Tabitha's POV
I 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 bDerek'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
Joanna's POVAfter what happened at the hospital, Tabitha seemed to become a total zombie, looking lifeless and dejected.Looking at her, I felt so worried.The spark in her eyes brought about by her pregnancy had vanished. Even though the swelling on her face had gone down a bit, she looked pale as a ghost.She just sat quietly by the window, staring blankly at the rain outside, completely zoned out."Tabitha, you must be starving. The kitchen just made spaghetti with meat sauce. You told me you wanted it a few days ago, didn't you? Why don't you give it a try and see if it's what you're craving?" I asked softly."Just leave it there. I'm not hungry," she replied flatly, no emotion in her voice."You've gotta eat something—even if it's just for the kids."I knew that it was the only topic that could persuade her to do something.Seeing her nod, I quickly handed her the fork and knife."Eat while it's hot! I snuck a taste earli
Tabitha's POVAlthough I managed to keep my twins, I felt like Derek took away the last bit of light in my world.He already knew he was their father. From now on, he would definitely not let me go.But I had already grown tired of this game.I felt like I was trapped under a huge net, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't escape.I didn't know how to seek revenge, nor could I see any glimmer of hope.I couldn't do anything while I was pregnant. I could only rub my belly over and over again.Every day, I prayed to the Moon Goddess that I could safely give birth to my babies.I was getting more and more depressed, even talking less to Dad.His legs had gotten a lot better, and he could now walk freely around the house without needing assistance.It was already summer, and it was getting hotter. I was dozing off on a lounge chair under the shade of a tree.When I woke up, I found that someone had covered me with a blanket. Da
Tabitha's POVDad's face went from astonishment to shock and finally settled on a happy emotion. "Really?"I watched Dad's reaction and had some guesses in my mind.Although I didn't know his exact thoughts, from the change in his expression, I could tell that he might have thought that the conflict between Derek and I had reached a dead end.Now that he knew I was pregnant, his attitude changed. It made me realize that, in his mind, having children was a good thing."How can I lie about this? I'm pregnant with twins and it has been more than a month."Dad was extremely excited. "Great, that's great."I thought back to those days when Dad was seriously injured and hospitalized and I lost my child. By then, I forced a smile every time I went to see him, but I was getting haggard. Dad must have been worried about me all along.Now that I was pregnant again, he might think that there was still hope between me and Derek."What's the deal betw
Tabitha's POVDad looked up at the sky and said, "Then let me ask you, what would happen if I didn't let her go?"I remained silent, thinking about this question in my mind.Dad continued speaking, "I'd only get resentment and silent treatment. She wouldn't yell at me, but every day after that, she would hate me and this unfair world."There would be no light in her eyes, no smile on her lips. And even though I kept her by my side, I couldn't have her heart. All I got would be a broken family. Even you would have to grow up discreetly."I never forget how carefully you tried to please her. You were so little back then. While other kids your age enjoyed a carefree childhood, you had to do everything you could to win her favor, but in the end, you failed, right?"In this suffocating family, a battlefield without smoke, it wouldn't be long before you became like her."The reason why peacocks are beautiful is because they have a vast expanse of space.
Tabitha's POVFrom Poison and Wolf Shadow to Elena, I thought I had already found the answer.It didn't seem like that now.Yet, Dad was unaware of what had happened later."Tabitha, don't you trust your old man? Even if I wanted to find a new Luna for the pack, I would ask for your consent. I would only have a child when all the conditions got stable and mature in every aspect. How could I possibly do something irresponsible like that?"If it weren't for my dad saying it with his own mouth, I would probably have misunderstood it for a lifetime."Didn't she like you very much? How did she end up getting pregnant with someone else's child?"Dad sighed again. "This is what I often say about young people being impulsive. After she angrily left me, she went to a nightclub and got drunk. Then, she had a one-night stand with someone. Later, I found her and made my position clear. No sooner had we been together than we discovered that she was pregnant."
Tabitha's POVDad continued, "Tabitha, I have protected you well since you were little. You don't know the challenges that werewolves face in human society. Both men and women will do whatever it takes to climb up the ladder for power, money, and status.'""I know it now.""Back then, she spent long enough time on me. I was her best choice. Firstly, I was the Alpha of a pack, and secondly, I didn't have a mate while my only child was not in the Silver Moon Pack."If she could join the pack and become my mate, she wouldn't have to worry about anyone else taking her place. Most importantly, I am much older than her, and she would receive a lot of money after my death."Only after receiving a clear answer from me did she give up on pursuing others. Do you know who she targeted that night?"I suddenly felt a chill down my spine. "Who?""It was Derek."I was completely dumbfounded. "How could it be him?""Well, she has a high self-esteem. Mayb
Tabitha's POVSeeing me lost in thought, Dad cleared his throat twice, and I immediately looked over."Look at me. I was gonna talk about you and Derek, but somehow, we ended up on my stuff. Tabitha, don't worry. Derek's a good guy. He won't be messing around out there. Before you mated with him, I had people check him out. He has always been faithful."I didn't wanna talk about Derek at all, so I changed the subject."Dad, how much do you know about that girl?"Dad didn't want to dive into this again, but seeing that I seemed to be very interested, he added, "Her name is Lillian Brady. At first, I thought she was a smart and sensible kid. But later, when I learned what she had done, I realized I barely scratched the surface of who she really was. Why do you ask? Do you know her?"I calmly replied, "No. Just kinda interested in your relationship."Dad smiled gently, "It's all in the past now. All I want now is to see you happy."It seemed 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