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
Derek's POVWhat the hell? Tabitha collapsed right in front of me.Never in my life had I felt so terrified.In my memory, Tabitha'd always been a strong werewolf. She'd got Alpha blood, killer combat skills, and a sharp brain.That was why I was stoked about her being my Luna.I thought getting drenched would give her a little sniffle at worst. I never imagined that she would pass out.Noticing my tie hanging around her body, I immediately released her. Then her limp body fell, her cold, cutting words echoing.How could she hurt herself this badly just trying to break free from a tie? She used to whine for hours over a tiny needle prick.I scooped her up, fixing my gaze on her face. She looked as white as a sheet. With long hair stuck to her cheeks, she was like a lifeless doll, fragile and delicate.Panic seized me. I couldn't help wondering, 'What the hell happened?'She used to be tough enough for winter swims. How could a bit of
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