Tabitha's POV
I 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 refreshinTabitha'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
Tabitha's POVAs the silence stretched, even the air around us felt like it was frozen solid.Derek suddenly asked in a hoarse voice, "Tabitha, what if I told you I never betrayed you? What would you think?""Never betrayed me?" I scoffed, my eyes filled with doubts and distrust. "Then what about Kyrian? He's like a mini version of you. You wanna claim he's just some mud doll Daphne made based on your looks?"Actually, he's..."Just as he was about to spill some explanation, an exclusive ringtone cut him off. The one that belonged to Daphne.It used to be the most terrifying sound to me, for whenever it rang, Derek would drop everything and rush to that bitch.I shot him a look full of sarcasm. "Why aren't you answering? What are you worried about? I'm no longer your Luna now. I don't give a damn if you wanna pick it up."Derek dismissed the call and once again held my hand, saying earnestly, "Tabitha, listen, this is important. I kept it a se
Tabitha's POVA shooting star?This was a rare sight in Seattle. I had longed for it since I was a child, staying up late countless nights because of it, but I'd never actually seen one.But today, out of nowhere, here it was, catching me off guard. I didn't even have time to think of a wish.By the time I snapped back to reality, I had instinctively put my hands together, a single thought flashing in my mind: I hope Kyrian would be alright.When I opened my eyes, I saw a blinding silver flash. Meteors were streaking across the sky, leaving those long tails, breathtakingly beautiful.I was actually watching a meteor shower. It was too good to be true.My hatred toward Derek instantly vanished. At this moment, all I cared about was the baby in my womb.I made two wishes: one for Kyrian to be safe, and the other for my baby to be born healthy.As a werewolf, I had an indescribable awe for nature and the universe. Who knew? Perhaps those sho
Derek's POVAfter receiving treatment for some time, Daphne was finally out of the woods and getting better.Unfortunately, her legs were so severely injured, and the chances of her standing up again were slim.When I walked in with Kyrian in my arms, she was lying in bed, looking pale and kinda worn out. "Derek, is he alright?""Fortunately, it's not too serious. He just took a nasty fall and got knocked out for a bit with a mild concussion. Nothing major," I replied.Daphne breathed a sigh of relief and reached out to touch Kyrian's cheek. "Sweetheart, you gotta be more careful."However, as soon as she extended her hand, Kyrian buried his face in my arms.I quickly make up an excuse, "He got scared. You should focus on resting."She looked at me, pleading, "Derek... Can't you spend some time with me?""I'm sorry, but he needs to go to sleep now," I replied, but in fact, I was thinking about Tabitha.With that, I left without looki
Derek's POVKyrian burst into tears right after he heard what I said. He shouted non-stop, "Mommy! I ... want ... Mommy..."Kyrian was always well-behaved. He rarely cried.Yet he'd always cry sadly when it came to Tabitha.I sighed helplessly, "Fine. One last time. But we have to leave after we see her, OK?"He didn't understand what I meant, but he'd agree with anything I said as long as he could see Tabitha. He nodded obediently with tears on his face.I reached out and wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes as well as his drool. "Let's go."The yellow lights in the inflatable tent shone like stars.Kyrian had already gone to sleep normally, but now, he wasn't sleepy at all. His eyes were bright and shining.Before I walked there, he slipped out of my arms and ran on his short legs toward the tent.Tabitha's POVI sat on the carpet and looked up at the night sky, counting the stars that were not so common.Wer
Tabitha's POVI opened my mouth and wanted to tell Kyrian he was wrong. But then I decided not to. After all, he was just a kid, and the complexities of emotions and identity were simply too much for him to understand.Besides, I just wanted to see him grow up safe and happy. I wanted nothing else.Soon, Kyrian closed his eyes, rested his head in my arms, and fell into a deep sleep while snoring. I could even see bright saliva on the corner of his mouth.I reached out, gently wiped his drool, and looked at him tenderly.I couldn't help but wonder if my baby would look like Kyrian.After all, they were both Derek's children."Tabitha." Derek's voice rang out in the quiet night, sounding a bit hoarse and deep, breaking the peace.My face turned cold as I remained silent, waiting for what he was about to say.Derek cleared his throat, seemingly pondering his wording. "Kyrian really likes you, and I know you like him, too. You can think of hi
Tabitha's POVI used to think that Derek's indifference was the most chilling attitude he had towards me.It was only now that I found his affectionate frighten me much more than his direct attacks.I had a suspicion, but I didn't dare to say out loud that I was pregnant."Derek, I won't love you. Never," I said resolutely, trying to maintain my resolve in front of him.Derek, however, didn't care. He simply responded calmly, "Tabitha, there's a long road ahead of us." The inexplicable confidence in his tone sent shivers down my spine.Instead of arguing with him, I chose to curl up obediently. I didn't dare to push him too far.It was totally pointless trying to reason with a madman. I might actually make things worse.All I could do now was to lay low and wait for an opportunity until Dad recovered.I'd try my best to live as long as I could after I gave birth.I closed my eyes. Seeing that, Derek gently tucked me in.He leane
Tabitha's POVMy dreams were always about a kid.There was a time when I dreamed every night of a beautiful field of flowers, and a kid with a garland in his hand was coming toward me.With a smile, he put it on my head.The dream was so real that I could still feel the gentle touch of the garland when I woke up.I stopped frowning. "Thank you, sweetie.""Mommy, pretty." Kyrian was so happy that he kept grinning.Looking at his smile, I felt an inexplicable warmth and familiarity as if he really was my boy.He was just a little boy, yet he was already so caring. I bet plenty of women would fall for him in the future.I gently pecked his cheek while cupping his face and once again sighed silently, wishing he were my kid.I patted his knee to remove some of the weeds and dirt.Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Derek standing far away on the hillside.He didn't come nearer. Maybe he was worried that if he came over, it would
Third person's POVAs soon as Tabitha stepped out of the house, the biting winter wind hit her face like a knife, stinging her skin.Just as Derek had said, everything had been arranged."Tabitha, the helicopter is ready. You can leave now.""Thank you.""However, the helipad is a bit far. You'll need to walk there.""That's fine," Tabitha waved it off.Wrapped in a thick down jacket, she buried her face in the hood. She felt as though someone was watching her, but she didn't dare look back.She was afraid that if she turned around, she wouldn't be able to leave. In her heart, she kept repeating, Don't look back. Just keep walking.Behind the curtains, Derek held Kyrian, who was crying silently. Kyrian reached out toward the empty air, as if trying to grab the hem of Tabitha's coat."Dad, I don't want Mom to leave. Will she abandon me?""No, she loves you. How could she abandon you? She's just leaving for a
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