Tabitha's POV He grabbed a fistful of my hair and pulled my head back. "You still haven't answered my question..." His eyes were golden and wild, a sign that he was losing control of the wolf inside him. "What are you gonna do, Derek? Torture me until you get what you want?" I shook my head, even though it stung to do so. He tightened his grip around my hair. "I used to be confused, wondering why you changed all of a sudden. But when I saw that kid who looked just like you, I figured it out—I've been waiting for someone who would never come back. Derek, I'll let you go. Please let me go, too, OK?" I begged. He jerked back as if I had burned him. I could see his arms flexing, his hands balling into fists, his knuckles turning white. He was furious. Then all of a sudden, the study door swung open, and in walked Daphne. Noticing what we were doing, she stepped back, dumbfounded. I struggled to break free from Derek's grip and mocked, "I don't get it. Why wouldn't you
Tabitha's POV I totally pissed Derek off. "When are you gonna reject me?" I asked, looking at him undaunted. It was the only thing on my mind today. "It's up to me!" he growled, and then he left, slamming the door shut. When I was left alone, the pack's Omega immediately came in and tidied up the room. I pulled myself together for a shower. My newly healed wound hurt a bit, and I tended to it carefully. From Derek's reaction just now, I could tell he was still hung up on me. Awesome. By the time he learned that his cruelty killed me, he would definitely be devastated. My death would be my revenge for how he treated me. I'd make him drown in regret forever! Pity that I wouldn't be able to appreciate the look on his face then. It'd been a few days since Derek locked me in this room. Every morning, he asked the same question. "What's your relationship with Orson?" Every morning, I asked the same question. "When is the rejection ceremony?" Then he shut up, lea
Tabitha's POV It'd been forever since I had such a good night's sleep. The injury I got from fighting off the rogue attack at the Silver Moon Pack was killing me. Every night, I'd been tossing and turning from the pain. Finally, I could have a sweet dream tonight. I figured I gotta thank Derek for it, cuz I wouldn't be feeling any pain for a few hours. Derek's familiar scent wrapped around me, his warm hug had me let my guard down. I dreamed of a green lawn. As I walked along, the clean earthy aroma wafted through the air. Soon, a tree rocked up in front of me. And a white wolf was curling underneath. It was my wolf. "Crystal?" I called out softly, moving closer. Her fur was kinda yellowish, but she was breathing fine. Seeing her in pain broke my heart. I knelt and caressed her, trying my best to bond with her. Suddenly, she let out a soft whimper. Though she didn't respond, I could tell she was on the mend. Soon, the scene started going dark, my vision blurring
Tabitha's POV I immediately sat down, my mouth watering as I gazed at the golden pancakes. They even got the sweet scent of vanilla! With expectant eyes, I shove a piece into my mouth with a fork, the sweet taste of maple syrup blowing my mind. Finally, I convinced myself that it wasn't a dream. Lifting my gaze, I saw Derek placing a latte in front of me, his lips pursed up. When he noticed I was eyeing him, he just flicked a glance my way. I was kinda glad that he didn't say anything to kill the vibe. We polished off breakfast in silence just like that. For the next several days, it was the same drill. Derek would be out dealing with the pack biz during the day. And at night, he'd come home to dine with me. We barely talked. But I could feel that he wasn't as hostile and cold to me as before. At some point, I felt like we were back to those good old days when Daphne hadn't shown up. We were still so crazily in love, our mate bond as strong as ever. Then the wou
Tabitha's POV The minute Derek finished speaking, I felt Crystal growling inside me, hysterical and livid. A chill ran down my spine. Turned out he did more than weaken the Silver Moon Pack. He even planned the attack that almost killed me. How impressive! It suddenly dawned on me that the wolfsbane on those rogues' claws was probably part of his scheme, too. Feeling ridiculous, I let out a bitter laugh. "So you want both my dad and I dead, huh?" I muttered under my breath. Derek, all caught up in his emotions, didn't hear a word I was saying. He stood up, looking down at me like I was some ant. "I grew up with Elena, and I liked her as much as Zack. If it weren't for this shit, she could've been my Luna. Even if she wasn't my destined mate, I'd treat her like a family. But look what John's done to her? He not only killed her but got her disfigured to cover his tracks! What kind of monster would do that?!" "He's way too emotional, and so is Leo. I can't communicate
Tabitha's POV "Are you outta your fucking mind?! That was your flesh and blood, too!" I grabbed his collar with both hands, feeling my wolf's fangs punch through my gums, sprouting out. Sensing my rage, Crystal roared inside me. Derek's words tore my heart into pieces. Losing the baby had always been the biggest regret and trauma. And he was the one behind it? How could he do this to me? Faced with my anger, Derek unleashed his full Alpha aura, forcing Crystal to curl up. But I wasn't scared at all. Trying my best to resist, I snarled, looking him in the eye, "I'll never forgive you!" "Same." With that, he took his Alpha aura back and strode out. Once his scent was gone, I collapsed onto the ground, completely drained. It clicked why Derek'd been capricious for the past year. And why he sometimes looked at me as if I was a stranger. All these reports scattered on the ground were the result of Derek's efforts this whole year. I bet his initiative motive was to prov
