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
Tabitha's POV In the cab, I covered my abdomen the whole time, trying to stop the bleeding and avoid arousing the driver's suspicion. Finally, I returned to the Black Thorn Pack. Thank God I had put on a jacket when I left home. Or the pack guards'd definitely notice the blood on my shirt. Biting back the pain, I rushed to the Alpha villa. After taking off my coat, I walked to the bathroom with a first-aid kit. Good thing that my wound had been healing fine, so this attack only caused minor bleeding. I didn't need to go to Orson. I rinsed the blood off my clothes real good before tossing them into the washing machine. After handling all that, I threw myself on the bed, trying to get some rest. The dull pain in my abdomen got me a bit agitated. Well, not exactly. Vilda was the real cause. Just when I was onto a clue, she came out and rendered all my effort pointless. Damn it! I couldn't help recalling Vilda's image. Her clothes were all ragged and wrecked. If s
Tabitha's POV "You're unbelievable!" Hearing Derek's words, I realized that he had been out of his mind. Yet he looked miserable, his pupils flickering with golden light. That was his wolf struggling, trying to take over his body. Then he accidentally touched my wound and tore it open. Fresh blood seeped through my clothes immediately. "Crystal!" I shouted in my mind. Crystal finally responded to me and took control of my body right away. My claws reached out for Derek's wrist, releasing my intimidating Luna aura. Derek was shocked at first, but soon came to his senses. He withdrew his hand stiffly slowly. I collapsed onto the ground the next minute. Derek took a step closer, intending to check my wound. But I backed away immediately, staring at him with caution. "You got hurt?" Derek's voice was hoarse as he stared at my blood-soaked clothes. I stood up from the ground quickly and went to grab my jacket. As I walked past him and headed towards the door, Der
Tabitha's POV While waiting for Gloria, I noticed a car stopped not far from me. Derek must have come to his sense and come here for me now," I thought to myself. Just as I thought, Derek rushed out of his car, looking around the surroundings as if searching for something. He then strode towards me. I stood still, my fingers tugging at my clothes nervously. I held my breath as his footsteps sounded louder and louder. I'm not gonna go back to the Black Thorn Pack no matter how.' The ground creaked as his leather shoes stepped on it. But the creaking sound disappeared suddenly. I waited for a few seconds, until the sound disappeared into the distance. I breathed a sigh of relief after realizing that he didn't see me at all. "Don't forget you're mates." Crystal's soft voice echoed in my mind, catching me off guard. "What do you mean?" "Leo just spoke to me. But I didn't respond," Crystal replied. If Leo could sense Crystal, how could Derek possibly didn't notice
Tabitha's POV"It's hard. Gloria, my mind tells me to stay away from him. But the bond between us says another," I said calmly.After being rejected, werewolves stood a chance to meet their second mate. Yet it was extremely rare.I didn't think I would be that lucky.And even if I did run into my second mate, would I still believe in him?Once, I was so certain that the mate bond would bring me closer to Derek, and that we would love each other for a lifetime.Yet the reality proved me wrong. For Elena's sake, my mate didn't hesitate to go against me.I lost my baby, and my wound wasn't healing. My wolf was so weak that I could hardly shift, and my father was still in a coma.Gloria wiped away her tears and leaned against me. She held my hand with both of hers, and I could feel the warmth of her palms.I smiled gratefully and said, "Don't worry. The mate bond affects both me and him. He's done so much digging cuz he was trying to prove that Elena's death had nothing to do with my dad.
Third person's POVGloria held Helios on her lap, skillfully peeling a grape and feeding it to him, her experience with children evident."Feeling better now that it's out," she said, watching the child play quietly nearby.Tabitha casually inquired, "Why did you hold back on the day we met, only to tell me today?"Gloria had her excuse ready, responding, "You had just returned to the States, and I didn't know your situation. I was afraid it would cause you trouble."Tabitha peeled a few more grapes before setting them aside when Helios indicated he'd had enough.She then looked at Gloria and said slowly, "You weren't afraid of causing me trouble. You were afraid I would leave, weren't you?"Gloria was taken aback, about to argue, but Tabitha saw through her, "Every time you lie, you subconsciously avert your gaze, fearing I'll see through you."Gloria, in a fit of exasperation, covered her face with a blanket, "You two are tru
Third person's POVDerek's face contorted with pain as he continued, "After Tabitha faked her death, I suspected what had happened. I was torn at the time, wanting to bring her back, but I also understood that doing so would only repeat past mistakes. So, I protected her within my control and waited silently. Gloria, I swear, I won't hurt her again."A hint of pleading appeared on Derek's face as he went on, "I'm asking for your help not out of selfishness. Tabitha's illness isn't fully healed, her body hasn't recovered, and with two children in tow, she wouldn't be able to protect herself if danger arises."Gloria had never seen Derek so humble.She remembered how Derek had always approached her with a condescending attitude four years ago.Derek continued, "You are Tabitha's friend, and your starting point should be considering her safety, right? If I wanted to harm her, I could just bring her back directly, so why would I go through the trouble
Third person's POVThe two children were a blend of their parents. The girl resembled Derek, while the boy took after Tabitha, which was quite different from their brother, Kyrian.Derek thought to himself that if Kyrian knew he had two younger siblings, he would be thrilled.But when he considered his relationship with Tabitha, he sighed deeply, filled with regret for his past actions.At that moment, Alvin approached swiftly and reported, "Just received news from the island. Noah is taking Ayla away, and Lucian's direction also leads to the island. He plans to take Tabitha away."Derek, with his hands behind his back and a furrowed brow, spoke with a melancholic expression, "Lucian intends to take more than just Ayla—Tabitha as well. She has always sought opportunities to leave me, and this presents her with an excellent chance.""What should we do? Should we stop him now? Otherwise, with his capabilities, if he truly takes Tabitha a
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?"