Derek's POV
Amidst 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 someoneTabitha'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
Derek's POVAfter getting rid of all the snitches, I sat down in my office, grinding away.No one dared to disturb me.Once I wrapped up my work, Leo told me someone was waiting outside.As soon as I opened the door, Daphne rushed at me. "Derek!"I frowned the second I saw her. "What are you doing here? If you want something, go tell Alvin. I'm busy."I didn't wanna see her at all. Same went for Leo.She gazed at me, frozen, tears welling up in her eyes."Derek, can't you see my face is swollen?"I finally looked up at her, noticing there was a slap mark on her cheek."Who did this to you?""My dad.""Well, I can't help you with that." I turned and plopped back down at my desk, flipping through a folder.Of course, I couldn't go and settle accounts with Mark.Not just because he was Daphne's dad but because he was a venerable man.Daphne dashed over, complaining, "If it had been Tabitha who was hurt, would you have been so cold as well?"I wanted to snap back and say she didn't deserv
Derek's POVI agreed readily, but I asked her to give me some time, for Tabitha was pregnant, too.Although I had started to give Tabitha the cold shoulder by then, I never wanted to hurt her with the whole cheating thing during her pregnancy.We had wanted a baby of our own so badly. Yet when she was finally expecting one, I had to give Daphnemy full attention while neglecting Tabitha for the sake of my promise.I insisted on giving Daphne whatever she wanted, even though it upset Tabitha.Daphne became greedier because of my indulgence. And she even aimed to hurt Tabitha on purpose.I was constantly thinking about how I owed Randall, so I kept giving in.As time passed by, Daphne had no difficulty enjoying everything and asking for whatever she wanted.Till this moment, she was still using Randall's death to blackmail me."Anyway, you promised to take good care of me, and you have to keep your word."Daphne smirked, "Don't think I'm clueless about what you're up to. You marrying me
Tabitha's POV"Tabitha, the afternoon tea's ready. Are you dining here or somewhere else?" asked the Omega."Here.""Sure. Just a sec. It'll be ready right away."The afternoon tea was a selection of snacks and juices from various countries, and I felt that I was staying in a seven-star hotel rather than a secluded island.At first, I was dying to go back to Seattle as soon as possible, but Jasper's call this morning changed my mind.He told me that the ship where Dad was on had been sailing smoothly, and within a few more days, it'd arrive at the island he designated.He also mentioned that Dad's vital signs were stable, which put my mind at ease.As long as Dad was safe, no one could ever force me to do anything.Now that the woman couldn't find me, I bet she was getting fidgety and angry.If I went back to Seattle now, Mark would definitely make me donate blood for Holly.I had everything I needed here, and I felt great.
Derek's POVAfter hanging up the phone, I looked at the pile of new evidence in front of me.During the time Tabitha was not in Seattle, I devoted all my time to finding out everything about Poison and Wolf Shadow and digging into some old stuff.I tracked down the pack where Ethan used to be and found a photo of a child from some nearby werewolves. The kid looked very much like Vilda and a bit like Ethan.Though I couldn't find the kid, his existence said it all.All that talk about Vilda being pregnant with John's kid and being pushed into a corner proved to be nothing but a big, fat lie.Someone spread the rumors on purpose to tarnish John's reputation.And the person even pinned John's worsening condition on me.Whoever was behind all this had the whole thing planned out from the get-go.But it seemed like this person wasn't trying to hurt me. Instead, the person wanted to drive a wedge between me and Tabitha.To make me reject h
Derek's POVI pinched the bridge of my nose, lowered my head, and said in a low voice, "I never wanna hurt her again, neither physically nor mentally.""But finally, you've got a chance to cut things off with Miss Sutton. I'm afraid there will never be such a good reason again," suggested Alvin.In others' eyes, it seemed obvious what I should do, as Mark's offer would only do me good. But I didn't say yes.On the contrary, I turned him down at the risk of offending him."It's never the Amber's Eye Pack that forces me to be together with Daphne."It's my promise to Randall. I promised him I'd take care of Daphne for him.""Alpha Derek...""Enough. I want you to do something for me. Tabitha can't wait to be back, and I don't have time to deal with them slowly."Alvin gave a reluctant nod. "Yes, Alpha Derek."I looked out the window at the pitch-black night, thinking, 'Tabitha, I'd make things right for you and get back what was yours.
Tabitha's POVSitting in the helicopter, I heard nothing except for the rotor roar outside the window. The cabin was dead quiet.Perhaps feeling uneasy because of the silence, Mark finally spoke up, "I don't get it. Blood ritual is one of the traditions of us werewolves. We have strong self-healing abilities, so losing a bit of blood isn't a big deal."Besides, Holly is your mom. Is giving her a hand that difficult for you?"Hearing his words, I couldn't help but sneer.Crystal growled in my mind, "They've hurt us!""Yes. I won't forget that," I replied inwardly, kinda reminding myself too.Then I turned and looked at Mark, scoffing, "Will you be this forgiving towards a werewolf who wants you dead?"Mark froze.I continued, "The second Holly chose to save Daphne instead of me, she's no longer my mom. As I said, I owe her nothing now."Mark opened his mouth as if trying to say something.But I turned away, ignoring him completel
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