Tabitha's POV
Dad 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. MaybTabitha'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
Tabitha's POVI somehow walked in.I remember that this place was used as a guest room for entertaining visitors at Hope Ranch.Now, it had been transformed into a large space, with one half painted a soft pink and the other half a gentle sky blue.The floor was covered in a plush, long-haired carpet, and the ceiling was painted with clouds.When the door closed, the lights suddenly went out. Yet, countless stars appeared overhead, softly glowing, with occasional streaks of shooting stars.Some lights in the room emitted a gentle glow, and the air was filled with the soothing music of a music box.Cradles, rocking horses, various toys, and a wide array of clothes for babies from newborn to one-year-old were neatly arranged.Nearby, there was also a special corner for children to play, featuring tall castles, slides, and swings.Derek thought of almost everything related to babies.This room was even more perfect than the one I had de
Tabitha's POVDerek also dialed it down a bit.He asked, "So Elena isn't the murderer? Who is Lillian? If that's the case, does it make things a bit easier between us?""In your dreams. There are far more problems between us," I replied coldly.Then I continued, "Lillian was Elena's substitute. She died for Elena."A few days ago, I tentatively asked Dad about Lillian. She was not the simple victim we imagined."I explained the whole thing in detail.Derek's frown deepened as if he was recalling what had been amiss that night.He said, "That day, I was supposed to meet Carson and the others, but Carson had something come up and couldn't make it. I didn't like the atmosphere there, so I found an excuse to leave. When I was walking out, I felt so hot and only then did I realize that I had been drugged. Afterward, I asked Alvin to investigate, but there were too many people that night and we couldn't find anything. So the incident goes unresolved
Third person's POVRolf was extremely anxious and would have chased after them if not for the distance."This can't go on. Our people can't fire to stop them, and with one in the sky and one at sea, it's easy to run into danger."Derek hadn't planned to stop Tabitha, so he could only watch helplessly as Lucian docked the boat on a small island."This island is covered in dense forests, making it unsuitable for helicopter landings," noted Derek, who then ordered, "Use rope ladders to ascend the trees, and keep another helicopter on standby. Lucian must be prepared."As soon as Lucian reached the shore, he quickly took the two children from Tabitha's arms and urged, "Come on, follow me!"Tabitha and Gloria followed Lucian into a pre-dug tunnel."Even though they can't find us for now, we can't hide forever. Once they surround the island, we'll be trapped," said Tabitha.Wiping sweat from his forehead, Lucian whispered, "If my gue
Third person's POVAyla suddenly reached out and removed Lucian's mask, giving him a light kiss on the cheek, "Lucian..."This was the first time Tabitha saw Lucian's face. She had expected some birthmark or scar, but his face was clean, with sharp features and striking good looks.Oddly, Tabitha felt he resembled Derek a bit.Lucian quickly put his mask back on and said, "Let's go, to avoid further trouble."Tabitha snapped out of her daze, thinking it must have been the poor night light, and held Gloria's hand as they boarded the speedboat.Unbeknownst to her, the island had numerous cameras and small, insect-like HD capture devices hidden in trees and bushes, which could move flexibly and transmit Tabitha's and the children's movements to Derek.Derek had already received information about Tabitha and Gloria's planned escape.Now, Derek watched the fleeing figures on the screen.Alvin asked worriedly, "Alpha Derek, ar
Third person's POVGloria specially came to see Leopold off before his departure.In front of the helicopter, she put her arms around his waist, looking reluctant to part."When will you come to see me?" she asked."Missing me already? Last night didn't satisfy you?" Alpha Leopold teased with a smile.Gloria wondered how such a refined face could utter such words.After being with Leopold for so long, she knew he was different from Derek, who was rule-abiding and secretly passionate.When Leopold was in the mood, he could even place his hand on her thigh under the table while discussing business."Will you miss me?" Gloria asked suddenly.Leopold thought she was just being affectionate and stroked her nose. "I'll miss you the most at night," he said.His answer was never what she wanted to hear.Gloria smiled and said, "Then I won't miss you. It's too tiring."Leopold was about to say something else
