Tabitha's POV
The moment I hung up the phone, I was buzzing with excitement. I felt so lucky. Just as I thought I had reached a dead end, suddenly, a new clue came up. I asked Chloe to look after Kyrian. She glanced at the time and asked, "Tabitha, where are you off to at this hour?" "I've gotta handle something urgent," I replied. "But Alpha Derek said that you better not go out tonight," she reminded me. I explained it to her briefly. Seeing I was determined to leave, she had to let me go. The bodyguards wanted to rush up and stop me, but I had already gotten into Klein's car. I glanced in the rearview mirror at the cars tailing behind us and asked, my face solemn, "Klein, can you shake them off?" For some reason, I didn't want Derek to know that I was looking into this. I just wanted to throw the evidence in his face when I figured everything out. "Of course. Sit tight," replied Klein. Klein was no ordiDerek's POV Dressed in neat clothes, I walked next to Mark. After exquisite disguise, right now, I was just like an inconspicuous bodyguard. Our destination was an ancient castle dating back to the last century. According to the agreed arrangement, Mark and I got out of the car in the distance and walked there. As soon as we arrived, we saw the rusty iron gate open automatically as if welcoming us in silence. The castle was built by some foreigners, and now, they still owned it. Since it had been deserted for a long time, wild roses crept all over the walls. In the dim light, it made me feel like I was in a medieval vampire mansion. A few crows were perched on the walls, adding to the eerie atmosphere. Inside, it was dead quiet. The only sounds were the thud of our heavy Martin boots on the ground. I remained silent and followed Mark closely, eyes peeled for anything out of the ordinary. As we stepped into the courtya
Derek's POV Since I wasn't allowed in, I quietly hid under the eaves. I had already scouted the cameras nearby, and it was easy peasy for me to disable them for a while. A few minutes later, the cameras froze on the same feed while I began to observe the structure of the castle. I moved through the darkness like a black panther, silently sneaking in through the pipes on the ground floor. The castle was so empty that it made me uneasy, and even my footsteps echoed like a wild soundtrack. In the late night, only a few old wall lamps cast a faint light down the hallway, while everything else was swallowed up by darkness. Suddenly, some piano tunes sliced through the silence of the night. It was "MARIAGE D'AMOUR." It should be that mysterious Madam Rose, I figured. In a place like this, the originally soothing melody sounded creepy. I guessed Mark must be going up the stairs along with the sound of music. Like him, I found ther
Tabitha's POV I followed Klein closely, both of us wearing masks that matched the mysterious atmosphere of the castle. Klein swapped out his usual blue sapphire ring for an opal one. The change, though small, seemed to presage an unusual evening. Entering the gate, I heard the sound of a piano from the top floor just as two crows swooped past. The rose vines looked enchanting and mystical in the dim light. A gust of wind blew, and though it was almost summer, I suddenly had goosebumps crawling up my back. Klein deliberately lowered his voice. "Don't be afraid. Just stay close to me. Don't do or say anything later." I nodded. After all, seeing Elena was the only goal I came here today. Just as we entered the hall, the piano sound ceased abruptly. The whole place felt like it went into silent mode. Two people came towards us, their footsteps hurried and disordered. As they got closer, I recognized them right away, even
Tabitha's POV I stood outside the door, my heart pounding as I waited to see Elena's face. Crystal, feeling my mood, was restless in my mind. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. But I still unconsciously clenched the folds of my shirt. Before, I was out in the open while Elena was pulling all the strings from the shadows. And now, our positions were reversed, and she didn't even know I was here. How could I not be excited when the truth was just around the corner? As the door slowly opened, a woman in a white dress walked in. She was tall and slender, with a mask on her face, and her exposed skin looked smooth and fair. I was dying to see the face hidden behind this mask. Her legs looked normal. Presumably, she deliberately disguised herself as a janitor with a leg problem and darkened her face to stay under the radar. The wind swirled around her dress. If I hadn't known she was Elena, I would think she wa
Tabitha's POV In this dimly lit room, I scrutinized Elena's face. For countless times, I had pictured in my mind what this woman would look like—envisioning a fierce countenance, perhaps even marred by a twisted expression. However, the fact in front of me was telling a different story. I once saw the photos of Zack, the former Beta of the Black Thorn Pack, when he was young. She inherited Zack's perfect features and yet she looked more delicate. Her face mirrored her father's, especially in the captivating depth of her eyes. She had delicate facial features and long hair, making her look exceptionally pure. Anyone who didn't know her past would think that she was still in college. At this moment, the mystery in my mind finally unraveled. I was right. The culprit was no one else but Elena! Thinking about the Silver Moon Pack, John, and all the pain I had endured in the past two years, I felt rage surging within me.
