Tabitha's POV"It's hard. Gloria, my mind tells me to stay away from him. But the bond between us says another," I said calmly.After being rejected, werewolves stood a chance to meet their second mate. Yet it was extremely rare.I didn't think I would be that lucky.And even if I did run into my second mate, would I still believe in him?Once, I was so certain that the mate bond would bring me closer to Derek, and that we would love each other for a lifetime.Yet the reality proved me wrong. For Elena's sake, my mate didn't hesitate to go against me.I lost my baby, and my wound wasn't healing. My wolf was so weak that I could hardly shift, and my father was still in a coma.Gloria wiped away her tears and leaned against me. She held my hand with both of hers, and I could feel the warmth of her palms.I smiled gratefully and said, "Don't worry. The mate bond affects both me and him. He's done so much digging cuz he was trying to prove that Elena's death had nothing to do with my dad.
Derek's POVWhen Tabitha arrived, I had already been waiting at the entrance of the council chamber for a while.There was no one else there but me.Before she even approached, Leo had already sensed her, and he kept affecting me.As her light footsteps sounded, I opened my eyes and turned my head.Tabitha wrapped herself with a gray coat and a hat on her head.I couldn't help but start reminiscing, wondering if Tabitha used to be like this, not able to handle the cold.As she stopped a few feet away from me, I fixed my gaze on her face.She looked extremely pale, and her lips were slightly cracked. From a distance, she appeared even thinner than I had remembered.My gaze shifted downward, and I couldn't help but look at her belly.I was worried about her wound. She bled a lot last night, and I didn't know if it had healed now.But I knew that I was in no position to ask.A month ago, Tabitha suddenly agreed to be rejected.Yet we didn't have the chance to conduct the ceremony, though
Tabitha's POVThe moment our mate bond was cut off, I, unexpectedly, felt a sense of relief. However, what followed was the pain in the wound.Walking out of the Council of Elders, I almost fell to my knees on the steps.Luckily, my girl Gloria helped me in time. After steadying me, she yelled at Derek, calling him a cheater and stuff.I couldn't help but worry about her.Derek was notorious for his cruelty. Would she be punished for disrespecting him? And how was I gonna stop him, after I was rejected?Yet to my surprise, Derek did nothing more than merely glance at Gloria coldly.I pulled Gloria, trying to get us out of there as soon as possible."Wait."Derek's voice sounded from behind.I turned around, staring at his sullen face."What else do you want from me, Alpha Derek?" I asked with a distant tone.Derek stepped forward and said with a frown, "Without my permission, you cannot accept a second mate. Are we clear?""Why not? You're no longer mates anymore. Who are you to stick
Tabitha's POV"I used to feel the same way. My dad was getting much better and I even thought about taking him home. How could his condition suddenly get critical? And Vilda got killed soon after I visited her. It can't be a coincidence," I replied.With a sigh, I went on, "But then, I feel like I shouldn't deny reality just because I couldn't accept it. I had asked Beta Gary about what had happened the day my dad fell back into a coma. He told me that no one else had visited Dad. Maybe the Silver Moon Pack's incident was the trigger. As for what happened to Vilda, it was probably Daphne's doing. You know, to force Derek to reject me sooner. Now that she got what she wanted, I guess she won't stir up trouble again."Gloria knitted her brow, saying, "I doubt it, Tabitha. Sometimes, what seems like an accident in every way might end up being a scheme. You never know."I hesitated as I looked into the distance."If that really is the case, the mastermind is way too cunning. It's gonna ta
Derek's POVHonestly, I didn't expect Tabitha would be here. Today, she was in a black dress. It would look plain on an average girl, but with Tabitha's curvy body, she looked stunning in it.She slightly tilted her head, revealing her fair, delicate neck, which added to her charm.I couldn't feel any connection between us anymore; nor could I tune into her feelings.I thought it would be like the end of all relationships, and one day she would be a total stranger to me.However, when Alpha Obadiah grabbed her wrist, I realized that I wasn't as composed as I thought. Instinctively, I fixed my gaze on Alpha Obadiah's hand.When he looked over, I immediately turned my head, nodding to those who greeted me.Soon, Alpha Obadiah walked towards me, saying, "I thought you would send someone on your behalf. Oh, by the way, let me introduce you. This is Tabitha, the daughter of the Silver Moon Pack's Alpha."Alpha Obadiah looked at Tabitha and said, "This is Alpha Derek of the Black Thorn Pack,
