Tabitha's POV
I 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 hiTabitha'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
Tabitha's POVI felt a shiver run through my body as I looked at Derek, somewhat puzzled."What do you mean?" I asked, a sense of foreboding welling up inside me.Derek let out a heavy sigh, sounding all serious as he replied, "What happened last night wasn't an accident. Someone pushed Kyrian down a really high staircase."Shocked by the news, I asked, "Who would do such a thing?""Right now, we don't have enough clues to nail it down. From the build, it doesn't seem like an ordinary person, possibly a professional hitman. That's why I need to get Kyrian and Reid to a safe spot."His words sent chills down my spine.I asked tentatively, "Does this have anything to do with Poison and Wolf Shadow?"As a werewolf, I had a natural sensitivity to these hidden forces."I don't think so. Poison and Wolf Shadow is an organization well-versed in the field of medicine. Their method of killing is mostly through drugs, just like with ... Holly. But
Tabitha's POVDad and I left Rose Manor even before dawn. I had no clue where we would be taken.After a long journey, we finally arrived. This place wasn't one of Derek's properties.Instead, it seemed like a chill hideaway tucked away in the city.Obviously, Derek sent us to a place like this to protect us so that we wouldn't be tracked down.The house combined the unique style of Seattle with the beauty of nature and the sophistication of modern architecture.Dad seemed satisfied with it, saying it reminded him of his packhouse back in the Silver Moon Pack.Even though it was way more contemporary, it had a comforting vibe that made us feel at ease.Surprisingly, Dad managed to start walking without the help of a cane.I hurriedly went forward to support him. "Dad, be careful."He smiled with contentment, saying, "Tabitha, I feel so much better.""Well, Dad, no need to rush. Take your time," I comforted him softly, feeling su
Derek's POVWhen I received Joanna's phone call, I was sitting in my office.Even though I hadn't swung by to check on Tabitha during this period, I was well-informed about her situation through various channels.Joanna had no idea what I was planning to do.She probably thought I was just being the perfect ex-mate, silently watching Tabitha from a distance like a guardian angel."Alpha Derek, Ms. Hartley wants to go for a prenatal check-up," Joanna's voice came through the phone.There was a pair of wedding rings on my desk. As I listened, I absentmindedly ran my fingers over the big diamond on one of them."Okay, I'll arrange that," I replied, my tone totally neutral.Joanna sighed in relief upon hearing it, "I knew it! Alpha Derek, you're always looking out for Ms. Hartley. I just don't get why she's so wary of you. She didn't even tell you about her pregnancy!"I smirked, hung up the phone, and put the rings back into the box.Th
Tabitha's POVThe whole phone situation had me super worried, but I never expected that Derek was also blocking my dad from touching a phone every time.After the same conversation happened a few times, Dad definitely sensed something was off.After all, he wasn't born yesterday.I quickly said to him, "Dad, some stuff did happen while you were in a coma. I'll tell you all about it, but it's just not now. When you fully recover, I promise I'll tell you about it bit by bit. "As soon as Dad heard that, he got all fired up, his hands starting to shake. "I knew it! Something's not right. When I came around, your hand was maimed, and you've been giving Derek the cold shoulder. What on earth happened?"Seeing Dad so emotional, I quickly helped him sit down and said, "Dad, look, this is exactly why I didn't tell you. Actually, it's not a big deal. It's just that he and I had a fight over some things. Didn't you see him begging me for forgiveness all day? If i
Tabitha's POVI got butterflies in my stomach.The painful memory of losing my child in the hemorrhage came back to me, making it impossible for me to calm down.Even my voice trembled uncontrollably."What... What is it..." I couldn't help clutching the hem of my clothes. I was prepared for the worst.I was a werewolf, and my senses were sharper than human beings. Right at this moment, my worries about my baby were eating me up.To my surprise, the doctor smiled, "Congratulations, Ms. Hartley. You're carrying twins. I saw two fetal hearts."My eyes became teary at once. I asked with caution, my lips trembling, "Then ... are they developing well?""Well, from what I can see, the answer is yes. You've got nothing to worry about."I stroked my lower abdomen and burst into tears of joy.I wasn't having a baby. I was having two!As Joanna pushed the door and entered, she saw the look on my face, and she figured something bad had hap
Derek's POVKamp looked at me and couldn't help but say, "Alpha Derek, we're talking about two lives here. Women have to go through a lot before finally giving birth. I think..."Obadiah might be slow, but the intense atmosphere made him feel something off. He asked, "What are you talking about?"I had already lost patience and got up to leave. "Prepare for the surgery."Obadiah grabbed Kamp's hand. "Tell me the truth. What surgery?"Kamp sighed and followed me while saying to Obadiah, "It's been a month. You tell me."Obadiah stood in situ with a confused look on his face.Then he caught up with us and asked me, "Alpha Derek, you love Tabitha a lot, right? Why would you want her to have an abortion? It's twins!"I didn't answer him.He continued, "Obviously, Tabitha has no idea. She discreetly texted me last night, asking me to do her a favor. You really think this is a good idea? Can you really bear to see her losing her babies now that
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