Third person's POV
Though he was just a child and didn't fully understand what had happened between Tabitha and Derek, he knew one thing—he loved Tabitha and wanted her to be happy.
"If this makes you happy, I don't mind. I'm just scared... scared you'll leave me," Kyrian said, his voice trembling slightly.
"Silly boy, didn't I tell you? You and your siblings are my most precious treasures. I love you so much, and I'll visit you often," Tabitha said gently.
Then, she noticed the cord around Kyrian's neck and gently pulled it out. It was the small lock she'd designed for him years ago.
"I made this for you. It's engraved with my hopes for you, 'May you grow up happy and healthy every day.'"
Kyrian reached out his hand. "Mom, you can't lie to me. You have to come see me again."
Their fingers hooked together in a pinky promise, and Tabitha smiled softly.
"Okay, I promise. When you're a little older, we'll live together, alri
Tabitha's POV The very day I found out that my life was about to end, Alpha Derek Greenwood, my husband, was staying with another she-wolf. I was lying in the hospital bed when Orson Romero came in with my medical report. "Tabitha, when did you get hurt?" he asked. "A month ago. Why do you ask?" I wondered, knuckles white. Orson was the doctor for the Red Moon Pack and my classmate from werewolf school. "Your abdominal wound isn't healing as it should. For a werewolf, even serious injuries start patching up in about three days," Orson told me, his expression grave. Then he asked, "So how did you get hurt exactly?" "In an attack on my father's pack by rogues. Both my dad and I got injured," I replied, staring at the floor. Dad's business was slow, so I came home for a visit. That was when the rogues raided the Silver Moon Pack all of a sudden. They were extremely cruel and savage. Fortunately, the other pack members escaped serious harm. Only Dad's head and my abdomen
Tabitha's POV Derek's words shattered my pride. I looked at him in shock, unable to maintain my cool anymore. I fired back, all worked up, "How dare you say that! Ever since I became Luna of the Black Thorn Pack, I've been faithfully fulfilling my duties, taking care of the pack members. I didn't mess around with some sorry rogue and break our mate bond! I'm way more worth my salt than you!" "Oh really?" Derek was as cool as ice. He stared at me, hatred glinting in his eyes. "You haven't given Black Thorn Pack an heir, and you have the nerve to claim that you are worth your salt?" His accusation brought a lump to my throat. Derek and I weren't fated mates, so having a baby was a tough gig. But we'd been expecting one. During my pregnancy, I had an accident. Ironically, Derek chose to stay with Daphne and ignored my cries for help. Failing to get immediate treatment, I miscarried. It had always been my deepest pain. And he owned a piece of that. How could he use th
Tabitha's POV When I dashed to the hospital, they'd just finished saving Dad. I rushed to the doctor and asked, "How's my dad?" "Don't worry. Mr. Hartley's out of the woods now. Just keep him from any more shocks." "Got it," I sighed with relief. "Thanks." Dad was still in a coma, so I couldn't ask him what happened. I had to turn to the pack members, "Dad had stayed unconscious the whole time. How come he suddenly came around today?" Silver Moon Pack's Beta quickly replied, "We don't have a clue, either. He came around this afternoon. We wanted to call the pack doctor to give him a checkup, but he wouldn't allow it. He just went straight to the packhouse. After he found the pack in chaos, he passed out." He paused and went on, his tone guilty, "It's all my fault. I should've stopped him." Something felt off. Dad woke up the very same day I decided to divorce Derek? It just didn't seem like a coincidence. Yet I couldn't figure out the connection between the two ev
Tabitha's POV Derek walked into the room. He released the Alpha aura on me, and I immediately felt suffocating as if an invisible wall was pressing against me. I lifted my head defiantly, only to see him looking at Daphne with gentle eyes. "Are you OK?" he asked her. Daphne glanced my way, smirking with victory written all over her face. I clenched my fists in fury. Daphne leaned closer to Derek with a smile and said, "Derek, thank God you're here. When I walked past the Financial Office, I heard someone arguing, so I came in to see what was going on. I didn't expect to come across Tabitha trying to take money." "Miss Sutton, do you hear yourself? You're nothing but a mistress. Do you really think you're Black Thorn Pack's Luna?" I sneered. "You tryna take money?" Derek turned his head and asked me slowly. "No!" I said, biting my lip. "Tabitha's lying," Tiffany chimed in. "A minute ago, she ordered me to withdraw money for her, and I said no. Then she tried to force
