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 POVDerek's face contorted with pain as he continued, "After Tabitha faked her death, I suspected what had happened. I was torn at the time, wanting to bring her back, but I also understood that doing so would only repeat past mistakes. So, I protected her within my control and waited silently. Gloria, I swear, I won't hurt her again."A hint of pleading appeared on Derek's face as he went on, "I'm asking for your help not out of selfishness. Tabitha's illness isn't fully healed, her body hasn't recovered, and with two children in tow, she wouldn't be able to protect herself if danger arises."Gloria had never seen Derek so humble.She remembered how Derek had always approached her with a condescending attitude four years ago.Derek continued, "You are Tabitha's friend, and your starting point should be considering her safety, right? If I wanted to harm her, I could just bring her back directly, so why would I go through the trouble
Third person's POVThe two children were a blend of their parents. The girl resembled Derek, while the boy took after Tabitha, which was quite different from their brother, Kyrian.Derek thought to himself that if Kyrian knew he had two younger siblings, he would be thrilled.But when he considered his relationship with Tabitha, he sighed deeply, filled with regret for his past actions.At that moment, Alvin approached swiftly and reported, "Just received news from the island. Noah is taking Ayla away, and Lucian's direction also leads to the island. He plans to take Tabitha away."Derek, with his hands behind his back and a furrowed brow, spoke with a melancholic expression, "Lucian intends to take more than just Ayla—Tabitha as well. She has always sought opportunities to leave me, and this presents her with an excellent chance.""What should we do? Should we stop him now? Otherwise, with his capabilities, if he truly takes Tabitha a
Third person's POVPlans... Tabitha's original goal had been to find her two children and Jasper.The children were found, but Jasper was without a trace.However, she couldn't search aimlessly without a target.Thinking of Derek's anxious appearance last night, it was clear he still had feelings for her.Gloria's text warning Tabitha to be careful of Derek came to Tabitha's mind again.Tabitha felt she had overlooked some subtle details. What exactly had she missed?It seemed a key point was missing, and once found, it would connect all the events."I don't know. I just wanted to find the children, but I didn't expect to court death. And Derek's attitude towards me is ambiguous. Outside this cabin, I don't know what awaits me," Tabitha said, her face full of entanglement.Seeing her struggle, Lucian took a big gulp of mineral water and mustered the courage to say, "Have you severed ties with him?"Tabitha nodded,
Third person's POVDerek had painstakingly built up Tabitha's trust by posing as Wilmot.He knew that if she ever discovered his true identity, her anger would be immense, and the trust he had spent half a year constructing would crumble entirely.Derek continued, "Send someone to discreetly protect her without revealing themselves. Ayla is still on the island. Tabitha will go to see her."Rolf nodded in agreement, "Understood."Derek added with caution, "Remember, Lucian has a strong ability to detect surveillance, so do not get too close."Rolf responded, "Yes, Alpha Derek. We will handle it immediately."Turning to Alvin, Derek instructed, "Investigate the identities of those deceased men thoroughly."Derek pondered whether Tabitha's survival had been leaked, perhaps when she was seen on the boat.The assailants had been ruthless, and if not for Lucian's timely arrival, Tabitha could have been in grave danger. He had
Third person's POVForrest's voice was laced with worry, "Ms. Hartley, where are you now?"Tabitha had already settled her wages with Forrest before sending the children to the island. She couldn't fathom why he would contact her at this juncture.She couldn't help but feel puzzled.Tabitha inquired, "What's wrong?"Forrest replied, "Wilmot's had an accident. You need to come see him."Tabitha was still trying to make sense of Derek's appearance at the bar when she heard about Wilmot's predicament, and her heart immediately filled with worry.She quickly asked, "What happened to him?"Forrest explained, "Wilmot was already ill recently, and he drank a lot tonight. He's suffered from alcohol poisoning and has been taken to the hospital. He keeps asking to see you, Ms. Hartley. Where are you? Can you come to see him?"Tabitha thought to herself that even if she knew her current location, she couldn't just tell anyone.
Third person's POVTwo more gunshots rang out, the shooter's aim dead on as two more men fell to the ground.Tabitha saw a tall figure standing deep in the alley, shrouded in a cloak, making it impossible to discern who it was.Tabitha's mind raced with questions. Was he a friend or foe?The man removed his hat, revealing the distinctive totem mask beneath.Tabitha stared in disbelief and uttered, "Lucian, why are you here?""Long story. Come with me," Lucian said, grabbing Tabitha's hand and leading her away.They didn't get far before Tabitha glanced back to see Derek and Leopold rushing out of a bar together.Surprise washed over Tabitha. How could Derek be here?Her blood seemed to freeze. 'When did he return?'Lucian pulled Tabitha into a dilapidated black car that passed right in front of Derek.Leaning against the car window, Tabitha gazed at Derek, lost in thought.'If Leopold had arranged to
Third person's POVLeopold carefully compared the photos. Although the person in the photos was dressed differently and had a different appearance, the body shape and the action of holding things with the left hand were identical.Derek became alert, thinking to himself, "People like us are more sensitive than ordinary people. Such photos wouldn't catch the attention of most, but I've noticed something.""Where's the negative?" Derek asked."I'll have it sent over right away," Leopold replied."And Tabitha?" Derek inquired again."Don't worry, she followed me to the bar. She's in the lobby outside. I have my bodyguards keeping an eye on her," Leopold said.Tabitha had been following Leopold for several days, and Derek, concerned about his own people being exposed, asked Leopold's men to watch her.She maintained a simple daily routine without any issues.However, the photos now revealed to Derek that someone was tracking
The next day, Tabitha began to investigate Leopold's movements meticulously.For several days, she did not dare to slack off. Gloria, who had recently suffered a miscarriage, had been recuperating in Leopold's home, not venturing out.A tight-lipped woman handled the daily tasks of shopping, cooking, and cleaning.Despite Tabitha's attempts to get close to her, she couldn't extract any information.As a week passed, it had been half a month since Gloria's miscarriage, and by her nature, she should soon be able to go out.On the sixth day of tracking Leopold, he called Derek out for drinks.He rubbed his temple, looking troubled, "Your mate, doesn't she think she's disguising herself well?"With that, Leopold threw out a stack of photos, all of which were taken while Tabitha was following him.Tabitha's curious little head appeared adorable in the photos."Or do you think I'm so idle that I play house with her every day?"
Third person's POVAlpha Leopold took out a sapphire necklace from his pocket and placed it around Gloria's neck, his face instantly returning to that tender expression."Look, it suits you so well. Don't worry, whoever harmed our child will never see the sun again. Be good, take care of yourself, and don't think about anything else," he said.Gloria's face was devoid of any color, her back already soaked with cold sweat, chilling her. Cold sweat also beaded on her forehead, trickling down her cheeks.Her body trembled, filled with fear and despair, unsure of how to face this mad and cruel man.As a mother who had experienced the pain of losing a child twice, Tabitha was heartbroken and worried when she learned about what had happened to Gloria.Given Gloria's character, if her relationship with Leopold was normal, she would have informed Tabitha even if she had lost the child.Her silence largely indicated that her relationship with