Tabitha's POV
While 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 eveDerek'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
Tabitha's POVSoon came the sound of the helicopter taking off. I stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, watching the little red dot fade away into the sky.Unlike before, I didn't feel sad about it. In fact, I was way more at ease without his presence.The signal here was pretty decent, so I got to make phone calls.But since the internet was blocked, I had no access to it.I'd heard from a maid that this place was a total deserted island, and it wasn't even on the map. Even if the internet was available, I still wouldn't be able to tell where I was.If I did manage to get a call through, all I could say was that I was stuck on an island with zero info.The next day after Derek left, I called Gloria, telling her that I was alright. As soon as I hung up, I got a call from an unknown number."Tabitha, is that you?"A serious voice came from the other end of the line—it was Mark.Derek's hunch was right. The Amber's Eye Pack
Third person's POVWhile Tabitha was enjoying her peaceful life, things were totally chaotic for Mark.He turned to the Alphas of different packs and even the Council of Elders in Seattle for help.As a result, many werewolf doctors came to check on Holly.But no one could be of help regarding her situation.Some werewolves were born without a wolf. They couldn't shift or heal themselves like others, so they were basically nothing but regular humans.But Holly's situation was different. She had a wolf. It was just that it left her.The only way to help her was to hold an ancient ritual using the potion made from the blood of her family.Her health kept nosediving, and Mark was busting his butt to take care of her, which made him lose a lot of weight.Daphne would swing by every now and then, but she just sat there, glued to her phone, texting or scrolling.She never even peeled an apple for Holly.She said she was here to visit, but it was actually just for show.Daphne had always bee
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