Tabitha's POV
"Sure. I'm about to be at the entranceto your neighborhood shortly, in fact. Just a minute away," Jasper said."I'll go downstairs now," I said.After checking the surveillance to make sure it was safe outside, I went out with my things and quickly got into the elevator.There were people all the way from the elevator to the entrance of the neighborhood. I didn't think anyone would be that bold to make a move.As the elevator descended, I became more and more nervous.The eighth floor, the seventh floor, and the sixth floor...I clutched my phone tightly. Jasper texted me, telling me that he was waiting for me at the entrance.He even sent me a smiley face, saying that I could take my time. There was no need to rush.The cute emoji made me less nervous. I smiled, feeling better.However, when I looked up, I realized that the elevator didn't stop on the first floor. It was still descending.I felt utterly uneasy agaTabitha's POVI was right all along. Dad was kindness personified. He would never commit such an appalling crime.As such a thought hit me, I burst into tears.'Dad's been nice to everyone. He doesn't deserve this!'"Elena was Derek's childhood sweetheart. If he finds out about it, you're dead meat!"Albert sneered disdainfully, "Use your brain. Why would you end up here if he found out about it?"He was right.Elena had always been Derek's taboo. Bringing her up was just like tearing his old wound open. So he surely wouldn't want to look into her death again."Why? Why did you do this?" I sobbed, lowering my head helplessly."You have only yourself to blame."Me? What did I do?"Your very existence is wrong."With that, Albert lifted me up, put me on his shoulder as if I were a sack, and started walking.Having been locked up for quite some time, I felt sick already.Being lifted all of a sudden made it even worse. My stomach churned.The sound of the sea breeze died down. I guessed
Tabitha's POVI had no idea what had happened between Ethan and Vilda.Judging from his reaction, he seemed to know her well."Where's her kid?""What the hell are you talking about?" he snapped."We examined her body. She had stretch marks, and her vagina showed signs of labor."Ethan shouted at me, "So what? She's dead already. She..."I was just about to find out more about Vilda when I heard Albert rush over. Sounded like he had put his arms around Ethan.Then he said, "Calm down. It's all over. What's the point of wasting time with her?"It was all over?Was Vilda's death a huge blow for Ethan?Why?If he was dying to see her dead, why would he be this troubled and distressed?Then Albert seemed to have taken him away. My world fell once again deadly silent.It was so quiet that my heartbeat was the only sound I could hear.I tried hard to call out to Crystal, yet she gave no response.The floor where my face touched was uneven, notwood or tile. Seemed I was in a shell house rath
Tabitha's POVI thought I'd be alone in here for a long time.Surprisingly, I heard something after a short while.Several people rushed in, dropped something, and left.Listening to the quiet breathing, I knew that another person had been brought here.Soon, the person woke up."What the hell is this place? Do you have any idea who I am? I am Luna of the Black Thorn Pack! You've got some balls kidnapping me! Derek ain't gonna let this slide!"Hearing Daphne's screechy voice, I couldn't help but frown.I didn't expect she would be kidnapped, too."Help! Someone! Help!""Save your strength. If shouting works, there'll be no kidnappers in the world," I couldn't help but say.Daphne instantly snapped, "Tabitha! You bitch! I knew it was you! You're jealous that I'm marrying Derek, so you pull this dirty trick to..."Her rant got me chuckling. "Seriously, are you delusional or just stupid? Till this point, you still don't have a
Tabitha's POVThough I was lying on the ground in a totally embarrassing pose, I tried my best to hold my chin up."Why would you wanna play such a boring game? You really think it's fun?" I snapped.The person chuckled, "Of course. There's nothing more interesting to me than watching him kill his loved one with his choices."The thought of wriggling free crossed my mind several times. Yet I knew it wasn't the right time. If I did it now, I'd die on the spot."If you like him, play fair. Don't you feel ashamed by pulling such dirty tricks?" I snorted in a scornful tone.Even though the person did a good job at disguising, my gut told me it was a woman.If it was a man who bore a grudge against Derek, he'd be more direct and violent.No way he would spend so much time cooking up such an elaborate scheme and go all out to get Daphne and me here just to force Derek to choose between us.Only a woman would do such things, a ruthless psycho no
Derek's POVThe next second, the scene cut to a stunning view. Above the clear blue sea, seagulls were hovering. Everything seemed so peaceful.Well, except for those two women hanging by ropes.Daphne was in an expensive gown. Even though she was blindfolded, I could see tears streaming down her face. Obviously, she was freaked out.Next to her was Tabitha. She was blindfolded, too, only revealing her delicate chin and pale lips.Leo began to roar in my head.Though Daphne couldn't see anything, she seemed to sense everyone's gaze on her.She screamed her lungs out, "Derek! Dad! Help! Please! I don't wanna die!"Tabitha wasn't doing good. Her forehead was covered in beads of sweat.Unlike Daphne, she was too weak to shout.Seemed she was suffocating because of the rope around her waist.Tabitha's POVDerek chose Daphne a year ago. I didn't think he'd choose differently now.This time, I wouldn't wait for an answer tha
Derek's POVI'd never been so uneasy in my whole life. 'Could it be those guys?' I wondered.If it was them, I guessed neither Tabitha nor Daphne would make it out alive today. Chances were, they might die horribly.I'd been in all kinds of danger, yet now, I found myself trembling.Each of my fingers shook uncontrollably.I had witnessed the terrible deaths of many, and I was prepared for the day that I, too, would die the same way.Yet I didn't want it to happen to my loved one.It took me years to keep my identity under wraps. Finally, I reached where I was today, becoming that formidable Alpha Derek in everyone's eyes. What gave me away?Did my trip to the island attract someone's attention?I shook my head, getting those thoughts out of my mind, as it was pointless to dwell on these things.I didn't even dare to show the slightest hint of worry.If money was the only thing the person was after, I'd be relieved.Both th
Derek's POVAs soon as the person finished, everyone looked at me.Daphne kept shouting. Meanwhile, Justin said coldly, "Isn't the answer obvious? Tell the person you'll choose Daphne."Mark patted my shoulder. "Decide it yourself. I won't blame you whoever you choose."The person in the black cloak took out an hourglass out of the blue. "You've got one minute. If the time's up, and you still can't make a choice, then I'll decide it for you."The sand in the hourglass fell as fast as time flew now.I looked at Daphne and Tabitha quietly.Daphne kept pleading for help, whereas Tabitha remained silent.When Holly was faced with the dilemma, at least Tabitha said something to make Holly pick her. Yet when it came to me, she zipped her lips.I guessed she had been totally disappointed in me.As I gave a bitter smile, what happened on the cold snowy night a year ago came sweeping back.At that time, Tabitha and Daphne both felt unwel
Tabitha's POVDaphne's wailing annoyed me.All of a sudden, Holly spoke up, "Derek, don't do anything silly. Daphne and the kids can't live without you!"Then she shouted at the woman, "Kill Tabitha! We choose Daphne!"Just when I thought I wouldn't feel pain anymore, her words stung me. How ironic.She went on, "Tabitha, don't blame me. If there's a next life, I'll make it up to you!"Amidst the noise, I heard Holly and Derek's voices clearly.Derek bellowed, "Shut up! Who said you got to make that decision?""Derek, please! Mark can't do without Daphne!" Holly cried out.It was funny, wasn't it? My mom wanted me dead, whereas the man who hated my guts was willing to give up his life for mine.Finally, I gave up my hopes for Holly.I spent a lot of time, including those days Derek and I weren't on speaking terms, sitting in front of my house and watching the road that Holly had left on.She didn't show up, not even once. A
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