Mark's POV On the top floor, the air was filled with the fragrance of roses. They were in full bloom as if hosting a party that only I could perceive. I stepped onto the ground covered with petals, my gaze drawn to a woman sitting in front of a black piano. As the son of Justin, the Alpha of the Amber's Eye Pack, I inherited the sharp senses of the werewolves. Yet, amidst the floral aroma, I detected something extraordinary. She wore a black evening gown adorned with rose patterns along the hem, blending seamlessly with the blossoms around her. The gown bestowed upon her an air of elegance and enigma. Her skin emitted a radiant glow in the dim light, pulling me in without me even realizing it. As her soft fingertips landed on the last note on the piano keys, the music abruptly stopped, and silence took over the space. She didn't turn around, so I broke the silence. "Madam, as per your request, I'm here." My voice echoed on the ro
Mark's POV I repressed my anger, fully aware that those from Poison and Wolf Shadow were all ruthless. I couldn't afford to provoke her. Seeing the woman move to make room for me, I sat beside her. I was so anxious, but I had to stay calm. I knew how to play the piano, but nothing beyond following a score and playing a clumsy piece. With the woman's lead, I put my hands on the piano keys left untouched for a long time. They began to produce sounds. I played slowly, and each note sounded so uncertain. After finally finishing the piece, I asked again with urgency, "Did you kidnap my daughter?" My eyes locked onto her, searching for answers in her reaction. The woman gave a little chuckle, and it echoed through the empty top floor, with a touch of eeriness. "I remember you came looking for a cure. Your mate is still in the ICU, right?" Her words stung me. "Do you have a way to save her?" I asked almost instinctively, des
Tabitha's POV From Elena's reaction, I could tell she must've thought Klein came to punish her. So after Klein allowed her to leave, she looked quite surprised. I knew that Daphne might also be in this castle, so I told Klein I wanted to stay. Albert soon came in, his voice calm and polite as he said, "Please follow me. Your room's ready." He arranged for us to stay in a suite. After making sure that there was no bug in the room, Klein asked, "What do you want to know?" I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. "So you've known her for a long time?" "Yes, I saved her before," replied Klein in a low voice. "But when I found her back then, she was in pretty rough shape. Most of her body was burned, including 40% of her face. So at first, I wasn't sure if she was the one you were looking for." I was taken aback. "No wonder her voice sounds a bit strange." "Besides the burn, she had many scars on her body too," Klein continued, w
Third person's POVPlans... Tabitha's original goal had been to find her two children and Jasper.The children were found, but Jasper was without a trace.However, she couldn't search aimlessly without a target.Thinking of Derek's anxious appearance last night, it was clear he still had feelings for her.Gloria's text warning Tabitha to be careful of Derek came to Tabitha's mind again.Tabitha felt she had overlooked some subtle details. What exactly had she missed?It seemed a key point was missing, and once found, it would connect all the events."I don't know. I just wanted to find the children, but I didn't expect to court death. And Derek's attitude towards me is ambiguous. Outside this cabin, I don't know what awaits me," Tabitha said, her face full of entanglement.Seeing her struggle, Lucian took a big gulp of mineral water and mustered the courage to say, "Have you severed ties with him?"Tabitha nodded,
Third person's POVDerek had painstakingly built up Tabitha's trust by posing as Wilmot.He knew that if she ever discovered his true identity, her anger would be immense, and the trust he had spent half a year constructing would crumble entirely.Derek continued, "Send someone to discreetly protect her without revealing themselves. Ayla is still on the island. Tabitha will go to see her."Rolf nodded in agreement, "Understood."Derek added with caution, "Remember, Lucian has a strong ability to detect surveillance, so do not get too close."Rolf responded, "Yes, Alpha Derek. We will handle it immediately."Turning to Alvin, Derek instructed, "Investigate the identities of those deceased men thoroughly."Derek pondered whether Tabitha's survival had been leaked, perhaps when she was seen on the boat.The assailants had been ruthless, and if not for Lucian's timely arrival, Tabitha could have been in grave danger. He had
Third person's POVForrest's voice was laced with worry, "Ms. Hartley, where are you now?"Tabitha had already settled her wages with Forrest before sending the children to the island. She couldn't fathom why he would contact her at this juncture.She couldn't help but feel puzzled.Tabitha inquired, "What's wrong?"Forrest replied, "Wilmot's had an accident. You need to come see him."Tabitha was still trying to make sense of Derek's appearance at the bar when she heard about Wilmot's predicament, and her heart immediately filled with worry.She quickly asked, "What happened to him?"Forrest explained, "Wilmot was already ill recently, and he drank a lot tonight. He's suffered from alcohol poisoning and has been taken to the hospital. He keeps asking to see you, Ms. Hartley. Where are you? Can you come to see him?"Tabitha thought to herself that even if she knew her current location, she couldn't just tell anyone.
