Tabitha's POV
Soon 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 PackThird 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
Tabitha's POV"Isn't it obvious? A woman like you doesn't deserve his love at all. I want you to see with your own eyes how he pushes you from heaven straight to hell.""To frame me, you went as far as killing Elena?! She didn't do anything wrong. Who gave you the right to end her life?!" I spat, fuming.The woman's eyes flickered.Although Crystal had been put to sleep, I could feel her wolf getting restless."You're so noisy. You know what? I changed my mind," she snorted.She put away the blade and took out another syringe she had prepared."Look, this is a newly developed poison. Just one milliliter, and you'll bite the dust. Don't worry. It won't hurt much. In less than 30 seconds, you'll kiss the world goodbye for good."You ought to feel lucky. You're the first ever werewolf who has the privilege to test this wolfsbane potion," she said, looking down at me.Wolfsbane potion? It reminded me of the wolfsbane smeared on my abdominal w
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