Tabitha's POV
Upon hearing Derek's words, I closed my eyes quickly.The next morning, I woke up in his arms.It had been ages since we slept together while hugging each other. The second I opened my eyes, I saw his handsome sleeping face.I suddenly felt that time had gone back three years when I could see him whenever I opened my eyes.He closed his eyes tightly. With a few strands of hair softly resting on his usually smooth forehead, he no longer looked that cold and aloof.There was a faint stubble on his tightly clenched jaw, and even in his sleep, he was still frowning tightly.I instinctively raised my hand to smooth his furrowed eyebrows.Yet after I lifted my hand, I realized that we were no longer mates. I was about to retract my hand when he opened his eyes at that moment.Our eyes met, and I saw fine dust flying in the air.My hand froze in mid-air. Either putting it back or leaving it there seemed a bit awkward.WhiTabitha's POV"Shut up!" Derek shouted angrily.My words pissed him off."Leo's in pain," Crystal said in my mind.I didn't have time to dwell on her words.Out of anger, I blurted out, "Derek, my family was ruined, Silver Moon Pack is on the verge of dissolution, and my dad has been in a coma. Everything happened because of you! Who gave you the balls to make me such an offer?"Derek pulled me out of the wardrobe with one hand, and I took the chance to punch and kick him hard."You think I'm gonna give in just because it's the second chance? No! And I won't be marked by you! Forget it!"After I finished speaking, I felt Crystal let out a painful whimper in my head.I knew the feeling well.Meanwhile, I saw a hint of pain flash across Derek's eyes.In the next second, he became even angrier. His face turned red, his eyes were filled with anger, and he raised his hand, about to hit me.I roared with fury, "Hit me! Better yet
Tabitha's POVWhen I pushed open the door to Derek's office, he was sitting in front of the desk, all zoned into his work on the computer.I scoped out his office setup, a hint of irony crossing my face. Who would have thought my first visit here would be as his ex-wife?After placing the lunchbox on the coffee table, I then fixed my gaze on him, who seemed too caught up in his work to even notice me.The night had fallen, and the city lights started to twinkle like a bunch of stars.Derek's handsome profile looked even more chiseled under the light, his jaw all clenched up.Neither of us spoke, and the room was dead silent.I couldn't read his mind, but I guessed he wouldn't blow up at me.After all, he didn't lose his temper after I went off on him this morning.With that thought in mind, I mustered up the courage and walked over, feeling his intense vibe the closer I got, even though he hadn't said a word.I had planned to suppres
Tabitha's POVThe purpose of the person who'd been lurking in the shadows was to tear me and Derek apart.Guessed he or she wouldn't be too thrilled about me and Derek being so close.Shame that I couldn't catch any vibe off the secretary's face to tell if she was the spy working for that mastermind.I piped up, trying to sound casual, "That secretary's got some nerve, barging in without giving you a heads-up."My voice carried a hint of jealousy.Derek wasn't mad, though. He just smiled and said, "Well, I won't fuss over the formalities when swamped with work."I hopped off his lap and wandered over to the huge French window.Staring out at the sea of lights, I couldn't help feeling lonely.Before I noticed it, Derek walked up behind me, asking in a low voice, "What's on your mind?"I said calmly, "Just imagining your engagement party with Daphne. Heard she picked the Magnolia Garden. It's definitely gonna be stunning."I knew
Tabitha's POV"Daphne probably won't be cool with it," I said.Knowing how Derek used to take her side unconditionally, I worried that she'd mess up my whole plan simply by a word of complaint.Derek ran his hand over my head, his eyes flashing a chill. "Just ignore her. It's not her call. I'm the one calling the shots," he snapped.Feeling reassured by his promise, I snuggled closer into his arms."Can I start work tomorrow?" I piped up."What position are you aiming for?" he wondered."Assistant." I looked up at him with an expectant look.Derek's eyes drilled into mine, like he was trying to read my mind through my face."What are you really after?" he grilled.I knew I was throwing him off by fawning on him today.But we were each other's second chance mate, and I figured he couldn't resist me getting close to him, even though he suspected me.I locked eyes with him, trying to earn his trust. "I've told you, I wanna sta
Tabitha's POV"I just thought your necklace was very beautiful, so I took a few more glances. Where did you buy it?" I had a smile on my face, trying to lighten the mood.Elizabeth's necklace was her only adornment, a small but delicate rose with a sparkling diamond at its center."This was the year-end bonus that Mr. Greenwood had custom-made two years ago," Elizabeth replied calmly."Oh, I see. I will work hard to earn this year's bonus then," I said with a smile.She just glanced at me before leaving with her bag.Charlie, who had been silent until now, spoke up, "Don't take it personally. She has always been like that."I asked, "So you mean Elizabeth has always been this cold?""Well, I haven't seen her smile since she started working here. Although cold, she's efficient at her job," he replied.We chatted for a while, and then I was the last one to leave the office.I didn't go far but waited in the underground parking lot.
