Chapter 49 49
Denzel’s POV
The king and I locked eyes, the air between us taut and unmoving. He studied me carefully, searching my gaze for hesitation, for submission. What he found instead made something dark flicker in his eyes.
Fabian already knew my answer wouldn’t please him. He had pushed for it anyway. And now, it was time to give him exactly what he’d asked for.
“As long as no one goes behind my back to attack the bears,” I said evenly, my voice calm but unyielding, “and as long as no one tries to stylishly manufacture a war, I will not bend to any demands for peace.” I paused, letting the weight of my next words settle. “But if this happens again if another incident occurs and they demand Jalisa, then I will give her up willingly to save lives.”
His jaw tightened.
“You might want King Donovan out of the picture,” I continued, stepping closer, “but you and I both know the Lycans would never allow you to ascend their throne. Most of the shifter community loathes you. I am disliked by association because I married your daughter. But you don’t see that, do you? All you see is ambition.”
I shook my head slowly. “You haven’t even considered that the bears possess strength equal to ours. A war with them wouldn’t crown you king of anything it would wipe us all out. Is the Lycan throne so important to you that you’re blind to the consequences of your actions?”
I met his gaze head-on. “If we went to war and you somehow survived, who exactly would you rule over, Your Majesty? Corpses?”
I took another step forward, unafraid now. “I don’t think only of today. I think of the future. Instead of bleeding our people dry for your ego, I would rather find the one who issued the false order to attack the bears. I would rather deal with them permanently so this never happens again. It is wrong to demand people sacrifice their lives for pride.”
I stood directly before him now, my eyes unwavering.
“You need to understand something about me, Your Majesty. I do not desire much. I am content where I stand. I don’t care for thrones or crowns. I am an Alpha first and foremost and my duty is to the Blood Moon Pack. The world could burn, and as long as I didn’t light the match and my people are safe, I will mind my business.”
I inhaled slowly. “You know I am a passive man. Do not mistake that for weakness. Do not ask me to cross lines that will force me to act. You may be the Werewolf King, but even you have limits when it comes to Pack Alphas.”
I drew the line with my next words.
“I’m drawing it here.”
Then I turned the blade.
“Instead of reaching for the Lycan throne, why don’t you fix what’s rotting under your own rule? The Silver Forest Clan grows stronger by the day. They’re gaining territory and they’re doing it within wolf lands. That failure speaks volumes about our leadership.”
I tilted my head slightly. “Do you truly believe anyone would trust you with a greater throne when you’ve failed to secure the one you already hold? I doubt it, Your Majesty. Do your job. I’ll do mine.”
Silence followed.
Shock rippled through the room. No one had expected me to push back this hard but I had never been Fabian’s pawn.
The king’s gaze snapped to his daughter, fury blazing, then returned to me.
“You will be a father soon,” he said coldly.
I cringed before I could stop myself. With everything I now knew about Jalisa and Tyrell, the words felt foul in my mouth.
“Make my daughter happy,” he continued, “and do what is necessary. Replace the land you took from her. And send that Venessa girl here. I will deal with her. She is not permitted on your land. If she remains there, I will declare her an enemy of the crown.”
The order came out of nowhere but I understood his intent immediately.
He wanted to hurt me.
“If you disobey,” Fabian added, his tone sharp and final, “your actions will be considered treason against the werewolf crown. You will be declared an enemy and removed from consideration as my successor.”
I laughed.
The sound echoed harshly in the chamber.
Jalisa dropped to her knees, begging her father on my behalf.
Fabian had just exercised the full extent of his authority.
But he had made one fatal mistake he thought I would remain passive.
I might not go to war lightly, but I would destroy anyone who tried to take Venessa from me.
I lifted my gaze back to him, mockery laced thick in my voice.
“Why do you want the girl so badly?” I asked. “She’s far too young for you, Your Majesty.”
The insult landed cleanly.
And the fire in his eyes told me I had struck exactly where it hurt most.