Tabitha's POV
I 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. IfDerek'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
Tabitha's POVWhen Daphne came in with her entourage, I wanted to look up and see her reaction.But the hand pressing on the back of my head was like an iron clamp, not allowing me to move even a bit. It was infuriated.I wondered, 'It must feel terrible to be lifted high and then dropped hard.'Just a moment ago, she was Mrs. Greenwood, the envy of everyone.'But then she became a pitiful laughingstock.'Soon, the words of Derek's affair at his son's birthday party would spread. That was exactly what I wanted—to ruin Derek and Daphne's reputation!'As I expected, there was already a chorus of laughter echoing around us."I really thought Derek spoiled her to the moon.""This is such a slap in the face. If my boyfriend dares to cheat, I'll go give him and his mistress a slap each.""Tsk, if your husband were Derek, would you do the same? To be Mrs. Greenwood is everyone's envy. I can imagine your regretful tears if he dumps you
Tabitha's POVI didn't recognize the person in this photo. It was unfamiliar.But according to my good memory, I had seen this person somewhere before.Where?"What's wrong? Do you think of something?" whispered Obadiah.A flash of light crossed my mind. Bruto Street in the southern district.The day I went to look for Vilda.She rushed towards me like a mad person.At that time, I ran across the street and when I turned around, I saw someone behind Vilda."I..." I was about to say but swallowed it, afraid of being heard.I hurriedly said to Obadiah, "Alpha Obadiah, you have helped me a lot this time. Can you help me check again? I suspect that I am being followed by someone."I would be exposed if I made a move. But nobody would suspect Obadiah.Obadiah got it immediately.He was about to leave. With a polite smile, he said, "Okay, see you later.""Okay."After Obadiah left, I recalled the incident involving
Derek's POV Leaving Tabitha, I headed to the private lounge on the second floor. I didn't know why, but recalling the expression on Tabitha's face before I left made me uneasy. If it weren't for dealing with Daphne's mess, I definitely wouldn't leave Tabitha's side. I felt like staying with her, protecting her. Walking into the reception room, I saw Daphne causing havoc and tearing the place apart. She stopped only when she saw me walk in. "Derek, what did it mean? You held Tabitha in your arms in front of everyone?!" Daphne shouted at me, her eyes filled with doubt and anger. I looked at her coldly. "Daphne, you planned all of this, and now you question me?" My voice was calm, but every word carried undeniable authority. "I just wanted to expose her true nature!" Daphne defended, but her voice had already lost its edge. "Expose her? You are only bringing shame on yourself," I replied with disdain in my tone. "Do you think you can ac
Tabitha's POVDerek left after saying some words that I couldn't figure out.There was no reproach, no madness, and no question.What did that mean, the most correct choice?The door slammed shut, and a new round of fireworks soared into the sky again.I watched the fleeting brilliant fireworks, which resembled my barren life.Apart from the transient brilliance, all that remained was endless desolation and darkness.While everyone was immersed in the lively atmosphere, I suddenly heard a woman scream."Kyrian!"Did I hear it wrong?I rushed out of the room, only to see several men hurriedly running downstairs, passing by my door.One of them was holding Kyrian!I didn't know what had happened, but by the time I realized, I had already chased after them.Kyrian's mournful cry echoed through the corridor, but at that moment, everyone was immersed in the fireworks feast, even the wolf guards had been called away to set o
Derek's POV I had Alvin and Rolf call Alphas of the surrounding packs in the banquet to figure out a search plan in the meeting room. Afterward, I contacted some of the bosses who had cooperated with my company. All of this didn't make me feel relaxed for a single moment. Though a little restless, Leo did not affect me at that time. Finding Kyrian and Tabitha was our common goal. Kyrian, the little boy, had never left his family before, while Tabitha, though with Alpha blood, had to confront rogues. I frowned upon thinking of this and became even more uneasy. I blocked the news of Kyrian's missing. After the fireworks display, I ended the banquet ahead of schedule. The guests were still unaware of what had happened, but the Black Thorn Pack guards quickly arrived at the Rikta Manor to evacuate them. When everyone else had been sent away from the Rikta Manor, Daphne immediately started causing a scene. "Why not let someone g
