Tabitha's POV
The 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 iTabitha'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
Tabitha's POVI was already in extreme unease and fear, and Dr. Palmer's words just made me even angrier."Have you no manners or professional ethics? Is your job just a weapon to attack others? Do you even know me? Do you know the whole story? Who do you think you are to insult me like this?!"Dr. Palmer crossed her arms, looking pissed off.She darted her gaze at me, snapping, "Insult? I'm just telling the truth. Everyone knows Alpha Derek is getting married, but he brought you here for an abortion. What else would you be if not his mistress?"Then she gave me a once-over like I was some piece of trash. "These days, women don't seem to know how to behave. All they do is mess around instead of focusing on their studies, obsess about seducing others' mates like crazy. Bitches like you should have an abortion once you're pregnant, for you deserve to be alone forever!"Goaded beyond endurance, I broke free from my restraints and slapped her right across t
Third person's POVAlvin froze, panic rising. "Sorry, Alpha Derek's delirious," he blurted, terrified of offending Doctor Venessa."Get his clothes off and put him in the tub," Tabitha instructed, turning away to sort herbs."Fully?" Alvin asked, unsure."Fully," Tabitha confirmed, her voice flat.Alvin hesitated, then stripped Derek bare.Tabitha's mind flashed with memories of Derek's body—the same one she'd once known intimately.Compared to when she'd left, Derek's physique was more muscular.When she'd gripped his waist earlier, she'd distinctly felt the elasticity and definition of his muscles.Now, with his clothes removed, several new scars were visible across his chest.She'd watched him from afar over the years, always avoiding contact, always ensuring she remained invisible to him.Several times over the years, Derek had nearly crossed paths with Tabitha during missions. Each time, she deli
Third person's POVTabitha was used to Alvin calling her by name. Hearing him call her "doctor" made her wince."Use a different name," she said."May I know your name, Doctor?""Vanessa."Wait, what?Alvin nearly choked. "You're Vanessa? The all-around physician?"An "all-around physician" was a rarity—doctors usually specialized.But Vanessa wasn't just rare. She was legendary.Alvin had first heard her name last year when she became one of the few surgeons capable of performing interdental artificial cornea surgery.The procedure was so complex it required collaboration across dental, ophthalmological, and radiological fields.Yet Vanessa, a twenty-something newcomer, pulled it off.Media swarmed, patients flocked—but she vanished.Then came a high-risk heart surgery, again under her name.Another worldwide sensation.Reporters chased shadows. She remained elusive,
Third person's POVA cold female voice cut through the tension, "One more tear and you're out. You're deafening."Misha's open mouth froze mid-sob, the comical expression plastered on her face.She glanced around, finally noticing the unfamiliar woman in the room. "Who is she?" she demanded."This is the miracle doctor who can save Alpha Derek. Show some respect," Rolf warned, wary of Misha's infamous temper flaring up again.Despite her pride, Misha's love for Derek was genuine.She quickly composed herself. "Of course, Doctor. I entrust my Derek to you," she said, the possessive words slipping out before she could catch them.Rolf's eyebrow twitched. Since when was Derek "hers"?Alma appeared in the doorway. "You're back.""Yes," the woman replied, her tone neutral."Let me introduce everyone. These folks are here for treatment. The young man's poisoned—Nine-Heart Wolfsbane, nearly dead. The hysterical one
Third person's POVRolf's eyes were red and puffy from crying. "What's Alpha Derek trying to do?" he blubbered."Let him have this one last moment of freedom," Alvin said, holding Rolf back.The mountain wind chilled their tears, but Derek couldn't feel it anymore.His knees shook with every movement, each step draining what little strength he had left.Still, he didn't give up, gritting his teeth and forcing one foot in front of the other.The child stood bathed in sunlight—just a few steps away, and he could hold her.What should've been a quick stride took dozens of seconds, maybe longer.Hedwig stood with her back to him, pigeons swirling around her. A speckled one landed on her finger, cooing.Hedwig's eyes lit up—her mom was back!She spun around to see Derek lurching toward her, unsteady and lifeless yet driven by sheer will.He reached out, fingers trembling, when his body swayed dangero
