Derek's POV
Tabitha's words freaked me out. I widened my eyes, staring at her in disbelief.Right now, tears were trickling down her cheeks as she stared out the window, making her look gorgeous yet fragile.Inside my head, Leo was losing his mind, howling like crazy, giving me a splitting headache. I knew he didn't want me to do this to her, but I couldn't help it.I thought she was just bluffing. As someone who would cry over a simple scratch, she could never hurt herself that way. That was what I told myself. However, I was so damn wrong.She showed her claw, going straight for her collarbone before I could even stop it.Desperate, I rushed over, reaching out my arm to stop her. But clearly, I underestimated her resolve to cut ties with me.Her claw gouged a wound in her skin as well as my arm.Blood poured out of our wounds, dying our clothes red.I frowned in pain, yet I didn't flinch."Tabitha, have you lost your damn mind?!" ITabitha's POVI slowly opened my eyes, my mind shifting from fuzzy to clear.Looking around, I realized I was moved to another ward, a far cry from the one before.The walls here were slapped with plain white paint, not a single decor in sight. Some parts were even peeling off, showing the grey concrete underneath.The light was utterly dim. The only tiny window was covered by rough, faded curtains.The bed was hard and thin. And when I touched the sheets and covers, they were so rough that I felt they were gonna cut my fingers. Guessed they must've been washed countless times.In the corner was a simple metal cabinet, topped with a plastic cup and a box of tissues.And that was all.The air was filled with the pungent smell of disinfectant as well as a hint of dampness, which made me uncomfortable.I knew it must be Derek's doing. It was so typical.Ruining the mark was like challenging his authority. As a domineering man, he defini
Tabitha's POV The atmosphere in the room grew sour as I finished my words. Derek's face darkened under my glower. Kamp, who seemed to pick up on the heavy vibes coming off Derek, blurted out, "Alpha Derek, Alvin just mind-linked me. There's pack stuff that needs your immediate attention." Derek shifted his gaze from me, ready to leave. Before he walked out the door, he suddenly threw over his shoulder, "Tabitha, talking to you's a waste of my time." I cursed inwardly, 'Damn it! I gotta teach him a lesson for insulting me!' Anger got the better of me, and before I knew it, my claws were out, swiping straight at him. Caught off guard in the heat of the moment, he failed to dodge in time. I ripped his shirt open, revealing his skin underneath. He glanced down and then locked eyes with me, rage written all over him. "How dare you!" he snarled. I remained silent, just keeping him in a cold, hard stare, ready to strike again if needed. Derek gave me a sullen glare. "I'm gonna le
Tabitha's POVIt'd been a week since I last saw Derek.And the guards from the Black Thorn Pack didn't show up again.So these days, I got to stay in this public werewolf hospital as an ordinary patient.Apart from Orson and the nurses, plus Gloria dropping by now and then, I got no visitors.No one'd been keeping tabs on me.TBH, I couldn't care less about Derek's absence. It was kinda nice to catch a break and just chill on my own.The wound on my collarbone had all healed up. No one could tell there was ever a mark there.I had checked in with Crystal.Good news was, she had already bounced back from the desolation caused by the complete break of the mate bond.And now, she couldn't sense Leo anymore.But when I was alone, Derek's face would pop out in my head from time to time, and it still stung me.Orson became the one I talked to the most.He would come to my ward during his rounds, keeping me updated with his f
Tabitha's POV "Dad!" I called out in a panic but got no response. With tears in my eyes, I followed the nurse back to the ward. After placing Dad on the bed, she left. Then, I immediately walked up to him. Fixing my gaze on his face, I noticed he'd changed a lot—his cheeks had hollowed out, and he got heavy dark circles under his eyes. "Dad..." I whispered again, even though I knew he wouldn't answer me. My gaze drifted down to his left hand. It looked thin and aged, a stark contrast from the strong one that used to hold mine on our way home. On the back of his hand was an indwelling needle, and the skin was loose and sagging. In just a couple of years, he'd aged so much... As I looked at him, memories of the past came flooding back. Back then, he was so exuberant and robust. As the Alpha of the Silver Moon Pack, he was incredibly kind to every pack member. So even the lowest-ranking omegas felt blessed to be part of the pack. No matter if Dad was the killer of Elena or not,
Tabitha's POVFacing Derek's probing, I cringed with embarrassment.Begging him for help was the last thing I wanted to do, yet Dad's life was hanging by a thread. I had no choice but to swallow my pride.So I bowed even deeper, my voice soaked in humility as I pleaded, "Sorry for my arrogance. I'm begging you, please tell me where to find Matthew."Derek lounged back and asked coldly with a raised brow, "Why should I?"Biting my lip, I murmured, "I'll do anything, please."A sardonic smile curved his lips.Then I watched as he gestured for a nearby Omega from the Black Thorn Pack.Noticing his action, the Omega immediately walked up to him and bowed respectfully, asking, "Alpha Derek, what can I do for you?""You're done for the day. Now pack up and go back to the pack," he ordered.The Omega nodded and left the grove.When I was gazing at her receding figure, I heard Derek commanding, "Didn't you say you'd do anything? Well, n
Derek's POVWhen I finished my words, a look of disbelief flashed across Tabitha's face. I knew all this was tough for her to swallow.Going from being the daughter of the Silver Moon Pack's Alpha to becoming my Luna, she'd always been privileged. I bet she'd never face such humiliation.Just when I was expecting her to say no, she nodded in agreement.Well, that was quite a surprise.Since Kamp told me she used wolfsbane to stop her wound from healing, I'd been suspecting she was up to something.I thought she quit because of my warning, but she came to me again just a few days later.So I found fault with her, trying to make her lose her temper. Yet she complied in stride every time.I expected seeing her swallow her pride would make me feel good. But the truth was, it didn't cheer me up at all."Well then, let's get going." I stood up and pulled Tabitha with me.I wanted her to fight back, to bicker with me, to curse me. Anything
Derek's POV"Shut up, Leo! Can't you see I'm having fun here," I shot back at him.But Leo just howling nonstop, even trying to take over my body.Feeling something off, I regained my self-control.I let go of Tabitha, snapping, "Off you go. But remember, you're pretty much my slave now. Next time I call, you gotta show up immediately.""Got it." Tabitha adjusted her clothes with a panicked look. Then, she bit her lip and asked, "What about Matthew?""I'll let you know once I find him," I replied.She nodded, spinning around to leave.Then something occurred to me, so I called out, "Wait. Did that Orson guy visit you again while you were in the hospital?"Tabitha exclaimed in surprise, "You're spying on me? But there are no members of the Black Thorn Pack in the hospital."I impatiently waved my hand, ordering, "Just answer my question."Tabitha hesitated before finally admitting, "Yep, Orson used to be my attending. So I turned
Tabitha's POV Dad's even breaths were like a background track to my ramble. Leaning in, I continued in a whisper, "Dad, after Derek rejected me, he coughed up a hefty alimony. I'm putting that cash to work, helping the Silver Moon Pack get stronger. Look how much I've grown." I placed his hand next to my cheek. "When Mom walked out, you told me regrets were necessary in life. And it's the only way we can learn to cherish everything and everyone around us. Since then, I've been treasuring every single thing, yet it turns out my efforts are all in vain." I let out a sigh, heavy as the weight of my heart. "I don't know who on earth is targeting me. Just when I thought I was getting better, someone applied wolfsbane on my wound when I was in a coma. Now Orson's going abroad, and my treatment's gonna be put on hold again. I don't know if I'll still be alive when you come around." I mumbled on all afternoon until the sunlight began to fade. No sign of Dad waking, I couldn't help but ch
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
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