Tabitha's POV
Derek kept reminiscing about how we met, got to know each other, and fell in love.I couldn't remember much, but I could still pick up on some hints from his words."I must've been crazy about you, right?" I asked.Derek looked at me with gentle eyes and chuckled in agreement, "Yeah. Do you remember something now?"I shook my head. "I just feel that since I was willing to give up my studies when I had a bright future ahead of me back then, I must've been head over heels for you."Derek paused, a complex expression on his face.Then, he stared out at the swirling snow and murmured, "Yeah. If it weren't because of love, why would you give up your dream? Tabitha, I swear I'll love you forever. I'd bet my life on it."He tightened his embrace, making it hard for me to breathe. I had to push him away with all my strength.Just then, I noticed my right wrist felt kinda stiff, and there was a scar on it. "My hand..."Derek letThird person's POVDerek walked briskly out of the door, deliberately lowering his voice. "Hey.""Alpha Derek, has Tabitha come around? How is she now?" Kamp pressed on.Tabitha had been out cold for three whole days since she was injected with M-1, and she should have come around by now.Derek provided a brief update on Tabitha's condition, and Kamp let out a sigh of relief."That's good to hear. I was worried..."Kamp had been feeling uneasy lately, recalling a year ago when Tabitha had a high fever and dangerously low white and red blood cell counts.Usually, such low levels could mean she had undergone treatment to get wolfsbane out of the body, but later Tabitha's medical examination report showed no problems, so Kamp didn't ask about it.M-1 was quite unusual. Besides affecting pregnant women, the elderly, and children with weak immune systems, it could also be lethal for werewolves poisoned with wolfsbane.Every now and then, Kamp
Tabitha's POVIt was late at night, and the Omega had already gone home.The villa was left with just Derek and me, and we had nothing to do."Are you sleepy?" he asked.I shook my head quickly. "No, not at all. I'll watch TV for a while."My awkwardness was palpable. Despite being married for a long time, I still felt like a stranger to Derek. The idea of being intimate with him felt as awkward as meeting someone from an online relationship in person.Noticing my discomfort, Derek calmly said, "Okay, I'll be here with you."As I watched soap operas, Derek typed rapidly on his laptop.Occasionally, I glanced at him. With his gold-framed glasses and the soft yellow light above, he looked more warm than usual, his cold features softened by the glow.He seemed to sense my gaze and looked up.Wearing a black silk pajama with a high-quality sheen, the satin fabric glowed softly under the lamp. He adjusted his glasses with his slender midd
Tabitha's POVI blushed and looked away, "The baked lobsters look good. I'll give them a try."Before I could even pick one up, Derek quickly fed the shelled lobster into my mouth."Is it tasty?"As I bit into it, a burst of spiciness, freshness, and fragrance exploded in my taste buds.The familiar taste flowed from my tongue to my stomach. It had been so long since I'd tasted this. It was so spicy that I stuck out my tongue and guzzled lemonade."Too spicy?" Derek asked."A bit, but very delicious." I wasn't used to spicy food, but I enjoyed the challenge. Despite my burning ears, I couldn't resist taking another bite.Derek shelled lobsters quickly, but not as fast as I ate."Slow down.""It's a pity you're not a night market chef specializing in lobsters with skills like yours."I drank water and turned back to praise him.Derek smiled indulgently and said, "Do you really think anyone else in this world deserves to taste the food I make?"It had been a long time since I ate lobste
Derek's POVThe recent Tabitha reminded me of the time when we never had any disagreements.Back then, she was innocent and full of passion every day.Her smile was a great morale booster for me whenever I felt troubled or down.My unintentional love confession instantly flustered Tabitha.With her so close, her charm nearly made me lose my composure.Tabitha quickly averted her gaze and said, "These cherries are really big, and they're so sweet."I replied, "I'm glad you like them."It took me quite a while to prepare these foods, but I didn't eat much.After finishing shelling the lobster for Tabitha, I immediately turned to my laptop to handle some business matters.Seeing this, Tabitha couldn't help but ask, "By the way, I still don't know what you do besides being the Alpha of the Black Thorn Pack. What's your other work?"I answered succinctly, "Something related to management."Little did she know I was using work to distract myself. After all, she was so adorable, and I reall
Tabitha's POVThat comment instantly brought me to my senses.Indeed, all the information I'd gathered since I came around pointed to one thing: Derek and I were totally in love.Everything looked like a perfect gift box, flawless and incredibly beautiful on the outside.Even though Derek explained to me that I lost my pups by accident, what about my right hand?While showering, I noticed a bunch of cuts and scars on my body. They were not fatal injuries but rather seemed like scratches, grazes, or bruises.Apart from that, there was an unhealed cut on my abdomen.And it looked kinda dark around the edges.My palms were covered in calluses, and my figure looked nice but not in a fragile way.Most of those injuries seemed fresh, which didn't match up with Derek's claim that I was just a housewife. I must've been hitting the gym hard to get this body and all the injuries.Suddenly, I remembered that there were only Derek and a couple of pack guards on my contact list.Plus, my phone loo
