LOGINTabitha's POV
I turned my head towards her while having cream of mushroom soup. Once she hung up, I asked, "Is something wrong with your family?""My brother got hit by a car and broke his leg. Tabitha, I..."Before she could finish, I cut in, "I'll give you two days off. Go home and check on him. Family comes first.""Thank you, Tabitha, but you...""I have so many doctors, servants, and bodyguards here just to attend to me. You don't have to worry about me. How abouThis time, no matter what kind of shitstorm was heading their way, Derek vowed he would never let anyone hurt Tabitha again.Bonnie was another person who couldn't sleep tonight.Ever since Algernon had left the packhouse in the snow, a deep sense of unease had seized her. She had a feeling that a massive storm was brewing.Since she mated with Algernon, the two of them had always treated each other with mutual respect.He gave her the authority and glory that came with being his mate, yet she'd never felt his love.Years ago, she'd once picked a massive fight with him over it.But he'd only looked at her with an icy gaze and sneered, "From the moment you pulled that dirty trick to sleep with me, you should've known I'd never love you. Other than the status and wealth you've always longed for, I can't give you anything."Eventually, Bonnie had come to terms with it and grown used to this loveless relationship.After all, no one in this world could truly have everything they wanted.To
Memories of Daphne and Misha flashed through Tabitha's mind—specifically that arrogant, condescending way they used to carry themselves.The only reason they could act so recklessly was that they had the protection and unconditional love of their packs and families.No matter what ridiculous stunts they pulled, their families were always ready to clean up their messes and shield them from the consequences.She, on the other hand, had been desolate and helpless, with no one to rely on.But not anymore. Today, she'd finally found her own family, and she had an entire pack standing firmly behind her now.***As night fell, moonlight spilled across the swirling snow.Cyrus escorted Tabitha back to the guest room.He stood outside the door, looking like he wanted to say something but couldn't quite get the words out. Thick snowflakes drifted down behind him, dusting his cloak with a fine layer of frost.Tabitha stopped in her tracks and asked softly, "Is there something else?""I...used to
Algernon's voice trembled with uncontrollable excitement. "I'm sorry you've suffered so much out there all these years."So the little boy in that photo had actually been her father.She had yet to find her parents, but fate had led her to her grandfather first.After all these years, she had finally found her first real family member.She asked hesitantly, "Are you...are you really my grandfather?""Absolutely," Algernon replied.She slowly embraced Algernon and gently patted him. "Take it easy.""I'm just happy. Shana actually gave me a son, and now such a clever and capable granddaughter."Algernon didn't even bother to wipe away his tears. He grabbed Tabitha's hand and looked at Cyrus. "That makes him your uncle now."Cyrus just stared at Tabitha. He never expected that the first woman he'd ever fallen for would turn out to be his own relative.Fate had a twisted sense of humor indeed.Tabitha also felt
That was all he knew. As for where or who that woman was, he had no idea.Now, looking at the samples in his hand, he realized if Tabitha was truly related to his father by blood, he would have to let go of his feelings for her.***The wait felt unbearably long. Algernon said nothing more about Shana's past. Instead, he looked up at Tabitha and Derek. "Are you two still together?"Derek took off his apron as he came out of the kitchen, looking every bit like the steady, dependable mate everyone could trust. "To be precise, I'm still trying to win Tabitha back."He casually accepted the glass of water Tabitha handed him, took a sip, and sat down across from Algernon."I used to do a lot of stupid things to hurt her...""I've heard about it."Algernon, for the first time, commented on his subordinate's love life. "You really went too far."Derek was left speechless.He sensed that Algernon's attitude toward him had changed.In the past, although Algernon was both his mentor and superio
Tabitha made coffee for Algernon and Cyrus before sitting down across from them, her expression serious. "It's getting late, so I'll get straight to the point. That day in the media room, I accidentally came across one of Lycan Algernon's paintings. The one in the painting is Shana, isn't she?"At the mention of that name, Algernon's expression suddenly changed.He grabbed Tabitha's hand, barely able to suppress his excitement. "You know her? What's she to you?!"Had all his suspicions over the years been wrong?Tabitha shook her head. "Actually, I don't really know who she is.""Then you..." Algernon paused."A few years ago, I found out by chance that I wasn't my father's biological daughter. I don't know anything about my real parents. Then I happened to meet an Omega who said I looked a lot like someone she used to know. That's when I first heard the name Shana.""And then?"Algernon took a quick step forward, hope and desp
Heavy snow fell outside, covering everything in a thick layer of white. Cyrus drove the car himself, with a convoy escorting them from both the front and rear.Cyrus glanced at Algernon through the rearview mirror. The alpha stared out at the falling snow, his expression grim and unreadable, as if lost in deep thought."Dad, do you know Ms. Hartley?" Cyrus began.Algernon let out a quiet sigh but did not answer directly.Cyrus tightened his grip on the steering wheel, an uneasy feeling slowly settling over him.He had a feeling that something major was about to happen within the pack.***After returning to the villa, Tabitha changed into comfortable lounge clothes. The moment Derek stepped inside, he wrapped his arms around her from behind and held her like he never wanted to let go."Alright, we haven't even had dinner yet. I'll make something quick. Let go for now," