Tabitha's POV
Derek suddenly appeared in my room, acting strangely.I couldn't help but frown, wondering what was wrong with this man and why he came here acting so weird.I stretched out my left hand, wanting to push away his body, which made me suffocate. However, when my fingers touched his body, I felt a damp liquid.No, it was blood.As a werewolf, I was very sensitive to the smell of blood."What's going on?" I immediately asked my wolf in my mind."There were no other scents of wolves, so he didn't experience an attack," Crystal calmly responded to me.I turned on the light and looked at his snow-white shirt, which was covered in crimson blood. The blood was still oozing out.How could he have turned out like this in just a short while, even though he hadn't even left the villa?"Who did it?" I asked.Derek, however, didn't care at all and instead reached out his hand to touch my face."Tabitha, I hurt your hand. I aDerek's POVEver since I learned about Tabitha's pregnancy, I had been in constant agony.I suppressed the beast within me hard, afraid that my loss of control would harm her.However, the anger and jealousy in my chest continued to grow, almost reaching the point of exploding.I asked myself over and over again, "Why am I not the father?"If she were pregnant with my baby, I wouldn't have to suffer all this."However, no matter how brutal it was, the truth was the truth. I had to face it.Alvin helped me bandage the wound on my arm while comforting me. "Alpha Derek, calm down and please don't harm yourself again."I responded with a bitter smile, "Alvin, what would you do if you were in my shoes?"He remained silent for a moment and then said, "Alpha Derek, I don't have a mate yet. Thus, it's impossible for me to imagine what you're suffering now. I'm sorry that I can't be of any help."I was like a fatigued driver on a highway, whi
Tabitha's POVAfter the farce made by Derek, he didn't appear for a couple of daysI became more and more uneasy, always feeling like maybe he sensed something was off.Could it be that he figured out I was pregnant?But I doubted that. If he had known about my pregnancy, why would he remain silent and even make sure that I had my meals on time?Recently, my meals became more and more nutritious and every dish seemed to have been carefully selected. But again, maybe that was just my illusion.The meals contained fresh, high-protein ingredients, such as grilled chicken breasts, fish, and a lot of veggies.I asked Joanna about the change in my meals, and she told me she had instructed the kitchen to prepare them this way.She said that I suffered a lot carrying the baby and that the morning sickness was so intense. So I gotta eat right.Without Derek around, Rose Manor was eerily quiet every day, but I couldn't shake this feeling that a sto
Third person's POVSince Derek took Tabitha and John back in a hurry from the island, he hadn't paid much attention to Klein.According to Alvin, Klein had already returned to Canada and showed no intention to come back to Seattle to steal Tabitha away from Derek.That was to say, to Klein, Tabitha was just a temporary fling or a plaything—no feelings involved whatsoever.At the realization, Derek was both angry and upset.Tabitha was the love of his life, yet apparently, she didn't receive the treatment she deserved from the father of her baby.Derek was confused about how to deal with Tabitha. These days, even though he tried to convince himself to accept the baby, he just couldn't.No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't bring himself to treat the illegitimate child as his own.Since Tabitha had already been pregnant for about twenty days, she could use an abortion very soon.But she wasn't in good health, looking way too frail.
Derek's POVFaced with Tabitha's vigilant gaze, I couldn't help but feel a wave of bitterness in my heart.Guessed she saw me as an enemy now.I sighed and tried to break the silence with a gentle tone. "Tabitha, don't worry. I won't do anything to you. I came here today to tell you that, Miss A, the musician you like is having a concert. I bought tickets. How about we go together tomorrow?"Tabitha shot me a skeptical stare as if doubting whether I was plotting something again.I understood her reaction. After all, I had caused her too much harm."Tabitha, I didn't mean anything else. Miss A hasn't shown up in public in recent years, and I know you have always been a huge fan. This concert could possibly be her farewell performance, and I don't want you to miss it."Speaking of which, Tabitha hadn't been to any concerts for two and a half years.The last time she listened to live music was the time when we were at a music festival. We were we
Tabitha's POVJoanna stood behind me, looking curious as I hesitated for a long time.She shot me a confused look and asked, "Ms. Hartley, anything wrong with these clothes?""No, Joanna, the clothes are nice. It's just that they remind me of my past, and it stings a bit," I replied softly, trying to conceal the turmoil in my heart.Joanna had no clue about the history between Derek and me, so obviously, she couldn't understand how I was feeling right now.To her, I might have just been an unfortunate lady. But to me, those were unforgettable memories."Why don't you pick one for me?" I averted my gaze from those once familiar clothes, which could only make me feel awkward now.They were a cruel reminder, telling me again and again that I was no longer the carefree Luna, but a woman who had been tortured.Joanna stood in front of the wardrobe, glancing through the clothes while muttering, "Ms. Hartley, you have a great figure and good looks. P
Tabitha's POVJoanna was a kind-hearted werewolf. Though her family was far from being well-off, she always remained optimistic.I found her optimism contagious.In her, I seemed to see my past self. She was like sunshine, happy all the time as if even the end of the world would not bring her down."Just like me, all you need to do is lift the corners of your mouth gently. Your baby inside your belly will also be happy when you're in a better mood."Joanna beamed, her smile pure and sincere.Maybe it was her warm smile, or maybe her mentioning the baby cheered me up. Unconsciously, I placed my palm on my belly, and a small smile crept onto my face without me even realizing it.Joanna, noticing it, jumped in joy."I knew it, Ms. Hartley. You look absolutely stunning when you smile. You are the most beautiful and exquisite person I've ever seen. If you were to enter showbiz, you would surely become a big star," she exclaimed, her tone dripping w
Tabitha's POVI meant what I said.My love for him was long gone. And all that was left was hatred.Just then, Crystal groaned in my mind, as if trying to comfort me.I stared at Derek, looking forward to hearing what chicanery he was gonna use this time."I know," he finally responded, his voice carrying a hint of guilt instead of the usual anger."Every single day, all I think about is how to wreak my revenge. Derek, stop wasting your time and energy, for you are one of my enemies, too," I scoffed, telling him that his guilt wasn't gonna change anything."Tabitha, I just wanna treat you right. That's all," he replied, sounding kinda defeated.While we were waiting at the stoplight, he handed a cup of fruit tea to my mouth and said, "It's sour and sweet. Give it a go."Ever since I got pregnant, I couldn't resist anything that had a sour-sweet taste. So even though I wanted to turn him down, I failed.I took a sip, and the refreshin
Tabitha's POVAs the weather started heating up, the fireflies came out to play.They were like little fairies in nature, giving off their own glow, lighting up the night with tiny sparkles.It made me think of my childhood back in the Silver Moon Pack.I used to love chasing those twinkling fireflies in the pack square at night.Just then, a cool breeze blew by, and I sneezed.Hearing that, Derek straightened up, strolling over with a jar full of fireflies.He must've been catching them for a while, as the jar had a good dozen glowing bugs in it.It wasn't as stunning as the ones I saw on the island, but it still looked pretty cool glowing in the jar."Are you hungry?" Derek casually offered me the jar.I remained silent, not taking it. So he just casually hung it up on the tent and then took off his jacket to drape over my shoulders."Even though it's warming up, it's still cold here in the mountains. You didn't have much for
Third person's POVThough he was just a child and didn't fully understand what had happened between Tabitha and Derek, he knew one thing—he loved Tabitha and wanted her to be happy."If this makes you happy, I don't mind. I'm just scared... scared you'll leave me," Kyrian said, his voice trembling slightly."Silly boy, didn't I tell you? You and your siblings are my most precious treasures. I love you so much, and I'll visit you often," Tabitha said gently.Then, she noticed the cord around Kyrian's neck and gently pulled it out. It was the small lock she'd designed for him years ago."I made this for you. It's engraved with my hopes for you, 'May you grow up happy and healthy every day.'"Kyrian reached out his hand. "Mom, you can't lie to me. You have to come see me again."Their fingers hooked together in a pinky promise, and Tabitha smiled softly."Okay, I promise. When you're a little older, we'll live together, alri
Third person's POVIn such a short time, Kyrian had already figured out his place in Tabitha's heart. He knew exactly where her soft spots were and used his natural childlike tears as a "weapon" to try to keep her from leaving.Though this might not make Tabitha happy, she couldn't bring herself to refuse him.What parent could say no to a child crying for candy?Especially when that child was the one she owed so much to, the one she wanted to give the entire world to.But he didn't want the world. He just wanted Tabitha to stay."I..." Tabitha started to speak, but Kyrian cut her off."Mom, I love you so much, and you love me, and my siblings too. I already don't have a complete family. Do you want my siblings to grow up without a dad, only imagining what he looks like, envying other kids' happy families? Mom, haven't you heard? A happy, complete childhood can heal a person for life, but an incomplete one takes a lifetime to heal."
