Tabitha's POV
Though 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 noDerek'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
Tabitha's POV"Who the fuck said you could hurt her?"Before I fell into the sea, I seemed to hear a man's voice amidst the sea breeze.Her? Who was he referring to?Could it be me?I clutched the knife, my only chance to survive.Once I fell into the sea, I easily cut the ropes that bound my wrists and ankles.After what happened today, I was 100% sure that the mastermind was a woman, and the last thing she wanted was to see Derek getting hurt.Daphne was just a disguise, a tool for her to hurt me. I was the one she was really after. She wanted to see me suffer in hell.Who the heck was she? I had never offended anyone! How come someone hated me this much?But no matter who she was, I wouldn't let her off the hook!I swore to myself, 'Tabitha, you gotta survive this, no matter how hard it is.'You gotta find that bitch and let her taste what she's put you through!'All this time, I had been struggling to come to terms
Tabitha's POVAs the sound of their footsteps faded away, I popped to the surface and gasped wildly for fresh air.There was a lingering smell of the corpse in the air, but it was still better than being underwater.I was supposed to be scared, but I laughed heartily instead.I made it!As long as I was alive, I had a chance to make that bitch go through all the shit I'd suffered!My desire to live was so strong that even the pain from my wound eased.I pressed the switch on my phone watch, and it gave off a faint light.Holly gave me the watch, and I put it on because I still craved her love. Who would have thought my softheartedness actually did me a great favor?In front of me was the body. Apparently, the woman died miserably. And I bet her family had no idea she was dead.Right now, I was so overjoyed to have survived that I couldn't feel scared.So I got ashore, suppressing the churning in my stomach while examining the co
Derek's POVSince that day, I'd had Alvin and Rolf hire a bunch of guys to search for Tabitha's body.I hadn't eaten anything or slept at all, just keeping an eye on the salvage situation 24/7.Yet, they found nothing, not even a piece of her clothes.Day by day, I grew more and more anxious. For more information, I began to spend a lot of time online.Maybe someone would find clues about Tabitha, I thought.But every time, I ended up disappointed.The netizens were all either mocking Daphne or cursing Holly.Daphne had called me more than once to complain about it, but I dismissed it as soon as I saw the caller ID.Afterward, Mark rang me up, asking me to visit Holly at the werewolf hospital.I turned him down at first, yet on second thought, it wouldn't hurt to see how miserable she ended up now.When I arrived, I learned that Holly had been admitted to the hospital since she vomited blood that day.Her wolf had completel
Derek's POVThe realization filled me with excitement."Yeah. Tabitha isn't the revengeful type. It doesn't make any sense she said that. She was definitely implying something," Alvin echoed.As he spoke, I recalled Tabitha's hesitant looks when she was with me as well as her odd behavior for the past few months. Offering to work in my company, giving presents with mini trackers to my secretaries..."What she really wanted me to look into wasn't just the kidnapper but also Elena's death," I concluded.Once again, those cameras in my office popped into my mind. Clearly, someone had been watching my every move all along.And it would've been easy if the person wanted to mess with my investigation, making me believe that John was Elena's murderer so I would hate Tabitha.Maybe Tabitha had felt something fishy, and she knew I wouldn't trust her even if she told me, let alone reinvestigate the whole case.So she chose to find out the truth with her
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