Tabitha's POV Kyrian's fondness for me threw me for a loop. He was the baby of my foe, but I just couldn't bring myself to hate him. So I simply grimaced to spook him. But he wasn't afraid at all. Just giggled his heart out. "Mommy," he called out again, reaching out like he wanted a cuddle. Just as I was on the fence about it, hurried footsteps sounded from behind. "What are you up to?!" I spun around and saw Daphne. With a wary look, heading straight for the stroller. Then she scooped up Kieran real quick and checked him from head to toe. Kieran, hating her touch, batted his chunky arms right in her face. I swore I saw a hint of impatience flash across her face. Seriously? Call herself a mother! After handing Kieran over to the Omega beside her, she scolded, all worked up, "Alpha Derek asked you to care of Kieran, and now look what you've done? Why the hell did you bring him here? If some creep hurt him, Alpha Derek's definitely gonna banish you!" The Omega expl
Derek's POV I strode out of the pack house, leaving Tabitha behind. For I knew if I stayed for one more second, I would take her in my arms. Just now, she looked so heartbroken and desperate. It brought a lump to my throat, and Leo was on the verge of a breakdown. Before I knew it, I walked to Zack's old place. It'd been empty for ages, but I had the pack's Omega clean it regularly. So it was still looking neat. Planting myself at the table, I fixed my gaze on the old family photos of Zack's. It was the only way I could beat down the huge guilt I felt about Tabitha. "Fuck! Derek!" Leo was losing it. "I had to," I told him. "Our mate's all that matters, you idiot," Leo growled. "Why did you lie to Tabitha? You didn't mean to kill her baby. Why not spill about what went down that day?" "Enough, Leo..." I sighed in my head. "I want her to hate me. I did hurt her, no?" "But you love her, and you never want to hurt her," Leo's spirit seemed deeply wounded, so it got listle
Third person's POVMatilda was eagerly anticipating the sight of Derek's frustration and agony.The conditions she set were deliberately tricky. If Derek didn't pay, there would certainly be other men willing to bid.Thus, the initial unmasking fee was a must for Derek.The ten million was merely the starting price and, in reality, a clever way for Matilda to test the depth of Derek's wealth.She pondered to herself that if Derek could easily come up with the money, it would only buy a kiss, and the subsequent bidding for the right to use would undoubtedly require an astronomical sum. What would he use to continue competing then?On the other hand, if he saved the money for the later bidding, Tabitha would inevitably be kissed by other men.No matter how Derek chose, Matilda was determined to disgust him thoroughly and make him suffer in this cruel game.However, despite all her scheming, Matilda never expected that Derek had b
Third person's POVDerek took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.Tabitha and Ayla, dressed in silver gowns, appeared grand, vintage, and exquisite.With silver chains as accessories, they had a unique beauty.Ayla's face was unobstructed.When her innocent and angelic face appeared on the large screen, many were captivated by her heavenly appearance.She wasn't drugged, her large eyes clear and bright.Adorned with crystal and feather headpieces, she looked like an exotic princess.Her innocent eyes didn't understand what was happening. She didn't cry but stared curiously at everything around her, like a curious fawn that had wandered into a den of wolves.Her tender pink lips were slightly parted, and Derek could read her lips from the screen."Mommy, Wilmot."Derek's fingers had already touched his weapon. At this moment, he wished he could draw it out and shoot Matilda on the spot.The r
Third person's POVDerek's fingers dug tightly into the armrests of his chair. During the time Tabitha had been taken from him, he worried about what might have been done to her and the child.Although he was aware of the rule that "merchandise" must be kept clean before delivery, he couldn't help but feel anxious.When the host announced the first item for auction, his heart raced, and he breathed a sigh of relief when it had nothing to do with Tabitha.It seemed as if he had imagined Matilda would save Tabitha for last.His grip on the armrests tightened.As time ticked by, the audience's enthusiasm for the early items was lackluster, their attention fixed on the finale. They had been promised something special, and they were waiting for it.Forrest passed Derek water a few times, but he didn't take a sip.When it came to the grand finale, Matilda made her personal appearance.She wore a red, form-fitting dress and hig
