Chapter 74 74
Denzel’s POV
I had summoned the wedding officiator and instructed the kitchen staff to prepare for a celebration. After what had happened with Jalisa, I had also hired a food taster one who would remain in place permanently. I refused to risk another poisoning incident.
After breakfast, we headed to the field where the entire settlement had gathered. I stood on the stage, Venessa at my side, facing the elders and the pack.
“By now, you have all heard about my divorce from Princess Jalisa,” I began, sweeping my gaze across the crowd. “I have also heard the rumours claiming Venessa is the reason for it.”
I paused. I had no intention of revealing that Jalisa was a bastard never truly a princess at all. It was almost tragic, considering how she had worn that title like a crown and used it to belittle others.
“Jalisa and I divorced because she was sleeping with Beta Tyrell her true fated mate. The child she carries is his, not mine. That is why the marriage was dissolved. Venessa, on the other hand, is my fated,” I said.
Gasps rippled through the crowd, followed by murmurs.
“We rejected the bond because I was already married. But after discovering the truth about Jalisa and Tyrell, I chose to accept my bond with Venessa and move forward with my life. The days ahead will be difficult and confusing, but I promise you this I will restore order.”
The field was deathly silent.
“The king has cut ties with us. We will no longer conduct business within King Fabian’s pack or the territories that support him. I know some of you are considering relocating to his kingdom. If you wish to denounce this pack and leave, you are free to do so no one will stop you. But for those who stay, know this: I will do everything in my power to protect you and provide for you.”
No one spoke.
“Tonight,” I continued, tightening my grip on Venessa’s hand, “Venessa and I will be married. May her reign as Luna bring prosperity to the Blood Moon Pack.”
The silence shattered into cheers. Her name was chanted with respect, voices rising in unity as they hailed her. Not everyone looked pleased I saw the envy plainly. Some were young women. Others were older, disappointed that Fate had not bound me to their daughters.
I pulled Venessa closer and kissed her before them all.
Once, I had rejected and humiliated her publicly to appease Jalisa. That memory burned in my chest.
I owed Venessa more than I could ever repay, and I prayed the time we had left would be enough to atone for my stupidity.
“I, Denzel Shaw, accept my bond with you, Venessa Gordon,” I declared. “My home is your home. My strength is your strength. My heart beats for you alone, and my love is yours to command. I swear never to betray you, never to forsake you, and never to harm you until my final breath.”
She gasped.
I understood why but no matter how this life ended, she would always live in my heart.
She searched my eyes, and I let her see everything my certainty, my devotion, my truth. Tears welled in hers.
“I, Venessa Gordon, accept my bond with you, Denzel Shaw,” she said, her voice steady despite the emotion. “I promise to love, respect, and protect you until I die. I will be your eyes and your ears and always place you first, no matter the circumstance. My heart, my soul, and my love will always be yours.”
The pack erupted in cheers.
I could have claimed her then and there, but I wanted it to be special private. I wanted to sink my teeth into her neck when we were alone, when nothing else existed.
The entire day passed in preparation, anticipation thick in the air. When evening finally came, I was surprised to see Tyrell and Jalisa among the guests. My instincts flared, but Rayon placed a steadying hand on my arm.
“It’s for the pack,” he murmured. “They need proof that what you said was true. Seeing her with Tyrell will silence any lingering doubt. An Alpha’s word carries weight, but trust must be reinforced. They’re being watched they won’t dare cause trouble.”
I nodded, trusting my beta’s judgment.
Venessa sat beside me in a white lace gown that revealed just enough to drive me mad while hiding everything that mattered. Sitting next to her had me painfully aroused. I discreetly adjusted myself, tucking my cock to the side to conceal the evidence of how badly I wanted her.
When it was time, we knelt before the elders. The officiator bound Venessa’s hands to mine with a length of yarn, winding it carefully around our wrists as blessings were spoken over us. By the time the final words were said, the bond felt tangible real.
The ceremony ended, followed by hours of celebration food, drink, laughter. And finally, blessedly, it was time to retire.
I didn’t wait.
I lifted Venessa into my arms and carried her up the stairs, down the hall, and into my chamber. She wrapped her arms around my neck, and the world narrowed until only her existed.
I was grateful grateful for Fate, for redemption, for this second chance. Loving Venessa felt as natural as breathing. She was made for me.
I laid her gently on the bed.
“Tonight,” I said, my voice low and certain, “I take what is mine.”
She exhaled.