Tabitha's POVI opened my mouth, and at that moment, I had the urge to let everything out.The thought flashed through my mind, and soon I remembered Derek's contemptuous face.He had mocked me countless times in the past, playing tricks and manipulating me. If I spoke up now, he might just dismiss it and think I was just exonerating my father.Moreover, before I could uncover the truth, revealing my suspicions too soon could tip them off and make things worse.So I swallowed my words again.Regardless of any mastermind, the relationship between me and Derek wouldn't be affected. His infidelity was a fact.I remained calm and responded with a muffled sound.With his answer, all the things became even clearer to me.I tightened my grip on his clothes, determined to uncover the truth. It became my only purpose for enduring."I knew it," I muttered."There's no need to dwell on things that have already passed, let's go to sleep," h
Tabitha's POVUpon hearing Noah's words, I followed his gaze and looked over.When I saw the painting hanging on the wall, I was stunned.Noah's excited voice still echoed in my ears: "Tabitha, do you know who painted this? The painter must have a broad vision and a beautiful mind."I looked at the painting, which presented a profound forest night scene with a full moon hanging in the night sky.The silver moonlight poured down, penetrating through layers of overlapping leaves, bringing a touch of mysterious brightness to the dark forest.In the forest, some wolves could be faintly seen, as if they were telling ancient legends.In one corner of the picture, there was a stone altar, adorned with delicate patterns, seemingly related to the legend of the Moon Goddess.Several wolves quietly guarded around the altar.Their postures were solemn and dignified as if they were performing some kind of sacred ritual.The eyes of the wolves in
Tabitha's POVDerek's voice was filled with uncontrollable anger. "Even if I married her, it wouldn't affect your position at all."His words seemed like a kind of charity.I laughed with undisguised contempt, "She has already obtained the position of Luna of the Black Thorn Pack. What else can I offer?"Without waiting for Derek's reply, I reached out and straightened his collar. I didn't want to argue too much about this topic.After all, in the end, I would have to spend more effort to please."Alright, go with your fiancée. I know my current status and I won't put you in a difficult position."After saying that, I took a step back and said, "Thank you for not holding any grudges against Aiden and others."Derek opened his mouth, but no words came out.I turned around and left, leaving no chance for him to speak.I found Aiden and Noah. They were attentively appreciating a painting in another exhibition area of the art gall
Third person's POVAlvin froze, panic rising. "Sorry, Alpha Derek's delirious," he blurted, terrified of offending Doctor Venessa."Get his clothes off and put him in the tub," Tabitha instructed, turning away to sort herbs."Fully?" Alvin asked, unsure."Fully," Tabitha confirmed, her voice flat.Alvin hesitated, then stripped Derek bare.Tabitha's mind flashed with memories of Derek's body—the same one she'd once known intimately.Compared to when she'd left, Derek's physique was more muscular.When she'd gripped his waist earlier, she'd distinctly felt the elasticity and definition of his muscles.Now, with his clothes removed, several new scars were visible across his chest.She'd watched him from afar over the years, always avoiding contact, always ensuring she remained invisible to him.Several times over the years, Derek had nearly crossed paths with Tabitha during missions. Each time, she deli
Third person's POVTabitha was used to Alvin calling her by name. Hearing him call her "doctor" made her wince."Use a different name," she said."May I know your name, Doctor?""Vanessa."Wait, what?Alvin nearly choked. "You're Vanessa? The all-around physician?"An "all-around physician" was a rarity—doctors usually specialized.But Vanessa wasn't just rare. She was legendary.Alvin had first heard her name last year when she became one of the few surgeons capable of performing interdental artificial cornea surgery.The procedure was so complex it required collaboration across dental, ophthalmological, and radiological fields.Yet Vanessa, a twenty-something newcomer, pulled it off.Media swarmed, patients flocked—but she vanished.Then came a high-risk heart surgery, again under her name.Another worldwide sensation.Reporters chased shadows. She remained elusive,
Third person's POVA cold female voice cut through the tension, "One more tear and you're out. You're deafening."Misha's open mouth froze mid-sob, the comical expression plastered on her face.She glanced around, finally noticing the unfamiliar woman in the room. "Who is she?" she demanded."This is the miracle doctor who can save Alpha Derek. Show some respect," Rolf warned, wary of Misha's infamous temper flaring up again.Despite her pride, Misha's love for Derek was genuine.She quickly composed herself. "Of course, Doctor. I entrust my Derek to you," she said, the possessive words slipping out before she could catch them.Rolf's eyebrow twitched. Since when was Derek "hers"?Alma appeared in the doorway. "You're back.""Yes," the woman replied, her tone neutral."Let me introduce everyone. These folks are here for treatment. The young man's poisoned—Nine-Heart Wolfsbane, nearly dead. The hysterical one