Third person's POVDerek entered the auction venue with an upright posture and steady steps, blending into the bustling crowd.The auction had not officially begun, but the venue was already filled with noise and excitement, a cacophony of excited and thrilled voices rising and falling."I heard there will be a stunning beauty featured tonight," one voice said."I've heard that too. It's said to be a rare sight," another chimed in."These past few days on the ship have been utterly boring. With the ship about to dock, we must seize the last chance for some real fun," a third voice added.Everyone in the venue wore masks of various kinds, as if they were shields hiding their true selves.However, in Derek's eyes, beneath those masks lay ugly and filthy faces, immersed in this sinful transaction, chasing twisted desires.Derek had barely settled into his seat when a man approached hurriedly, his steps slightly rushe
Third person's POVThe Black Thorn Pack had withstood the test of time for centuries, and its resilience was not solely due to its business acumen.Derek's position was underpinned by the support of the royal wolf pack. Without it, his pack would have crumbled long ago.Even with his vast wealth, Derek would be vulnerable without the protection of this powerful backing.Derek's actions now threatened to upset the interests of many factions, which could severely impact his future and provide his rivals with an opportunity to strike.From a rational and strategic perspective, this was far from a wise move.However, what other options did he have?His beloved wife and child were in the clutches of others, and every path to rescue them was fraught with obstacles.In his heart, this was the most direct and only viable way to save Tabitha.Derek's heart was filled with helplessness and determination.He let out a soft s
Third person's POVIn the auction venue for living "merchandise," the atmosphere is always more heated and agitated than in those for inanimate objects.The guests had collected their entry number cards early and stepped into the venue with anticipation, each secretly speculating on what kind of "prey" they might acquire today.Their eyes gleamed with greed, excitement, and curiosity, as if they were about to participate in a grand and thrilling carnival, rather than a sinful transaction.On the eve of the auction's commencement, Matilda suddenly received a message from her subordinates, informing her that someone was attempting to prevent the auction from starting.Matilda immediately guessed who was behind this mischief, a disdainful sneer curling her lips.She whispered, "He arrived quite promptly. Ignore it, proceed with the plan."One of her subordinates, hearing this, showed a worried expression and cautiously advised, "He seems
Third person's POVWhen Tabitha uttered those words, her heart was filled with bitterness and helplessness, as if a dense cloud of gloom shrouded her soul.She could never have imagined that the person she once despised so much, wishing never to see again, would now be the one she invoked to try to escape danger.It was a tragic and absurd reality."If you don't believe me, look it up online. If you let us go, I'll pretend today never happened, and I promise I won't pursue this," Tabitha said, forcing back the humiliation inside and trying to make her voice sound calm.But the slight tremor in her tone betrayed her anxiety and fear.Matilda's henchmen, upon hearing Tabitha's words, began to persuade Matilda cautiously.One of them spoke tentatively, "This woman really seems to have some background. Maybe we shouldn't mess with her. Those rich folks are not to be trifled with. Once you get entangled with them, it's hard to disentangle
Third person's POVAfter being injected with some drug by Matilda, Tabitha felt as if all her strength had been instantly drained.Her body was limp, like a pile of mud, making it extremely difficult to even stand.Overwhelmed by intense drowsiness, she felt groggy, her head unusually heavy, her thoughts mired in a dense fog, and her reactions severely slowed.She could hear Matilda speaking clearly, but her brain, like a rusty machine, took several seconds to respond with effort.In her heart, she was screaming, wanting to escape this terrifying place, but her limbs seemed to be under a spell, refusing to obey.She was deeply worried. If she had been injected with drugs, she didn't know what had happened to Ayla or where she was.Had those perverts done something terrible to her?Tabitha was roughly dressed by several rude individuals in a gorgeous yet humiliating outfit.Then, someone meticulously applied makeup to her
Third person's POVDerek's health had shown a marked improvement over the past two days.With the ship about to dock in Seattle, all matters had reached a critical juncture.Following Derek's instructions, Rolf and Alvin had discreetly disembarked.Their mission was twofold: to swiftly return to the company with the various contracts Derek had meticulously signed aboard the ship and to handle the backlog of internal affairs, ensuring the company's operations proceeded smoothly and efficiently.And secondly, Derek, in his thoroughness, knew arrangements had to be made in advance to prevent Tabitha from suspecting his identity once she disembarked.Everything had to appear natural and reasonable.In the days leading up to this, life had been as calm as a tranquil sea without a ripple.Forrest, as usual, delivered meals to Tabitha on schedule, and the process had gone off without a hitch, with no errors or mishaps.But just