Tabitha's POV
Derek 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 byTabitha'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
Tabitha's POVI sent Derek a message, laying out all the chaos that'd been going down.Derek texted me back at once.Staring at his reply, I couldn't help but give a wry smile.I kept all of our chat history, and as I slid my finger up, I saw that most of the texts came from me, while he barely replied.Looking at all those desperate messages begging him to come back home, I felt like it was ages ago—even though it had only been six months.Shaking my head, I put away my phone and returned to Holly's ward.She was silently shedding tears, probably lost in her thoughts.Seeing me, she quickly dried her face and forced a smile. "Tabitha, I thought you'd left. Why are you back?""Mark seems a bit unwell. Guess he's exhausted.So I'll take care of you tonight in his stead."Holly waved her hand. "No need. Just go home. I've got a carer. I'm fine here.""Mark said you would be scared, so he's been staying with you at night. I go
Tabitha's POVIt was the man I took to the hospital the other day. I was in a hurry to get to the cemetery back then, so I left before he came around."Are you feeling better now?" I asked.He was dressed in a well-ironed navy suit, his shirt spotless and wrinkle-free, a dazzling sapphire ring on his finger. His face still looked a bit pale, though.I could sense there was something extraordinary about him.He didn't reply, just staring at me with a look of disbelief.Then it dawned on me that I hadn't even told him who I was. He didn't get to see my face that day, so he, of course, wouldn't recognize me.I introduced myself, trying to jog his memory, "I'm the one who got you to the hospital when you passed out that day."He snapped back to reality and murmured, "You look just like—""What?""Nothing. Thank you so much. Are you available now? I'd like to treat you to lunch to express my gratitude."I waved my hand. "Nah, i
Tabitha's POV Just then, my phone buzzed. It was Mark calling. 'Did he get a lead about my family?' I wondered. With that thought, I cut Klein off, "Sorry. I gotta take this." "Mark, what's up?" I asked after picking up the phone. "It's Holly. She's rushed to the ER," he replied, sounding anxious. Dumbfounded, I blurted out, "I'll be right there." Then I hung up the phone and turned to Klein. "Sorry. Something urgent came up. I gotta go." When I returned to the hospital, I found Mark standing by the ER door, his face ashen. Feeling worried, I immediately asked him, "What happened? Before I left, she seemed good. She even told me she wanted to have Canneles. How did she end up in the ER?" Mark looked at the bags in my hands and said in a broken voice, "S-she suddenly started to vomit blood." I quickly put the bags on the chair and took Mark's rough, callused hand. He always looked so tough, yet now, his hands were shaki
Tabitha's POV Rolf replied, "Alright, let me take you back home first. You've had a rough night." Since I couldn't get into the ICU, I'd have to head back for now. If it was Elena's doing as well, it threw a real wrench in my earlier thoughts. Elena was clearly after me. So why would she hurt Holly? Just when the truth was about to be out, I got confused again. I sighed deeply, not knowing what to do. Thinking of Holly, who was barely hanging in there, I shook my head, a wave of sadness washing over me. When I pushed open the door, I was slack-jawed. "Derek?" I exclaimed. Hearing my voice, he turned around, a spatula in his hand. "Welcome home," he said. He turned off the stove and came over, pulling me into a hug. "I've heard everything. Sorry for what happened to Holly. Come on, I made you roast turkey today." I melted into his familiar embrace. I wasn't sure if it was because I was just wiped out or if Derek's hug was just too warm, but I didn't pull away, just staying
Third person's POVAlvin froze, panic rising. "Sorry, Alpha Derek's delirious," he blurted, terrified of offending Doctor Venessa."Get his clothes off and put him in the tub," Tabitha instructed, turning away to sort herbs."Fully?" Alvin asked, unsure."Fully," Tabitha confirmed, her voice flat.Alvin hesitated, then stripped Derek bare.Tabitha's mind flashed with memories of Derek's body—the same one she'd once known intimately.Compared to when she'd left, Derek's physique was more muscular.When she'd gripped his waist earlier, she'd distinctly felt the elasticity and definition of his muscles.Now, with his clothes removed, several new scars were visible across his chest.She'd watched him from afar over the years, always avoiding contact, always ensuring she remained invisible to him.Several times over the years, Derek had nearly crossed paths with Tabitha during missions. Each time, she deli
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