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’Wait, I need to ask her first,’ Alpha Denzel ended the mindlink and turned to Valerie. "Who is Aticus?" He asked seriously, surprised to see her face lit up.

"He’s a childhood friend. Is he here?" The excitement in her eyes made Alpha Denzel frown. How could she so confidently show interest in seeing another man who wasn’t Alpha Denzel?

"He’s at the gate, but I won’t let him in," he said seriously, feeling angered by her eagerness to see Aticus.

Knowing Alpha Denzel’s jealousy, Valerie quickly tried to reassure him. "Don’t be mean. I was just eight when he left the pack. Please let me see him, Denzel. He means no harm," Valerie pouted, revealing a childish side that Alpha Denzel had never seen before.

However, his recent conversation with Clide left him with doubts. Aticus might not be who Valerie thought he was, or he might have changed.

"That’s not what I heard," he replied with mixed feelings, Valerie sighed, thinking of a way to explain it to him.

"Trust me, Denzel. Aticus is harmless. Please let him in," she insisted, her enthusiasm shining through.

Somehow, Alpha Denzel found himself wanting to see more of that enthusiasm. Perhaps he should set aside Clide’s warning and trust his woman. "If that’s what you say, then fine."

Valerie was pleased that he relented and made a mental note to not disappoint him. Alpha Denzel mindlinked the warrior at the gate. ’One of you should escort him to the packhouse.’

Ending the mindlink, he turned to Valerie. "Let’s go back to the packhouse."

Her smile was enchanting as she followed him instantly. Aticus was a member of the Yellow Stone Pack and two years older than Valerie.

His parents had relocated to the human world when he was ten, breaking contact with his best friend, Valerie.

Arriving at the packhouse, Valerie checked the fridge for leftovers. Alessia had made extra food, but Valerie had also cooked, so there was more than enough.

She began to warm food for Aticus, while Alpha Denzel watched in a daze. He struggled to control his emotions as he watched his woman being so happy to meet a male friend.

Alpha Denzel had never had a female friend before, so he was clueless about any expectations. Soon, a warrior arrived with a man.

Seeing Alpha Denzel, the warrior bowed slightly and left. Aticus had jet-black hair, similar to Alpha Denzel’s, but he was average-looking.

"You must be Alpha Denzel," Aticus said courteously. Alpha Denzel had not seen him before, indicating that he lived away from the packs.

Keeping his knowledge about Aticus to himself, Alpha Denzel’s expression remained stoic as he faced the man. "You must be Aticus."

Aticus seemed slightly uncomfortable. Alpha Denzel’s voice carried authority, and combined with his looks, it was clear why many Alphas envied him.

Alpha Denzel was also the strongest and most powerful Alpha so far. Though being away from the pack, Aticus still heard the stories of the great and mighty Alpha.

What he did not expect was some other Alphas approaching him to convince him into rekindling his relationship with Valerie, including forcefully making her his.

Aticus knew he could never win a fight against Alpha Denzel and forced a smile. "That’s me. Where is Val?"

The only advantage he had over Alpha Denzel was his friendship with Valerie.

"Right here," Valerie smiled, appearing from the kitchen entrance with a tray containing food, drink, and water.

"Little Val is all grown up." Aticus naturally took the food from her. "Where should I take this?" He asked, stealing glances at the nonchalant Alpha Denzel.

"That’s for the dining table. It’s yours," Valerie smiled. It had been a long time since she had seen Aticus, and he had grown up.

However, those green eyes were a clear indication that this was indeed Aticus. Alpha Denzel was annoyed by how easily she had forgotten the rules and was smiling at Aticus.

Nevertheless, he didn’t want to ruin her happiness. He knew exactly how to address the situation later.

What annoyed him the most was when Aticus hugged Valerie warmly, but she remembered something and politely pushed him away.

"No need for hugs."

Disappointment flashed in Aticus’s eyes but was quickly replaced with a forced smile. "Come on, it’s been decades."

Valerie absentmindedly gestured for him to sit. "I know. Eat up. You must be hungry."

"Yes, I am." A smile appeared on Aticus’s face. As he ate, they chatted, so Alpha Denzel decided to give them some space, most likely to continue with his calls.

"I’ll wait for you upstairs," he said to Valerie, his expression remaining blank. Knowing he wasn’t happy with her male visitor, Valerie didn’t insist on his staying.

Instead, she asked him, "Alright. I’ll be up soon. Denzel, would it be okay if he stayed the night? He didn’t give prior notice."

Valerie’s eyes dulled, expecting him to reject her offer. To her surprise, he responded, "This is your home, so why do you need my permission?"

The response surprised and pleased Valerie. She climbed the stairs to meet him halfway. "Thank you, Denzel. I love you so much."

She stood on her toes and kissed him on the lips. It lasted for three seconds, and Alpha Denzel instinctively wrapped his arms around her waist to deepen the kiss and show the visitor that she was his woman.

Aticus’s gaze darkened, and he vented his anger, envy, and jealousy on the food.

Upstairs, Alpha Denzel called Clide on the phone again. "Are you sure about Aticus?" He asked seriously, wanting to trust Valerie’s judgment but Clide had more information to share.

"Yes, Alpha. He plans to forcefully mark her. That way, no other Alpha can have her until she accepts him."

Alpha Denzel’s anger flared up instantly, but he responded softly to Clide. "Thank you for telling me."

Alpha Denzel decided to intervene after ending the call when he heard a loud growl.

Rushing downstairs, he was shocked to see bloodstains on his expensive leather sofas. The sight of Aticus was horrifying.

"What happened?" He asked Valerie, whose hands were covered in blood drops on her face. From her gaze, it was clear that her wolf was upset.