Tabitha's POV
When I tiptoed to the corridor, a man suddenly silenced me and pulled me to the terrace. The faint scent of incense told me it was Klein. Though I wasn't too surprised, I was still curious about what he was going to do. His sharp gaze directed me to look down. Down? I followed his direction and saw two figures on the lawn below from the terrace of the second floor. Even though one of them had their back turned, my keen senses immediately recognized Derek. He was holding a slender woman in a white dress by her wrist. What was he doing with Elena? Derek's goal was to eliminate Poison and Wolf Shadow in one fell swoop. So he knew Elena didn't die a long time ago but he didn't tell me? This thought sent a chill down my spine, but I quickly shook my head. He loved me, and no way would he lie to me about such a grave matter. This must have been some kind of coincidence; perhaps he had just discovered the truth.Tabitha's POV I turned around and walked away, unable to endure their conversation any longer. Every moment spent there felt like a personal insult. My wolf growled deeply within me, echoing my pain and anger. "We have to go, Tabitha." Its sound echoed in my mind, carrying a subtle and imperceptible sadness. How ridiculous my love for Derek now seemed. Despite the misery Elena caused me and the Silver Moon Pack, Derek still spoke of her as the gentle one. My wolf whispered again, "Perhaps it was the Moon Goddess' mistake." I recalled the wolfsbane potion nearly injected into my body that night. I was almost about to die that day. Downstairs, Derek's every breath made me sick. He had professed his love and promised explanations, yet in reality, he was erasing evidence, preventing me from discovering the truth. Was this what he called love? My heart was filled with bitterness. As I left, I picked up a stone from the edge of the terrace. For a moment, I wante
Derek's POV At this critical moment, I was reluctant to trouble Mark, so I tried not to provoke her too much. When I saw Elena, all the complex emotions in my heart eventually boiled down to disappointment. I couldn't understand how the sweet girl from my childhood had transformed into who she was now. "Did you have plastic surgery on your face?" My voice carried a note of disbelief. The girl before me bore no resemblance to Zack. My wolf couldn't sense her presence either. Elena had been away from the Black Thorn Pack for too long, and she could no longer be recognized as a member of the pack. I had too many questions. "Yes," she admitted, showing no reluctance to answer. "Why did you get plastic surgery?" I continued to ask. She avoided any eye contact with me, "There's nothing to say to you. I can't stay here any longer. Leave. Just pretend you never saw me." I stopped her, insisting, "You left the Black Thorn Pack, ignored me as your Alpha, and hurt your Lu
Derek's POV Elena met my gaze straight on, her eyes reflecting profound fatigue and despair. "Yes, I've had enough of this life, so I escaped, wanting to see the outside world. But back then, I was still naive. I thought everyone else, apart from my mother, was kind..." Then, her voice trailed off. I asked, "Even if your mother hurt you, what grudge do you have against Tabitha? Why did you treat her like that?" "Tabitha." When this name was brought up, Elena's eyes suddenly turned cold. Her emotions surged as she grabbed my collar. "Do you think that I never went to you? However, back then, did you show any concern for me, your childhood sweetheart? You only had her in your mind. I saw you smile at her, dote on her, just like you used to do with me. She smiled so happily..." Tears, which she had fought to hold back, now streamed down her face. Elena cried out, "Do you know what kind of life I have been living all these years? What have I gone through just to see you
Derek's POV "Derek, why do you think I had plastic surgery and ran away?" The scars on her fair skin were horrific. Almost instinctively, I rolled up her sleeve only to see her arm covered with scars. I persistently lifted the sleeve of her other hand, which was also covered in burn marks and twisted scars. It looked really heartbreaking. "What happened to you?" I asked, my voice trembling with shock and concern. Elena suddenly pulled her hand away from mine, and an uneasy expression appeared on her face. "It has nothing to do with you. Like I said, if you don't kill me, I will leave. Whether I live or die in the future has nothing to do with you." Her words revealed a sense of determination and avoidance. I stood still with complex emotions. I wanted to stop her and ask her what she had gone through all these years, but she ran away without even looking back. I didn't even have time to react. My heart was beating rapidly. What had happened behind those scars
Tabitha's POV I kept quiet, not saying a word. It wasn't that I didn't wanna answer him. It was just that I didn't know where to begin. A moment later, Klein spoke again, "You know, everyone might be trapped in darkness sometimes. No matter how dark it gets, as long as you keep moving forward, you'll eventually see the light. "Tabitha, fate's brought us together. I'll be leaving this city soon, but if you ever need anything, you can always call me." "I'm already super grateful for all your help. But there's still no word about your sister, aren't you gonna wait a bit longer?" I wondered. Klein sighed heavily, "No, it's just wasting my time. Honestly, I'm not doing great, and I gotta head back home country for dialysis." Looking at Klein's face, which clearly showed signs of illness, I asked, "Is it kidney failure?" "Yeah," he answered softly. "But don't you have the best doctors there? Can't they cure you?" I asked, puzzled. "Tabitha, they're excellent doctors, true. Maybe t
Tabitha's POV Derek's eyes were full of obvious doubt. I know he was probably wondering why I would sneak out in the middle of the night and avoid being followed by the pack guards if it was just a hospital visit. But at the same time, I could sense the guilt he had because of what Elena had done to me. That made it tough for him to just straight-up grill me like before. He came up to me, looking at me with an unusually gentle gaze, his tone full of concern. "Why did you go out in the middle of the night and shake off the guards? What if danger pops up? Didn't I tell you? It's dangerous out there and you need them with you wherever you go." I chose not to mention anything about Klein. It seemed like Derek picked up on my reluctance and didn't push it. He seemed worried about ticking me off. "I couldn't sleep, so I came out," I replied casually. Derek unconsciously rubbed his thumb, cautiously asking, "I heard that you got in the car with Klein. Are you close with him?" "Not
Derek's POV I clearly felt Tabitha's coldness towards me. If it were in the past, I wouldn't think twice about forcefully taking her away. But after I learned the truth, all I wanted was to make it up to her. I couldn't even muster up a cold stare at her, not to mention scolding her. "Tabitha, I know you're feeling upset because of what you've been through lately. Don't worry, I swear I'll get John back soon. He's gonna be fine," I comforted her. Tabitha just turned her back to me, icily snarling, "Is getting him back gonna solve everything? If we don't find the mastermind behind this, he'll just end up in danger again. You promised me you'd make things right. When is it gonna happen?" Had it been before, I could've given her a solid answer. But right now, I was so overwhelmed by feelings of guilt that I couldn't even look her in the eye. How was I gonna tell Tabitha that it was Elena who hurt her and her family? "We can't keep this from her," Leo kept urging me in my mind. I
Derek's POV Late at night in the car, I had my eyes shut tight, lost in my thoughts, wrestling with a ton of mixed feelings. The truth about Elena was finally out in the open, and since Tabitha was the victim, she technically deserved to know everything. But I had no clue how to drop that bomb. "I can't tell her for the time being. I gotta find out what Elena has been through after she left the pack," I sighed. Alvin shook his head in disapproval. "Alpha Derek, I know I shouldn't say this, but these past two years, Tabitha has gone through hell. I know you feel sorry for Elena, and she's been suffering out there. However, it has nothing to do with Tabitha. And it doesn't justify what she's done. The one who owes Elena an apology is the Black Thorn Pack." I snapped my eyes open and locked gazes with Alvin in the rearview mirror. "So what are you suggesting? Should I just go off and kill Elena to make it right? Even if Elena really died, it wouldn't change anything that's alread
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