Tabitha's POVI gave Gloria a tug.Just as Gloria was about to leave with me, Daphne threatened in a low voice, "Gloria, don't push your luck.""You sure I'm pushing my luck? I haven't even made it public that you broke the marriage between Derek and Tabitha."Daphne's face looked particularly pale under the dim light.Gloria was glad to see Daphne's reaction. "I got evidence for everything you did. If you ever mess with me or Tabitha again, I'd consider making them public."Daphne gave Gloria a hard glare, but didn't say anything else.We didn't talk much any more.Because the auction started soon.As the only recipient of the golden full moon invitation, I sat near Derek.I didn't expect to meet Derek again so soon after we parted ways.It was just that we didn't talk at all, just like two strangers.I showed no interest in the auction at first.Until Lysander announced the auction of Hope Ranch.According to Ly
Derek's POVAs the hammer went down, the bidding for Hope Ranch came to an end. I got the ranch, but the joy of victory didn't last in my heart.My gaze followed Tabitha, her figure appearing lonely and desolate.Her sad look made me heartbroken.Although our mate bond had been severed, I could somehow sense her pain.Standing in the venue, I wanted to walk towards her out of impulse.My wolf Leo growled in my mind, telling me that Tabitha's pain had much to do with me."What did you feel?" I talked to my wolf in my mind."I can feel her pain. Go over to her. I need to know if she's our second chance mate." Leo's voice was deep and powerful, his words direct and honest.I furrowed my brow. "We lost her. She's no longer our mate. And I don't think there's a chance she's our second chance mate.""I need to confirm that!" Leo roared out his displeasure.I couldn't ignore Leo.So I went to chase after Tabitha immediately. When
Tabitha's POVUnder the soft lights of Duke Seafood Restaurant, Gloria and I sat facing each other. On the table before us were all kinds of fancy seafood dishes.The meal was a pretty penny, but I couldn't care less.I gently lifted my glass, telling Gloria, "You know what? The moment I failed to snag Hope Ranch, I realized all that cash meant nothing to me. Our friendship is way more precious than that. So here's to our friendship!" I clinked my glass with her.We chatted as we savored the dishes, her laughter dissipating the gloom in the air.She eased up pretty quick, but I had this nagging feeling of loss that I couldn't shake off.After downing a few glasses of wine, Gloria got tipsy."Tabitha, you always look so tough, like nothing could ever hurt you. It breaks my heart to see you like that. Sometimes I wish you could just open up to me. Tell me exactly how you feel instead of forcing a smile to reassure me," she slurred.She sounded b
Tabitha's POVEnraged, I spat through gritted teeth, "How dare you? Does Derek know he has such a vicious fiancée?"Daphne's triumphant laughter came from the other end of the line, "You saw how Derek doted on me last night. He supports my every decision."I gripped my phone, my nails nearly digging into my palm. "You can't just wreck it like it's nothing."Daphne snorted in a tone of disdain, "What are you talking about? I'm not wrecking it. I'm just planning its future."Despair filled my heart.Hope Ranch was Dad's dream, and he named it that way because it was meant to be a beacon of hope for those packless pups.Now, however, Daphne was gonna turn it into a den for aggressive rogues.They would become a formidable evil force, threatening the safety of other werewolves.Everyone would despise Hope Ranch, even dying to destroy it.I couldn't image how Dad would feel if he knew about it when he came around."You're digg
Tabitha's POVI had imagined all the possible scenarios on my way here. Now I was just gonna swallow my pride. To save Hope Ranch, it was worth it.Daphne smiled triumphantly upon hearing my answer. Then she waved her hand, and the Omega who had opened the door for me tossed a dirty, torn dress on the floor."Go put it on!" Daphne commanded.Before I could squat down, someone grabbed my leg—it was Kyrian, who I hadn't met for a couple of days."Mommy," he called out to me, sounding all cute and sweet. I found his pronunciation more accurate than before.I looked into his sparkling eyes, my face softening.Meeting my gaze, Kyrian extended his chubby little arms, murmuring, "Mommy, I want a hug..."Just when I was about to stroke his hair, the Omega rushed over and scooped him up."Let's go upstairs. Daphne's got important stuff to do," she told him.Not happy about being taken away, Kyrian burst into tears. He reached out for me
