Derek's POV
Joanna shot me a weird look, as if she was puzzled.I knew why she was feeling that way. My concern for Tabitha these days was evident to everyone.Even though I was about to marry Daphne, my care for Tabitha was genuine, and everyone in Rose Manor could tell.But here I was, totally clueless about how she was handling her pregnancy.Joanna wasn't a long-standing member of the Black Thorn Pack.So she didn't really know the history between me and Tabitha."I heard Ms. Hartley say that she had no idea what she was doing with her first pregnancy. She had morning sickness for three months and the fetus seemed to be in a bit unstable condition. In the early stages of pregnancy, she had to get shots to keep the baby safe every day. My mom had to do that too, and it hurt like hell."Joanna's words hit me like a punch in the gut. I had never thought that Tabitha would go through such pain."However, Ms. Hartley was really excited aboDerek's POVI have heard countless advice that I should have treated Tabitha better.However, the current situation was that I have put her in such a predicament. Guilt and a sense of powerlessness filled my heart.But I was aware that now was not the time to indulge in self-blame."Okay, I got it. She holds a grudge against me, so she doesn't want me to know about her pregnancy. You don't need to say much. Just take good care of her. If anything happens to her, let me know immediately. Try to fulfill all her needs at Rose Manor."I gave instructions to Joanna.As Tabitha's personal Omega, she was an important source for me to know Tabitha's condition."Okay, Alpha Derek, I understood," Joanna responded simply.She did not know Tabitha's secret, nor did she realize that she had unintentionally revealed too much."You can leave now," I said to Joanna, and I stayed alone in the study, with my hand on my forehead, filled with conflict and st
Tabitha's POVDerek suddenly appeared in my room, acting strangely.I couldn't help but frown, wondering what was wrong with this man and why he came here acting so weird.I stretched out my left hand, wanting to push away his body, which made me suffocate. However, when my fingers touched his body, I felt a damp liquid.No, it was blood.As a werewolf, I was very sensitive to the smell of blood."What's going on?" I immediately asked my wolf in my mind."There were no other scents of wolves, so he didn't experience an attack," Crystal calmly responded to me.I turned on the light and looked at his snow-white shirt, which was covered in crimson blood. The blood was still oozing out.How could he have turned out like this in just a short while, even though he hadn't even left the villa?"Who did it?" I asked.Derek, however, didn't care at all and instead reached out his hand to touch my face."Tabitha, I hurt your hand. I a
Derek's POVEver since I learned about Tabitha's pregnancy, I had been in constant agony.I suppressed the beast within me hard, afraid that my loss of control would harm her.However, the anger and jealousy in my chest continued to grow, almost reaching the point of exploding.I asked myself over and over again, "Why am I not the father?"If she were pregnant with my baby, I wouldn't have to suffer all this."However, no matter how brutal it was, the truth was the truth. I had to face it.Alvin helped me bandage the wound on my arm while comforting me. "Alpha Derek, calm down and please don't harm yourself again."I responded with a bitter smile, "Alvin, what would you do if you were in my shoes?"He remained silent for a moment and then said, "Alpha Derek, I don't have a mate yet. Thus, it's impossible for me to imagine what you're suffering now. I'm sorry that I can't be of any help."I was like a fatigued driver on a highway, whi
Tabitha's POVAfter the farce made by Derek, he didn't appear for a couple of daysI became more and more uneasy, always feeling like maybe he sensed something was off.Could it be that he figured out I was pregnant?But I doubted that. If he had known about my pregnancy, why would he remain silent and even make sure that I had my meals on time?Recently, my meals became more and more nutritious and every dish seemed to have been carefully selected. But again, maybe that was just my illusion.The meals contained fresh, high-protein ingredients, such as grilled chicken breasts, fish, and a lot of veggies.I asked Joanna about the change in my meals, and she told me she had instructed the kitchen to prepare them this way.She said that I suffered a lot carrying the baby and that the morning sickness was so intense. So I gotta eat right.Without Derek around, Rose Manor was eerily quiet every day, but I couldn't shake this feeling that a sto
Third person's POVSince Derek took Tabitha and John back in a hurry from the island, he hadn't paid much attention to Klein.According to Alvin, Klein had already returned to Canada and showed no intention to come back to Seattle to steal Tabitha away from Derek.That was to say, to Klein, Tabitha was just a temporary fling or a plaything—no feelings involved whatsoever.At the realization, Derek was both angry and upset.Tabitha was the love of his life, yet apparently, she didn't receive the treatment she deserved from the father of her baby.Derek was confused about how to deal with Tabitha. These days, even though he tried to convince himself to accept the baby, he just couldn't.No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't bring himself to treat the illegitimate child as his own.Since Tabitha had already been pregnant for about twenty days, she could use an abortion very soon.But she wasn't in good health, looking way too frail.
