Derek's POV
Standing by the street, I was gearing up to hit the mall myself to look for Tabitha. Just then, Alvin mind-linked me, all urgent-like. "Alpha Derek, we have a lead on Tabitha." His voice rang in my mind, sounding rushed. "Spill it! What is it?" I asked promptly. "One of our guys tailing Tabitha snapped her heading into a shopping mall. And a strange guy was with her," Alvin answered. "Lock down all the mall exits," I ordered immediately. "We've already combed the whole mall, but there's no sign of her. She should've left," Alvin cautiously replied. Angry, I cut the mind-link without answering him. It took me a while to calm myself down. Then, I mind-linked Alvin again. "Send me all the footage." I checked every video, trying to keep my cool, and finally, in one of the videos, I spotted her silhouette at an intersection. Even though her face wasn't captured, I knew it was her, along with a man walking closely beside hTabitha's POVThe speedboat was going fast. Sitting on the speedboat, I looked up at the receding shore.I could no longer see Derek's expression clearly, yet somehow, I felt he was smiling.The way he looked at me made me feel that he was a viper, and I was his prey.The thought of that gave me goosebumps all over, and those days being controlled by his sick obsession came back to me.His words kept haunting me. After the speedboat had gone a long way, I still felt deadly cold.I sat motionless, feeling that my soul had been drained.Lucian squatted in front of me and handed me a bottle of milk. I took it, and it was still warm. Guessed it was the temperature of his palm."I can take you back if you're scared," he said.I took a sip. The sweet milk dispelled the gloominess overwhelming me."I don't wanna go back," I said, clutching the bottle. "He'll lock me up in the room forever."Frowning, Lucian looked puzzled."He's a
Tabitha's POVStanding in front of Noah's painting, I could feel his unpolished spirit strongly.In the past, he could already create stunning works using black and white only.And now, the addition of colors enhanced his work even greatly.Staring at his painting, I felt relieved and happy."It's perfect," I said. Then I encouraged him, "Given more opportunities to learn, I'm sure you're gonna be something."Noah lifted his head, his eyes sparkling."I learn from the best, Tabitha. You'll stay here, right?"Feeling bitter, I answered hesitantly, "Yeah."Actually, I had no idea how long I could stay here.Derek's shadow and the unknown risks hung over my head like a sword that might fall at any moment.Noah said with concern, "Tabitha, you look terrible. And you've been moping these days. Are you worried about Kyrian?"Shaking my head gently, I said, "Not at all. Why should I? He eats well and sleeps well, and there are a b
Tabitha's POV Holding the pistol, I felt more powerful than ever. Lucian held me from behind and wrapped my hands in his palms, his voice echoing in the base. "Don't be afraid. Find your target and shoot. Just like this..." In the next second, the piercing sound of a gunshot rang out the shooting range. The gunshots echoed in my ears, and it felt like a shockwave passing through my body. For a second, all I could hear was my heart pounding. It was the first time I had experienced the power of a gunshot so close up. It was so loud that it almost took my breath away. I stood still, trembling involuntarily. Meanwhile, I felt my fingers tightly gripping the trigger, and my palms were sweating from nervousness. Lucian said next to my ear, "Like this. Got it?" His voice, soft yet firm, slowly roused me back to consciousness. I turned to look at him and realized that the shooting had shocked me. He noticed my reaction and qui
Tabitha's POVI picked up dead branches and dried firewood quickly. Suddenly, I felt a churn in my stomach."What's wrong?" Lucian, who was gutting the fish, strode toward me.He squatted on the ground and looked at me.I retched a bit was all. Stroking my stomach, I said awkwardly, "Nothing. I'm just feeling a bit uncomfortable.""Does it hurt a lot?"A drop of water fell on my cheek. I looked up into Lucian's concerned eyes beneath the mask.Water droplets kept dripping down along his hair ends.Only then did I suddenly realize that I was almost entirely held in his arms.I felt myself surrounded by the heat of his body mixed with steam, and somehow, things got weird.Even though we didn't touch physically, being so close to him made me a bit uneasy.Seemed he realized the same thing. He stepped away at once.After that, I said, "No. I'm just feeling a bit nauseous."On this small island, words traveled quickly.