Third person's POVWhy did it have to be Derek?Alvin's fists tightened as he stared at the horizon. Derek had lived with a clear conscience—except for Tabitha. He didn't deserve this end.But Alvin wasn't a healer. All he could do was watch as Derek's breaths grew shallower, his skin paler.The bell tinkled again—Hedwig had followed them here.When they finally stopped, Alvin eased Derek against a gnarled pine, its needles pricking Derek's back like needles of ice."This spot's good," Alvin said, voice cracking. "You'll see the sunrise."Derek nodded weakly. "Good."The mountain wind bit through Derek's coat, but it cleared his head a little."Alvin... my biggest regret was letting Daphne's demands tear Tabitha and me apart. If I hadn't blamed her for Silver Moon Pack's problems... none of this would've happened.""Alpha Derek, you had your reasons," Alvin said, though the words felt hollow."R
Third person's POVHedwig couldn't speak, but she was wise beyond her years—quiet, helpful, and already versed in basic healing.Derek wished he could play with her, but time was slipping through his fingers. After eating the fruit she'd given him, he picked up his pen again.All night, he didn't rest.He could feel the life Hedwig had breathed into him fading. His senses were dulling again.But the will was done. Now, he only wanted to write letters—to Tabitha, to his kids, Kyrian, Helios and Ayla.The poison was moving faster than it should've. Every letter cost him energy, accelerating the venom's grip.First, he wrote to Kyrian. "Be a good man. Lead the pack with your heart, not just your claws."Derek's chest ached. He'd failed Kyrian, leaving him to shoulder the pack's weight alone.But love? That never faded.Next, his mother.The letter was short—"Take care of Kyrian. If Tabitha ev
Third person's POVAt the mention of the word "will," Rolf's face, which had been tense for days, crumpled. His eyes instantly reddened."Alpha Derek, you don't need a will! You're gonna be fine, you hear me?!"But at this moment, Derek became calm. "I don't have much time left. It took me a lot of effort to get to this camp. Even if I leave, it would take a day. What's the point of leaving if she comes back right after I go? It's better to stay here. If she doesn't come back in the end, I at least need to settle things, I can't just die without any explanation.""Alpha Derek...""Alvin, go get it," Derek said.Alvin's eyes welled up. "Alright."Alban, with red eyes, said, "I'm sorry, kid. I couldn't help you this time.""Dr. Weaver, I'm already grateful to you. You're right, there are some things beyond our control. I guess this is just my fate."In just two days, Derek had gone from a healthy man to someone whose organ
Third person's POVAlma felt a bit awkward. "I'm not sure about that."After all, Hedwig was Derek's spitting image, but she wasn't certain about Hedwig's father."Regardless, he already has other women by his side. He might have forgotten your mother and could build a future with someone else. Even so, do you still want to save him?"Hedwig pursed her lips and didn't respond. Alma stroked her hair, "Poor child, you should know how hard your mother worked to escape him. If he discovers you two are still alive, he'll imprison her again. Do you want that?"Hedwig shook her head gently."Then pretend you don't know him. Your mother and the others aren't in the village. Whether he survives is up to luck," Alma sighed, "Your mother suffered too much. She was barely alive when she gave birth to you. Cherish the life you have now."Hedwig nodded.Strangely, after Derek drank Hedwig's blood, about half an hour later, his vision and hea
Third person's POVThe door swung open.Misha stared at Alma with wide eyes, thinking her sincerity had finally moved her.But the next moment, Alma unhesitatingly lifted a basin of water and splashed it over her, drenching her from head to toe. "Stop making a fuss here! Don't try to coerce me with such theatrics. Whether you stay or do something more extreme, it has nothing to do with me. If you're looking for trouble, take it elsewhere, not here!"Misha stood there, stunned. How could Mrs. Atkinson act so unreasonably?"Why are you staring at me like that? Do you think this is a soap opera?" Alma sneered, "Now leave before you soil my place."As she spoke, she shielded Hedwig's eyes, "Don't look, or it might ruin your mood."Misha returned, drenched and furious, cursing under her breath, "Why is this old woman so difficult? She didn't have to help, but did she have to throw urine at me?"Rolf pinched his nose and stepped back