LOGINDerek's POV
"Bang!" I smashed the ashtray in front of me on the ground. How could there be no news from the trap I had set? Firstly, the identities of those individuals could not be found, and secondly, there were no traces of their whereabouts. I thought they would soon make a request, but a whole week had passed, and there had been no follow-up. I couldn't understand why those guys took the risk of kidnapping my child but didn't come to me for a greater benefit.Cyrus could feel how tense Tabitha was. He pulled his hand back quickly. "Sorry. It just seemed like a mob back there."Tabitha stepped away, putting some distance between them. "It's fine. I get it. You should go take care of your guests, Mr. Holmes. Don't worry about me.""Just be careful. If you need anything, find me," Cyrus said, giving her one last look before heading off.He rubbed his thumb and index finger together, still feeling the sensation of her skin. "Are all women that soft?"A strange, restless energy started to stir inside him, like a slow-burning fire he couldn't quite place.The dinner kicked off with about thirty guests. Everyone was talking in low, polite voices.A few people stopped to pay their respects to Lycan Algernon before taking their seats.Bonnie was glued to Algernon's side, wearing that perfect, graceful smile she always showed the world.If it weren't for the whole Truman disaster, Tabitha never would have seen the dark side behind that mask.Cyrus w
Bently's pursuit of power was nothing but blunt. His fawning over Michelle was a mirror image of Michelle's obsession with Derek. But a lowly "clinger" would never catch the eye of the proud.Michelle gave Bentley a dismissive glance, letting out a half-hearted "Thanks" that barely counted as a response.The word had barely left her mouth before she was hiking up her skirt and scurrying toward Derek.Bentley froze, his fists clenching until his knuckles popped beneath his sleeves.Derek stood there in a sharp, pitch-black suit, his face partially obscured by his signature silver mask. He looked like a high-ranking Alpha who had just stepped out of the abyss—mysterious, cold, and utterly unattainable. He drew the repressed, burning stares of every female in the room."Derek!" Michelle called out gleefully, fluttering toward him like a butterfly desperate for attention.From not far, Tabitha swirled her champagne, a mocking smile playing
As night fell, the entire place went into high alert. Armored vehicles cleared the way, and top-tiered chefs were busy preparing food in the kitchen. The air was thick with the rich, smoky aroma of high-end ingredients hitting the grill.Tabitha stood under the gallery, reaching out to catch a single, shimmering snowflake. She never imagined that in this remote territory, she'd experience such an event of this magnitude again.Looking back at the girl from seven years ago, who had just received devastating news and thought she wouldn't survive the winter, and then at the woman standing here now, breathing freely in the snow... It felt like a dream woven from ice.She hadn't just survived; she had flourished. She had lovely pups now, all carrying the blood of a great Alpha.Tonight, she intended to be a quiet observer. But the moment she stepped into the ballroom, the bustling crowd fell into a sudden, collective hush.Michelle was dressed to the ni
Tabitha woke up after a deep sleep. Her room had an incredible view with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a world of pristine white. The snow clinging to the walls created a stark, elegant beauty that felt serene.The curtains slid open automatically, letting in the morning sun reflecting off the snow. After a quick wash-up and applying the plain-looking mask to her face, she headed out to prepare the herbal meal for Algernon.A blast of biting cold hit her the moment she stepped out, making her tuck her head into her shoulders and let out a sharp sneeze. In the dead of winter, every gust of wind felt like a blade.She stood there looking out into the distance, her mind drifting to Killian. Derek had mentioned the boy had been sent to a secluded island for specialized elite werewolf training and was currently off the grid.By the time spring rolls around, that kid is going to have hit a massive growth spurt, she thought."Good morning." A deep voice broke her train of thought.Cyr
“What banquet?” Tabitha asked, arching an eyebrow.“Probably a ‘mate-choosing' gala,” Derek said, gazing at her with a look of intense, smoldering possessiveness. “I wish I could tear through space and time to be by your side right now.”Tabitha hung up with a light chuckle.She was not interested in the banquet at all. Instead, she wondered how Bonnie and Michelle were doing in their freezing chambers.She thought Algernon was just venting his anger earlier, but it turned out the Lycan had actually issued a direct order.Inside the side wing where the central heating had been cut, Michelle was currently wrapped in three layers of heavy fur rugs, throwing a complete tantrum in the main hall. “This is so unfair! How could Dad let me freeze for the sake of that stupid woman?! My claws are literally numb!”“I don't know if he did it for her, but I know he won't tolerate anyone challeng
Lycan Algernon's fondness for Tabitha was purely out of a gut feeling. As for the whole "chosen mate" thing, the thought hadn't even crossed his mind.But seeing Bonnie so repulsed and mentioning Tabitha like some worthless rogue made Algernon feel a surge of irritation."Vanessa is a top-tier doctor. Her skills can literally snatch people back from the brink of death. Was that still not good enough?""Didn't you hear Michelle? She's already a mother! I bet her mate is probably some rogue lurking at the border! My son is the commander of the greatest army; he's not taking some lowborn she-wolf as his 'chosen mate'!"Algernon slammed his palm onto the table, making the cups rattle. "Bonnie, watch your mouth! I never said a word about making a match for the two of them. I'm looking out for her because she saved my life, and because I feel for a young girl who's out here all on her own! Besides, with her reputation, countless people are begging for her help.
Derek's POV The helicopter landed on a wide platform, and the moment I stepped out of the cabin, a wave of heat swept in from all directions. I turned to Tabitha, saying, "It's hot outside. How about you just wait in the helicopter?" "No," she insisted, standing her ground. So I had n
Tabitha's POVKlein's hands started to tremble when he heard the words "a dead woman."His face was already pale, and right now, it was simply ashen."Are you sure?" he asked."Yes. The studs were big and beautiful, and the clothes she was wearing were from luxury brands. Oh,
Derek's POVI walked to the courtyard and saw Alice Evans, the doctor, standing there, probably waiting for a hot minute. Noticing me, she walked up to me respectfully and whispered, "Alpha Derek, just now, I left something unsaid, worried that it might scare Tabitha. Can we talk about it no
Tabitha's POVSoon, the whole medical team came over."Tabitha, he needs emergency treatment immediately. Please make some room for us."Dumbfounded, I was led out by Joanna.Seeing me panicked, she anxiously said, "Tabitha, don't worry. I'm sure John will be fine. You have to







