Derek's POVWhen Tabitha arrived, I had already been waiting at the entrance of the council chamber for a while.There was no one else there but me.Before she even approached, Leo had already sensed her, and he kept affecting me.As her light footsteps sounded, I opened my eyes and turned my head.Tabitha wrapped herself with a gray coat and a hat on her head.I couldn't help but start reminiscing, wondering if Tabitha used to be like this, not able to handle the cold.As she stopped a few feet away from me, I fixed my gaze on her face.She looked extremely pale, and her lips were slightly cracked. From a distance, she appeared even thinner than I had remembered.My gaze shifted downward, and I couldn't help but look at her belly.I was worried about her wound. She bled a lot last night, and I didn't know if it had healed now.But I knew that I was in no position to ask.A month ago, Tabitha suddenly agreed to be rejected.Yet we didn't have the chance to conduct the ceremony, though
Tabitha's POVThe moment our mate bond was cut off, I, unexpectedly, felt a sense of relief. However, what followed was the pain in the wound.Walking out of the Council of Elders, I almost fell to my knees on the steps.Luckily, my girl Gloria helped me in time. After steadying me, she yelled at Derek, calling him a cheater and stuff.I couldn't help but worry about her.Derek was notorious for his cruelty. Would she be punished for disrespecting him? And how was I gonna stop him, after I was rejected?Yet to my surprise, Derek did nothing more than merely glance at Gloria coldly.I pulled Gloria, trying to get us out of there as soon as possible."Wait."Derek's voice sounded from behind.I turned around, staring at his sullen face."What else do you want from me, Alpha Derek?" I asked with a distant tone.Derek stepped forward and said with a frown, "Without my permission, you cannot accept a second mate. Are we clear?""Why not? You're no longer mates anymore. Who are you to stick
Tabitha's POV"I used to feel the same way. My dad was getting much better and I even thought about taking him home. How could his condition suddenly get critical? And Vilda got killed soon after I visited her. It can't be a coincidence," I replied.With a sigh, I went on, "But then, I feel like I shouldn't deny reality just because I couldn't accept it. I had asked Beta Gary about what had happened the day my dad fell back into a coma. He told me that no one else had visited Dad. Maybe the Silver Moon Pack's incident was the trigger. As for what happened to Vilda, it was probably Daphne's doing. You know, to force Derek to reject me sooner. Now that she got what she wanted, I guess she won't stir up trouble again."Gloria knitted her brow, saying, "I doubt it, Tabitha. Sometimes, what seems like an accident in every way might end up being a scheme. You never know."I hesitated as I looked into the distance."If that really is the case, the mastermind is way too cunning. It's gonna ta
Derek's POVHonestly, I didn't expect Tabitha would be here. Today, she was in a black dress. It would look plain on an average girl, but with Tabitha's curvy body, she looked stunning in it.She slightly tilted her head, revealing her fair, delicate neck, which added to her charm.I couldn't feel any connection between us anymore; nor could I tune into her feelings.I thought it would be like the end of all relationships, and one day she would be a total stranger to me.However, when Alpha Obadiah grabbed her wrist, I realized that I wasn't as composed as I thought. Instinctively, I fixed my gaze on Alpha Obadiah's hand.When he looked over, I immediately turned my head, nodding to those who greeted me.Soon, Alpha Obadiah walked towards me, saying, "I thought you would send someone on your behalf. Oh, by the way, let me introduce you. This is Tabitha, the daughter of the Silver Moon Pack's Alpha."Alpha Obadiah looked at Tabitha and said, "This is Alpha Derek of the Black Thorn Pack,