Tabitha's POV"Stop it, you motherfucker! Hey, you over there, can't you see I'm in danger! Come help me out!" Daphne shrieked, looking less frightened.Apparently, seeing me shift back into my human form boosted her confidence.The only Omega in the kitchen was already scared stiff. By the time she rushed over to help, I had unleashed an even bigger wave of Alpha aura on Daphne.The sheer power pinned Daphne down. After all, she was just a pampered rogue.She soon realized she was down for the count, even unable to get up, let alone fight back.My aura left her powerless, even talking was a struggle."Don't come any closer!" I barked, my tone icy.Petrified, Daphne stammered out, "Tabitha, if you dare hurt me, Alpha Derek won't let you off the hook."I scoffed, "Oh, yeah? You know what? He never let me off the hook. I've got nothing to fear. I don't get it. Why are you always trying to snatch everything from me? First, Derek, and now, Ho
Derek's POVThere was a mounting pile of documents on my desk, waiting for me to handle, but I couldn't focus at all.The memory of seeing Tabitha last night kept playing on a loop in my head.Her every look and every word evoked a complex emotion inside me, hard to put into words.I couldn't help closing my eyes, asking in my head, "Leo, let me know. Is Tabitha...our second chance?"Leo paused for a moment before sayin
Derek's POVAfter I punished the Omega who disobeyed my order, Leo gradually calmed down.I turned around, finding Daphne running towards me with teary eyes."Derek, listen, it's all Tabitha's fault," she sobbed.Then, she took my hand, hoping to seek comfort from me. But I just stood there, looking at her coldly.Noticing the aloofness in my eyes, she involuntarily took a step back.My gaze then shifted to Tabitha.She was still lying on the ground, obviously in too much pain to rise on her own.I rushed over, carefully helping her up.Though as cautious as I could, my fingers still accidentally brushed the wound on her back, making her wince.Seeing her in pain broke my heart.I immediately called out to Alvin, "Tabitha's injured. Go get Kamp, hurry."Alvin nodded and went for Kamp right away.I supported Tabitha, letting her lean on me.I could feel her warmth through her clothes. And her breathing sounde
Third person's POVGloria held Helios on her lap, skillfully peeling a grape and feeding it to him, her experience with children evident."Feeling better now that it's out," she said, watching the child play quietly nearby.Tabitha casually inquired, "Why did you hold back on the day we met, only to tell me today?"Gloria had her excuse ready, responding, "You had just returned to the States, and I didn't know your situation. I was afraid it would cause you trouble."Tabitha peeled a few more grapes before setting them aside when Helios indicated he'd had enough.She then looked at Gloria and said slowly, "You weren't afraid of causing me trouble. You were afraid I would leave, weren't you?"Gloria was taken aback, about to argue, but Tabitha saw through her, "Every time you lie, you subconsciously avert your gaze, fearing I'll see through you."Gloria, in a fit of exasperation, covered her face with a blanket, "You two are tru
Third person's POVDerek's face contorted with pain as he continued, "After Tabitha faked her death, I suspected what had happened. I was torn at the time, wanting to bring her back, but I also understood that doing so would only repeat past mistakes. So, I protected her within my control and waited silently. Gloria, I swear, I won't hurt her again."A hint of pleading appeared on Derek's face as he went on, "I'm asking for your help not out of selfishness. Tabitha's illness isn't fully healed, her body hasn't recovered, and with two children in tow, she wouldn't be able to protect herself if danger arises."Gloria had never seen Derek so humble.She remembered how Derek had always approached her with a condescending attitude four years ago.Derek continued, "You are Tabitha's friend, and your starting point should be considering her safety, right? If I wanted to harm her, I could just bring her back directly, so why would I go through the trouble
Third person's POVThe two children were a blend of their parents. The girl resembled Derek, while the boy took after Tabitha, which was quite different from their brother, Kyrian.Derek thought to himself that if Kyrian knew he had two younger siblings, he would be thrilled.But when he considered his relationship with Tabitha, he sighed deeply, filled with regret for his past actions.At that moment, Alvin approached swiftly and reported, "Just received news from the island. Noah is taking Ayla away, and Lucian's direction also leads to the island. He plans to take Tabitha away."Derek, with his hands behind his back and a furrowed brow, spoke with a melancholic expression, "Lucian intends to take more than just Ayla—Tabitha as well. She has always sought opportunities to leave me, and this presents her with an excellent chance.""What should we do? Should we stop him now? Otherwise, with his capabilities, if he truly takes Tabitha a