Tabitha's POV I fixed Holly with pleading eyes, hoping that she would agree. But before she said anything, a voice I knew too well filled the doorway. "Seriously? You came begging at my house?" I stood up in disbelief and watched as Daphne and Derek walked in. Then I whipped around back at Holly. Holly smiled at Daphne dotingly. Then she told me, "Daphne is Mark's daughter. I was about to introduce her to you just now. You're about the same age, and I'm sure you can be friends." Talk about a cruel twist of fate. Daphne's father stole my dad's mate. And now, she stole mine. Like that was not enough, they saw me in such a sorry state. I was literally a clown in their ritzy life. Of course, Daphne wouldn't miss such a perfect chance to humiliate me. She walked over and said to Holly in an ironic tone, "Friends with her? Not gonna happen. She's a thief. You'd better go check if anything is missing." Hearing Daphne's words, Holly started to scrutinize me. "What's g
Derek's POV Holly actually slapped Tabitha right before me! While I stood there in silence, my wolf Leo roared in my mind, "Damn it, Derek! What were you thinking? How could you let her insult our mate like that?" Recently, I'd been forcing myself to spend more time with Daphne, which brought Leo's wrath upon me. Now, I could hardly contain his fury. I used to believe that all I left for Tabitha was hatred. I thought I had gotten over her. Yet I was wrong. The moment I saw her stubborn expression and reddened cheek, my heart ached. Yet before I could even speak, Holly raised her arm again. She wanted to give Tabitha a second slap?! The nerve of her! Enraged, I immediately grabbed her arm. "Alpha Derek?" Holly looked at me in disbelief. I took a deep breath, suppressing Leo's anger, and said, "Tabitha's still Luna of the Black Thorn Pack. How dare you slap her in front of me?" "C'mon, Derek. Why so serious? Holly was just punishing her for disrespecting me. B
Tabitha's POV Watching Derek ham it up, trying to stick it up for me with all his bullshit, I felt ridiculous. Just when I thought my day couldn't be any worse, I heard a baby's cry. The kiddo was literally a mini version of Derek, with big eyes, a prominent nose, and all the stuff. I felt like my heart broke into pieces. And my last bit of hope was shattered. I used to believe that Derek loved me, especially when we first tied the knot. I remembered once he gently caressed my cheek and told me that he would take me as his destined mate even if I wasn't. He promised we'd have a baby of our own, and he would go the extra mile to make it happen. Then when I really got pregnant, he killed our baby with his indifference. I used to be puzzled, wondering why he became a totally different person all of a sudden. Now seeing the baby boy before me, I finally realized that all the good old days I had spent with Derek were nothing but an illusion. No wonder he was so eager t
Tabitha's POV Shortly after I hung up the phone, a black car rolled up next to me. Two tall, strong men got out. One was Beta Alvin, and the other was Gamma Rolf. Both were members of the Black Thorn Pack. "Luna Tabitha." Alvin nodded at me, as politely as he always did. It had been quite some time since I was addressed as Luna. Lump in my throat, I asked, "Beta Alvin, I just came out from a friend's place. Can you take me back to the Black Thorn Pack?" They looked puzzled as if wondering why I didn't turn to Derek. "I guess you've heard that Alpha Derek and I are about to have the rejection ceremony soon. I wanna stay in peace with him until then," I quickly added. When I reigned the Black Thorn Pack as Luna, I got along well with Alvin and Rolf. So after hearing my explanation, Alvin immediately agreed. "Let's go then." "Can we swing by 32 Seaside Avenue first? I've left something there, and I wanna take it back." That was where Derek put Daphne, and it used to be
Third person's POVThough he was just a child and didn't fully understand what had happened between Tabitha and Derek, he knew one thing—he loved Tabitha and wanted her to be happy."If this makes you happy, I don't mind. I'm just scared... scared you'll leave me," Kyrian said, his voice trembling slightly."Silly boy, didn't I tell you? You and your siblings are my most precious treasures. I love you so much, and I'll visit you often," Tabitha said gently.Then, she noticed the cord around Kyrian's neck and gently pulled it out. It was the small lock she'd designed for him years ago."I made this for you. It's engraved with my hopes for you, 'May you grow up happy and healthy every day.'"Kyrian reached out his hand. "Mom, you can't lie to me. You have to come see me again."Their fingers hooked together in a pinky promise, and Tabitha smiled softly."Okay, I promise. When you're a little older, we'll live together, alri
Third person's POVIn such a short time, Kyrian had already figured out his place in Tabitha's heart. He knew exactly where her soft spots were and used his natural childlike tears as a "weapon" to try to keep her from leaving.Though this might not make Tabitha happy, she couldn't bring herself to refuse him.What parent could say no to a child crying for candy?Especially when that child was the one she owed so much to, the one she wanted to give the entire world to.But he didn't want the world. He just wanted Tabitha to stay."I..." Tabitha started to speak, but Kyrian cut her off."Mom, I love you so much, and you love me, and my siblings too. I already don't have a complete family. Do you want my siblings to grow up without a dad, only imagining what he looks like, envying other kids' happy families? Mom, haven't you heard? A happy, complete childhood can heal a person for life, but an incomplete one takes a lifetime to heal."
