Tabitha's POV
Dad 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
Tabitha's POVWhile I was lost in thoughts, Dad's words snapped me back to reality. "What's wrong, Tabitha? If something's bothering you, spill it. Don't keep it to yourself.""Dad, this is just a temporary spot for us. I'm thinking about where we'll live once the babies are born."Honestly, I didn't want anything to do with Derek anymore, but how was I supposed to escape with my twins in tow?And where could I even run to?My wolf paced restlessly in my heart. "The future is so uncertain. I really don't know what to do."Dad sighed, "I heard from Derek that he bought back the assets of the Silver Moon Pack. Why don't we just head back there?""I'll think about it. No rush. It's still early."I picked up the carpentry tools and said, "Dad, teach me. I wanna make something for my kids too.""Sure. let's get started," he beamed before patiently guiding me in carving.I tried to concentrate and followed his steps while my mind was still
Derek's POVThe salesperson, perhaps noticing I was standing there for quite some time, spoke up, "Alpha Derek, do you like this wedding dress? It may not fit Miss Sutton perfectly, but she can try it on. There is still some time before the wedding, and we can make adjustments according to her measurements ASAP."I shook my head and left decisively.I owed Tabitha way more than just a wedding or a dress.I doubted I would ever be able to repay what I owed her in this lifetime.After I changed into the tuxedo selected by Daphne, the salesperson squatted beside me to straighten my trousers, showering me with compliments."Alpha Derek, you are truly handsome, elegant, and dashing. Your wedding with Miss Sutton will definitely garner worldwide attention."I had worn formal attire many times before, but it was the first time for me to wear a wedding tuxedo. However, it wasn't for marrying the love of my life.I kept a straight face, not feeling the
Tabitha's POVMy days in the secluded house were simple and peaceful.I was busy carving wood when Joanna suddenly shut off her phone, looking super pissed while mumbling under her breath."What's got you all grumpy over there?" I shot her a glance.She hurriedly looked up, replying, "Nothing! Just don't check your phone these days. It's all a bunch of trash news."I chuckled, "Are you referring to the news about his wedding?""You heard about it already?""The whole internet was abuzz with it, so yeah."Joanna carefully studied my expression. "So you're not angry? Last month, when Alpha Derek postponed the wedding, I thought he was doing it for you.""Angry? Why would I? Being angry means I still love him. Love will make me get insecure, jealous, paranoid, possessive, and even lose my mind. Why should I do that?"Plus, we've already rejected each other. Even though he's my second chance mate, I don't wanna accept him."I put do
Tabitha's POVI stood at the entrance of Hope Ranch, and a flood of emotions surged through my heart.Though Hope Ranch had been redeemed, I found it disgusting and have never been back because it was once owned by Derek and Daphne.I walked in and saw the hydrangeas blooming in a vibrant array of colors, flourishing beautifully without any apparent pruning.Some roses climbed up and around the fence.A gust of wind made the flowers sway gracefully in the breeze.Although the scene was stunning, I couldn't bring myself to step forward."Tabitha, please go in. Alpha Derek is waiting for you," Rolf urged.I felt like just as the saying went, "The closer you get to a place familiar to you, the more restless you become."I hadn't pushed the door yet when I heard a sound and a white dog running towards me.Tucker, who had been brought back by Derek, circled around my feet.Curious about what Derek might be up to before his grand wedd
Tabitha's POVI was tightly embraced by Derek and found that there were several tall and handsome men standing behind him.Among them were the elegant Carson, Alpha Leopold, and a man wearing a half-mask that concealed his face but exuded an air of cold indifference.He might be the Beta Gelman Stout from the Grey Stone Pack that Derek had mentioned before.Kamp and the photographer, Alpha Obadiah, were both smiling.I swallowed all the words I wanted to say. Even though I was dissatisfied with Derek, I didn't want to make a scene in front of so many people.Besides making things awkward for Derek, it would also be embarrassing for me.Gloria, dressed in a white gown, emerged from the crowd with a complex expression on her face.It was clear that, like me, she had only just grasped what was happening.I lowered my voice and said, "What are you doing?"Derek supported me and said, "Tabitha, I owe you a wedding."Instead of feelin
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