Page 124

Alpha Denzel did not immediately answer her but instead sent another note to Alessia. ’Get the money ready for him. I would have Burke and some warriors ambush his warriors and take it back. Don’t worry. Just do as planned, but I will try to make it difficult for you.’

When he returned, there was a strange amusement in his tone as he said to Valerie, "We are having guests tonight. Let me make you lunch. I won’t be able to make you dinner."

Valerie had not forgotten what he said before stepping earlier and asked seriously, "You spoke about freedom, so why can’t I use the kitchen myself?" She was uncomfortable having the pack’s Alpha cook for her, though she knew how good he was at it.

He was also very busy, unlike her, who spent her days at the gym, eating, reading, and sleeping like a log. She had more energy reserved and could channel it to cooking. It could also help her to get a little away from the depressing room.

Valerie hated black interiors, so no matter how good it looked in Alpha Denzel’s room, she still could not be thrilled about it.

Alpha Denzel smiled a little, making her stare dreamily at him.

He could be like summer and winter at short intervals, but Valerie had to admit that his smile was contagious and breathtaking.

"Be patient. Just give it a few days," Alpha Denzel said before walking out of the door, preventing her from saying any more.

He caught up to Alessia at the safe house as she was taking something from the safe. He already knew what she was doing but asked suspiciously, "What are you doing here?"

Alessia pretended to be flustered, stammering, "I...I’m taking what the pack needs for the week."

Alpha Denzel drew closer and asked sternly, "How much are we looking at?"

Alessia quickly sent a text message to Alpha Conrad. ’Alpha Denzel is on my case. I need a distraction as I’m already at the safe house.’

When she was done, she winked at him. "Just enough."

"Let me see," Alpha Denzel said as his phone began to ring. When he saw the caller ID, he winked back at her and turned around. "I will take this call."

"Conrad," he said at the end of the line, and Alpha Conrad responded with their usual way of greeting.

"Denzel. It’s been a while." Alpha Denzel swallowed his anger and responded calmly.

"It would have been unless I hadn’t seen you in Las Vegas."

Alpha Conrad’s mind was blank as he hadn’t planned to call Alpha Denzel. It was just because Alessia was facing challenges with getting him the money. "Well, it’s been a while for me. Will it be okay for me to visit?"

Alpha Denzel pretended not to know about his arrangement with Alessia. "I don’t think so. I won’t have time to host you."

"I already know my way around." Alpha Conrad was trying to buy time until he received a message from Alessia, which he got shortly after.

’Done. I kept it in my room. He won’t see it.’

As soon as he read the message, he said on the phone, "Don’t worry about it. I will eat whatever I am served with." And ended the call.

Alessia had safely moved the money, so Alpha Denzel sent a mind link to Burke. ’Alpha Conrad and some of his men would be here tonight. Some of his men would leave first. Tail them with some warriors, retrieve the money, and kill them all.’

The ruthless Alpha Denzel had taken over, and he wasn’t going to let his enemies breathe.

At this juncture, he was not going to make it easy for Alpha Conrad.

If Burke would only retrieve the money, Alpha Conrad’s bodyguards would pass on the information, and he would be suspicious. Alpha Denzel did not want that.

He went to the kitchen to prepare enough food to store in the fridge for Valerie, himself, and Alessia before instructing the maids to cook for a banquet, as he would never eat food prepared by them.

Valerie happily munched the food on her plate before pausing. ’This food tastes like Ryker’s cooking.’ She froze instantly and stared at Alpha Denzel, who was eating casually. "Did you cook this food?" she asked seriously.

Alpha Denzel realized he had been caught. She must have remembered the taste of his food when he cooked for her as Ryker. "Did you expect somebody else to cook it for you?" He taunted, just so she would stop asking her suspicious questions.

Valerie did not dare to ask about her suspicions. Rather, she picked her phone when Alpha Denzel got distracted with his.

’I’m sorry, Ryker, I might not see you again. Alpha Denzel said it wasn’t safe to visit the cottage anymore.’ She really wanted to see Ryker, as his presence brought her joy. Thinking about Ryker, she failed to see the darkness in Alpha Denzel’s eyes when he stole a glance at her.

He was with her, but she was thinking of another man. What if that man wasn’t his disguised self? Did it mean she was not falling in love with him?

She received a prompt response, and since Alpha Denzel already dropped his cutlery and was messaging someone, her suspicion of him being Ryker was erased by his quick response, especially when she didn’t hear the sound of his phone beeping.

’Don’t worry. I will find you. Will you elope with me?’

Valerie was uncomfortable with the question and stole a glance at Alpha Denzel. With his eyes turned to the back, she knew he was mind linking someone. When he was done, he stared at her. His gaze was slightly cold.

"We have guests. Stay indoors until you are called, or you might get kidnapped."

Valerie did not understand the sudden change in his demeanor as he was warm in a moment, then cold in the next. His wolf must really be dominating him right now. Before she could ask him any questions, he was already gone.

When Alpha Denzel descended the stairs to receive Alpha Conrad, he was shocked by the number of Alphas the latter brought along.