Third person's POV"Back then was back then. Now is now. But I promise you, no matter what happens, I'll always love you," Tabitha said softly, gently stroking Kyrian's head. Her hand brushed through his soft fur, the warmth of a mother's love flowing through her touch.Kyrian's voice was small, tinged with hope. "Mom, can you spare a little love for Dad? He's actually kind of pitiful."His eyes showed sympathy for Derek. In his heart, both his parents were his greatest loves, and he longed for a complete family."There are plenty of people in this world who love your dad. He doesn't need mine," Tabitha replied, her tone carrying a hint of stubbornness. Despite her lingering feelings for Derek, the pain of the past made it hard for her to forgive."But to Dad, you're like oxygen to a fish. A fish can't live without oxygen," Kyrian said, snuggling closer to Tabitha.He pressed his body against hers, as if clinging to her love would make it st
Third person's POVKyrian obediently climbed over and was immediately pulled into Tabitha's embrace.From here, they could see the beautiful scenery outside. Kyrian realized that the training grounds looked completely different from this angle—probably because his mother was by his side.Tabitha smiled softly, her voice warm. "I chose your name. You were born with all my love.""Mom, you must have loved Dad a lot back then," Kyrian said, looking up with curious eyes."Yes, very much," Tabitha admitted honestly. "No matter how I feel about your dad now, you are my precious child, born after seven months of carrying you. Your dad took you away, and I didn't even know you existed. That's why I missed so many years of your life. But you need to know, I thought about you every single day. There wasn't a moment when I didn't miss you or wonder about you. I love you more than anyone in the world."Kyrian's mood brightened, a happy smile sprea
Third person's POVKyrian watched nervously as Tabitha cleaned and dressed his wounds.He didn't dare breathe too loudly, his eyes glued to her every move. His gaze was filled with dependence and longing.Every now and then, he'd glance quickly at Derek, his eyes questioning, desperate for reassurance that this wasn't a dream."Dad, is Mom really back?" His voice trembled, carrying the fragility and hope unique to a child.Derek reached out and gently tapped his nose. "Silly boy, she's really here."Kyrian's tense body relaxed slightly, and a shy smile crept onto his face.When Tabitha applied the ointment a little too firmly, he winced but stayed silent.His hands gripped the hem of his shirt, his knuckles turning white from the pressure. He was afraid that if he cried out in pain, Tabitha might leave.In his heart, he thought, As long as Mom stays, this pain is nothing.Kyrian had always been well-behaved, but n
Third person's POVAzazel was furious.To be honest, he hadn't planned to take things this far with Kyrian.He showed Kyrian some respect, but deep down, he knew most of the children here were orphans with no one to rely on.He'd been provoking Kyrian because he refused to fall in line. After all this time, Kyrian still wouldn't listen to him.Azazel had wanted to teach him a lesson and assert his dominance in front of the others.But Kyrian was tougher than he'd expected. Instead of backing down, he even fought back with a fierce determination that burned in his eyes.What's wrong with him? Why won't he give up?"You're dead, brat," Azazel snarled, raising his fist to deliver a crushing blow to Kyrian's head."Stop!"Kyrian closed his eyes, bracing for the impact his small body couldn't possibly withstand. But the blow never came.A hand shot out, gripping Azazel's wrist.Everyone turned to see Tabitha, breathless from running.Thankfully, she'd made it in time.What she didn't know
Third person's POVKyrian had barely taken a few bites when a tall boy walked over and flipped his tray onto the floor, sneering, "Go on, eat that."Tabitha's fists clenched in anger. "How can they bully him like this? He's already struggling!"Derek held her back. "Tabitha, don't act rashly. This place isn't just about physical training for him."Tabitha frowned. "Then what else is he here for?"Derek explained, "For people like us, growing up means training alongside peers who'll become your most trusted allies—like Alvin and Rolf. These are the people who'd take a bullet for you on the battlefield. If Kyrian grows up sheltered, handed a team of strangers, do you think they'd truly respect or protect him? One wrong move, and he could end up dead."Tabitha's anger began to fade. "What are you saying?"Derek's tone grew serious. "He's not just training his body. He's learning to lead, to earn the loyalty of these kids. They'll b
Third person's POVThe car slowly emerged from the underground garage, breaking through the darkness into the open air.The streets were adorned with mistletoe trees, people bustling about in preparation for Christmas."It's been years since we celebrated together," Derek said suddenly, his voice tinged with nostalgia."Yeah." In those days when survival was all that mattered, Tabitha hadn't had the luxury of thinking about holidays."It's the last day of the year. Where are you taking me?" Tabitha glanced at Derek."You'll see."The car wound its way out of the city, into the countryside. Snowflakes danced in the air, painting the world in white.The road grew steeper, the landscape wilder. Soon, there were no buildings in sight—just endless trees and snow.Tabitha gripped the armrest as the car jolted over uneven terrain. After what felt like hours, they reached a remote valley deep in the mountains. Even their p
Third person's POVTabitha had been his most promising student. As a freshman, she'd become his assistant, shadowing him in clinics and even observing surgeries.He had placed his highest hopes in her, demanding perfection during her training.To him, Tabitha was a once-in-a-generation talent—he was merely her starting point, not her ceiling.Dr. Fairbanks had been both a mentor and father figure to her. And she had let him down."Is Dr. Fairbanks… doing alright?" Tabitha asked quietly.Alban's voice turned cold. "No. He says he once had a student who made him proud—until she threw away her future for a man."Tears welled up in Tabitha's eyes.She still remembered the day she submitted her withdrawal letter. Dr. Fairbanks rushed to the school, still wearing his surgical scrubs with a scalpel clutched in his hand.At first, he thought something catastrophic had happened—had her family gone bankrup