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 staTabitha'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
Tabitha's POVI asked Lucian to pass a message to Aiden and Noah who were watching the band performance.Then I followed Lucian and sneaked out through the back door. And I changed my outfit on purpose.I was amazed at how skilled Lucian was in disguise. He easily changed my facial features by putting something on my face.He applied another layer of dark powder and instantly I aged over ten years.Lucian's face also became that of a middle-aged man, and nobody could tell what he originally looked like.Lucian and I arrived at Bruto Street in the southern district, where many homeless rogues were lurking.These werewolves did not belong to a wolf pack, their lives were marginalized.Sometimes, in order to survive, they would even dare to attack humans, making the security situation here always far from optimistic.Lucian and I came here, hoping to gather information about Vilda from these marginalized werewolves.We cautiously walked
Derek's POVTabitha looked at me in surprise, clearly not expecting me to come pick her up.I scanned her face for a hint of happiness but found zilch.She was all tense after getting into the car, which took me by surprise. I tried to break the silence, asking, "Did you have fun?""It was alright. There is a resident underground band and both Aiden and Noah like it," she replied, her tone calm and her face devoid of much expression.I averted my gaze from her face.I thought that having Tabitha hang out with the two kids would bring back her old bubbly self.However, what was gone wasn't just the vibe between us but Tabitha herself.Back in the day, she'd be all over me, chatting non-stop.But now, she sat upright, her fingers gripping the armrest, her eyes fixed on the window.Talking to her was like pulling teeth. The silence felt like a chasm between us.The atmosphere was suffocating, the tension in the car almost tangible.
Derek's POVI'd faced all sorts of threats, so a sudden noise surely didn't faze me.But Holly and Daphne were startled.Mark, being the son of the Amber's Eye Pack's Alpha, couldn't help but unleash his Alpha aura in a fit of rage.Holly quickly grabbed his arm, trying to smooth things over with a smile. "Calm down. Who do you think you're talking to? He's not some guard from your pack you could randomly scold."After saying that, she said to me apologetically, "Derek, please don't take it to heart. It's just he used to be a Gamma in his pack."Daphne chimed in, "Dad, Derek's Alpha of the Black Thorn Pack. So he might have some business to handle. Show some understanding."Mark glared at me, his face sullen.He used to be friendly to me, but ever since I mobilized a bunch of people to search for Tabitha and Kyrian when they went missing, he'd grown colder.He piped up, cutting to the chase, "Kyrian and Reid are one year old now. But you
Tabitha's POVI used to think that I had lost my feelings for Derek, but the fact proved me wrong.I'd been madly in love with him for so many years, so a few months wouldn't be enough for me to get over him.I curled up in bed, with images of Derek and Daphne constantly playing in my mind.The heart-wrenching feeling kept me up all night.In the early morning, looking at the cold, empty bed beside me, I couldn't help but scoff at myself.Suddenly, the phone on the bedside table rang, shattering the silence.I reached out to answer it, and Holly's voice came through, a barely noticeable tremble in her tone, "Tabitha, good morning. Are you up?""It's not morning yet," I replied coldly."Oh, dear, I forgot. I must have woken you up, sorry," she quickly changed her tone, trying to hide her embarrassment. "But I've prepared your favorite breakfast. Wanna come over and try it? I got a big surprise for you, by the way."Upon hearing her wo
Third person's POVThough he was just a child and didn't fully understand what had happened between Tabitha and Derek, he knew one thing—he loved Tabitha and wanted her to be happy."If this makes you happy, I don't mind. I'm just scared... scared you'll leave me," Kyrian said, his voice trembling slightly."Silly boy, didn't I tell you? You and your siblings are my most precious treasures. I love you so much, and I'll visit you often," Tabitha said gently.Then, she noticed the cord around Kyrian's neck and gently pulled it out. It was the small lock she'd designed for him years ago."I made this for you. It's engraved with my hopes for you, 'May you grow up happy and healthy every day.'"Kyrian reached out his hand. "Mom, you can't lie to me. You have to come see me again."Their fingers hooked together in a pinky promise, and Tabitha smiled softly."Okay, I promise. When you're a little older, we'll live together, alri
Third person's POVIn such a short time, Kyrian had already figured out his place in Tabitha's heart. He knew exactly where her soft spots were and used his natural childlike tears as a "weapon" to try to keep her from leaving.Though this might not make Tabitha happy, she couldn't bring herself to refuse him.What parent could say no to a child crying for candy?Especially when that child was the one she owed so much to, the one she wanted to give the entire world to.But he didn't want the world. He just wanted Tabitha to stay."I..." Tabitha started to speak, but Kyrian cut her off."Mom, I love you so much, and you love me, and my siblings too. I already don't have a complete family. Do you want my siblings to grow up without a dad, only imagining what he looks like, envying other kids' happy families? Mom, haven't you heard? A happy, complete childhood can heal a person for life, but an incomplete one takes a lifetime to heal."