Tabitha's POV While I was in a coma, I heard the call of Crystal. At the same time, I also felt my body constantly jolting. It seemed as if I was constantly floating and sinking in the sea. Her sound grew closer and closer, and when I finally heard it clearly, I gradually became conscious. Afterward, I felt sore all over my body. I opened my eyes, recalling the image before passing out. Oh! Kyrian. How is that child doing? I suddenly opened my eyes and got up, only to find a dagger pressed against my neck. "Don't move!" the person holding the dagger hoarsely reminded. I suddenly realized that I was in a dilapidated small wooden house, which should not be far from the seaside. I could hear the sound of waves crashing against the rocks. I glimpsed the man standing beside me dressed in black. The blade of the knife he held against my neck was very sharp, and there was no Kyrian in the room. I tightened my nerves and spoke
Third person's POVDerek kept talking, his voice low. "Daphne begged me to give her a family, saying she didn't want her child to grow up without a father. She asked if I could give her a home."Hearing this, Tabitha felt a sourness welling up inside her. Her eyes reddened slightly as she asked, "So you gave her one?""She used Randall's life as leverage. I couldn't refuse. That's why I asked for a divorce. But later, I realized her ambitions went far beyond that. The hospital, the gown, 32 Seaside Avenue—everything I prepared for you, she tried to steal." Derek's voice hardened with anger and regret.Memories of that agonizing time flooded back.Tabitha bit her lip, fighting tears. "So you knew… when she pushed me into the sea?""From the beginning, I knew both of your personalities well. How could I not guess what she had done? When you both fell into the water, my instinct was to save you. But thinking of Randall's death and
Third person's POVDerek lay face down, unable to see Tabitha's expression.His heart was a mess of anxiety, unsure of what she was thinking.He wrestled with himself—part of him desperately wanted to tell her the truth, while another part feared it would only hurt her more.But he knew he couldn't keep hiding it."Tabitha, I think it's time I explain everything about Daphne and me. There's no point in keeping secrets now," Derek said, taking a deep breath.Tabitha was cleaning Derek's wounds, her hands steady but slow.When Derek brought up the topic, she felt no relief—only a deep, gnawing fear.She was terrified he'd say something dismissive, like it was a moment of weakness or that he'd been drugged.Her hands trembled slightly, each movement deliberate, as if she were bracing herself for what was coming.Derek didn't wait for her reaction. "I've wanted to tell you the truth for a long time. But ba
Third person's POVAlvin's expression turned grave. "Alpha Derek's identity has been exposed. Every faction that ever held a grudge against him will come at him like starving wolves. What happened last night—those attackers were core members from Wintertown ten years ago. They sent suicide squads. Those people aren't afraid to die. They just want to drag Alpha Derek down with them."Tabitha's heart raced with fear. Her eyes filled with worry as she asked urgently, "So he's in even more danger now?""He's safe here in the military zone, but stepping outside means walking into a minefield. I also found an anonymous bounty on the dark web—$15 million for Alpha Derek's head. That kind of money will lure private assassins and mercenaries. Greed makes people reckless," Alvin explained.Despite the danger, Derek remained calm. He looked at Tabitha. "I kept you by my side before because I could protect you. But now, staying near me is the most dangero
Third person's POVTabitha wasn't longing to rekindle the intimacy she once shared with Derek. She just couldn't help feeling that her past self had been foolish.She had loved him so deeply, given up everything for him, and stayed by his side. He knew everything about her, yet she knew almost nothing about him."Tabitha, some things are better left unknown. I'm doing this for your own good," Derek said, his voice tinged with helplessness and concern.But his words only made Tabitha's expression darken.Her eyes widened, filled with anger and disappointment, as she stared at him."How long are you going to keep hiding behind the excuse of doing what's 'best for me' while being utterly selfish?" Tabitha couldn't hold back her frustration any longer. All the emotions she'd bottled up came pouring out."I loved you so much back then. I gave up everything for you. Your work was always so mysterious, and I never asked questions. Wherever y