Third person's POVIn this game of love, whoever falls for real first is the loser, and she lost.So every word and glance from Leopold felt like a sharp thorn.They had clearly defined their relationship long ago. She couldn't blame others, only herself for breaking the rules.Talking about money yet falling in love was like cheating in a card game."Why are you looking at me like that? If you think the money is insufficient, I can add more.""It's already quite a lot."Gloria suddenly smiled and sat on Leopold's lap, hugging his neck as usual.She was more certain than ever that leaving was the best way to end this relationship.Before that, she mustn't let Leopold sense her intentions.Gloria's eyes flickered with coquettishness as she said in a soft voice, "Triple the amount, and I want it now.""Little money-grubber." Leopold gave her a light peck on the nose and took out his phone to transfer the mone
Third person's POVLeopold forcibly took Gloria away.Gloria asked coldly, "What do you want?"Leopold ignored her question and asked, "Where's your room? Let's go in and talk."Gloria nodded to indicate the direction. Leopold led her into the room."Exactly what do you want... mmm..."The moment the door closed, Leopold closed in, his thin lips accurately capturing Gloria's. "I've missed you," he said.Gloria was stunned. She had expected Leopold to have some important business.Lately, she had been reviewing the contracts she handled, worried there might be issues that prompted his long journey.But the moment Leopold kissed her, she thought, 'Is this man crazy?'"Let go of me!"She pushed him away with great effort.Although some time had passed since her miscarriage and her body had mostly recovered, it didn't mean the pain in her heart had healed.What on earth did this man want, being so
Third person's POVGloria shrugged and grumbled, "That joke isn't funny at all, Tabitha. What do we do now? He's here. Our plan…"Before she could finish, Leopold's voice cut in from behind. "What plan? Gloria, what are you scheming behind my back?"Gloria's heart sank. "Almost blew it."Tabitha, ever calm, set down her tools, removed her surgical gown, and stepped out of the room."Nothing major. Who knows what Gloria's talking about—maybe stabbing you in your sleep or weakening you with wolfsbane. She comes up with a hundred wild ideas a day."Gloria exhaled in relief, shooting Tabitha a grateful glance. 'Thank the stars for you.'Their personalities balanced each other—Tabitha steady and composed, Gloria fiery and impulsive.Leopold chuckled lightly. "How mischievous. You're the sensible one, Luna Tabitha."Tabitha replied flatly, "You should know by now, Alpha Leopold, we've rejected that dynamic. The title doesn't suit.""My mistake, Miss Hartley."Leopold now understood Derek a
Third person's POVGloria had been in an exceptionally good mood these past two days. She practically floated as she walked, even skipping and greeting the grass by the roadside.Perhaps her joy had irked Leopold, because on the evening of the third day, he suddenly appeared.At the time, Gloria was playing hide-and-seek with the children.When she heard the sound of a helicopter overhead, she didn't think much of it.Over the past few days, she'd learned the routine. Every ten days or so, a boat would leave the island to restock supplies. She assumed it was the servants returning and didn't pay it any mind.She had a blindfold over her eyes and was standing under a tree, counting, "Eight, nine, ten... Are you little ones hiding yet? The big bad wolf is coming to catch the little bunnies!"Since there weren't many people to play with, she usually roped in a few servants to join the game.She took two steps and bumped into someo
Third person's POVDerek didn't mock Leopold's current arrogance because he knew fate was fair. What was meant to happen would happen.Moreover, Derek had noticed that Leopold's feelings for Gloria were special—far more than just a casual lover, despite what he claimed.It didn't matter. Love had a way of humbling even the most stubborn people.As Leopold spoke, he glanced at the surveillance footage again. Gloria was sitting by the sea, staring at the ocean, her emotions much calmer than before.It seemed Derek's suggestion had been right. Gloria needed the company of friends and children to heal her inner wounds."My family situation isn't great right now. Let her stay on the island for three months, and then I'll bring her back."The incident with Gloria's miscarriage had infuriated Leopold. He'd acted impulsively for her sake, and her former fiancé was still in intensive care.The other family was also wealthy
Third person's POVDerek hadn't expected Kyrian to react so strongly. He'd only wanted Tabitha to know about Kyrian's existence, but he'd overlooked the fact that Kyrian was no longer a clueless toddler like his younger siblings.At this age, children understood everything and had developed their own complex emotions."I'm sorry."Derek carried Kyrian step by step back to the house. Kyrian was wrapped tightly in the military coat, while Derek was left exposed to the snow and wind.Although Kyrian had spent more time with Derek growing up, Derek had been chasing after Tabitha these past two years, and Kyrian rarely got to see his father.When Kyrian saw Derek covered in snow, his crying gradually subsided.He wasn't the only one hurting. Derek must have been suffering too.Kyrian sniffled softly, and Derek looked into his eyes, speaking earnestly, "I promise you, one day I'll bring Mom back, okay?"Kyrian's nose was red f