Third person's POV"Back then was back then. Now is now. But I promise you, no matter what happens, I'll always love you," Tabitha said softly, gently stroking Kyrian's head. Her hand brushed through his soft fur, the warmth of a mother's love flowing through her touch.Kyrian's voice was small, tinged with hope. "Mom, can you spare a little love for Dad? He's actually kind of pitiful."His eyes showed sympathy for Derek. In his heart, both his parents were his greatest loves, and he longed for a complete family."There are plenty of people in this world who love your dad. He doesn't need mine," Tabitha replied, her tone carrying a hint of stubbornness. Despite her lingering feelings for Derek, the pain of the past made it hard for her to forgive."But to Dad, you're like oxygen to a fish. A fish can't live without oxygen," Kyrian said, snuggling closer to Tabitha.He pressed his body against hers, as if clinging to her love would make it st
Third person's POVKyrian obediently climbed over and was immediately pulled into Tabitha's embrace.From here, they could see the beautiful scenery outside. Kyrian realized that the training grounds looked completely different from this angle—probably because his mother was by his side.Tabitha smiled softly, her voice warm. "I chose your name. You were born with all my love.""Mom, you must have loved Dad a lot back then," Kyrian said, looking up with curious eyes."Yes, very much," Tabitha admitted honestly. "No matter how I feel about your dad now, you are my precious child, born after seven months of carrying you. Your dad took you away, and I didn't even know you existed. That's why I missed so many years of your life. But you need to know, I thought about you every single day. There wasn't a moment when I didn't miss you or wonder about you. I love you more than anyone in the world."Kyrian's mood brightened, a happy smile sprea
Third person's POVKyrian watched nervously as Tabitha cleaned and dressed his wounds.He didn't dare breathe too loudly, his eyes glued to her every move. His gaze was filled with dependence and longing.Every now and then, he'd glance quickly at Derek, his eyes questioning, desperate for reassurance that this wasn't a dream."Dad, is Mom really back?" His voice trembled, carrying the fragility and hope unique to a child.Derek reached out and gently tapped his nose. "Silly boy, she's really here."Kyrian's tense body relaxed slightly, and a shy smile crept onto his face.When Tabitha applied the ointment a little too firmly, he winced but stayed silent.His hands gripped the hem of his shirt, his knuckles turning white from the pressure. He was afraid that if he cried out in pain, Tabitha might leave.In his heart, he thought, As long as Mom stays, this pain is nothing.Kyrian had always been well-behaved, but n
Third person's POVAzazel was furious.To be honest, he hadn't planned to take things this far with Kyrian.He showed Kyrian some respect, but deep down, he knew most of the children here were orphans with no one to rely on.He'd been provoking Kyrian because he refused to fall in line. After all this time, Kyrian still wouldn't listen to him.Azazel had wanted to teach him a lesson and assert his dominance in front of the others.But Kyrian was tougher than he'd expected. Instead of backing down, he even fought back with a fierce determination that burned in his eyes.What's wrong with him? Why won't he give up?"You're dead, brat," Azazel snarled, raising his fist to deliver a crushing blow to Kyrian's head."Stop!"Kyrian closed his eyes, bracing for the impact his small body couldn't possibly withstand. But the blow never came.A hand shot out, gripping Azazel's wrist.Everyone turned to see Tabitha, breathless from running.Thankfully, she'd made it in time.What she didn't know
Third person's POVKyrian had barely taken a few bites when a tall boy walked over and flipped his tray onto the floor, sneering, "Go on, eat that."Tabitha's fists clenched in anger. "How can they bully him like this? He's already struggling!"Derek held her back. "Tabitha, don't act rashly. This place isn't just about physical training for him."Tabitha frowned. "Then what else is he here for?"Derek explained, "For people like us, growing up means training alongside peers who'll become your most trusted allies—like Alvin and Rolf. These are the people who'd take a bullet for you on the battlefield. If Kyrian grows up sheltered, handed a team of strangers, do you think they'd truly respect or protect him? One wrong move, and he could end up dead."Tabitha's anger began to fade. "What are you saying?"Derek's tone grew serious. "He's not just training his body. He's learning to lead, to earn the loyalty of these kids. They'll b
Third person's POVThe car slowly emerged from the underground garage, breaking through the darkness into the open air.The streets were adorned with mistletoe trees, people bustling about in preparation for Christmas."It's been years since we celebrated together," Derek said suddenly, his voice tinged with nostalgia."Yeah." In those days when survival was all that mattered, Tabitha hadn't had the luxury of thinking about holidays."It's the last day of the year. Where are you taking me?" Tabitha glanced at Derek."You'll see."The car wound its way out of the city, into the countryside. Snowflakes danced in the air, painting the world in white.The road grew steeper, the landscape wilder. Soon, there were no buildings in sight—just endless trees and snow.Tabitha gripped the armrest as the car jolted over uneven terrain. After what felt like hours, they reached a remote valley deep in the mountains. Even their p
Third person's POVTabitha had been his most promising student. As a freshman, she'd become his assistant, shadowing him in clinics and even observing surgeries.He had placed his highest hopes in her, demanding perfection during her training.To him, Tabitha was a once-in-a-generation talent—he was merely her starting point, not her ceiling.Dr. Fairbanks had been both a mentor and father figure to her. And she had let him down."Is Dr. Fairbanks… doing alright?" Tabitha asked quietly.Alban's voice turned cold. "No. He says he once had a student who made him proud—until she threw away her future for a man."Tears welled up in Tabitha's eyes.She still remembered the day she submitted her withdrawal letter. Dr. Fairbanks rushed to the school, still wearing his surgical scrubs with a scalpel clutched in his hand.At first, he thought something catastrophic had happened—had her family gone bankrup