Tabitha's POV
Having 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 worTabitha'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
Tabitha's POVDerek said, "I see. I won't hurt him, I promise. And I'll have my men looking for John. I'm sure he's fine for now. Don't worry."I nodded, and he gently stroked my cheek."Tabitha, believe it or not, I never wanted us to end up like this. From now on, I won't hurt you ever again, I swear," he promised in a gentle voice.I scoffed and changed the topic. "If it wasn't my dad who killed Elena, what would you do?"He scowled as soon as he heard it."Tabitha, even if there's someone messing with my investigation, it doesn't make John innocent. I've kept the evidence in my safe. If you still have doubts, you can check it when we get back."I fell silent, disappointment written all over my face.Yet, he just ignored it and continued, "No matter how it shakes out, I'll handle this thing fair and square."With that, he stepped out of the cabin.Hearing the door click shut, I finally let my guard down.As I unclenched my fi
Derek's POV"Please rest assured, Alpha. We've slipped a tracker and a bug inside his luggage before sending him off."I nodded before commanding, "Once he gets off the ship, keep an eye on him. And make sure you don't expose yourselves."I had a hunch that Jasper came prepared, and he definitely had other tricks up his sleeve."Should we tell Tabitha about this?" asked Rolf."No need."He seemed a bit peeved. "Why not? If we don't fill her in, she'll still believe he's a good guy and keep on misunderstanding you."Alvin rolled his eyes at him, replying, "Use your brain, dude. He's like an angel to her right now. Plus, we got no evidence. You think she's gonna believe it even if we tell her? To deal with someone like him, we should resort to dirty tricks, too.""He's determined to take Tabitha away. I'm sure he won't just give up like that. Keep tabs on him, and we may find something unexpected," I ordered.With that, I stubbed out my las
Tabitha's POVNot sure if it was because of the gentle sea breeze or the warm sunset, I followed Derek onto the island instinctively.Tucker, my good boy, hurriedly followed me the moment I stepped off.Standing on the beach, I couldn't help marveling at the breathtaking views.The calm sea was right in front of me, glistening under the sunlight like a million tiny diamonds.The water was crystal clear, the sand beneath my feet fine and milky-white.Despite its size, the islandgot all the facilities you could ask for.When I turned around, I caught sight of many types of flowers, whose fragrance was wafted along by the breeze.The road I was walking down was lined with cherry trees with large petals.Perhaps because there were few inhabitants here, a thick carpet of blossoms formed on the ground.As a gentle breeze rose, the petals swirled and danced in the air.Tucker seemed to be fond of this place, rolling around in the flowe
Derek's POVNoticing that she had barely touched the abundant seafood on the table, I felt deeply unsettled.I didn't bring Tabitha to the island merely to confine her.Currently, I hadn't found who was behind it all, making Seattle a persistent threat to her safety.I'd also heard that Holly hadn't received any treatment yet.Her parents had passed away years ago, leaving Tabitha as her only remaining family.She needed blood from family members for her medical treatment.Therefore, members of Amber's Eye Pack would inevitably come to Tabitha.It could be fine if Tabitha were in good health.However, she had appeared emaciated and lethargic for the past six months.Leo also mentioned he couldn't sense Tabitha's wolf.Her physical condition was just one aspect; more importantly, she had been repeatedly hurt by Holly. The move of returning the phone watch spoke volumes about her feelings.Constant entanglement with Holly onl
Derek's POVAmidst the flickering fireflies, I looked earnestly into Tabitha's eyes.She licked her dry lips and asked softly, "Derek, is Daphne just a passing fancy for you, or is she your beloved?"I smiled bitterly and replied, "If she were my true love, why would I marry you? Tabitha, you are undoubtedly my mate."Though I had hurt her, my love and care for her were genuine. Otherwise, she wouldn't have hesitated to let go."So you mess around with her just to get under my skin?" Tabitha snapped.It had been two years since our breakup, yet she still sought an explanation.I held her close and sighed, "I'll explain everything about me and her, but not now. Will you trust me one last time?"Afraid of being rejected, I added hastily, "Rumor has it that she is my true love, but that's not the case. She's just like a younger sister to me, growing up together in the pack. However..."Suddenly, I met Tabitha's gaze. "There is someone
Derek's POVI rushed over to Tabitha at once and prevented her from falling down.But I couldn't stop the blood from pouring out of her mouth.Leo howled frantically in my mind.He seemed to sense Tabitha's weakness.Everyone in the banquet hall was in a panic, rushing around anxiously. "Doctor! Why hasn't the doctor arrived yet?"
Third person's POVThe ongoing drama was no longer the center of attention. Instead, the woman at the door caught everyone's eye.The expressions of Alpha Elliott and Andrea changed drastically.How did Daphne manage to be here?They had already taken measures, not giving Daphne a chance to come near Tabitha.Who helped Daphne?
Tabitha's POVPhoebe was still trying to defend herself, but her voice was so weak in the face of solid evidence.She could only tell Ambrose over and over again how much she loved him.Ambrose held her hand, a hint of disgust appearing in his eyes for the first time. "Stop talking. Let's just go."No matter what kind of person Phoebe really was, what she did today was against everything Ambrose thought she was and also embarrassed him.
Ambrose's POVI frowned as I recalled. Back then, I was swamped with work every day.Phoebe would always come to me for money every few days.She used all kinds of excuses, such as her father getting sick, her mother losing her job to take care of her father, or something happening to her younger brother.She claimed that her father was in the intensive care unit, which alone would cost a huge amount of money in just one day, not to mention all the various expenses.
Third person's POVAmbrose turned around and looked at Phoebe, saying in confusion, "Aren't you the one who kept insisting on leaving?"Phoebe's expression froze for a second, and then she immediately burst into tears, saying with a grievance, "Do you think I want to stay here? I just can't bear to leave Zander behind. He has suffered so much with us over the years while we were building our career."Then she walked up to Alpha Elliott, and crouched down, grabbing his hand as she cried, "Elliott, do you know how much we've suffered these years? I know I co
Third person's POVPhoebe was gagged, and she stared at Derek with wide eyes.Obviously, she found it hard to believe. After all, she was an elder!"Phoebe!" Ambrose quickly pulled the towel out of her mouth.Phoebe instinctively was about to continue crying, yet Derek's cold gaze silenced her at once. She then pointed at Zander on the ground and said, "Save Zander first."Ambrose knew that it
Third person's POVTabitha was already suffering from excruciating pain. And then she was aggravated and verbally insulted by Zander, which made her so pissed off.Derek's hug made her feel like an abandoned puppy finally seeing its owner.She reached out and hugged him, saying, feeling utterly aggrieved, "Finally, you're back."Derek gently caressed her face. Though she had makeup on her face, he could tell at a glance that something was off with her expression.
Third person's POVAt that moment, a group of people clad in suits and polished leather shoes made a sudden appearance at the entrance, swiftly drawing the crowd's gaze.Rolf and Alvin had noticeable cuts on their faces, but they stood behind Derek with solemn expressions and respectful attitudes.Derek stood tall and imposing, a fresh scar marring his brow, yet it did nothing to soften his icy demeanor. His commanding presence was as intense as a force of nature, crashing over like a tidal wave.
Third person's POVZander never expected that someone would actually record this scene and expose it without any regard for the prestige of the Greenwood family.Orson's recording ripped off his fig leaf right on the spot.The dreams of all the hopeful young ladies present were shattered. This seemingly virtuous man turned out to be such a beast behind the scenes.Andrea couldn't hold back anymore. Her short temper flared up instantly.