Chapter 44 44
Denzel’s POV
“I am willing to offer land and money,” I said steadily. “If there is something that requires treatment, I can loan you my healer. But I cannot give her to you.”
Keon laughed.
Not amused mocking.
“You are not in a position to negotiate what you give or what you deny,” he said flatly.
I nodded once, acknowledging the truth of that statement.
“Then under these circumstances,” I said carefully, “I will plead with you to reconsider. My healer has been hiding in my pack because someone sent Lycans to kill her and her mother. They succeeded in killing her mother but she escaped.”
The room went quiet.
“I have a treaty with King Jamar. That is the only reason she has not been attacked again. She is protected because she is under my banner. I have sworn to keep her safe. I cannot knowingly place her in danger by handing her over.”
Keon shook his head dismissively.
“Let me deal”
“If I may, Alpha,” Rayon cut in calmly.
Keon shot him an irritated look, but Rayon continued.
“This is the wisest path. We do not want you dragged into a war with the Lycans. Whoever is hunting her is relentless and personal. They would not spare the bears. It seems to be something even our healer herself is unaware of.”
Keon slammed to his feet, fury blazing across his face.
“I will not listen to this nonsense. I made my demand.” His gaze locked onto me. “Are you going to give her to me or not?”
I turned instinctively toward Venessa.
Fear shimmered in her eyes.
But worse than fear betrayal.
Did she think I had brought her here to be handed over like property?
The truth burned in my chest. I had brought her because I did not trust Tyrell. Not for a second. If I had left her behind, he would have delivered her straight into Lycan hands before I ever returned.
I hoped desperately that she would see that.
Tears pooled in her eyes, and something inside me broke.
I swallowed my pride.
“Please,” I said quietly. “Alpha Keon.”
King Donovan spoke before Keon could respond.
“You must honor the demand, Denzel. You are in the wrong.” His voice was final, unyielding. “I do not want war either, but the chaos surrounding you has invited it. This does not need to be complicated. She is one person. Keon will keep her safe. Hand her over. End of discussion.”
Before I could stop myself, I dropped to my knees.
The room erupted in stunned silence.
Even King Donovan froze.
I was to be the future werewolf king and what I had just done was humiliating beyond measure. But pride meant nothing compared to Venessa. Compared to war.
“Please,” I said, my voice steady despite the storm inside me. “Do not take her from me. I am begging you.”
Keon stared at me, visibly shaken.
“She…” I started, my throat tightening.
“She is my fated mate.”
The words fell like thunder.
Shock rippled through the room Keon, Donovan, even Tonya stared.
“I cannot let her go,” I continued. “If you need something done, she can do it. I will ensure it. But please do not take her from me.”
Still on my knees, I made a silent vow.
Tyrell.
Jalisa.
Fabian.
They would pay for this.
King Donovan’s gaze moved from Venessa back to me.
“And your chosen mate?” he asked.
I bowed my head.
He chuckled softly. “I do not envy your position, Alpha Denzel. But I admire your humility and your devotion. You are a fine man.”
His expression hardened slightly.
“Unfortunately, you ended up aligned with Fabian.”
“I am not on his side,” I said quickly. “If I were, I would already be at war just as he demanded.”
King Donovan nodded once.
“Sit,” he ordered.
I rose and took my seat.
“I don’t care if” Keon began.
“That is enough,” King Donovan snapped. “Do not cross that line.”
Keon fell silent.
“You killed the men who attacked you,” Donovan continued. “This Alpha humbled himself and laid his heart bare before you. Take the land. Take the money. If you need healing, Denzel will lend his healer’s services.”
He leaned forward slightly.
“But you will not take his fated mate.”
His eyes sharpened.
“I, too, wish to avoid war. Denzel may appear passive but I do not believe he would remain peaceful if you took his woman.”
Then, firmly, “Let it go, Keon.”
Keon clenched his jaw but said nothing.
King Donovan turned back to me.
“You need to put your house in order, Alpha Denzel. Ensure this never happens again.”
With that, he stood.
“The servants will escort you to your rooms. Traveling back tonight would be unwise the Forest Clan grows stronger by the hour. I also invite you to dine with me. Stay the night.”
It wasn’t a request.
“It would be an honor, Your Majesty,” I replied.
He smiled faintly and left.
Keon remained behind, clearly displeased but he was letting it go. His gaze lingered on Venessa, filled with longing.
I knew then without doubt.
He didn’t want her for service.
He wanted her for himself.