John's POV
That line hit me like a ton of bricks, shattering my last glimmer of hope.I felt a chill running down my spine, chilling me to the core.Before I knew it, I vomited blood.Lyrique freaked out, shouting, "What the hell is wrong with you? I'm telling you, putting on an act won't change anything. Where are the guards? Get this guy out of here!"Daphne shot Lyrique a nasty glare.Before she could say anything, Derek rushed over and caught me before I fell flat."John, are you alright? Alvin, get him to the hospital, now!"I turned my head, only to see him and saw him decked out in his groom's outfit. It made my blood boil even more, and I felt like I was about to shift any second.I was so enraged that I could barely get my words out through gritted teeth. After a long while, I finally managed to question him, "Were you the one behind the rogue attack and bankruptcy of my pack?"I never imagined that my daughter's mate, who IThird person's POVWhen Tabitha saw John collapse, her mind went into a total meltdown, and with a gasp, she fainted right there."Tabitha!"Derek lifted Tabitha up in his arms, while Alvin carried John on his back. They quickly left.Daphne was also left bewildered by the sudden turn of events. How did it end up like this?Seeing Derek carrying Tabitha and leaving, she shouted desperately from behind, "Derek! The ceremony is about to start!"She was anxious to catch Derek, but due to her broken legs, she fell to the ground with a loud bang when she got up abruptly.Now she was no more the noble and decent bride in the most expensive wedding dress, but a pathetic woman whose husband-to-be left her behind. Whispers and chatters started spreading.Lyrique realized that she had screwed it up and quickly helped Daphne up from the ground."Daphne, are you okay?"What she got in return, however, was a hard slap from Daphne. "Bitch! What ha
Tabitha's POV"Dad, you can't leave. If you go, who will protect me in the future? They will bully me, just like when I was a child.""My poor daughter."At that moment, Dad shifted into a silver-gray wolf, his eyes filled with love and concern.I tried my best to persuade him, "Dad, you haven't even seen the birth of my babies. How can you leave? Can you bear to let me suffer alone in this world? My babies don't have a father. Do you want them to be without a grandfather too?"John's wolf twitched his ears slightly and his expression changed a bit.He looked at me gently, his eyes seemed to be saying, "Tabitha, you are the person I worry about the most."I grabbed his claw tightly and said, "So, you have to stay, Dad. The babies cannot be without a grandfather. I know you're tired, but do it for me, for the babies. If you leave, I won't have any family left to rely on in this world."John's wolf did not answer. He just looked at me silently,
Derek's POVI heard Tabitha's words and immediately arranged for someone to quickly bring her some food.Tabitha drank some water, and then slowly ate some food. After a while, she finally calmed down.I saw that she was feeling better, so I said, "Are you having a stomachache? Let's go for a check-up. You're not even three months pregnant yet. Even if you hate me, don't put your health or your babies' lives at risk."Daphne, who had come behind my back, overheard these words."What ... what have you done behind my back!" Her sharp voice echoed in the hallway.Tabitha had been very tired, and when Daphne started to make a fuss, she frowned unhappily."We're in a hospital. Please lower your voice.""Bitch, how dare you seduce my husband? I'll kill you."Furious, Daphne went crazy.She hurriedly got up and was about to fall down to the ground.I saw that and immediately caught hold of Daphne, preventing her from falling.Daph
Daphne's POV"You are John's daughter? Then who are Tabitha's parents?" Derek asked.I was very dissatisfied with him when he mentioned Tabitha. "How was I supposed to know about that? I only found out about all of this after my mother passed away."Of course, it was not the time to find out Tabitha's birth parents now. Regardless of whether John was my father or not, I considered him the closest person in my heart."Since you knew he was your father, why did you still treat him like that? He had suffered head injuries long ago."With deep grievance, I said, "I didn't mean to. We haven't met in years, and I only recently discovered the truth. I wanted to find him, but I heard he disappeared after becoming a vegetable."I've seen photos of him, but he looks so different now that I didn't recognize him at first. Derek, I didn't want this either! I've already hurt my mom. How can I bear to hurt my biological father?"Derek saw me torn by grief but sho
Derek's POVTabitha learned about John's situation from the doctor, and I didn't know what she felt like.The good news was that John was fine, but the bad news was that he fell into a coma again.Tabitha sighed heavily. I knew that she and the unborn children were John's last hope in this world. If it weren't for Tabitha, John would have been dead by now.I strode in, casting a tall shadow over Tabitha. "Tabitha," I said.As soon as Tabitha saw me, her face was filled with desolation, and her voice was tinged with hatred. She said, "What are you here for? To see if I'm dead?"Once upon a time, those eyes used to be filled with love and gentleness when she looked at me. Now there was only contempt and hatred left.My mind was filled with her adorable image when she deeply loved me in the past. How could I have expected that the two of us would gradually end up like this today?Now, she would feel annoyed even with just one glance at me.I
Tabitha's POVAs much as I hated Derek, I had to admit that his words made sense.For my babies, I needed his help.It had nothing to do with feelings. I just wanted to find a safe place where I could successfully give birth.I moved again. This time, Derek stressed to me over and over again not to tell anyone. He said caution was the best strategy.My new house was by the sea. When I stepped out, I could see the blue sea, and behind me was the mountain.It was such a beautiful place which could relax me and cleanse my mind.But Dad was no longer around. At sunrise, I could no longer see his busy figure in the courtyard. I missed the way he gently taught me to carve so badly.He was brought over after he stabilized and was accompanied by paramedics 24/7.I watched as he lay quietly on the bed. After such a long time, he finally looked better, and his face was utterly calm.His eyes were gently closed. Those who didn't know would thin
Tabitha's POVJoanna hugged me tightly. Even though we were the same age, she comforted me like an elder."Tabitha, don't cry. I'm here for you. I'll take care of you, OK? John is already out of danger, and I'm sure he'll be fine. Maybe he'll come around in a few days. Everything will be just fine."I used to believe in that, too. But what happened was like a slap in my face, and fate told me life could only get worse.One wouldn't know how unlucky one could be till things really happened.It was said that every dog had its day, and one wouldn't be unlucky forever. But I couldn't even see the slightest hope!I woke up every day in fear. Perhaps in the next second, someone would tell me Dad was dead.Perhaps something would happen to my babies, or perhaps they would develop poorly.Or perhaps I'd be killed by wolfsbane.I said, my voice trembling, "Joanna, I'm so scared. I'm afraid it's gonna be me and my babies next. I'm not afraid of dea
Tabitha's POVMy babies were playing freely. Their movements were not very strong, as they were only over four months old.I simply had a vague feeling. It wasn't as strong as in the late stage of pregnancy.I gently stroked my belly, and they gradually calmed down.They had been good these days. I had vomited a lot in the early stages of pregnancy, but now, I didn't feel sick anymore.My babies were so sweet. They didn't wanna see me suffer."It doesn't matter. I just want them to be healthy."Joanna cupped her chin and said, "You're right. I now get it. Health beats everything, including money and power."I sighed, "It's only after you've lost so much that you realize there's nothing better than having your loved ones around and healthy."She said, "Look at you. You're such a glowing, energetic pregnant woman, not to mention you're getting prettier every day. And your babies are both so sweet. I'm so jealous."I joked, which was a
"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.