Tabitha's POV
With 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 eyesTabitha'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
Derek's POVTabitha didn't look well.She seemed to be affected by the Nightshade grass.I wanted to take her away, but her pitiful, innocent gaze held me in place.I couldn't move my feet, as my wolf urged me to get closer to her.She tugged my clothes, and as I bent down, she directly hooked her arms around my neck.It caught me off guard.I wondered, 'How long has it been since I last saw her smile like this?'Clean and beautiful, like a flower in the rain, washing away all dirt and hatred.'It just makes me fall for her once again.'She whispered softly in my ear, "Would you stay here and rest with me for a while?"Her voice was so enticing that I couldn't resist. So I stayed.Worried about Tabitha, I came there in a hurry without even taking off my earbud.Then, as she was safe and sound, I finally started paying attention to the sound coming from the earbud.I listened, sitting on the carpet, with Tabitha in
Derek's POV"You don't trust me at all, right?" I instinctively asked.Later, I saw a mocking expression on Tabitha's face.I knew that my question was unnecessary.Tabitha was so clever that she figured out who was behind it when she discovered Nightshade Grass in the drink.She also knew that I would come to save her.Just now, she was playing for time by greeting me and pretending to sprain her foot.Now, Lyrique was being held captive, able to deliver the message to Daphne.Daphne's goal would fall through.I looked at Tabitha with mixed feelings.I didn't mean that I'd spare Daphne, but Tabitha would get herself targeted by the public if she kept this up.I kept hearing Daphne's voice in my earphones.She happily invited many people to have a meal together.Then I heard a familiar voice, it was Tabitha's mother, Holly.She affectionately called out Daphne's name.Holly was very kind to Daphne, but I knew
Third person's POVDerek loosened his grip slightly, allowing her to breathe. "Sorry, I can't see. No idea what's going on," he muttered."You're in a tub. No dialysis here—just using heat to sweat out the wolfsbane. I was checking your condition," Tabitha explained, her tone flat.Derek realized his mistake. "Apologies.""Now that you're more lucid, let's do a quick check-up. How do you feel?""Body's burning. Blind as a bat. Hearing's there but muffled, ringing in the ears. Headache, chest tightness, shortness of breath, weak limbs...""Your entire body's under toxin attack. Recovery will take time. Don't stress. You're in good shape—should bounce back faster. Can you stand? Let me see your condition."The tub's dark liquid hid Derek's nudity, so Tabitha didn't push him to move.Derek suddenly realized something. "Wait, I'm naked?""Yep."Silence.His face twisted in discomfort."I'm a
Third person's POV"Are you serious?" Tabitha frowned. "This is life or death. Do you want him to die?""You don't get it," Alvin said quickly. "That woman isn't really Alpha Derek's fiancée. She made it up to convince Mrs. Atkinson to help. Derek's got someone else—someone he loves. If he finds out she fed him the medicine, he'll lose it.""So what? It's just medicine. I can't exactly summon his 'someone else' here," Tabitha muttered."Everything else is negotiable, but Alpha Derek's stubborn about this. He's loved Tabitha his whole life. He won't let another woman touch him intimately. I can't make that call for him. Any other ideas?"Tabitha froze. Tabitha? She hadn't heard that name in years."Since he loves Tabitha so much, where is she? Why isn't she here?""Tabitha left over three years ago. Derek's searched everywhere but couldn't find her. This time, he got distracted because someone hired a Tabitha look-alike. T
Third person's POVAlvin froze, panic rising. "Sorry, Alpha Derek's delirious," he blurted, terrified of offending Doctor Venessa."Get his clothes off and put him in the tub," Tabitha instructed, turning away to sort herbs."Fully?" Alvin asked, unsure."Fully," Tabitha confirmed, her voice flat.Alvin hesitated, then stripped Derek bare.Tabitha's mind flashed with memories of Derek's body—the same one she'd once known intimately.Compared to when she'd left, Derek's physique was more muscular.When she'd gripped his waist earlier, she'd distinctly felt the elasticity and definition of his muscles.Now, with his clothes removed, several new scars were visible across his chest.She'd watched him from afar over the years, always avoiding contact, always ensuring she remained invisible to him.Several times over the years, Derek had nearly crossed paths with Tabitha during missions. Each time, she deli