Third person's POV"Back then was back then. Now is now. But I promise you, no matter what happens, I'll always love you," Tabitha said softly, gently stroking Kyrian's head. Her hand brushed through his soft fur, the warmth of a mother's love flowing through her touch.Kyrian's voice was small, tinged with hope. "Mom, can you spare a little love for Dad? He's actually kind of pitiful."His eyes showed sympathy for Derek. In his heart, both his parents were his greatest loves, and he longed for a complete family."There are plenty of people in this world who love your dad. He doesn't need mine," Tabitha replied, her tone carrying a hint of stubbornness. Despite her lingering feelings for Derek, the pain of the past made it hard for her to forgive."But to Dad, you're like oxygen to a fish. A fish can't live without oxygen," Kyrian said, snuggling closer to Tabitha.He pressed his body against hers, as if clinging to her love would make it st
Third person's POVKyrian obediently climbed over and was immediately pulled into Tabitha's embrace.From here, they could see the beautiful scenery outside. Kyrian realized that the training grounds looked completely different from this angle—probably because his mother was by his side.Tabitha smiled softly, her voice warm. "I chose your name. You were born with all my love.""Mom, you must have loved Dad a lot back then," Kyrian said, looking up with curious eyes."Yes, very much," Tabitha admitted honestly. "No matter how I feel about your dad now, you are my precious child, born after seven months of carrying you. Your dad took you away, and I didn't even know you existed. That's why I missed so many years of your life. But you need to know, I thought about you every single day. There wasn't a moment when I didn't miss you or wonder about you. I love you more than anyone in the world."Kyrian's mood brightened, a happy smile sprea
Third person's POVKyrian watched nervously as Tabitha cleaned and dressed his wounds.He didn't dare breathe too loudly, his eyes glued to her every move. His gaze was filled with dependence and longing.Every now and then, he'd glance quickly at Derek, his eyes questioning, desperate for reassurance that this wasn't a dream."Dad, is Mom really back?" His voice trembled, carrying the fragility and hope unique to a child.Derek reached out and gently tapped his nose. "Silly boy, she's really here."Kyrian's tense body relaxed slightly, and a shy smile crept onto his face.When Tabitha applied the ointment a little too firmly, he winced but stayed silent.His hands gripped the hem of his shirt, his knuckles turning white from the pressure. He was afraid that if he cried out in pain, Tabitha might leave.In his heart, he thought, As long as Mom stays, this pain is nothing.Kyrian had always been well-behaved, but n
Third person's POVAzazel was furious.To be honest, he hadn't planned to take things this far with Kyrian.He showed Kyrian some respect, but deep down, he knew most of the children here were orphans with no one to rely on.He'd been provoking Kyrian because he refused to fall in line. After all this time, Kyrian still wouldn't listen to him.Azazel had wanted to teach him a lesson and assert his dominance in front of the others.But Kyrian was tougher than he'd expected. Instead of backing down, he even fought back with a fierce determination that burned in his eyes.What's wrong with him? Why won't he give up?"You're dead, brat," Azazel snarled, raising his fist to deliver a crushing blow to Kyrian's head."Stop!"Kyrian closed his eyes, bracing for the impact his small body couldn't possibly withstand. But the blow never came.A hand shot out, gripping Azazel's wrist.Everyone turned to see Tabitha, breathless from running.Thankfully, she'd made it in time.What she didn't know
Third person's POVKyrian had barely taken a few bites when a tall boy walked over and flipped his tray onto the floor, sneering, "Go on, eat that."Tabitha's fists clenched in anger. "How can they bully him like this? He's already struggling!"Derek held her back. "Tabitha, don't act rashly. This place isn't just about physical training for him."Tabitha frowned. "Then what else is he here for?"Derek explained, "For people like us, growing up means training alongside peers who'll become your most trusted allies—like Alvin and Rolf. These are the people who'd take a bullet for you on the battlefield. If Kyrian grows up sheltered, handed a team of strangers, do you think they'd truly respect or protect him? One wrong move, and he could end up dead."Tabitha's anger began to fade. "What are you saying?"Derek's tone grew serious. "He's not just training his body. He's learning to lead, to earn the loyalty of these kids. They'll b
Third person's POVThe car slowly emerged from the underground garage, breaking through the darkness into the open air.The streets were adorned with mistletoe trees, people bustling about in preparation for Christmas."It's been years since we celebrated together," Derek said suddenly, his voice tinged with nostalgia."Yeah." In those days when survival was all that mattered, Tabitha hadn't had the luxury of thinking about holidays."It's the last day of the year. Where are you taking me?" Tabitha glanced at Derek."You'll see."The car wound its way out of the city, into the countryside. Snowflakes danced in the air, painting the world in white.The road grew steeper, the landscape wilder. Soon, there were no buildings in sight—just endless trees and snow.Tabitha gripped the armrest as the car jolted over uneven terrain. After what felt like hours, they reached a remote valley deep in the mountains. Even their p
Third person's POVTabitha had been his most promising student. As a freshman, she'd become his assistant, shadowing him in clinics and even observing surgeries.He had placed his highest hopes in her, demanding perfection during her training.To him, Tabitha was a once-in-a-generation talent—he was merely her starting point, not her ceiling.Dr. Fairbanks had been both a mentor and father figure to her. And she had let him down."Is Dr. Fairbanks… doing alright?" Tabitha asked quietly.Alban's voice turned cold. "No. He says he once had a student who made him proud—until she threw away her future for a man."Tears welled up in Tabitha's eyes.She still remembered the day she submitted her withdrawal letter. Dr. Fairbanks rushed to the school, still wearing his surgical scrubs with a scalpel clutched in his hand.At first, he thought something catastrophic had happened—had her family gone bankrup