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"Val, why are you crying?" Denzel sat on the bed and gathered her in his arms, worried, as he asked.

She was joyful before he left and could not understand the sudden change in her mood. This was the first time she cried after they mated and marked each other.

Denzel could not wrap his head around whatever got her into this mood. Worse, Valerie tried to wiggle out of his embrace, "I want to sleep."

Denzel’s arms tightened around her waist, caging her safely as he pointed out. "But you are crying. Tell me what happened. Who hurt you?"

Valerie stared at him, wanting to throw angry words at him but could not find the strength. They had both not slept on the journey so it was natural for her body to demand rest.

"No one. Allow me to have some rest." She tried to pull his hand away but Denzel’s heart was breaking and he wondered who to ask for information at this moment.

Alice did not seem like she knew anything due to how she had received him, and Denzel knew the only person Valerie would feel comfortable confiding in was Alessia.

Sadly, she was equally far away from the pack. "Val, please let’s talk about this."

Valerie stared at him with blurry eyes and asked solemnly. "Where did you go?"

Denzel stiffened slightly, wondering if she had followed him, but he would have noticed it from her scent.

After tomorrow, he would no longer keep any secrets from her, and this was the last time he was going to lie to her.

"I already told you. I went to check a few things around the pack."

A bitter smile lined the corner of Valerie’s lips as she forcefully broke from the hug and pulled the duvet over her head. "Goodnight."

"Val..." Denzel was about to pull the duvet when she hit his hand.

"Don’t touch me."

Denzel was offended but swallowed it. Maybe it was that time of the month for her. She never showed weakness from that side before, but who knew whether things had changed?

"If that is what you want, but I have a surprise for you tomorrow."

Not expecting a response from her, he got a one-word reply, "Sure."

The next day, Denzel expected the grudge to continue, but Valerie even apologized. "I’m sorry for last night. I acted rather childish."

Her behavior seemed strange to Denzel, but since he could not pinpoint exactly what was going on, he quickly brushed it aside.

"Whatever makes you happy, Val. After training, I will be out for a while."

Valerie’s expression instantly turned gloomy, not understanding Denzel’s sudden desire to keep things from her.

She wanted to ask exactly what he planned to do out of the pack, but another idea popped into her mind, and she swallowed it.

"Alright. I will see you when you get back."

That was also not a response Denzel expected, but the certainty of everything being okay after his return with her father and Ashley gave him the courage to do as he planned.

Leaning in, he kissed her on the lips, but realized that Valerie’s lips were pursed together. She was rejecting his kiss, and that did not sit well with him.

"Are you rejecting me?"

Valerie swallowed tightly, and when their gazes met, she quickly responded. "I’m not in the mood."

Denzel forced a smile. Her behavior was so weird, but nonetheless, he would have time for her from tomorrow.

"Alright. Let’s go."

Training went on without problems, and there, Valerie was herself. Denzel was concerned about her quick switches in personality, but as soon as training was over, he mind-linked Burke.

’Keep an eye on Valerie and make sure the temporary house for the two rogues is furnished with the necessary needs.’

’Yes, Alpha,’ Burke responded instantly.

Denzel arrived at the rogue community, and tension filled the air instantly. Unlike the first time he came with Burke and the investigator, he was all alone this time.

However, he was still as intimidating as ever, even in his training attire. As expected, Fusion came to meet him at the entrance.

"Alpha Denzel, to what do we owe this visit?"

"I’m here to see Alpha Lawn. Get out of my way," Denzel snarled, and Fusion took a step back but followed him closely.

Ashley was dressed nicely, and so was Raven and Roy, but Denzel’s eyes were moist when they landed on Alpha Lawn.

He had lost so much weight and was looking lanky, but the smile on his face was exceptional.

"I have come to take you home, Dad," Denzel said with a smile, a tear rolled down the cheek of the middle-aged man.

"I never had a son through my DNA, but your calling me Dad makes me feel as if you are my biological son. Thank you very much," the middle-aged man held his hand out to Denzel, but instead, Denzel hugged him.

"I love Valerie, so her father is equally mine. Thanks for birthing such a strong, courageous, and loving woman. I would have died without her love."

"You deserve it, son." Alpha Lawn’s voice sounded weak but was still laced with excitement. He looked older and had more gray hairs for his age.

The smell of herbs still encased him. Nevertheless, Denzel was certain that with proper nutrition, exercise, and peace, Alpha Lawn would regain himself completely.

Alpha Denzel looked around and asked worriedly. "Where is the rogue Alpha? I have a gift for him."

Raven’s head lowered as she revealed. "He left earlier this morning. Didn’t want to see us leave."

"I understand. Give this to your mother to give to him. If you two behave well, then there might be room for your parents and others," Alpha Denzel spoke sincerely.

Raven had mannerisms similar to Alice, ranging from their petite form and innocent looks, but Raven looked and was physically tougher than Alice.

"Thank you, Alpha Denzel. We won’t let you down," Roy said when Raven went to give the gift to her mother.

She returned with teary eyes. "She said thanks but also refused to see you. She won’t be able to take seeing us leave."

Alpha Denzel was not offended. "I understand. We should go now."

Making rogues pack members was the greatest risk he was taking. As such, he could not take more than these two at once.

When they reached the car, all the rogues in that community had surrounded the car as Fusion spoke proudly.

"Alpha Denzel, if you are taking them away, then what about us? We deserve a pack too."