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What could be scarier than the things he had already said to her? As she pondered this, he continued, "You are not allowed to smile at any man, do you understand? Your smile and your body should only be for me."

His expression was serious, leaving no room for negotiation. Valerie couldn’t let him ride on his high horse of arrogance for so long and asked, "And you? Are you allowed to smile at any woman?"

Alpha Denzel smiled, and his response surprised her. "It’s up to you to set your conditions, but as for me, I have stated mine, and you are not allowed to go against them."

He claimed she was a free woman, but the realization slowly dawned on her that his definition of freedom was vastly different from hers.

"You said I was a free woman, but now I feel caged," she said honestly, swallowing tightly. It was difficult for her to completely oppose him since he was technically her second chance mate.

This was why she found herself bending to his demands even when all she wanted to do was rebel. They might never be mated again, and since he claimed the rejection was false and proved it, they were stuck together until one of them miraculously found another mate.

Alpha Denzel shamelessly made his requests. If the rejection hadn’t occurred, the rules would have been the same, as he couldn’t stand anyone coming close or admiring what belonged to him.

"Your freedom lies only with me. You can walk freely around the pack with a stoic face as long as I’m with you. You can visit your former pack, but only with me. We shall attend all events together, and when I travel, you are coming with me." His demands were non-negotiable.

"Why?" Valerie sat up, frustration evident in her actions. Having a strong mate was already a challenge, but it was even more difficult with a domineering Alpha.

Alpha Denzel feared no one. He knew his strength and used it well. However, what Valerie did not know, was how much he loved her. If she could take advantage of it and make her demands, she might even be able to control him.

Alpha Denzel didn’t care if she didn’t like his rules, but one thing was certain. Even when enemies were locked alone together, a bond would form between them.

That was exactly what Alpha Denzel was doing. He wanted to take her mind off any other man to make it easier for her to fall in love with him. "Because I promised your wolf. Just trust me, and everything will be fine."

"I have my conditions too," Valerie said, sensing his intentions.

"State them," Alpha Denzel said casually, watching her intently. She was a beautiful piece of art he couldn’t take his eyes off. Before, he could pretend not to notice her, but not anymore.

"The same rule applies to you." Since she was stuck with him, she was going to set her conditions as well. No Alpha would want to be controlled by a woman, even if she was his Luna. Valerie expected him to refuse.

"But there should be an exception for Alessia and Luna Fernanda. She cares a lot about you," Alpha Denzel requested, indirectly accepting her conditions.

He wasn’t the kind of person who smiled a lot anyway. It only happened when he was with her, Luna Fernanda, or Alessia.

Valerie smiled at the mention of Luna Fernanda, adding, "She visited our pack a few times. She is a very good woman." Valerie recalled the times she spent with the woman and was not surprised that Alpha Denzel loved her so.

Unlike other Lunas who visited her pack, Luna Fernanda was like a mother. Valerie suddenly recalled how Alessia knew her. She had visited once with Luna Fernanda when Valerie was a teenager. Even then, she was yoked with responsibilities and did not have much time to chat with Alessia.

This was the reason why she did not remember Alessia immediately but Alessia had not forgotten their short time spent together.

Alpha Denzel smiled and revealed, "If you must know, she’s also my Auntie. My mother’s only sister. Alpha Idris is my direct cousin."

Valerie’s surprised expression as she held his gaze was priceless. "You don’t say."

"I’m dead serious." Alpha Denzel pulled her closer to the bed. She didn’t resist but lay on her side to face him.

"I guess Alpha Conrad didn’t know." If he did, both Alpha Idris and Luna Fernanda would have been history. Valerie appreciated that Alpha Denzel smartly protected the people close to his heart.

"Of course, he didn’t. Idris was the one who hinted that Conrad might be behind Lisa’s death. Turns out it was true."

Valerie sighed, still shocked by the news. "You have to reward him."

"I already did. He wanted business advice, so I spent a few days at his pack to help him." His tone turned serious, matching his previously relaxed expression.

"Valerie, there is much ahead of us. We might not have time for such a long conversation again. It’s almost daybreak, so I will excuse you from training today. All I want is your honesty. Is there anything you need to tell me? Consider today a day where I won’t get angry at anything you say."

Valerie searched her mind but couldn’t think of anything significant at the moment. "I can’t think of anything important to say right now."

Alpha Denzel smirked as he wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer. "Great then. So, do I get a reward? You know what I like." His gaze and voice softened, but Valerie suddenly felt hot, her cheeks and ears reddening.

"A kiss?" Valerie asked shyly. That was what he always asked for when he came as Ryker. She was getting used to Alpha Denzel’s complex personality, and she would be lying if she said it was easy.

Alpha Denzel kissed her briefly and pulled away. His voice filled with passion as his fingers caressed her body through the thin fabric she wore, making her heart race. "And more. I want access to your body, but I promise not to take our virginity until you get your wolf back."