Tabitha's POVIn the early morning, I woke up in the dazzling sunlight. I slowly opened my eyes. There was a moment of confusion.I blinked and was in a daze at that moment.I wondered if I looked a bit silly now.No matter what, I took a look around first.My vision gradually became clear as I glanced blearily about me."Did you sleep well last night?"I looked at the man beside me with a faint smile on his face.His handsome face made me feel as if he were the most powerful leader in the werewolf tribe, irresistible in his charm.It took my breath away to look at him from such a close distance. His facial features had no flaws whatsoever, no matter from which angle I looked at them.When he didn't smile, he was as cold as ice, but when he smiled, his whole demeanor became gentle.I parted my lips slightly and said, "Well, it's not bad."From what he said, it seemed that I always had poor sleep in the past.But yesterday, I slept through the night.Perhaps it was because of the faint
Tabitha's POVI subconsciously stepped back but forgot that there was an open wardrobe behind me, which now forced me into an even smaller space.My hands pressed against Derek's chest, and my face felt hot and flushed.It was a pity that I couldn't ask someone with my phone. What should I do now?Derek gently scratched the tip of my nose with his finger. "It's cold outside. You should wear more clothes."With that, he let go of my hand and stepped back. Finally, I could smell the long-lost fresh air. "Okay."I breathed a sigh of relief. Originally, I thought he was going to do something.Derek had already left the cloakroom. "Breakfast is ready.""Okay, I'll be there right away."After the heat on my face cooled down, I hurriedly went downstairs to have breakfast.After breakfast, I followed Derek out.Looking at the million-dollar car parked outside, I swallowed and said, "Is this your car?""Mine is yours."I nervously got in the car. He didn't seem like coveting my money at all!C
Tabitha's POVTurned out, it was totally not what I expected. The things Dad left behind were truly priceless to me, but they didn't have much practical value.The analysis of that netizen was wrong. Derek wasn't after my cash at all.What else could it be that he wanted from me?After spending most of the day at Hope Ranch, I still didn't recall anything.Before leaving, Tucker came over. I was gonna say something about taking Tucker with us, but the words got stuck in my throat. Subconsciously, it seemed like there was a voice telling me that Derek wasn't a dog person."What's wrong?"I pointed at the dog by my feet and asked, "Can I take him home?"Tucker was pretty old and probably didn't have much time left. So I wanted to stay with him while I still could.Derek answered promptly, "Alright. I'll have someone bring him back. Let's continue our date."I wondered, "Date?"He smiled slightly and took my hand. "Yeah, what's the problem? Is it illegal for mates to go on a date?" He op
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
Third person's POVTabitha had been his most promising student. As a freshman, she'd become his assistant, shadowing him in clinics and even observing surgeries.He had placed his highest hopes in her, demanding perfection during her training.To him, Tabitha was a once-in-a-generation talent—he was merely her starting point, not her ceiling.Dr. Fairbanks had been both a mentor and father figure to her. And she had let him down."Is Dr. Fairbanks… doing alright?" Tabitha asked quietly.Alban's voice turned cold. "No. He says he once had a student who made him proud—until she threw away her future for a man."Tears welled up in Tabitha's eyes.She still remembered the day she submitted her withdrawal letter. Dr. Fairbanks rushed to the school, still wearing his surgical scrubs with a scalpel clutched in his hand.At first, he thought something catastrophic had happened—had her family gone bankrup
Third person's POVDerek released Tabitha. Over the past few days, he thought he had made himself clear, but Misha seemed to be someone who couldn't be driven away."Misha, I've already made it clear to you before. I don't feel that way about you. Stop doing these things. What you're doing won't move anyone. It will only move yourself."Misha wiped her tears, her face full of sorrow, "But, but I just wanted to be a little kinder to you.""Feelings need to be reciprocated by both parties. If only one side gives, isn't that unrequited love? I can't give you any response."Misha pointed at Tabitha's face, "What about her! She doesn't love you either. Aren't you also in unrequited love?""This is my freedom. Instead of focusing all your energy on me, you should go and find a life that belongs to you. I can't give you what you want. Bringing food like that is something a girlfriend should do."Derek's words were ruthless. Misha ran out cry