Third person's POVFinally, the room was just the two of them.Even though the wound on his back burned like fire, Derek's heart was filled with joy.He gazed at Tabitha, thinking to himself, "My Tabitha. No matter how many times looking at her, it was never enough."It was true that Tabitha had saved his life all those years ago, but he couldn't deny that her beauty had also deeply attracted him.Even as a young girl, her features had been strikingly delicate, as if she'd stepped out of a comic book.Now, he had the rare chance to stare at her without restraint.As if sensing Derek's intense gaze, Tabitha slowly woke from her light sleep.The moment she opened her eyes, she was met with a pair of affectionate eyes that seemed to drown her in their depth."You're awake," Derek said, his voice soft and filled with concern. "Are you hurt anywhere?"Tabitha's dry lips moved slightly as she instinctively explained, "N
Third person's POVMisha sat stubbornly on the couch across the room, her eyes fixed unblinkingly on the two figures on the bed.Her heart burned with resentment and jealousy. She wished Tabitha would just vanish from Derek's side.But Tabitha paid no attention to Misha's glare. Her focus was entirely on Derek.She stayed by his side, wide awake, watching over him.She knew that with injuries like his, the biggest risk was infection and a high fever that wouldn't break. Every so often, she reached out to check his temperature, her eyes filled with worry and care.The night was quiet. The hospital was surrounded by tall trees, their shadows bending under the weight of the snow and wind.With no skyscrapers in sight, the area felt vast and empty.In this peaceful atmosphere, Tabitha's mind began to settle, but her thoughts raced.She started recalling the people who had tried to assassinate her in the past. They had always
Third person's POVTabitha bent down, removing her shoes and socks. She planned to take a rest.This scene didn't escape Misha's notice. Her face turned pale with rage, her features twisting in anger.Inside Misha's chest, a fire of jealousy and resentment burned fiercely.She couldn't stand the sight of Tabitha sharing a bed with Derek."What do you think you're doing, you shameless b*tch?" Misha shouted, her voice sharp.Tabitha blinked slowly, her face a picture of innocence.She tilted her head and replied, "As you can see, I'm tired. I'm going to rest.""How can you sleep in the same bed as Derek?" Misha stomped her feet, fists clenched, as if she were about to yank Tabitha off the bed at any moment.Her eyes burned with hatred and frustration. In her mind, Tabitha had no right to be so close to Derek.Tabitha sighed, her expression growing even more helpless. She spread her hands and said, "It's not like I want to, but he won't let me go."As she spoke, Tabitha carefully lay dow
Third person's POVThese hours felt like an eternity to Derek, as if he were trapped in a living hell.Every second was a fierce battle against the searing pain, yet he gritted his teeth and remained conscious despite it all. His mind was filled with the hope of seeing Tabitha the moment the surgery ended.The operating room door slowly creaked open, and Misha rushed forward like a gust of wind, anxiously shouting, "Derek, are you okay?"At this moment, Derek's chin weakly rested on his crossed hands, as if all his strength had been drained in the struggle against the pain.He was drenched in cold sweat from the agony and was on the verge of collapse.But the moment the door opened, he still mustered up his spirit, and his eyes eagerly looked towards the door.The first person he saw was not the concerned Misha but the Tabitha he had always been thinking about.Derek ignored Misha's greeting and said in a weak but affectionate voice, "Tabitha.
Third person's POVTabitha raised her head, ignoring the indifferent gaze around her, straightened her spine and said, "No. I'll wait here."After speaking, she touched her swollen face and silently vowed in her heart that she would definitely return this slap.Tonight's events were too sudden, and Alvin hurriedly dealt with the follow-up matters.In this way, Tabitha was left with only Rolf.Earlier in the car, Tabitha took off her thick jacket, and now she was only wearing a thin sweater.The hospital corridor had no heating, and the piercing cold wind blew in, making people feel chilly.Tabitha stood there, and her thoughts involuntarily drifted back to that night a few years ago. She was also like this at that time, standing alone in the cold wind, anxiously waiting for Derek.Rolf looked at Tabitha's back and felt an inexplicable sense of pity in his heart.Although he was not particularly delicate, seeing Tabitha standing there alon