Third person's POVTwo more gunshots rang out, the shooter's aim dead on as two more men fell to the ground.Tabitha saw a tall figure standing deep in the alley, shrouded in a cloak, making it impossible to discern who it was.Tabitha's mind raced with questions. Was he a friend or foe?The man removed his hat, revealing the distinctive totem mask beneath.Tabitha stared in disbelief and uttered, "Lucian, why are you here?""Long story. Come with me," Lucian said, grabbing Tabitha's hand and leading her away.They didn't get far before Tabitha glanced back to see Derek and Leopold rushing out of a bar together.Surprise washed over Tabitha. How could Derek be here?Her blood seemed to freeze. 'When did he return?'Lucian pulled Tabitha into a dilapidated black car that passed right in front of Derek.Leaning against the car window, Tabitha gazed at Derek, lost in thought.'If Leopold had arranged to
Third person's POVLeopold carefully compared the photos. Although the person in the photos was dressed differently and had a different appearance, the body shape and the action of holding things with the left hand were identical.Derek became alert, thinking to himself, "People like us are more sensitive than ordinary people. Such photos wouldn't catch the attention of most, but I've noticed something.""Where's the negative?" Derek asked."I'll have it sent over right away," Leopold replied."And Tabitha?" Derek inquired again."Don't worry, she followed me to the bar. She's in the lobby outside. I have my bodyguards keeping an eye on her," Leopold said.Tabitha had been following Leopold for several days, and Derek, concerned about his own people being exposed, asked Leopold's men to watch her.She maintained a simple daily routine without any issues.However, the photos now revealed to Derek that someone was tracking
The next day, Tabitha began to investigate Leopold's movements meticulously.For several days, she did not dare to slack off. Gloria, who had recently suffered a miscarriage, had been recuperating in Leopold's home, not venturing out.A tight-lipped woman handled the daily tasks of shopping, cooking, and cleaning.Despite Tabitha's attempts to get close to her, she couldn't extract any information.As a week passed, it had been half a month since Gloria's miscarriage, and by her nature, she should soon be able to go out.On the sixth day of tracking Leopold, he called Derek out for drinks.He rubbed his temple, looking troubled, "Your mate, doesn't she think she's disguising herself well?"With that, Leopold threw out a stack of photos, all of which were taken while Tabitha was following him.Tabitha's curious little head appeared adorable in the photos."Or do you think I'm so idle that I play house with her every day?"
Third person's POVAlpha Leopold took out a sapphire necklace from his pocket and placed it around Gloria's neck, his face instantly returning to that tender expression."Look, it suits you so well. Don't worry, whoever harmed our child will never see the sun again. Be good, take care of yourself, and don't think about anything else," he said.Gloria's face was devoid of any color, her back already soaked with cold sweat, chilling her. Cold sweat also beaded on her forehead, trickling down her cheeks.Her body trembled, filled with fear and despair, unsure of how to face this mad and cruel man.As a mother who had experienced the pain of losing a child twice, Tabitha was heartbroken and worried when she learned about what had happened to Gloria.Given Gloria's character, if her relationship with Leopold was normal, she would have informed Tabitha even if she had lost the child.Her silence largely indicated that her relationship with
Third person's POVAt this moment, Gloria finally understood the difficult situation Tabitha had faced before—the helplessness and confusion, as if she were trapped in a dark abyss, unable to find even a glimmer of hope.What puzzled her was that Alpha Leopold must have known about Tabitha's return to the States. Given his relationship with Derek, he couldn't possibly not inform him.If Derek had learned that Tabitha was alive, it should have been a momentous occasion for him. How could he allow Tabitha to drift alone outside?Could it be that he had truly come to terms with it and decided to let go completely?However, Gloria preferred to believe in the saying, "A leopard can't change its spots."She felt that even if Derek seemed inactive now, it was highly likely that he was secretly plotting a larger scheme, merely the calm before the storm.After hanging up the phone, Tabitha's eyes flashed with
Third person's POV"Julia, I need your help," Tabitha said, her eyes filled with sincerity and anticipation."It's my pleasure. Our little island owes its good life to you. Anything I can do, I'm at your service, no matter what," Julia stopped what she was doing, turned to Tabitha, and looked at her with determination.Her heart was full of gratitude towards Tabitha and she was willing to do anything for her.Tabitha instructed Julia, and then settled down on the island with Ayla.She chose to stay here, firstly, because it was safer, and she could avoid exposure for the time being.She was hiding from an enemy who wanted to kill her as much as Derek did.Secondly, the facilities on the island were now quite complete, and living here was not a problem at all.Every day, Noah would accompany Ayla to play around, and Ayla also loved this beautiful and fun-filled island.Tabitha often s