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"It’s easier to find a dead body than a living person. My men didn’t find any traces of a corpse at the locations you mentioned. There are also no signs of cremations there," Alpha Denzel revealed to Valerie after receiving a call from a private investigator.

Valerie thought carefully. It shouldn’t be so difficult to find and give her late father a proper burial, right? Alpha Denzel’s men were equally capable, so what could be happening?

"But that’s what Tristan and the warriors told me," Valerie tried to recall. Even if the corpse had decayed significantly, there should still be some skeletal remains. Valerie couldn’t shake off her frustration at not finding anything concrete from the searches.

"When we go there after the coronation, we can question him again," Alpha Denzel comforted her in his warm embrace. Valerie leaned in, enjoying his warmth as her thoughts swirled around.

"Alright. Thank you."

As if remembering something, Alpha Denzel pulled away, looked into her eyes, and spoke seriously. "I also have to tell you that after Troy’s coronation, I will have to take you with me to Las Vegas."

Valerie smiled, no longer afraid of being alone with him. In fact, she enjoyed his company. Alpha Denzel was concerned that she didn’t want to go due to her silence and decided to explain his reasons.

"You need to understand the businesses there, and I believe that place would be more suitable for you."

"I’d like to see what that place looks like," Valerie beamed, a sigh of relief escaping him. Perhaps his mind was just playing tricks on him because of how cautious he was. An idea popped into his mind, and he casually asked her,

"Well, I have one question for you. Do you know how to dance?"

Valerie’s cheeks flushed red. "No. My dancing skills aren’t as great as Ashley’s."

Alpha Denzel smirked. "I will teach you then. It’s not difficult anyway." He couldn’t wait to take her to Las Vegas. He felt strongly that something good would happen to her there.

"I prefer you to Ryker," she playfully shoved him on the chest. Alpha Denzel pinched her pointed nose playfully in return.

"That’s great progress." He was relieved that Ryker was no longer on her mind. Now, it was just him and her, with all pretenses forgotten. Glancing at his expensive wristwatch, he reminded her.

"Alessia cooked, so let’s eat before we embark on our journey."

As the two descended the stairs, Alessia let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding. Finally, they paused their affectionate display to come and eat, but they were dressed as if they were leaving right after brunch.

"You always take Val everywhere. When are you taking me out, Denzel? Don’t forget I haven’t enjoyed the treatment as your sister. What if I find my mate?" Alessia voiced her concern. She wanted some time with her brother too.

Valerie could sympathize with her. Alpha Denzel showered her with all the attention, neglecting his sister. She also felt slightly guilty.

"She’s right. Why don’t you make this trip with Alessia? I can take care of the pack," Valerie suggested, but knowing his intention was to make Valerie fall in love with him through their closeness, he didn’t accept it.

"Okay. After our trip to Las Vegas, the next one will be with Alessia. How about that?" Alpha Denzel didn’t want to be caught between two women one day, but that’s what was happening.

He was certain that after all the fun activities he had planned, Valerie would have clarity on her feelings for him after that trip. Her wolf might be closer to her than expected.

Alessia agreed to the arrangement. Since she hadn’t found her mate in either the Evergreen or Litha Moon pack, it was obvious that her mate would be in a different pack.

"Okay. Thank you so much. I just want to spend some time with my brother since I don’t have to hide it anymore."

Valerie patted her on the back. "I understand. You two made a great sacrifice to keep your relationship hidden." She tasted the sandwich Alessia made and smiled. "And I think you’ve improved a lot with the salt and pepper. This is delicious," Valerie complimented her.

Alessia’s heart warmed by Valerie’s compliment, but her brother’s opinion was also important to her. "Thanks, Val. And what do you say, Denzel?"

Alpha Denzel had almost finished his plate before responding, "I’d say fifty percent."

Alessia wanted to cry at the remark, but Valerie shoved Alpha Denzel on the chest. He pretended to be hurt as she comforted Alessia. "Don’t listen to him. This is ninety percent," Valerie corrected, and Alessia hugged her.

"I love you so much, Val. I’m so glad to have you as my brother’s mate."

"I have the best mate’s sister in the world, you know?" Valerie hugged her back. Their peaceful moment was interrupted when Alpha Denzel suddenly asked after receiving a mindlink.

"Alpha Tristan is here. Would you like to see him?"

Valerie frowned and pulled away from the hug, feeling like Alpha Denzel was a mood killer. "Will you let me kill him?"

Alpha Denzel sounded amused as he responded. "Well, I’ve been told that he’s crying. Don’t you want to know why?" He was curious to know what could make Alpha Tristan cry, but Valerie was more concerned about the trip.

"Aren’t we late?"

Alpha Denzel thought for a moment before responding to her question. "The coronation is in three days. We are just going to rest there and also take Adira along."

Shock registered on Valerie’s face. She and Adira were not on good terms. "Adira?"

Alpha Denzel forced a smile. "I will explain later, but should I let Tristan in or not?" He asked again after another mindlink zapped through, requesting his approval.

"Let him in," Valerie finally agreed.

When Alpha Tristan walked in with his beta, no one could recognize him. "What happened to him?" Alpha Denzel asked Hugo, his beta, who went to kneel before Valerie with his head bowed.