Derek's POVAs Gloria's sarcastic gaze swept across my face, I couldn't help clenching my fists under the table.To me, the Guaiacwood Pack was just a second-rate pack. If it wasn't for her being Tabitha's friend, no way I'd let her throw this shade in my face.Snapping back to reality, I felt Daphne looking my way.Leo grumbled discontentedly in my mind, and I knew what it meant.He always thought that Daphne was dumb.Well, I couldn't speak up at that moment, so I had to watch Daphne walk right into Gloria's verbal trap."I wasn't angry. I just don't think it's good to talk behind others' backs," explained Daphne."I was simply telling the truth, no judgment. Why do you seem so angry when I talk about it? Could it be that you're..." Gloria fired back, ignoring Daphne's glare."Miss Bennett, seems like we're veering way off the main script of our gathering today," I said coldly."I'm sorry, Alpha Derek, I thought your future Luna would enjoy discussing such topics." Gloria sounded se
Derek's POVInstead of returning to the Black Thorn Pack, I came to one of the hotels that I owned.There was a private suite for me.Sitting on the sofa in the middle of the room, I lit a cigarette.I didn't turn any lights, and only moonlight shone through the French windows.It was dark and quiet. The torment and the pain were eating me up.My craving for Tabitha and my need to claim her didn't reduce after the rejection. It only grew stronger.As I was lost in thought, the door opened, and Alvin brought Tabitha in."Leave us," I said to him.Alvin hesitated, fixing his gaze on me. But he was my Beta, and he gotta obey my orders. So despite his disapproval of my behavior, he had to leave as I said.When the door closed, I got up from the sofa and walked towards Tabitha. She instinctively took a few steps back."You scared of me?" My voice was cold and indifferent. I walked briskly towards her, lifting her chin with my finger. "Where did you and Orson go? What did you do?"Tabitha p
Derek's POVI dropped my gaze to Gloria, my wolf eyeing her through me.As Alpha of one of the oldest packs, I got that natural press vibe on regular werewolves.Gloria's eyes deepened, and I could feel her wolf getting all on edge."What are you talking about? Where's Tabitha? Ain't that my line?" I shot back."I can feel Tabitha's scent's gone from here," Gloria said anxiously."Yeah, I saw her. But she's already left," I calmly replied.'Gotcha. Tabitha's right here on the top floor!' I smirked inwardly."Alright, I gotta keep searching for Tabitha. Bye," Gloria blurted out before spinning around.Seeing her all anxious, I asked, "Why the rush? Let's talk."Gloria cracked an awkward smile. "Well, maybe next time."With that, she ran in the opposite direction. But she was on my turf, and no way she was getting outta here without my permission. So Alvin stopped her immediately. Gloria almost crashed into him out of panic. As I
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
Third person's POV"Alban, I didn't expect forty years to fly by like that. You're still the same as ever. I did say you wouldn't grow taller, didn't I?"Alma remarked with a smile. Alban's face flushed at her words.It had been decades since he was brought here by his mentor after being poisoned.Back then, he was just a teenager, and Alma, in her early forties, was in her prime, looking much younger than her age.Known for her straightforward nature, she had teased him about his height after treating him. Alban had dutifully drunk milk and played basketball in an effort to grow taller, but his height eventually plateaued at around 5'7", making him appear shorter than his younger counterparts like Alvin."Mrs. Atkinson, you're still the same as ever. It's wonderful to see you again. Could you please help my friend? He's been poisoned with the Nine-Heart Wolfsbane," Alban pleaded.Alma sighed, "You've put me in a difficult spot. The N
