Derek's POV
The 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 herDerek'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
Tabitha's POVI wavered. His offer was so tempting that I found no reason to refuse it."Jasper, I can leave with you, but there's one more thing.""What is it? Go ahead.""I don't want my father to continue bearing an undeserved bad reputation.""As long as I'm alive, I'll hunt down whoever's lurking in the shadows!"Initially, I hadn't
Tabitha's POVIt was getting late at night, but I didn't feel sleepy at all.After staring at the ceiling for a while, I got up, looking out the window to enjoy the night view.Tucker was sprawling lazily under the cherry tree, stretching out and pawing the ground.The cherry blossoms rained down like gentle confetti, blanketing the ground in a soft layer of petals.It was supposed to bring me inner peace, yet I just couldn't shake off the anxiety and uneasiness in my mind.Deep down, I knew Jasper's suggestion was solid for me—leaving was probably the best move.Given Dad's health, the longer I waited, the riskier it'd be for him. And Jasper would have some other doctor to treat me, too. Leaving would only do me good.Yet ever since I agreed to his suggestion, I'd been feeling uneasy. It was like I was stuck in a fog, and I couldn't find my way out of it.Something just felt off.All of a sudden, a piercing scream came from Jasper's room, snapping me back to reality."Stay away from
Tabitha's POVI helped Gloria up and adjusted my voice, speaking in an old lady's tone, "Young lady, it's cold on the ground. Get up. You're so young, and I'm sure the life ahead of you is promising. What are you crying for?""Ma'am, I lost my best friend. I can't find her," Gloria said, looking as sad and stubborn as a girl who had lost her toy.I put the umbrella in her hand and said earnestly, "All things in this world come to an end. Young lady, perhaps you may find it hard to believe, but leaving isn't necessarily a bad thing. Who knows? Perhaps you'll get to see her again someday."While she was still processing it, I winked at her.Then I walked away before she sensed anything.After I made it to the street corner, I hid by a lamppost, watching her from a distance.Just as she took a few steps, the note that I tucked into the ribs of the umbrella fell off. And she caught it just in time.Having read the note, she jumped up and down with excitement.That was when I knew she got
Derek's POVIn the Black Thorn Pack's packhouse, I swept the pile of files in front of me to the floor once again.I propped my hands on the desk, finding it hard to control my temper."Why the hell haven't you found Tabitha yet?""Alpha Derek, calm down. That area is almost drained of water. If Tabitha was really dead, we'd have found her body by now. Chances are, she's hiding out there somewhere."Of course, I knew she was hiding. But I would never hurt her. She might not trust anyone else, but really? She didn't trust me either?If she wasn't dead, why didn't she come to me?Frustrated, I had to shift my attention to the investigation to distract myself.According to what I had found these days, obviously, someone had been framing John.The pile of files in front of me was the result of a more thorough investigation, and they unveiled many problems.The earlier reports suggested John had some sketchy relationships with the she-wol
Derek's POV"Alpha Derek, cheer up. Tabitha may be hiding for now, but she can't do it forever. I've got all the exits covered tight, and there's no way she's slipping out of Seattle. I'm sure we'll find her soon."I stroked my chest, trying to chase away this gnawing fear that I was about to lose her for good.After getting everything set up, I took sleeping pills, the only way for me to get some sleep.In my dream, I once again saw Tabitha standing at the beach.She was wearing a beautiful dress, staring at me coldly."You murderer! If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have lost my baby, and my dad wouldn't have been in a coma. You're gonna pay for what you did!""Tabitha, please hear me out.""Jerk, the biggest mistake I've ever made is marrying you."With that, she took a sharp knife and shoved it into my chest. The blood gushed out, staining the sand.Yet, the smile on her face remained stunning."You deserve it. You owe me yo
Derek's POVPerhaps the implication of my words moved Gloria.She pondered for a while before finally answering, "Actually, I haven't seen her. All I know is that she came to see me.""If you didn't see her, how do you know she came?" I asked, puzzled.She took out a crumpled-up note from her wallet and handed it to me, saying, "You recognize the handwriting, right?"Taking it over, I saw only two words: "Take care."My heart sank immediately.Sure enough, Tabitha was about to leave. The note was her saying goodbye to Gloria!I pulled out a business card and stood up, telling her, "If she ever comes to you, call me at once."Then I gestured at Alvin, who came to pay the bill right away.I hurried out of the restaurant, looking up at the gloomy sky.Seattle wasn't exactly big, but I couldn't find the person I was dying to see whatsoever.Rolf, standing next to me, cautiously asked, "Alpha Derek, what's our next move?""
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
Third person's POVDerek released Tabitha. Over the past few days, he thought he had made himself clear, but Misha seemed to be someone who couldn't be driven away."Misha, I've already made it clear to you before. I don't feel that way about you. Stop doing these things. What you're doing won't move anyone. It will only move yourself."Misha wiped her tears, her face full of sorrow, "But, but I just wanted to be a little kinder to you.""Feelings need to be reciprocated by both parties. If only one side gives, isn't that unrequited love? I can't give you any response."Misha pointed at Tabitha's face, "What about her! She doesn't love you either. Aren't you also in unrequited love?""This is my freedom. Instead of focusing all your energy on me, you should go and find a life that belongs to you. I can't give you what you want. Bringing food like that is something a girlfriend should do."Derek's words were ruthless. Misha ran out cry