Tabitha's POV
Seeing 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 thatTabitha'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
Derek's POVTabitha insisted, so I did not refuse."It's a bit far away. You can take a rest first," I told her.Tabitha had a stern face and said, "No need. I'm not sleepy."Ten minutes later, she fell asleep and her head was banging against the car window.I felt helpless. I didn't think I was dangerous, but why did she sit against the window?I reached out my long arm and took her into my arms.Tabitha opened her eyes and glanced at me, wanting to struggle, but she couldn't resist the drowsiness and was asleep again.These days, she got drowsy easily and slept a lot.I quietly held her in my arms. So much had happened in the past two or three years, and I hadn't had a peaceful moment with Tabitha like this in a long time.I prayed time would slow down for us.The car went up the mountain, and it was dark outside. Tabitha slowly woke up from her sleep.As soon as she found herself leaning on my chest, Tabitha moved away.
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