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Valerie couldn’t pinpoint the reason for his question, but she didn’t dare to lie, though a part of her was afraid to admit it.

This was the first time they had a decent conversation without his emotional torment, and she hoped it would stay that way.

"No. I only said it out of anger."

It was fortunate they were sitting side by side, unable to see each other’s facial expressions.

Alpha Denzel’s hope was instantly crushed. "But I don’t like you either. However, I will never betray your pack. I’m still alive because of you."

Perhaps Alpha Denzel wasn’t the only one ruthless with words. It seemed Valerie was even more so when faced with Alpha Denzel.

Remembering that she unknowingly liked him as Ryker, it lessened some of the pain he felt from her harsh words. "At least you know how to show appreciation."

He rose to his feet, causing Valerie to breathe a sigh of relief. No matter how hard she tried, his presence made her uneasy. His departure without another word was even better, but she couldn’t help but notice his striking good looks.

No Alpha or warrior came close to the handsomeness of Alpha Denzel, not even Ryker. However, a man who was as handsome as a beauty god and as ruthless as a monster, was still a monster.

Alpha Denzel looked even more intimidating when dressed in all black, as he did before coming to see her. Was this all for the pack, or was he traveling once again?

Valerie almost asked out of curiosity, but recalling how he mentioned taking her with him to Las Vegas, she wondered if her shoulder injury was the only thing holding him back.

Or perhaps he had forgotten, so it was better for her to keep quiet about it. Alpha Denzel didn’t immediately leave the pack house but was on a video call in his car with his managers and other dons back in Los Angeles.

The sun had already set by the time he finished his video calls on his iPad. His phone had been silent the whole time, and upon picking it up, he saw two messages from his secret number. One was a simple ’thank you’ sent hours ago, which meant a lot to him.

The second one warmed his heart even more. It simply said, ’I miss you,’ sent about fifteen minutes ago. A smile crept onto his lips as he thought about her confession.

Most women wouldn’t text that to someone they didn’t have a relationship with, but that’s why she was Luna Valerie, unafraid to speak her mind. Alpha Denzel recalled how she hugged him the last time he appeared as Ryker.

Was she falling in love with him? He hoped the moon goddess would fulfill her part to give Valerie a new wolf. If she was missing him, it was a good sign, and he was glad Valerie had a phone and his number.

Alpha Denzel contemplated whether to leave or go see her. Not sure how quickly Godic would finish the assignment he gave or how long he would be at the Litha Moon pack, he replied, ’Do you want to see me?’

’If it’s possible, then yes,’ she responded promptly.

He replied with a heart emoji before changing into his disguised form. It was fortunate he had a spare since he left the other one hidden during the storm. He also had enough unworn clothes in his car with the unique perfume he used when he wanted to appear as Ryker.

Remembering how she always complained about his beard, he trimmed it slightly. When he knocked on her door, she responded without asking who it was. "Come in."

Though disappointed not to receive a big hug like last time, he was still amazed that she had cooked for him.

"I thought you’d be hungry," she said, pulling out a chair for him. It was like a woman courting a man, but Valerie’s thoughts were far from what Ryker was thinking. He noticed her wrapped shoulder.

"You’re injured. What happened?" He pretended not to know as he sat on the chair she pulled out for him. Valerie sat in front of him and began to dish out the food onto a plate for him but didn’t add an extra for herself.

"I saw some stranded twins during the storm and tried to be a heroine," she joked, making light of the situation.

Ryker didn’t look amused but appreciated her sense of humor, asking, "Can I take a look?"

Valerie reluctantly shook her head. "The doctor treated me already. No need to worry."

Ryker had been thinking of giving her something to occupy her aside from painting to prepare her for any challenges ahead. After eliminating Alpha Conrad, he was certain that all the other Alphas secretly supporting him would rise up.

He would need all of Valerie’s strength for the upcoming war since he wasn’t going to continue paying his dues to the peace council as he threatened. "I’m just worried because I came up with an idea, but I don’t know how that’s going to work out now."

Despite everything, he couldn’t resist the aroma of her dishes, instinctively helping himself to them. "This is delicious. Did you take a cooking class or something?" He asked after tasting the food and taking another bite of the deviled eggs.

"Thank you, but I’m more interested in this idea you’re talking about," Valerie responded, redirecting their attention to the pending matter.

Ryker paused and stared at her. He couldn’t believe she cooked everything on the table with one hand. "I wanted to teach you how to make fighting equipment."

Valerie didn’t hesitate and was already very interested. "I’m ready."

Ryker gave a pained smile. "But your arm."

Valerie was determined, saying, "I don’t care. Finish eating, and let’s go."

She knew she had to train harder, being the only human among wolves. Time was precious at this moment, but Ryker was also quite disturbed, asking, "Have you eaten already?"

"I did while I was texting you," she responded instantly, holding each other’s gaze. Ryker was captivated every moment he spent with her. Unable to contain his feelings any longer, he asked desperately,

"Val, I love you so much. Do you not feel anything for me?"