Derek's POVFaced with Tabitha's vigilant gaze, I couldn't help but feel a wave of bitterness in my heart.Guessed she saw me as an enemy now.I sighed and tried to break the silence with a gentle tone. "Tabitha, don't worry. I won't do anything to you. I came here today to tell you that, Miss A, the musician you like is having a concert. I bought tickets. How about we go together tomorrow?"Tabitha shot me a skeptical stare as if doubting whether I was plotting something again.I understood her reaction. After all, I had caused her too much harm."Tabitha, I didn't mean anything else. Miss A hasn't shown up in public in recent years, and I know you have always been a huge fan. This concert could possibly be her farewell performance, and I don't want you to miss it."Speaking of which, Tabitha hadn't been to any concerts for two and a half years.The last time she listened to live music was the time when we were at a music festival. We were we
Tabitha's POVJoanna stood behind me, looking curious as I hesitated for a long time.She shot me a confused look and asked, "Ms. Hartley, anything wrong with these clothes?""No, Joanna, the clothes are nice. It's just that they remind me of my past, and it stings a bit," I replied softly, trying to conceal the turmoil in my heart.Joanna had no clue about the history between Derek and me, so obviously, she couldn't understand how I was feeling right now.To her, I might have just been an unfortunate lady. But to me, those were unforgettable memories."Why don't you pick one for me?" I averted my gaze from those once familiar clothes, which could only make me feel awkward now.They were a cruel reminder, telling me again and again that I was no longer the carefree Luna, but a woman who had been tortured.Joanna stood in front of the wardrobe, glancing through the clothes while muttering, "Ms. Hartley, you have a great figure and good looks. P
Tabitha's POVJoanna was a kind-hearted werewolf. Though her family was far from being well-off, she always remained optimistic.I found her optimism contagious.In her, I seemed to see my past self. She was like sunshine, happy all the time as if even the end of the world would not bring her down."Just like me, all you need to do is lift the corners of your mouth gently. Your baby inside your belly will also be happy when you're in a better mood."Joanna beamed, her smile pure and sincere.Maybe it was her warm smile, or maybe her mentioning the baby cheered me up. Unconsciously, I placed my palm on my belly, and a small smile crept onto my face without me even realizing it.Joanna, noticing it, jumped in joy."I knew it, Ms. Hartley. You look absolutely stunning when you smile. You are the most beautiful and exquisite person I've ever seen. If you were to enter showbiz, you would surely become a big star," she exclaimed, her tone dripping w
"Agreed," Alvin replied. The memory of Hedwig's earlier glare at Misha sent a shiver down his spine.He had a foreboding that Misha might already be in Hedwig's crosshairs.Given that this was Hedwig's home turf, Alvin worried their group might not stand a chance in a confrontation.This added a layer of anxiety to an already tense situation.Meanwhile, Tabitha remained fast asleep, a serene smile playing on her lips.After a short play with the fawn, a pigeon flew in from outside the cave and landed on Hedwig's shoulder, cooing softly. Hedwig paused at the sound, glancing at Tabitha still lost in slumber.With a moment of hesitation, she quietly rose and tiptoed away, not wanting to disturb Tabitha's rest.Misha, who had always sailed through life with ease, had encountered her greatest challenge in the form of unrequited love.Ever since Derek had rescued her, she had vowed to marry him when she grew up.Throughout her
Hedwig nodded understandingly, her face lighting up with innocent joy.She carefully lowered herself onto the lawn and gently pressed a sweet kiss to Tabitha's cheek, her movements as delicate as a butterfly's wings.Her movements were incredibly gentle, for fear of disturbing Tabitha.Then, she sat quietly by the pool, watching butterflies dance around them—a scene so serene it could have been plucked from a masterpiece painting.Tabitha's exhaustion overwhelmed her, her eyelids growing heavier by the second until she drifted into a deep sleep by the pool's edge.Her long, silk-like hair cascaded down, and without her mask, her porcelain skin glowed.Compared to before, she seemed even more beautiful now, like a sleeping fairy, radiating an enchanting charm.Hedwig stayed by her side without disturbing Tabitha, quietly gathering herbs nearby with focused and skillful movements.The forest creatures adored her—a faw
Misha watched Tabitha and Alma walk away, her anger flaring up again.She glared at the back of Tabitha's head and instinctively touched her red cheek.Growing up, she had never been treated like this. The humiliation filled her heart with resentment."Once Derek's poison is neutralized, I'll make them pay", she vowed silently.Alban, seeing the hatred in Misha's eyes, felt a chill.He knew Misha's background—her family's influence was no secret. He'd brought her here out of concern for Derek's blood type.Having watched Misha and Derek grow up, he was well aware of their temperaments.Given Misha's current state, he feared she would cause more trouble.So, he tried to persuade her again, "Look, things are under control here. It's not proper for a young lady like you to stay. I'll have someone escort you out.""I'm not leaving, Dr. Weaver. I'm staying to take care of Derek!" Misha said stubbornly, turning her head
Misha's eyes welled up the moment she saw Derek awake. She lunged toward him, crying, "I've been so worried!"Derek sidestepped her embrace instinctively and said coolly, "I'm fine. I've delayed you long enough. I need to stay for treatment; you should head back."Misha's jaw dropped in shock.Misha had traveled so far and gone through so much, only to hear Derek tell her to leave as soon as he woke up."I need to care for you—your eyesight's impaired. I've already taken leave," she pleaded."You'll be fine. Rolf and Alvin are here. It's not convenient for you, a young woman, to stay," Derek insisted.Misha stamped her foot in frustration. "What's inconvenient about it? You're not married, and neither am I. Remember when we were on missions together? We took care of each other then, didn't we?"Alma happened to pass by and overhear the conversation, finally realizing that Misha had been the one making advances all along.
