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 POVRolf was extremely anxious and would have chased after them if not for the distance."This can't go on. Our people can't fire to stop them, and with one in the sky and one at sea, it's easy to run into danger."Derek hadn't planned to stop Tabitha, so he could only watch helplessly as Lucian docked the boat on a small island."This island is covered in dense forests, making it unsuitable for helicopter landings," noted Derek, who then ordered, "Use rope ladders to ascend the trees, and keep another helicopter on standby. Lucian must be prepared."As soon as Lucian reached the shore, he quickly took the two children from Tabitha's arms and urged, "Come on, follow me!"Tabitha and Gloria followed Lucian into a pre-dug tunnel."Even though they can't find us for now, we can't hide forever. Once they surround the island, we'll be trapped," said Tabitha.Wiping sweat from his forehead, Lucian whispered, "If my gue
Third person's POVAyla suddenly reached out and removed Lucian's mask, giving him a light kiss on the cheek, "Lucian..."This was the first time Tabitha saw Lucian's face. She had expected some birthmark or scar, but his face was clean, with sharp features and striking good looks.Oddly, Tabitha felt he resembled Derek a bit.Lucian quickly put his mask back on and said, "Let's go, to avoid further trouble."Tabitha snapped out of her daze, thinking it must have been the poor night light, and held Gloria's hand as they boarded the speedboat.Unbeknownst to her, the island had numerous cameras and small, insect-like HD capture devices hidden in trees and bushes, which could move flexibly and transmit Tabitha's and the children's movements to Derek.Derek had already received information about Tabitha and Gloria's planned escape.Now, Derek watched the fleeing figures on the screen.Alvin asked worriedly, "Alpha Derek, ar
Third person's POVGloria specially came to see Leopold off before his departure.In front of the helicopter, she put her arms around his waist, looking reluctant to part."When will you come to see me?" she asked."Missing me already? Last night didn't satisfy you?" Alpha Leopold teased with a smile.Gloria wondered how such a refined face could utter such words.After being with Leopold for so long, she knew he was different from Derek, who was rule-abiding and secretly passionate.When Leopold was in the mood, he could even place his hand on her thigh under the table while discussing business."Will you miss me?" Gloria asked suddenly.Leopold thought she was just being affectionate and stroked her nose. "I'll miss you the most at night," he said.His answer was never what she wanted to hear.Gloria smiled and said, "Then I won't miss you. It's too tiring."Leopold was about to say something else
Third person's POVIn this game of love, whoever falls for real first is the loser, and she lost.So every word and glance from Leopold felt like a sharp thorn.They had clearly defined their relationship long ago. She couldn't blame others, only herself for breaking the rules.Talking about money yet falling in love was like cheating in a card game."Why are you looking at me like that? If you think the money is insufficient, I can add more.""It's already quite a lot."Gloria suddenly smiled and sat on Leopold's lap, hugging his neck as usual.She was more certain than ever that leaving was the best way to end this relationship.Before that, she mustn't let Leopold sense her intentions.Gloria's eyes flickered with coquettishness as she said in a soft voice, "Triple the amount, and I want it now.""Little money-grubber." Leopold gave her a light peck on the nose and took out his phone to transfer the mone
Third person's POVLeopold forcibly took Gloria away.Gloria asked coldly, "What do you want?"Leopold ignored her question and asked, "Where's your room? Let's go in and talk."Gloria nodded to indicate the direction. Leopold led her into the room."Exactly what do you want... mmm..."The moment the door closed, Leopold closed in, his thin lips accurately capturing Gloria's. "I've missed you," he said.Gloria was stunned. She had expected Leopold to have some important business.Lately, she had been reviewing the contracts she handled, worried there might be issues that prompted his long journey.But the moment Leopold kissed her, she thought, 'Is this man crazy?'"Let go of me!"She pushed him away with great effort.Although some time had passed since her miscarriage and her body had mostly recovered, it didn't mean the pain in her heart had healed.What on earth did this man want, being so
Third person's POVGloria shrugged and grumbled, "That joke isn't funny at all, Tabitha. What do we do now? He's here. Our plan…"Before she could finish, Leopold's voice cut in from behind. "What plan? Gloria, what are you scheming behind my back?"Gloria's heart sank. "Almost blew it."Tabitha, ever calm, set down her tools, removed her surgical gown, and stepped out of the room."Nothing major. Who knows what Gloria's talking about—maybe stabbing you in your sleep or weakening you with wolfsbane. She comes up with a hundred wild ideas a day."Gloria exhaled in relief, shooting Tabitha a grateful glance. 'Thank the stars for you.'Their personalities balanced each other—Tabitha steady and composed, Gloria fiery and impulsive.Leopold chuckled lightly. "How mischievous. You're the sensible one, Luna Tabitha."Tabitha replied flatly, "You should know by now, Alpha Leopold, we've rejected that dynamic. The title doesn't suit.""My mistake, Miss Hartley."Leopold now understood Derek a
Third person's POVGloria had been in an exceptionally good mood these past two days. She practically floated as she walked, even skipping and greeting the grass by the roadside.Perhaps her joy had irked Leopold, because on the evening of the third day, he suddenly appeared.At the time, Gloria was playing hide-and-seek with the children.When she heard the sound of a helicopter overhead, she didn't think much of it.Over the past few days, she'd learned the routine. Every ten days or so, a boat would leave the island to restock supplies. She assumed it was the servants returning and didn't pay it any mind.She had a blindfold over her eyes and was standing under a tree, counting, "Eight, nine, ten... Are you little ones hiding yet? The big bad wolf is coming to catch the little bunnies!"Since there weren't many people to play with, she usually roped in a few servants to join the game.She took two steps and bumped into someo
Third person's POVDerek didn't mock Leopold's current arrogance because he knew fate was fair. What was meant to happen would happen.Moreover, Derek had noticed that Leopold's feelings for Gloria were special—far more than just a casual lover, despite what he claimed.It didn't matter. Love had a way of humbling even the most stubborn people.As Leopold spoke, he glanced at the surveillance footage again. Gloria was sitting by the sea, staring at the ocean, her emotions much calmer than before.It seemed Derek's suggestion had been right. Gloria needed the company of friends and children to heal her inner wounds."My family situation isn't great right now. Let her stay on the island for three months, and then I'll bring her back."The incident with Gloria's miscarriage had infuriated Leopold. He'd acted impulsively for her sake, and her former fiancé was still in intensive care.The other family was also wealthy
Third person's POVDerek hadn't expected Kyrian to react so strongly. He'd only wanted Tabitha to know about Kyrian's existence, but he'd overlooked the fact that Kyrian was no longer a clueless toddler like his younger siblings.At this age, children understood everything and had developed their own complex emotions."I'm sorry."Derek carried Kyrian step by step back to the house. Kyrian was wrapped tightly in the military coat, while Derek was left exposed to the snow and wind.Although Kyrian had spent more time with Derek growing up, Derek had been chasing after Tabitha these past two years, and Kyrian rarely got to see his father.When Kyrian saw Derek covered in snow, his crying gradually subsided.He wasn't the only one hurting. Derek must have been suffering too.Kyrian sniffled softly, and Derek looked into his eyes, speaking earnestly, "I promise you, one day I'll bring Mom back, okay?"Kyrian's nose was red f