Derek's POV
When 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.ThTabitha'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
Tabitha's POVAt that moment, my mind was completely blank.I felt like I was dreaming, thinking there must have been something wrong.I knew all of Derek's few good friends. Even if I hadn't met all of them in person, I had at least heard their names.There was no man named Alpha Leopold.I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down.Maybe Derek deliberately chose someone unfamiliar because he was afraid of being noticed.I couldn't scare myself. Even if I lived in Alpha Leopold's house, it didn't prove anything.But what Gloria said in the next moment made me lose all reason."I said the house was my boss'. Do you remember the day we met? I was holding the bottle of folic acid to chase after you when he said something. He said that he knew you and that you were someone's crush. I was in a hurry to give you the folic acid and changed the topic to talk about work with him when I came back. I completely forgot about this matter."
Tabitha's POVJust then, the call ended abruptly, and I was out of options.I knew Derek, just like he knew me.During this period, I always thought that I was deceiving him in every possible way.Looking back now, I found that he was actually the one pulling the strings on me.I guessed by now, Alpha Leopold had already informed Derek, so I must escape.Right when I was stressing, Joanna came in looking for me. "Tabitha, what took you so long? The doctors have been waiting.""I'm not doing it. Let's go. We must leave immediately.""Why? Aren't there other tests to do?"I held her hand and pulled her out of the door. "I can't explain it right now, but in short, we can't stay here. It's way too dangerous."Joanna was confused. "The pack guards are here. Where is the danger? I will call Alpha Derek right now and let him handle it.""Fool, he's the biggest danger."I pulled Joanna and ran towards the outside. She insisted, "No
Tabitha's POVDerek stopped right in front of me, reaching out his hand, whispering, "Come on, be a good girl and follow me."He sounded so gentle like he was trying to calm a child, but it sent chills down my spine.Even Joanna sensed that something was wrong and instinctively stood in front of me."Alpha Derek, Ms. Hartley has finished her check-up. Let me take her back," she said.Derek finally shifted his gaze from my face to Joanna's, snapping, "Fuck off."Obviously, he was pissed. I didn't want to drag Joanna into this mess, so I shook my head at her."Just wait for me at the entrance. I need to talk to him."She looked between me and Derek and then waved her hand before leaving.Now that just the two of us remained in the hallway, I hurriedly spoke up, "Derek, let's talk about my pups."He stared at me icily before uttering a chilling sentence, "You're not gonna tell me they are mine, are you?""But that's the truth. Don'
Derek's POV Tabitha bit her lip, looking at me with a look of despair. "Derek, besides the twins in my belly, I've got nothing left. If you don't believe me now, just wait until they're born. No, in another three to four months, I'll be able to do an amniocentesis. By then, you'll know if you're the father." Anger boiled up inside me. "Tabitha, you've changed for the worse. You never used to lie to me. If I wait until then, the kids will be all formed up. The abortion's gonna have a significant impact on your body. Plus, you'll be even more unwilling to get rid of them when they are that big. I've consulted an expert. Doing an abortion now would cause the least harm." I stroked her hair, trying to soothe her, "Tabitha, how can you say that you've got nothing left? John's condition is improving day by day, and in one or two years, he'll fully recover, running the Silver Moon Pack like he used to. If it's Daphne that makes you feel insecure, I can assure you, I'm just m
Tabitha's POVI was placed on the operating table, and Derek stood by my side.He looked at me, who was in utter despair, his face showing a tangled mix of emotions."Tabitha, stop with the tears. I told you we'd have more kids later, a ton of them. Both me and our kids will be with you.""Derek, I have no future anymore. These two children are my only hope!"I still tried to talk him out of it. "Derek, just wait a little longer. In three months at most, you will know that I didn't lie to you.""Tabitha, I won't change my mind. Just hang tight. The surgery will be over soon."Derek seemed unwilling to stay here any longer, probably scared he'd cave.He turned around, ready to leave. Seeing this, I kept on pleading, "Derek, don't go, trust me! Why can't you just believe what I say?"Derek, they are your kids. You are killing your heirs!"You're gonna regret this, I swear!"With a bang, the door was closed. Along with that closed
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