Tabitha's POV
So, Lucian was a mercenary?And what was the deal with all those weapons he was hiding on the island?After Alvin quickly recounted what I had experienced, Derek rushed over to me."Are you hurt?"I shook my head. "No, after I heard the bullet, I hid in another room. His goal was probably just to escort Elena out, so he didn't fire again.""Those people might have laid something here in the house. Once they set it off, we wouldn't even have the time to escape."It's no longer safe here. Alvin, relocate Tabitha ASAP.""It's all set, Alpha." Alvin then turned to me, "Let's go.""I...""I know what you wanna say, Tabitha. We'll talk later. For now, I can only tell you that these people have a complicated background. If they are really after you, it will be tricky," Derek said with a serious tone."But don't worry. At least, for now, you're safe. Their main goal is getting Elena out of here. In the next couple of days,Tabitha's POVFor safety reasons, I took a helicopter back to the city.As soon as I got home, Dad rushed over, eager to know if Derek and I had patched things up."How did everything go with Derek today?"Faced with his concerned expression, I had no choice but to lie. "It was all good, Dad. Nothing to worry about. We spent the whole day together.""That's good to know. I was worried you still held a grudge against him. The twins are growing up day by day, and they can sense stuff too. Only when you stay relaxed and happy can they be healthy."With that, he smiled and took me to see his latest work, a beautiful handmade wooden bed."Check this out! I've been working on this crib for days, and finally, it's done."The crib had cute little animals carved into each corner, and they were polished smooth enough that even if the babies bit them, they wouldn't get hurt.There was even a bedbell hanging above it. The crib was so delicate, even c
Third person's POVAs Tabitha had expected, Daphne indeed couldn't sleep, not out of excitement, but out of anger.Just a short while ago, her people followed Derek's car to a villa, which wasn't the property of the Black Thorn Pack. Given the large number of werewolf guards outside, it was obvious that Tabitha was holed up in there.Daphne couldn't believe that on the eve of their wedding, her groom actually went to his ex-mate's place.Rage simmered inside her, almost driving her crazy.'Tabitha, don't blame me for this. You crossed the line first!' Daphne thought to herself.It seemed that nobody slept well tonight. Even though Tabitha didn't want Derek in her room, he stubbornly sat by her bedside all night long.The moonlight spilled over him like a soft glow, and in that dim light, Tabitha saw his bandaged hand. Yet she chose not to say a word about it.Eventually, drowsiness took over, and she drifted off to sleep.Derek lay down b
John's POVI quickly wiped the panic off my face, my brain racing as I tried to come up with an explanation."Just throwing some flower branches I've trimmed into the trash can."Having said that, I chucked a bunch of branches in, covering up the torn invitation perfectly."John, just let us handle the manual labor. You should rest well.""It's okay, moving around a bit will help me recover faster. Has Tabitha gotten up yet?""No, she's been sleeping a lot lately. Sometimes she doesn't wake up until eleven o'clock."Thus, I replied, "It's good to get some extra sleep. By the way, I just remembered today is the birthday of an old friend of mine. Can I borrow your phone to make a call?"Joanna, being as a kind-hearted girl as she was, handed it to me right away without thinking twice. "Here you go."I then dialed a number as I stepped aside.Seeing I was avoiding her, Joanna backed off a bit. She did nothing more than look up to check
John's POVA few years ago, when I found out that Derek wasn't planning to hold a wedding ceremony, I was livid.Tabitha was my only daughter. How could I let a man take her just like this?Yet Tabitha kept begging me, saying Derek was her mate and she trusted him wholeheartedly.As for the wedding thing, she didn't care about it. She told me that they didn't need such a superficial thing to prove their love for each other.Since I never got the love I wanted in my life, I sincerely hoped that Tabitha would get hers, so I didn't insist on it.However, I never imagined that my compromise was a huge mistake. Since there was no wedding, no one knew that Tabitha was Derek's mate.How ridiculous!Now that he was marrying another woman, he let the whole world know about it.I felt so bad for Tabitha. She gave up everything for that man, and what did she get in return? Betrayal!Even her hand was injured because of him!He asked me and
Tabitha's POVJoanna recounted what had happened this morning."Come to think of it, John looked like he was trying to stay calm. Before we talked, he seemed to be tearing something apart."With that, she tipped over the trash can that hadn't been cleaned out yet. And something bright red stood out like a sore thumb."What is this?" Joanna scrambled to piece that thing back together. "Oh no, it's the wedding invitation. John must have seen it. And he borrowed my phone before saying he was heading back to his room. Could it be that he was already in the hotel?"My heart sank. "When did it happen?""About half an hour ago.""Shit, get the car ready! I'm heading over there right now! I have to stop Dad!"He hadn't been in touch with the outside world for over two years, so he had no idea what had happened.If he found out about Holly's death and Derek's betrayal in his current state, there was no way he could handle it.I immediately tr
John's POVI paced around for a while but didn't see Derek anywhere. And there were no signs of Mark and Holly, either.As far as I knew, Daphne was Mark's only daughter. How could he not show up when she was getting married today?I spotted Alpha Justin, though. He looked like he'd aged ten years overnight, and there wasn't a hint of joy on his face. Everything felt off.After wandering around for a bit, I started feeling worn out. Just when I was about to find a spot to chill for a minute, I heard a woman's voice from the lounge area nearby."Daphne, do you think Tabitha will show up?"The mentioning of Tabitha's name caught my attention.I followed the direction of the voice, only to find a woman sitting in a wheelchair wearing her wedding dress. She looked just like the bride on the huge poster at the entrance.So this was the girl Derek was marrying?How come she would be in a wheelchair? Was she paralyzed?At first, I had prepa
John's POVThe words "pass away" exploded in my mind like fireworks.I felt like I couldn't breathe. My blood seemed to freeze in my veins.My wolf, sensing my agony, whimpered in my mind.My body shook uncontrollably as I grabbed Daphne's hand out of sheer panic. "How did your mom die?""What does it matter to you? Who do you think you are, you country bumpkin! If you don't scram, I'll call security," Daphne shot back at me with a glare.I was reeling from shock, pain, and disbelief all at once.These emotions tangled together, making it hard for me to catch my breath."Are you a friend of my mom's or something?" Daphne scrutinized me with a new look in her eyes that wasn't so hostile anymore.Then she added, "Forget it. It's my wedding day today. Since you're already here, stick around for a drink."Lyrique shot me a glance and sneered, "Get lost already! It's obvious that this is not where you belong. Don't ruin Daphne's big day."
John's POVThat line hit me like a ton of bricks, shattering my last glimmer of hope.I felt a chill running down my spine, chilling me to the core.Before I knew it, I vomited blood.Lyrique freaked out, shouting, "What the hell is wrong with you? I'm telling you, putting on an act won't change anything. Where are the guards? Get this guy out of here!"Daphne shot Lyrique a nasty glare.Before she could say anything, Derek rushed over and caught me before I fell flat."John, are you alright? Alvin, get him to the hospital, now!"I turned my head, only to see him and saw him decked out in his groom's outfit. It made my blood boil even more, and I felt like I was about to shift any second.I was so enraged that I could barely get my words out through gritted teeth. After a long while, I finally managed to question him, "Were you the one behind the rogue attack and bankruptcy of my pack?"I never imagined that my daughter's mate, who I
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