Derek's POV
The next day, while I was engrossed in work at the packhouse, Alvin approached me with a cheerful look in his eyes.
He was a wizard when it came to getting things done. According to him, he headed straight to the Council of Elders right after I gave the order, handing Hope Ranch over to the Silver Moon Pack the very day.
To boost credibility, he even had the Council of Elders inform Tabitha about it.
I gave him a thumbs-up after he finished his words.
"Alpha Derek, I'm sure Tabitha'll be grateful about it." His voice was dripping with glee.
I remained silent, just tapping my fingers on the desk, the sound crisp and clear.
I wasn't sure how I felt, actually. Part of me wanted Tabitha to see I was helping out, yet another part didn't wanna admit I gave a damn about her feelings.
Masking the turmoil in my mind, I instructed Alvin, "Fetch me Matthew's report. I needa review the details again."
A few days ago, I h
Derek's POV"Alpha Derek, I got a weird vibe from this Matthew guy," he added.After pondering for a while, I figured it out, "We've been played."I thought to myself, 'It all went smooth until I offered to come pick him up. Since he just vanished into thin air, he could've avoided being found in the first place. Maybe he was the one leaking his own whereabouts to us. Guess this is what he wants. Watching us plumb the depths of despair after getting our hope up.'"He dares to mess with us?" Alvin hissed.I mused, 'A rogue gaining benefits from so many packs has to be more than ordinary.'Snapping out of it, I snapped, "Let the Council of Elders inform all packs—whoever tells me about Matthew's whereabouts will be rewarded with ten million dollars.""Copy that. But what about Tabitha?" he asked."Keep her in the dark for now," I replied.Just then, the wound in my shoulder hit me again. I couldn't help grimacing."Alpha, you sho
Tabitha's POVWith every step Derek took forward, I stepped back. Eventually, he had me cornered right up against the sink.Feeling my back pressed against the cold mirror, I realized I got nowhere to run. His scent enveloped me completely.In his deep-set eyes flickered some complex emotion I couldn't quite get a read on.His hand gently caressed my cheek, his thumb rubbing back and forth on my lip, sending my heartbeat into overdrive.Then, he trailed his fingers down the back of my neck. An electrical feeling was left in its wake as the tiny hairs on my arm stand up to attention.My mind was in turmoil.Part of me hated him because of what he had done to Dad, while another couldn't say no to his touch.Suddenly, I felt Crystal whimpering low in the depths of my heart.She seemed to grow a strange desire for Derek—something closely related to our bittersweet love but went beyond our mate bond before.Puzzled, I closed my eyes
Tabitha's POVSeeing me, Rolf said to me all respectfully, "Luna Tabitha, Alpha Derek asked me to lead the way for you. We've laid on a huge spread for the party, and Alpha Derek even got a fireworks show planned."I gave a wry smile upon hearing how he addressed me. I'd corrected him quite a few times, yet he still called me that way. "Derek and I have already rejected each other, so you don't have to call me Luna anymore. Just Tabitha is fine," I told him.Rolf rubbed the back of his neck with an awkward laugh. Then he gestured for me to follow him.As we headed into the manor, he started hyping up how swanky it was. Guessed he was hoping I'd chill and have fun.But he seemed to forget, everything here belonged to Derek and Daphne.I felt sick just standing here, let alone enjoying it.I made small talk with Rolf along the way. Soon, we arrived at the main building's entrance.It was basically a castle, having a total of five floors.Th
Tabitha's POV"Tabitha, it's been a long time! So nice seeing you here! When did you bob your hair? I missed your flowing locks. You look great either way, though."I turned around, only to find Holly beaming at me, all cheerful.Her words kinda reminded me of the motherly love I yearned for but never possessed as a child.Back then, I even feigned illness just so she could show a bit more care. I spent almost my entire childhood trying to make her love me. Sadly, it ended up in vain.She left me and Dad for Mark still. No matter how I begged her to stay, she wouldn't change her mind.After so many years, I had long grown disillusioned with her, even starting to hate her."Does it matter to you if my hair is long or short?" I piped up, looking her dead in the eye."Mrs. Sutton, you've never texted me after you walked out on me and Dad. And now, here you are, playing the doting mom out of the blue. Don't you think it's a bit late for that? You'
Tabitha's POVI was kinda excited.Tucker was all white when he was born, but his front paws had these black spots. I used to joke that it looked like he was wearing gloves."Never thought I'd go from being scared of dogs to being a dog person. By the way, I have a ton of videos of Tucker. Would you like to watch them?" Jasper asked.I nodded, and we headed over to sit on a circular sofa."I can tell you've taken good care of Tucker. He's not young anymore, but he's still so lively, and his coat looks smooth," I couldn't help exclaiming while watching the video.He was just a puppy when he left the Silver Moon Pack. How time flew!Jasper smiled and said, "Tucker's a good boy. He loves hanging under the cherry tree, like he's waiting for someone. I never knew who it was, but now I guess it's you."I stared at Tucker in the video, feeling a bit teary.My fingers slid across the cold screen, like I was feeling Tucker's soft fur."Maybe
Derek's POVWhen Daphne and I entered the foyer, I immediately noticed Tabitha.She asked me to prepare a gown for her, so I picked out a white dress, but she didn't wear it.Instead, she was wearing a deep blue gown, exactly the same as Daphne's.I knew she saw the style of the dress I had prepared for Daphne and did this on purpose.But I just couldn't take my eyes off her.She prepared more than a dress. Her hair was carefully fixed back with hair gel, and a white veil was on her head.The veil was transparent, dotted with sparkling diamonds on it. It looked dazzling when the light was shed on it.Besides, she wore a pair of diamond earrings, simple yet elegant.She was like a rose in the rain—beautiful but desolate, attracting people to get closer, but threatening them with her thorns.My gaze followed her involuntarily.Just as I was talking to Leo, Daphne walked over.She had a blunt displeasure on her face. "Lo
Tabitha's POVThe hopping dinner party was stifling to me.I noticed that Derek gazed at me and Jasper occasionally and that something was hidden in his eyes.I was worried that Derek might misunderstand and even find fault with Jasper at the sight of our interaction.Feeling a bit uneasy, I turned around, preparing to leave.But Jasper, seemingly sensing my intention, caught up with me."Tabitha, are you hungry? Let's go grab something to eat." Jasper's voice was gentle and concerned.I looked in the direction he pointed, and it was a restaurant.The buffet restaurant offered a wide variety of food and separate private rooms.It could isolate external disturbances, including Derek's surveillance.Considering my situation, it seemed like a good choice.So I nodded in agreement.Soon we arrived at the cafeteria. The abundant viands, ranging from fresh seafood to exquisite desserts, made people drool.I chose some vegeta
Tabitha's POVI immediately understood why someone tried to drug me.As I took the Nightshade Grass, I couldn't control my shift.When the effect wore off, I would return to human form. But by then, my clothes were already destroyed.It was in Derek's castle, so I had no spare clothes with me. If Jasper and I were seen naked by others, I could explain nothing but get humiliated.With humans among the guests, I couldn't possibly say that I had just shifted.Besides, If Derek were to find out, he would definitely hurt Jasper out of anger.Thinking of this, I quickly said to Jasper, "Try to control your wolf."He nodded, but his breathing was already heavy. "Tabitha, I... I've tried my best."Just at that moment, Jasper's body began to change, with his wolf about to take over.He crawled on the ground, his claws extended, his bones cracking.Then he let out a painful roar.His shifting has started!My heart tightened. If
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?"