Third person's POVRolf's eyes were red and puffy from crying. "What's Alpha Derek trying to do?" he blubbered."Let him have this one last moment of freedom," Alvin said, holding Rolf back.The mountain wind chilled their tears, but Derek couldn't feel it anymore.His knees shook with every movement, each step draining what little strength he had left.Still, he didn't give up, gritting his teeth and forcing one foot in front of the other.The child stood bathed in sunlight—just a few steps away, and he could hold her.What should've been a quick stride took dozens of seconds, maybe longer.Hedwig stood with her back to him, pigeons swirling around her. A speckled one landed on her finger, cooing.Hedwig's eyes lit up—her mom was back!She spun around to see Derek lurching toward her, unsteady and lifeless yet driven by sheer will.He reached out, fingers trembling, when his body swayed dangero
Third person's POVWhy did it have to be Derek?Alvin's fists tightened as he stared at the horizon. Derek had lived with a clear conscience—except for Tabitha. He didn't deserve this end.But Alvin wasn't a healer. All he could do was watch as Derek's breaths grew shallower, his skin paler.The bell tinkled again—Hedwig had followed them here.When they finally stopped, Alvin eased Derek against a gnarled pine, its needles pricking Derek's back like needles of ice."This spot's good," Alvin said, voice cracking. "You'll see the sunrise."Derek nodded weakly. "Good."The mountain wind bit through Derek's coat, but it cleared his head a little."Alvin... my biggest regret was letting Daphne's demands tear Tabitha and me apart. If I hadn't blamed her for Silver Moon Pack's problems... none of this would've happened.""Alpha Derek, you had your reasons," Alvin said, though the words felt hollow."R
Third person's POVHedwig couldn't speak, but she was wise beyond her years—quiet, helpful, and already versed in basic healing.Derek wished he could play with her, but time was slipping through his fingers. After eating the fruit she'd given him, he picked up his pen again.All night, he didn't rest.He could feel the life Hedwig had breathed into him fading. His senses were dulling again.But the will was done. Now, he only wanted to write letters—to Tabitha, to his kids, Kyrian, Helios and Ayla.The poison was moving faster than it should've. Every letter cost him energy, accelerating the venom's grip.First, he wrote to Kyrian. "Be a good man. Lead the pack with your heart, not just your claws."Derek's chest ached. He'd failed Kyrian, leaving him to shoulder the pack's weight alone.But love? That never faded.Next, his mother.The letter was short—"Take care of Kyrian. If Tabitha ev
Third person's POVAt the mention of the word "will," Rolf's face, which had been tense for days, crumpled. His eyes instantly reddened."Alpha Derek, you don't need a will! You're gonna be fine, you hear me?!"But at this moment, Derek became calm. "I don't have much time left. It took me a lot of effort to get to this camp. Even if I leave, it would take a day. What's the point of leaving if she comes back right after I go? It's better to stay here. If she doesn't come back in the end, I at least need to settle things, I can't just die without any explanation.""Alpha Derek...""Alvin, go get it," Derek said.Alvin's eyes welled up. "Alright."Alban, with red eyes, said, "I'm sorry, kid. I couldn't help you this time.""Dr. Weaver, I'm already grateful to you. You're right, there are some things beyond our control. I guess this is just my fate."In just two days, Derek had gone from a healthy man to someone whose organ
Third person's POVAlma felt a bit awkward. "I'm not sure about that."After all, Hedwig was Derek's spitting image, but she wasn't certain about Hedwig's father."Regardless, he already has other women by his side. He might have forgotten your mother and could build a future with someone else. Even so, do you still want to save him?"Hedwig pursed her lips and didn't respond. Alma stroked her hair, "Poor child, you should know how hard your mother worked to escape him. If he discovers you two are still alive, he'll imprison her again. Do you want that?"Hedwig shook her head gently."Then pretend you don't know him. Your mother and the others aren't in the village. Whether he survives is up to luck," Alma sighed, "Your mother suffered too much. She was barely alive when she gave birth to you. Cherish the life you have now."Hedwig nodded.Strangely, after Derek drank Hedwig's blood, about half an hour later, his vision and hea
Third person's POVThe door swung open.Misha stared at Alma with wide eyes, thinking her sincerity had finally moved her.But the next moment, Alma unhesitatingly lifted a basin of water and splashed it over her, drenching her from head to toe. "Stop making a fuss here! Don't try to coerce me with such theatrics. Whether you stay or do something more extreme, it has nothing to do with me. If you're looking for trouble, take it elsewhere, not here!"Misha stood there, stunned. How could Mrs. Atkinson act so unreasonably?"Why are you staring at me like that? Do you think this is a soap opera?" Alma sneered, "Now leave before you soil my place."As she spoke, she shielded Hedwig's eyes, "Don't look, or it might ruin your mood."Misha returned, drenched and furious, cursing under her breath, "Why is this old woman so difficult? She didn't have to help, but did she have to throw urine at me?"Rolf pinched his nose and stepped back