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
Tabitha's POVWhile I was pleading with Derek, Rolf and the other shifters started boarding this ship one by one."So, you're the one who snatched our Luna, huh? You've got some nerve!" Rolf snarled as he inched closer to Jasper, his eyes turning golden.'Damn it, he's gonna shift right here!' I cursed inwardly.Just then, I broke free from Derek's embrace and threw my arms up to protect Jasper."Don't hurt him. It was my idea."Alvin spoke up, his face deadpan, "Tabitha, Alpha Derek's been searching for you day and night without getting a wink of sleep, and here you are defending another guy. Don't you think you're being too cruel?"Cruel? Compared to what he'd done to me, I was not the least cruel!"I was the one begging Jasper to take me away. Just come at me. Leave him alone!"Jasper chuckled, "Tabitha, no matter what you said, it wouldn't change anything. I've seen this coming when I made the plan."Hearing his words, I felt eve
Derek's POVTabitha was right. I did plan to do so.I could no longer bear the pain of losing her once again. I just wanted her to stay by my side forever so that I could see her anytime I wanted."Tabitha, I've tried to let you go, to let you live a free life. As long as you stayed in Seattle as promised, everything would've been fine. But you went back on your word."I paused, my face screwed up in agony. "I've tried to control my possessiveness, seriously."My restraint, however, just pushed her further away instead of helping her drop her fear for me.During the days when she went missing, I lived like a zombie—totally drained and lifeless.If I experienced it ever again, I would become a lunatic, I swore.Thus, I decided that I'd rather she hate me than not be able to see her at all.While I was lost in thought, Tabitha's question snapped me out of it. "How did we even get to this point..."I put on a wry smile.Came
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