first uncovered her true intentions. I still remembered overhearing her conversation with her father’s envoy words spoken in confidence that revealed more than she ever intended. That moment had lit a fire in me, pushing me to dig deeper, to try harder. This time, though, I needed to be smarter. More careful.
To make my presence seem harmless, I would bring her a parfait a peace offering, sweet and disarming. I already knew the words I would use, the expressions I would wear. I would manipulate her the same way she had manipulated the pack… the same way she had turned Denzel against me.
Once the plan for the next day was set, exhaustion finally claimed me, and I drifted into sleep.
Morning came quickly. I dressed carefully, choosing clothes that made me feel like myself again. Still, there was an ache in my chest I couldn’t ignore. I missed Denzel’s voice in my head the way he used to reach for me through our bond. Since Jalisa’s pregnancy, that connection had gone silent, and the absence hurt more than I cared to admit.
At breakfast, I entered the hall and, as usual, didn’t spare Denzel a single glance. Rayon joined me instead, his presence easy and familiar. We laughed, talked, let the moments feel normal. Then the king arrived.
I felt his gaze on me almost immediately heavy, unyielding. It lingered so long that Tonya linked me mid-meal, asking if something had happened between the king and me because he hadn’t taken his eyes off me once. When he finally spoke and the crowd erupted in cheers, I used the distraction to leave the hall.
I headed for the garden, intending to wait until Jalisa was settled in her office with her father’s envoy. I needed to confirm that her plans hadn’t changed. Eavesdropping again felt risky but necessary.
On my way, I passed Denzel and his men training. I greeted them politely and kept moving, my eyes fixed straight ahead. I didn’t look at him. I couldn’t.
I settled onto a bench and let the quiet beauty of the garden calm my nerves. About thirty minutes later, Rayon approached.
“How are you holding up?” he asked.
I sighed as he joined me. I noticed he’d left training early, but I didn’t question it. I was grateful for the company.
“Don’t give up on him, Venessa,” he said gently. “There may still be hope for both of you.”
I turned to him, curiosity flickering in my chest. He studied me for a moment, clearly debating something. I waited, barely breathing. Finally, he sighed and offered a small smile.
“Don’t get your hopes up,” he said, “but I suspect the baby might not be his.”
Shock hit me hard, leaving me speechless.
Rayon met my stare, unflinching. “I’m observant, Venessa. That’s why people tend to hide things when I’m around. I’ve seen the way Jalisa and Tyrell look at each other the same way you and Denzel used to. Yours was the look of two people fighting something powerful. Theirs?” He shook his head. “They’re hiding something. It’s different but close enough to notice.”
I couldn’t find my voice. My mind reeled.
“Don’t misunderstand me,” he continued. “Jalisa and Denzel don’t love each other. They’re bound by duty, nothing more. And that means we have to push Denzel to make him fight for your bond harder than ever.”
My eyes burned with unshed tears as I looked at him. The selflessness in his expression nearly broke me.
“Why?” I asked softly.
He lowered his head before answering. “Because you’re extraordinary, Venessa. As much as I wanted you for myself, I know the truth. You’d be an incredible mate for Denzel a powerful Luna for the Blood Moon Pack. One day, a great Werewolf Queen.”
He looked back up, his voice steady. “We have to think about what’s best for our kind. The Lycans and the Bears they’ve found balance. It isn’t perfect, but it works. Jalisa’s father has already done enough damage to the werewolves, and I believe she’ll follow in his footsteps. She isn’t right for Denzel. The pack sees that especially after what happened with Alesha.”
Tears streamed freely down my face.
“I want what’s best for my Alpha. For our people. And that’s you, Venessa. You’ll change everything here.”
In that moment, I understood why saving Rayon mattered so much. I needed him alive not just for himself, but because Denzel’s life depended on it too. It also explained why Jalisa and Tyrell had been so cautious.
“Let’s pretend we’re getting back together,” Rayon said, his tone turning strategic. “A kiss here and there. Denzel will feel it through the bond. It’s the push he needs to choose right. He needs to know time isn’t on his side. His happiness matters too.”
A wicked smile curved my lips. I knew exactly what he was suggesting and I was ready.
“I think we can trust him, Venessa,” Nyla urged inside my head.
“Not yet,” I replied. “Let’s wait.”
She growled her displeasure, but one thing was clear it was time to start leaving my window open at night again.
I left the garden, prepared the parfait, and quietly made my way toward Jalisa’s office. The hallway was empty, just like before. She must have sent the guards away again ensuring privacy for secrets she never expected me to hear.