Derek's POV I walked off the helicopter with Kyrian in one arm. I felt how excited he was while standing on the island. He waved his hands and shouted, "Mommy! Mommy!" I sneered, "Seems we're at the right place." Everyone was on high alert. After all, we knew they were armed. No one dared to underestimate such a threat. Rolf was no longer at ease. He gave rapid instructions into the intercom. Soon, several speedboats appeared on the sea, surrounding the island from all sides. More and more werewolves landed on the island. Finding Tabitha's whereabouts was just a matter of time. Kyrian struggled excitedly in my arms, wanting to get down. I put him down only after making sure there was no danger nearby. "Good boy, go find her." Tabitha, there was nowhere to run. Kyrian was like a well-trained military dog, very familiar with the environment on the island. Rolf shouted non-stop, "Kyrian, slow down, or y
Tabitha's POV I looked up at Derek. The sun shone on him but failed to touch the cold abyss in his eyes. His pupils flickered with anger, mockery, and contempt. "Derek, what the hell do you want from me? I don't even deserve to have my own life?!" My voice was filled with despair. We had already performed the rejection ceremony, yet his possessiveness somehow grew stronger because of it. Derek's gaze fell on Lucian's large hand gripping my wrist. Lucian noticed his gaze and imperceptibly stood in front of me. Their gazes confronted each other in the air, that of Lucian's firm and unyielding. "The mate bond between you is broken. She won't leave with you." His actions and words added fuel to the fire. Derek's eyes became unfathomable. Clearly, he was displeased. The surrounding air became tense as the aura belonging to the Alpha swept over. I knew Derek's wolf was angry. The sea breeze blew rampantly, stirring my slight
Tabitha's POV I knew it was impossible to escape my doom today. Fuck it. Guessed I no longer had to be cautious anymore. All the inhibitions I had been building up burst out right at this moment. "I hate you, Derek!" I almost shouted at the top of my lungs, expressing how dissatisfied I was with him. "I hate you for being condescending, and I hate you for being so moody. You were the one who betrayed me! Then why are you haunting me right now? Why can't you just leave me alone? You said my dad should atone for his sins. In case you haven't noticed, Silver Moon Pack is almost on the verge of disbanding, my dad has fallen critically ill more than once, and I've sacrificed my marriage and my kid. Tell me, is that still not enough for you? OK then! Take my life away if you want!" Derek's gaze grew colder and colder as I spoke. To be honest, I was very nervous, and my heart was beating rapidly in my excited state. "You drove me away when you felt like i
Tabitha's POV Everything happened in the blink of an eye. I stood in situ, facing the brown wolf that was about to pounce on me. His claws were sharp and gleaming with cold light. Time seemed to freeze at this moment, and I could see the horror in his eyes clearly. In this tense confrontation, I met his eyes, and all of a sudden, I knew. He was Aiden. He must have jumped out in a rush, and now, he couldn't control his movements in time. Just as Aiden was about to pounce at me, I saw Derek again. Derek held me close and protected me with his body. And that left his back fully exposed to Aiden's claws. Aiden's claws left several blood marks on Derek's back. In the next second, Aiden quickly leaped away so as not to cause further harm and landed on the ground. Alvin and Rolf quickly surrounded him. Rolf commanded, his voice carrying authority and control, "Shift! Now!" Aiden's body began to change visibly. His body gradua
Third person's POVGloria had been in an exceptionally good mood these past two days. She practically floated as she walked, even skipping and greeting the grass by the roadside.Perhaps her joy had irked Leopold, because on the evening of the third day, he suddenly appeared.At the time, Gloria was playing hide-and-seek with the children.When she heard the sound of a helicopter overhead, she didn't think much of it.Over the past few days, she'd learned the routine. Every ten days or so, a boat would leave the island to restock supplies. She assumed it was the servants returning and didn't pay it any mind.She had a blindfold over her eyes and was standing under a tree, counting, "Eight, nine, ten... Are you little ones hiding yet? The big bad wolf is coming to catch the little bunnies!"Since there weren't many people to play with, she usually roped in a few servants to join the game.She took two steps and bumped into someo
Third person's POVDerek didn't mock Leopold's current arrogance because he knew fate was fair. What was meant to happen would happen.Moreover, Derek had noticed that Leopold's feelings for Gloria were special—far more than just a casual lover, despite what he claimed.It didn't matter. Love had a way of humbling even the most stubborn people.As Leopold spoke, he glanced at the surveillance footage again. Gloria was sitting by the sea, staring at the ocean, her emotions much calmer than before.It seemed Derek's suggestion had been right. Gloria needed the company of friends and children to heal her inner wounds."My family situation isn't great right now. Let her stay on the island for three months, and then I'll bring her back."The incident with Gloria's miscarriage had infuriated Leopold. He'd acted impulsively for her sake, and her former fiancé was still in intensive care.The other family was also wealthy
Third person's POVDerek hadn't expected Kyrian to react so strongly. He'd only wanted Tabitha to know about Kyrian's existence, but he'd overlooked the fact that Kyrian was no longer a clueless toddler like his younger siblings.At this age, children understood everything and had developed their own complex emotions."I'm sorry."Derek carried Kyrian step by step back to the house. Kyrian was wrapped tightly in the military coat, while Derek was left exposed to the snow and wind.Although Kyrian had spent more time with Derek growing up, Derek had been chasing after Tabitha these past two years, and Kyrian rarely got to see his father.When Kyrian saw Derek covered in snow, his crying gradually subsided.He wasn't the only one hurting. Derek must have been suffering too.Kyrian sniffled softly, and Derek looked into his eyes, speaking earnestly, "I promise you, one day I'll bring Mom back, okay?"Kyrian's nose was red f
Third person's POVAs soon as Tabitha stepped out of the house, the biting winter wind hit her face like a knife, stinging her skin.Just as Derek had said, everything had been arranged."Tabitha, the helicopter is ready. You can leave now.""Thank you.""However, the helipad is a bit far. You'll need to walk there.""That's fine," Tabitha waved it off.Wrapped in a thick down jacket, she buried her face in the hood. She felt as though someone was watching her, but she didn't dare look back.She was afraid that if she turned around, she wouldn't be able to leave. In her heart, she kept repeating, Don't look back. Just keep walking.Behind the curtains, Derek held Kyrian, who was crying silently. Kyrian reached out toward the empty air, as if trying to grab the hem of Tabitha's coat."Dad, I don't want Mom to leave. Will she abandon me?""No, she loves you. How could she abandon you? She's just leaving for a
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