Third person's POV
Elena's face revealed a paranoid and morbid smile despite being slapped.
"I am a madwoman. Why should I bear all the suffering in this world alone? Since I am already in hell, I will drag more people down with me. Alpha Derek, if you blame anyone, blame yourself for loving her!"
As if remembering something, she added, "It doesn't matter that you hit me. But don't forget, I am the one behind it, but you are the executor. It's your own disbelief in her, your indifference, your neglect, and your bullying that have hurt her the most. I am not the one who wounded her deeply."
Derek's raised hand stopped at this moment.
He knew Elena was right. He was the real culprit and had no right to resent anyone else.
He slumped down and lit a cigarette, staring into the void. "Now she's gone, and I've lost everything. Are you satisfied?"
Elena's gaze fell on Derek's gaunt and haggard face. She didn't speak, and no one knew what she
"Alright, keep an eye on her.""Yes, Alpha Derek.""What about the Rios family?""Bentley thought you were dead for sure. He was ecstatic. He's been busy this last month, trying to pull people over to his side."Derek lit a cigarette, his expression icy. "Good. Let's see who the traitors are. We can clean house all at once. There's no use keeping disloyal people around.""Understood."As soon as Derek returned, the atmosphere in Seattle changed again.He stood high in a skyscraper, hands clasped behind his back. His gaze was cold as he looked down at the traffic below. The heavy snow fell, unaware.The snow was beautiful. Beautiful enough to cover all the filth."It's time to end this."The thought that Tabitha was also in this bustling city added a touch of warmth to his heart."Tabitha, where are you?"He remembered his promise. He didn't actively try to track her down.The two parallel line
A single snowflake drifted down. Instinctively, she reached out. The flake quickly melted in her palm, a cool touch, just like the feeling in her heart.She took a deep breath of cold air. Her nose stung, but she forced herself not to dwell on anything.Seattle. She was back again.Looking at the familiar snowy scenery, Tabitha felt a mix of complex emotions.Winter in this city was still so cold. But this time, the person she used to be with was gone. It felt both solid and completely empty.Two people in puffer jackets passed by, whispering. "Look at that motorcade. Must be some rich guy or a politician, right? The display is so over the top."Tabitha heard them but didn't stop. She raised her hand and hailed a cab.Her fingers were still cool from catching the snowflake. As she opened the taxi door, she didn't even risk a side glance at the line of cars.It was only after Tabitha's taxi drove away that the distant Lincoln mo
Tabitha quickly changed in the airport's family restroom. She gripped the hem of her black coat, clenching it over and over.She had specifically chosen this style; it was the most inconspicuous.Once dressed, she pulled the wide-brimmed wool hat extremely low. A surgical mask covered most of her face. Even that small, tell-tale mole near her eye was hidden in shadow.Anyone who glanced at her would just see a typical traveler catching an early flight. No one would guess she was the person Derek was desperate to find.Outside the airport, people had already gathered. There was Derek's security team, media reporters who'd caught wind of the news, and a few business people looking for a partnership.Knowing he was returning, black Lincoln sedans lined half the street. Their headlights glared brightly in the morning fog.Derek stopped before he reached the exit. His knuckles were white where he gripped his suitcase handle. His gaze was glued to Tabitha; he couldn't tear his eyes away."T
Tabitha's lip twitched. Derek's words implied she had a huge appetite for that sort of thing."Ahem, rest assured, I'm not as promiscuous as you think," she said.For her, survival had always been the priority. Later on, it was all about her children.From beginning to end, such desires had been the least of her concerns.Over the years, Derek was the only man she had been with.She was constantly busy and had no time for such thoughts.If it weren't for Derek reigniting her desires, Tabitha would never have made such a preposterous yet mutually logical request.With the terms set, Derek got up and grabbed her ankle, leaning down to kiss from her foot up.A jolt of electricity ran through Tabitha's body. "Stop it, it's dirty," she said.Even in the past, Derek had never done this."How could my treasure ever be dirty?" he said.His wet, soft kisses traveled over every inch of her skin. Her toes curled, and
Derek packed up the fish they caught last night, which would serve as provisions for the next stop.With their gear sorted, Derek stood at the cave entrance, backpack on, casting a glance back as if reluctant to leave.Tabitha, ahead, said coldly, "Aren't we going?"Derek snapped back, "Let's go."He knew he'd never forget this place.On the second night, with no shelter in sight, Derek made do with a vine-woven hammock. The two squeezed into a sleeping bag, gazing up at the star-filled sky—an experience entirely new to both."Tabitha, I've realized this is the life I truly want," Derek said.He was tired of his chaotic past and craved a more intimate, peaceful life.But Tabitha stayed silent; this wasn't what she wanted.For Derek, just being able to hold her was enough.He kissed her forehead. "No more fuss tonight. Sleep, honey."Tabitha was a treasure he'd worked hard to regain, and he vowed never
Derek chuckled silently. "Tabitha, I just want to massage your waist a bit.""Massage what? If you keep this up, the sky'll be light. Go to sleep!" she demanded.Was this man made of iron?Derek buried his head in her neck, feigning wronged. "Tabitha, I'm too happy to sleep. I'm scared it's a dream. If it is, when I wake up, you'll be gone—just like in the countless dreams I've had over the past three years. So real, yet you vanished at dawn.""Are you a fool? Can't tell reality from a dream?" she retorted."If a kiss from you could clear my confusion, then I'd know for sure. You never kiss me in my dreams," he said."Will you sleep after a kiss?" she asked.Derek nodded earnestly. "Mm, I will."She planted a quick peck on his cheek. "There. Now, close your eyes and sleep.""Tabitha, that kiss lacked sincerity. I won't be able to sleep. I'll lie awake in the late hours, reflecting on whether I didn't do something r