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.
Derek's POVWhen Tabitha arrived, I had already been waiting at the entrance of the council chamber for a while.There was no one else there but me.Before she even approached, Leo had already sensed her, and he kept affecting me.As her light footsteps sounded, I opened my eyes and turned my head.Tabitha wrapped herself with a gray coat and a hat on her head.I couldn't help but start reminiscing, wondering if Tabitha used to be like this, not able to handle the cold.As she stopped a few feet away from me, I fixed my gaze on her face.She looked extremely pale, and her lips were slightly cracked. From a distance, she appeared even thinner than I had remembered.My gaze shifted downward, and I couldn't help but look at her belly.I was worried about her wound. She bled a lot last night, and I didn't know if it had healed now.But I knew that I was in no position to ask.A month ago, Tabitha suddenly agreed to be rejected.Yet we didn't have the chance to conduct the ceremony, though
Tabitha's POVThe moment our mate bond was cut off, I, unexpectedly, felt a sense of relief. However, what followed was the pain in the wound.Walking out of the Council of Elders, I almost fell to my knees on the steps.Luckily, my girl Gloria helped me in time. After steadying me, she yelled at Derek, calling him a cheater and stuff.I couldn't help but worry about her.Derek was notorious for his cruelty. Would she be punished for disrespecting him? And how was I gonna stop him, after I was rejected?Yet to my surprise, Derek did nothing more than merely glance at Gloria coldly.I pulled Gloria, trying to get us out of there as soon as possible."Wait."Derek's voice sounded from behind.I turned around, staring at his sullen face."What else do you want from me, Alpha Derek?" I asked with a distant tone.Derek stepped forward and said with a frown, "Without my permission, you cannot accept a second mate. Are we clear?""Why not? You're no longer mates anymore. Who are you to stick
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