Derek's POV
I'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 thDerek'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
Derek's POVAs the Alpha of the most powerful wolf pack in Seattle, no one dared accuse me like this carer in front of me.Plus, she was only an Omega.But at that moment, not even a touch of anger rose in me.My wolf whimpered in my mind, his sound hurt and heartbreak.I had been talking to Leo in my mind.I hoped he could help me sense Tabitha.But Leo refused to respond until just now when he finally told me that he couldn't sense Tabitha's wolf."I guess no one has told you those, right? But after seeing how Ms. Hartley has been struggling alone, I found it hard to stand by and say nothing," the carer added.Alvin, who was standing beside, interrupted after a delicate cough, "You need to calm down first.""Humph, you want me to calm down? Do you even know how much Ms. Hartley has suffered in the past two years? But what she got? Although I'm not her family or even friend, I feel sorry for her. I've seen the video and I'm so confu
Tabitha's POVI survived the kidnapping and managed to escape, but it left me drained. I was exhausted, and my wounds worsened more.Luckily, I encountered Jasper, and was currently out of critical condition, so I stayed temporarily in the Dawn Vanguard Pack to recuperate.Unlike the tranquility of the Dawn Vanguard Pack, the outside world was in chaos.During the few days of rest, I could get daily updates about the outside world from people here.It was a nice day.I found a tree by the pack square.Under the vast shade of the tree were numerous chairs. I selected a reclining one, settled in, and savored the gentle breeze.Tucker lazily lay by my feet.A breeze stirred, causing cherry blossom petals to flutter and fall.Several children ran around in the square, their lively movements contrasting with the tranquil surroundings, creating a harmoniously beautiful scene.Yet, I found no solace in this peaceful setting, as my surv
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