Denzel’s POV
Training had barely begun when I realized Rayon was missing. My gaze kept sweeping the grounds, searching for him, but he was nowhere to be found. The unease settled quickly, sharp and unwelcome. Not knowing where he was bothered me more than it should have. I didn’t want him anywhere near my mate.
Since what happened between Venessa and me in the woods, I had made up my mind to see this through properly this time. That was why I had slept in my office the night before. I knew, deep down, that if I touched Jalisa, Venessa would feel it. The bond between us had fully repaired, whole and unforgiving, and for that reason alone, I couldn’t inflict that pain on her again. So I stayed away from Jalisa, choosing distance and restraint, hoping no, determined to find a way to end my