Third person's POVPlans... Tabitha's original goal had been to find her two children and Jasper.The children were found, but Jasper was without a trace.However, she couldn't search aimlessly without a target.Thinking of Derek's anxious appearance last night, it was clear he still had feelings for her.Gloria's text warning Tabitha to be careful of Derek came to Tabitha's mind again.Tabitha felt she had overlooked some subtle details. What exactly had she missed?It seemed a key point was missing, and once found, it would connect all the events."I don't know. I just wanted to find the children, but I didn't expect to court death. And Derek's attitude towards me is ambiguous. Outside this cabin, I don't know what awaits me," Tabitha said, her face full of entanglement.Seeing her struggle, Lucian took a big gulp of mineral water and mustered the courage to say, "Have you severed ties with him?"Tabitha nodded,
Third person's POVDerek had painstakingly built up Tabitha's trust by posing as Wilmot.He knew that if she ever discovered his true identity, her anger would be immense, and the trust he had spent half a year constructing would crumble entirely.Derek continued, "Send someone to discreetly protect her without revealing themselves. Ayla is still on the island. Tabitha will go to see her."Rolf nodded in agreement, "Understood."Derek added with caution, "Remember, Lucian has a strong ability to detect surveillance, so do not get too close."Rolf responded, "Yes, Alpha Derek. We will handle it immediately."Turning to Alvin, Derek instructed, "Investigate the identities of those deceased men thoroughly."Derek pondered whether Tabitha's survival had been leaked, perhaps when she was seen on the boat.The assailants had been ruthless, and if not for Lucian's timely arrival, Tabitha could have been in grave danger. He had
Third person's POVForrest's voice was laced with worry, "Ms. Hartley, where are you now?"Tabitha had already settled her wages with Forrest before sending the children to the island. She couldn't fathom why he would contact her at this juncture.She couldn't help but feel puzzled.Tabitha inquired, "What's wrong?"Forrest replied, "Wilmot's had an accident. You need to come see him."Tabitha was still trying to make sense of Derek's appearance at the bar when she heard about Wilmot's predicament, and her heart immediately filled with worry.She quickly asked, "What happened to him?"Forrest explained, "Wilmot was already ill recently, and he drank a lot tonight. He's suffered from alcohol poisoning and has been taken to the hospital. He keeps asking to see you, Ms. Hartley. Where are you? Can you come to see him?"Tabitha thought to herself that even if she knew her current location, she couldn't just tell anyone.
Third person's POVTwo more gunshots rang out, the shooter's aim dead on as two more men fell to the ground.Tabitha saw a tall figure standing deep in the alley, shrouded in a cloak, making it impossible to discern who it was.Tabitha's mind raced with questions. Was he a friend or foe?The man removed his hat, revealing the distinctive totem mask beneath.Tabitha stared in disbelief and uttered, "Lucian, why are you here?""Long story. Come with me," Lucian said, grabbing Tabitha's hand and leading her away.They didn't get far before Tabitha glanced back to see Derek and Leopold rushing out of a bar together.Surprise washed over Tabitha. How could Derek be here?Her blood seemed to freeze. 'When did he return?'Lucian pulled Tabitha into a dilapidated black car that passed right in front of Derek.Leaning against the car window, Tabitha gazed at Derek, lost in thought.'If Leopold had arranged to
Third person's POVLeopold carefully compared the photos. Although the person in the photos was dressed differently and had a different appearance, the body shape and the action of holding things with the left hand were identical.Derek became alert, thinking to himself, "People like us are more sensitive than ordinary people. Such photos wouldn't catch the attention of most, but I've noticed something.""Where's the negative?" Derek asked."I'll have it sent over right away," Leopold replied."And Tabitha?" Derek inquired again."Don't worry, she followed me to the bar. She's in the lobby outside. I have my bodyguards keeping an eye on her," Leopold said.Tabitha had been following Leopold for several days, and Derek, concerned about his own people being exposed, asked Leopold's men to watch her.She maintained a simple daily routine without any issues.However, the photos now revealed to Derek that someone was tracking
The next day, Tabitha began to investigate Leopold's movements meticulously.For several days, she did not dare to slack off. Gloria, who had recently suffered a miscarriage, had been recuperating in Leopold's home, not venturing out.A tight-lipped woman handled the daily tasks of shopping, cooking, and cleaning.Despite Tabitha's attempts to get close to her, she couldn't extract any information.As a week passed, it had been half a month since Gloria's miscarriage, and by her nature, she should soon be able to go out.On the sixth day of tracking Leopold, he called Derek out for drinks.He rubbed his temple, looking troubled, "Your mate, doesn't she think she's disguising herself well?"With that, Leopold threw out a stack of photos, all of which were taken while Tabitha was following him.Tabitha's curious little head appeared adorable in the photos."Or do you think I'm so idle that I play house with her every day?"