Tabitha's POV
I 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 survTabitha'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?""
Tabitha's POVHaving packed the luggage, Jasper and I left the house.Standing at the border of the Dawn Vanguard Pack, I stared off into the distance—the direction of the Silver Moon Pack."Wanna go and say goodbye?""Nah, it's too risky."If I returned to my pack, Derek would definitely find out.I slowly withdrew my gaze and murmured my farewell before getting into the car.When the car slowly drove into the street, I looked out at the familiar views, my mind in turmoil.Just as we turned a corner, however, I caught a glimpse of Carson, a friend of Derek's.It just so happened that he was looking in my direction, too. I immediately ducked my head down into the car, avoiding his gaze.'He didn't see me. He didn't see me,' I prayed inwardly, my heart racing.After the car drove away, I stole a glance at him through the rearview mirror.He was still walking in the same direction, his pace steady. Guessed my prayer wor
Tabitha's POVI had put on heavy makeup. Right now, my skin was darkened, and there were a few speckles on my face.Even those who knew me well might not recognize me at first glance.I slowly pulled down the blanket, revealing my disguised face. "How may I help? Sorry. I'm a bit seasick.""We are going after some smugglers. So we'll need you to answer some questions. It'll be quick."The woman took out her notepad, starting grilling me, "What's your name? What do you do for a living? Where are you heading? And how many people are on board?"I told her the answers I had rehearsed with Jasper, keeping my cool."OK. Thanks for your time," she said.Just as she was about to leave, she took a tablet out of her pocket. "I've got some anti-seasick meds right here. They work great.""Thanks." I reached out to take it.Noticing her intense gaze at my wrist, I panicked immediately.I didn't put makeup on my wrist!!!Fortunately, it
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
Third person's POV"Alban, I didn't expect forty years to fly by like that. You're still the same as ever. I did say you wouldn't grow taller, didn't I?"Alma remarked with a smile. Alban's face flushed at her words.It had been decades since he was brought here by his mentor after being poisoned.Back then, he was just a teenager, and Alma, in her early forties, was in her prime, looking much younger than her age.Known for her straightforward nature, she had teased him about his height after treating him. Alban had dutifully drunk milk and played basketball in an effort to grow taller, but his height eventually plateaued at around 5'7", making him appear shorter than his younger counterparts like Alvin."Mrs. Atkinson, you're still the same as ever. It's wonderful to see you again. Could you please help my friend? He's been poisoned with the Nine-Heart Wolfsbane," Alban pleaded.Alma sighed, "You've put me in a difficult spot. The N