Derek jolted awake after an hour of sleep.In a daze, sensing someone beside him, he instinctively pulled them into his arms, exclaiming, "Tabitha, you came for me."Alvin sighed, "Alpha Derek, it's me."Derek fumbled blindly in the air, urgency lacing his voice, "Where's Tabitha? Where did she go?""You were dreaming again," Alvin explained patiently."A dream?" Derek frowned, confusion washing over him.But why did the dream feel so real? So real that he could almost feel the give of Tabitha's skin, recall the touch of her body, and even remember the warmth of her flesh. Her voice still seemed to linger in his ears."Tabitha's probably miles away. She couldn't be here," Alvin added.Derek's heart sank, the joy from moments ago replaced by emptiness. It felt as though he'd found his most precious treasure, only to realize it was just a dream.He bowed his head, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. "Right, how could I rea
At Derek's words, Tabitha was suddenly reminded of his words from years ago, when he had said the person in his dreams was her.She couldn't help but wonder what exactly this scoundrel had done to her in his dreams."Tabitha, hold me," Derek pleaded like a petulant child.Tabitha recalled the early days of their marriage. Back then, Derek was reticent and self-absorbed in bed, rarely showing any emotion or expressing his feelings.She often doubted whether he even liked her, if not for the fact that his actions left her bedridden the next day.Derek had locked all his emotions in an airtight box, allowing no one to peek inside.But over the years, their dynamics had done a complete turnaround.Now, Tabitha buried her feelings deep within, becoming cold and distant, while Derek had transformed into someone unrecognizably vulnerable and open.At this moment, Derek was like an overly affectionate, enthusiastic dog, intimately fami
Tabitha was deeply focused on listening to Derek's heartbeat. Irritated by his question, she simply hushed him with a "Shh" and said, "Don't talk." Her attention was entirely on his heart rate. She had no intention of being distracted by others.After finishing with his heartbeat, Tabitha gently pried open Derek's eyelids for a closer look.His pupils were dull and lifeless, making it impossible to assess the internal damage with the naked eye.It seemed that only after administering the antidote and conducting a professional examination outside could they determine the extent of the eye damage.Tabitha silently resolved that if they could just detoxify him, there would be hope for the gradual recovery of his other organs.At Tabitha's "Shh," Derek obediently fell silent.Despite feeling as though he were in a dream, he cherished this fleeting moment, thinking that even an extra minute with Tabitha would give him more memories to hold onto i
Derek clung to Tabitha like a koala to a tree trunk, refusing to let go.His voice was urgent and filled with longing as he declared, "Tabitha, you have no idea how long I've been searching for you! Every day, every night, your image haunted my thoughts. I was such a fool. If I had known you would vanish completely, I never would have let you go."Tabitha's heart skipped a beat at his words.Recalling her departure, she realized how strange it had been—how smoothly she had left.Back then, Tabitha had barely left when someone came chasing after her. Had Derek known of her plan from the start?If he had wanted to stop her, he could have nipped her plan in the bud."Why did you let me go, then?" she asked.Derek, lost in the joy of their reunion, poured out his feelings unreservedly. "I've always felt guilty for the wrongs I did you. I wanted to make amends."Tabitha gazed into Derek's eyes, noticing the red marks on his face.Despite his usual handsomeness, these marks added an air of
Third person's POVThis was why Tabitha had chosen Alvin over Rolf.She adjusted her waterlogged mask, now nearly peeling off, and swiftly exited the scene.Rolf muttered behind her, "Alpha Derek, don't go around hugging people. What if she gets clingy? Tabitha's still out there—what if she sees this and makes you wait another decade?"Derek remained silent."But seriously," Rolf continued, "the doctor's build and height are identical to Tabitha's. Just the face is different."Derek seized on this. "What did you say?""I said she looks like Tabitha, except for the face. Alpha Derek, don't get carried away—it's not like Tabitha to pop up just because you're poisoned. You've looked for her for three and a half years with no luck."Derek rubbed his temples, chalking it up to longing-induced hallucinations.Tabitha retreated to her room, exhausted from the sleepless night of brewing and changing medicines.