Third person's POVIn the misty forest, a massive snake carrying a little girl emerged slowly.A beam of sunlight pierced through the dense canopy overhead, landing squarely on the girl.Her skin was as fair as snow, and her delicate features were strikingly beautiful.Most notably, she had a pair of emerald-green eyes, deep-set and chiseled.Clad in rustic, colorful attire, she was barefoot, with ankle bells woven from threads of five colors, adorned with tiny jingling pendants.This girl was exquisitely beautiful, her features complemented by an aura of ancient mystery.Perched high on the scarlet snake, she lacked the innocence typical of her age, instead bearing a demeanor of superiority, as regal as the Muse herself.The beam of light falling on her shoulder only enhanced her divine presence, making her seem like a saintess from a novel.The girl regarded the group with caution, her gaze inquiring why they had intru
Third person's POVTears streamed down Misha's face as she said, "You're still thinking about her even like this."Alvin turned to Alban and asked, "Dr. Weaver, what do we do now that Alpha Derek is in this state?""Have they identified the specific toxins yet?""Here it is, here it is!" Kamp approached with the freshly analyzed results."Dr. Weaver, can we save Alpha Derek once we know the components?""No, I can't save him. We need to go to Venomhollow," Alban instructed urgently."What kind of place is that?""It's an ancient village on the edge of the primeval forest. Most of the villagers deal with poisons, much like those special groups in the U.S. studying mysterious biological toxins. To save Derek, we need to find them. Perhaps they have a cure."Misha, realizing how severe Derek's poisoning was, asked, "And what about me, Dr. Weaver?""You're coming too. If we need a blood transfusion, we'll still rely o
Third person's POVThe figure was slender, clad in a black tight-fitting combat uniform, with distinct body curves—she was a woman!"Who are you?" Golden Shark asked in horror, hastily pulling out his pistol from his pants.Sweat poured from him as the woman approached from the firelight, her face obscured.As he drew his gun, a loud "bang" echoed—a gunshot shattered his hand, sending his weapon clattering to the ground.Seizing the moment, the driver fired back.A silver flash zipped through the air, and the driver clutched his chest in agony, a dagger protruding from it.He crumpled to the ground, blood gushing from his mouth.Golden Shark, a man of many dangers, was unnerved by today's bizarre events.As he tried to flee with his broken hand, another "bang" rang out, a bullet shattering his knee.Every time he moved, bullets found their mark. Within seconds, he was hit five or six times, collapsing
Third person's POVDerek's camouflage uniform was splattered with blood, most of it not his own, with only a minor wound on his arm.He seemed impervious to the pain.For three years, he had heard nothing of Tabitha and had transformed into a cold and bloodthirsty individual."Golden Shark got away? No problem. I've destroyed all his bases. Now he's just a rat scurrying around—where else can he run?" Derek said with a cruel smile."Alpha Derek, your arm is hurt," Rolf reminded."It's nothing," Derek glanced at the small wound, recalling how it had been slashed by a woman who bore a resemblance to Tabitha.Distracted during the firefight, he had stared into her eyes a moment too long.The sharp pain in his arm had struck like a venomous snake bite.The woman was killed on the spot, and he left without a flicker of emotion.For someone accustomed to danger, injuries were commonplace, and he paid the minor woun
Third person's POVIn this vast world, if Tabitha and Gloria were hiding in some remote and desolate place, living anonymously, even someone as capable as Derek or Leopold could not find them easily.The two exceptionally skilled men were at a loss in their search for them.Tabitha's adoptive parents had long passed away, and she had few attachments left in this world.As for Derek, he was the last bond she severed.Since then, she had lived like a free bird, soaring through the expansive skies without restraint.Derek could only face this loneliness alone, year after year.One year, two years, three years...Tabitha remained a thorn in Derek's heart, impossible to remove or forget. Each time he thought of her, a dull ache pierced his heart.Over these three years, Derek's position had become increasingly secure.The plan he had meticulously crafted for a decade was finally reaching its fruition.Without Ta