Derek's POVAs Gloria's sarcastic gaze swept across my face, I couldn't help clenching my fists under the table.To me, the Guaiacwood Pack was just a second-rate pack. If it wasn't for her being Tabitha's friend, no way I'd let her throw this shade in my face.Snapping back to reality, I felt Daphne looking my way.Leo grumbled discontentedly in my mind, and I knew what it meant.He always thought that Daphne was dumb.Well, I couldn't speak up at that moment, so I had to watch Daphne walk right into Gloria's verbal trap."I wasn't angry. I just don't think it's good to talk behind others' backs," explained Daphne."I was simply telling the truth, no judgment. Why do you seem so angry when I talk about it? Could it be that you're..." Gloria fired back, ignoring Daphne's glare."Miss Bennett, seems like we're veering way off the main script of our gathering today," I said coldly."I'm sorry, Alpha Derek, I thought your future Luna would enjoy discussing such topics." Gloria sounded se
Derek's POVInstead of returning to the Black Thorn Pack, I came to one of the hotels that I owned.There was a private suite for me.Sitting on the sofa in the middle of the room, I lit a cigarette.I didn't turn any lights, and only moonlight shone through the French windows.It was dark and quiet. The torment and the pain were eating me up.My craving for Tabitha and my need to claim her didn't reduce after the rejection. It only grew stronger.As I was lost in thought, the door opened, and Alvin brought Tabitha in."Leave us," I said to him.Alvin hesitated, fixing his gaze on me. But he was my Beta, and he gotta obey my orders. So despite his disapproval of my behavior, he had to leave as I said.When the door closed, I got up from the sofa and walked towards Tabitha. She instinctively took a few steps back."You scared of me?" My voice was cold and indifferent. I walked briskly towards her, lifting her chin with my finger. "Where did you and Orson go? What did you do?"Tabitha p
Derek's POVI dropped my gaze to Gloria, my wolf eyeing her through me.As Alpha of one of the oldest packs, I got that natural press vibe on regular werewolves.Gloria's eyes deepened, and I could feel her wolf getting all on edge."What are you talking about? Where's Tabitha? Ain't that my line?" I shot back."I can feel Tabitha's scent's gone from here," Gloria said anxiously."Yeah, I saw her. But she's already left," I calmly replied.'Gotcha. Tabitha's right here on the top floor!' I smirked inwardly."Alright, I gotta keep searching for Tabitha. Bye," Gloria blurted out before spinning around.Seeing her all anxious, I asked, "Why the rush? Let's talk."Gloria cracked an awkward smile. "Well, maybe next time."With that, she ran in the opposite direction. But she was on my turf, and no way she was getting outta here without my permission. So Alvin stopped her immediately. Gloria almost crashed into him out of panic. As I
Derek's POVWhat the hell? Tabitha collapsed right in front of me.Never in my life had I felt so terrified.In my memory, Tabitha'd always been a strong werewolf. She'd got Alpha blood, killer combat skills, and a sharp brain.That was why I was stoked about her being my Luna.I thought getting drenched would give her a little sniffle at worst. I never imagined that she would pass out.Noticing my tie hanging around her body, I immediately released her. Then her limp body fell, her cold, cutting words echoing.How could she hurt herself this badly just trying to break free from a tie? She used to whine for hours over a tiny needle prick.I scooped her up, fixing my gaze on her face. She looked as white as a sheet. With long hair stuck to her cheeks, she was like a lifeless doll, fragile and delicate.Panic seized me. I couldn't help wondering, 'What the hell happened?'She used to be tough enough for winter swims. How could a bit of
Rolf was so focused on escaping that he barely had time to marvel at the spectacle unfolding before him."If this isn't a nightmare, I don't know what is", he thought, sprinting for his life.He knew if he fell, he'd be bitten to death by the venomous snakes.Never in his life had Rolf run so fast. He sprinted in the direction of the sound, desperation lending him strength.Up ahead, perched in a peach tree like a guardian angel, sat Hedwig.Her tiny fingers danced over a bamboo flute, its melody ringing in the charged air.To Rolf and Misha, however, the "ding-dong" notes felt like a death knell tolling ever closer.Snakes swarmed from all directions like a rising tide. Rolf knew if this kept up, they'd both end up as snake fodder.Panic clawed at his throat. Without a word to Misha, he unceremoniously dumped her onto the ground.Misha was still disoriented when she was roughly thrown to the ground. Before she could rea
"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