Tabitha's POV
Right after I realized that Derek had woken up, he yanked me hard, and I found myself crashing into his arms.Frowning, I instinctively wanted to push him away, but then I heard him mumble in a hoarse voice, "Don't go."Because of the ray of sunlight, I could vaguely see his tearful puppy eyes, looking incredibly pitiful.I let out a soft sigh, and despite myself, I stayed curled up against him.Crystal woke up in my mind.Seemed she sensed something, too. I could tell she was comfy and pleasant.And it totally messed with my head.A special scent was starting to swirl around my nose.I knew it was mate-exclusive.Derek was overjoyed and held me even tighter.The scorching heat coming from his body enveloped me completely, making me feel quite uneasy.It had been ages since we were this close. Even though we used to be lovers, I was kinda at a loss."Would you mind loosening a bit? I'm suffocating," I whiTabitha's POVDerek's kiss gradually became gentle, his lips lightly lingering on mine, expressing his reluctance and affection.I could feel our breaths syncing up, creating a wonderful melody.Crystal was vibing with Derek's scent deep down inside me.Her call was like gentle waves, gradually drowning out my sanity.With Derek's tender moves, I felt wrapped up in this warm current.Our bodies and emotions reached an unprecedented level of harmony.Just like that, we completed our mating.Our bodies were united, and our souls blended.When we both cummed, however, I felt Derek's breathing get faster.His wolf fangs peeked out, showing this primal desire to claim.I knew what he wanted to do—he wanted to mark me on the neck. It was the ultimate declaration of a werewolf to their mate.Although my body craved his touch, I hesitated.Right before Derek's fangs touched my neck, I gently shook my head, blocking him w
Derek's POVAfter taking the last step, I had made up my mind.Even when I hated her back then, I never gave up, so now I wasn't about to back down either.I turned the doorknob carefully and walked slowly into the room.By the light from outside the door, I saw Tabitha sleeping soundly on the bed.Her fair cheeks were blushing, and her body was wriggling restlessly.She mumbled, "No. Don't..."I felt so guilty. She had gone through so much lately, and she felt insecure even in her sleep.I reached out and gently shook her arm, softly saying, "Tabitha, wake up."She stirred, looking all dazed.Then she pressed her lips against mine, and the sudden warmth startled me.I felt like my dream had come true, and I froze, not daring to move at all.The darkness made it difficult for me to tell the difference between a dream and a fantasy.I let Tabitha wrap her arms around my neck, her soft lips brushing against mine.It
Tabitha's POVHearing my words, Derek slammed the knife in his hand hard into the plate. "Go? Where are you going?""That's none of your concern. We've already rejected each other, so I don't think it's appropriate for us to stay in a room alone for too long.""You wanna go to that punk, don't you?" he roared.I was a bit offended by how he addressed Jasper, but I didn't want another conflict, so I explained, trying to be as patient as I could, "I told you already. There is nothing going on between him and me.""You may not have any feelings for him. But are you sure he feels the same as you?""I..."Derek approached me step by step. "Tabitha, why has he been helping you?"He lifted my chin with his slender fingers.He then continued, "He has gone all out to take you away, devoting time, energy, and money. What do you think he's after? Tabitha, there's no free meal in this world. You really think he wants nothing from you?"I didn't
Tabitha's POVDerek put his hands on my shoulders and said, "Tabitha, Jasper approached you with an agenda. Remember that night on the ship when he was drugged? I checked the surveillance footage afterward. You know what? He saw Lyrique spiked the beverage, but he still drank it. Why do you think that was?""So, you knew something was off that night?" I asked."Yeah. I didn't wanna spook him, so I decided to be patient and play the long game. Although he was cautious, I still managed to find something."I discovered Poison and Wolf Shadow's underground base, so I took my men there, wanting to take them all down. He got mad, so he shot me.""Wait,are you saying he's a member of Poison and Wolf Shadow?""Yep."What the woman's assistant said the other night rang out in my mind again: Matthew had left to settle the score with Derek.So, the person I was looking for was right under my nose the whole time. Matthew was Jasper. He had been lurking by
Tabitha's POVDerek piped up again, "He never really cared about helping John. He just wanted to use John to manipulate you. After last night's fight, I bet those weasels have found a new hideout to lay low for a bit."They won't dare to make waves anytime soon, especially him. So you're not gonna see him for the time being."He placed his hand on my shoulder, persuading me, "I'm the only one you can trust, Tabitha. I always look out for you and want nothing in return. Tell me where John is, and I'll help you."Having learned all this stuff all of a sudden, I was at a loss.I didn't get it. How come things became so complicated?I always thought Jasper was a righteous man, yet he turned out to be a bloodthirsty monster.And behind Derek's affectionate façade, he had his own agenda.Who should I trust?Who could I trust anyway?Perhaps noticing my confused expression, Derek whispered, "It's OK if you don't wanna tell me. I just
Tabitha's POVIt was, of course, Daphne. She was the rudest person I'd ever seen.She stormed in like a hurricane and raised her hand, ready to slap me across the face."Bitch! It's you again! You just won't go away, huh?"Mark grabbed her wrist, disappointment in his eyes."You don't need to be perfect or even obedient, but at least, you can't be this mean."Holly almost died in front of you, but you weren't fazed at all and even kicked her!"And now you wanna hurt Tabitha too? I don't get it. What's gotten into you? How come you've turned into such a monster?"Daphne, don't go too far. Didn't I tell you to stay away from the hospital?"Hearing Mark's words, Daphne became even angrier."Like mother like daughter. They're two bitches alright. Don't you forget that I'm your daughter!"A crisp sound rang out as Mark slapped Daphne's face.Caught off guard, Daphne widened her eyes in disbelief."All these years, Holly has
Third person's POVDaphne ran out of the werewolf hospital, heartbroken.She had reflected on her actions these days and felt that what she had done was uncalled for—she almost got Holly killed.Thus, she brought fruits today to express her apology.But as soon as she arrived, she heard Mark saying he wished Tabitha were his daughter. How could she not be mad?And instead of helping her, Mark actually sided with Tabitha.As Daphne walked down the street, she felt so aggrieved, tears streaming down her face.A lot of things had changed, and she could feel it.Derek promised to marry her, but he kept postponing it.And he seemed to have no patience left for her, as using Randall's death as an excuse to make him do anything was no longer an option.In fact, even the sight of her disgusted him.Even Mark no longer loved her as much as before. When he looked at her, his eyes were filled with nothing but disappointment.She
Third person's POVAlpha Justin's words had Daphne scratching her head. As far as she knew, most of his friends were here at the Amber's Eye Pack, and he seldom had contact with other packs.So, who was this guest exactly?She acted like she was gonna left but secretly snuck back and hid behind a big tree in the square.She had thought she'd be happy that Holly was beyond saving, but she was wrong.She did indeed hate Holly a lot.Yet knowing that she was the reason why Alpha Justin wanted Holly dead, she couldn't help feeling guilty.Alpha Justin had protected the pack from many rogue attacks, so he had always been a hero in her eyes.Yet this hero actually did such a horrible thing to Holly just because she couldn't conceive. Daphne didn't know how to process the news.Suddenly, the Beta's voice sounded in the courtyard. "Ma'am, please wait here."Daphne immediately jerked her head up.The guest was a woman in a long black coa
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