Third person's POVTabitha was used to Alvin calling her by name. Hearing him call her "doctor" made her wince."Use a different name," she said."May I know your name, Doctor?""Vanessa."Wait, what?Alvin nearly choked. "You're Vanessa? The all-around physician?"An "all-around physician" was a rarity—doctors usually specialized.But Vanessa wasn't just rare. She was legendary.Alvin had first heard her name last year when she became one of the few surgeons capable of performing interdental artificial cornea surgery.The procedure was so complex it required collaboration across dental, ophthalmological, and radiological fields.Yet Vanessa, a twenty-something newcomer, pulled it off.Media swarmed, patients flocked—but she vanished.Then came a high-risk heart surgery, again under her name.Another worldwide sensation.Reporters chased shadows. She remained elusive,
Third person's POVA cold female voice cut through the tension, "One more tear and you're out. You're deafening."Misha's open mouth froze mid-sob, the comical expression plastered on her face.She glanced around, finally noticing the unfamiliar woman in the room. "Who is she?" she demanded."This is the miracle doctor who can save Alpha Derek. Show some respect," Rolf warned, wary of Misha's infamous temper flaring up again.Despite her pride, Misha's love for Derek was genuine.She quickly composed herself. "Of course, Doctor. I entrust my Derek to you," she said, the possessive words slipping out before she could catch them.Rolf's eyebrow twitched. Since when was Derek "hers"?Alma appeared in the doorway. "You're back.""Yes," the woman replied, her tone neutral."Let me introduce everyone. These folks are here for treatment. The young man's poisoned—Nine-Heart Wolfsbane, nearly dead. The hysterical one
Third person's POVRolf's eyes were red and puffy from crying. "What's Alpha Derek trying to do?" he blubbered."Let him have this one last moment of freedom," Alvin said, holding Rolf back.The mountain wind chilled their tears, but Derek couldn't feel it anymore.His knees shook with every movement, each step draining what little strength he had left.Still, he didn't give up, gritting his teeth and forcing one foot in front of the other.The child stood bathed in sunlight—just a few steps away, and he could hold her.What should've been a quick stride took dozens of seconds, maybe longer.Hedwig stood with her back to him, pigeons swirling around her. A speckled one landed on her finger, cooing.Hedwig's eyes lit up—her mom was back!She spun around to see Derek lurching toward her, unsteady and lifeless yet driven by sheer will.He reached out, fingers trembling, when his body swayed dangero
Third person's POVWhy did it have to be Derek?Alvin's fists tightened as he stared at the horizon. Derek had lived with a clear conscience—except for Tabitha. He didn't deserve this end.But Alvin wasn't a healer. All he could do was watch as Derek's breaths grew shallower, his skin paler.The bell tinkled again—Hedwig had followed them here.When they finally stopped, Alvin eased Derek against a gnarled pine, its needles pricking Derek's back like needles of ice."This spot's good," Alvin said, voice cracking. "You'll see the sunrise."Derek nodded weakly. "Good."The mountain wind bit through Derek's coat, but it cleared his head a little."Alvin... my biggest regret was letting Daphne's demands tear Tabitha and me apart. If I hadn't blamed her for Silver Moon Pack's problems... none of this would've happened.""Alpha Derek, you had your reasons," Alvin said, though the words felt hollow."R
Third person's POVHedwig couldn't speak, but she was wise beyond her years—quiet, helpful, and already versed in basic healing.Derek wished he could play with her, but time was slipping through his fingers. After eating the fruit she'd given him, he picked up his pen again.All night, he didn't rest.He could feel the life Hedwig had breathed into him fading. His senses were dulling again.But the will was done. Now, he only wanted to write letters—to Tabitha, to his kids, Kyrian, Helios and Ayla.The poison was moving faster than it should've. Every letter cost him energy, accelerating the venom's grip.First, he wrote to Kyrian. "Be a good man. Lead the pack with your heart, not just your claws."Derek's chest ached. He'd failed Kyrian, leaving him to shoulder the pack's weight alone.But love? That never faded.Next, his mother.The letter was short—"Take care of Kyrian. If Tabitha ev
Third person's POVAt the mention of the word "will," Rolf's face, which had been tense for days, crumpled. His eyes instantly reddened."Alpha Derek, you don't need a will! You're gonna be fine, you hear me?!"But at this moment, Derek became calm. "I don't have much time left. It took me a lot of effort to get to this camp. Even if I leave, it would take a day. What's the point of leaving if she comes back right after I go? It's better to stay here. If she doesn't come back in the end, I at least need to settle things, I can't just die without any explanation.""Alpha Derek...""Alvin, go get it," Derek said.Alvin's eyes welled up. "Alright."Alban, with red eyes, said, "I'm sorry, kid. I couldn't help you this time.""Dr. Weaver, I'm already grateful to you. You're right, there are some things beyond our control. I guess this is just my fate."In just two days, Derek had gone from a healthy man to someone whose organ