Tabitha's POV
Just 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, "NoTabitha'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
Tabitha's POVHearing Joanna's words, Rolf let out a furious roar, startling me."Aren't you a doctor? Is that how you do your job?!" he barked.The surrounding nurses were freaking out.In the world of werewolves, the werewolf hospital didn't belong to any specific pack, so the docs here were under no protection. They gotta be very cautious."Dr. Palmer, calm down. Even if she's Alpha Derek's mistress, she's still one of the Black Thorn Pack," one of the nurses pointed out.She was implying that if the Black Thorn Pack decided to make a fuss about this, they wouldn't be able to handle it.Just then, Rolf roared again, sounding really pissed off, "You were supposed to be doing her surgery like a pro. Why couldn't you just focus on your job? Who do you think you are? What makes you think you could insult her and even beat her? I'm telling you; this isn't over."Then, I heard him striding toward me. He fixed his eyes on me, saying, "Tabitha, thi
Derek's POVWhen I saw Tabitha, who was in a sorry state, anger and pity surged in my heart.Tabitha cried so hard that she couldn't even speak. How could she even get checked out like this?And how could I trust that doctor when she hurt Tabitha before the surgery even started?Dr. Palmer stammered as she tried to explain herself."Alpha Derek, it was all a misunderstanding. I thought this young lady was... Well..."But seeing her panicked expression and shifty eyes next to Tabitha's pitiful look made it clear to me that her excuses were just an attempt to dodge responsibility.I would never allow anyone to harm Tabitha. This doctor must pay for what she did."No, you weren't like this earlier! Alpha Derek, she slapped me first. It's her fault," yelled Dr. Palmer.Tabitha sobbed softly, "But don't you know why I did so? We don't even know each other, yet you called me a slut and said I'd slept with loads of guys. And you even claimed tha
Tabitha's POVI felt zero joy, just fixing him with my cold stare, snapping, "As much as I hate to admit it, you're my kids' father indeed."Derek's face lit up with a mix of happiness and shock in an instant.Seeing that, I scoffed, "And you almost killed them just now. There's no way I'm letting someone like you be their dad.""Tabitha, I'm sorry." Here he was. The same useless apology again."Not every 'sorry' can just swap for a 'no worries,' Derek. Look at my face! This slap wasn't from her; it was from you!" I shot back, leaning back in my seat, feeling completely drained.After I got pregnant, my body had been through the wringer, and all that struggling took a toll on me too.Right now, I was just so tired.Since Derek seemed to have believed my words, I decided to stay silent, not feeling like explaining any more than that.He opened his mouth like he wanted to say something but then stopped himself, taking in my exhausted face b
Derek's POVWhen I arrived at the baby care store, I finally got a taste of what Tabitha must've felt back then.Kyrian was my first child. Logically speaking, I should have cared for him more than anyone else. However, at that time, Elena's death became the biggest rift between us.Looking at all those tiny and colorful clothes, I finally understood why Tabitha had so much to say back then.No wonder her eyes would shine with excitement whenever she talked about our baby.Everything for babies could melt your heart. They were so small and soft, yet they could smooth out all the rough edges in life."Wow, Alpha Derek, check out this little horse. It's so cute! And this toy gun too."It was funny how Rolf seemed to be even more thrilled than me.The salesperson on the side rushed over to my side after taking a glance at my outfit. Well, it made sense. Just the cost of the watch on my wrist could probably buy out this place with sone change left
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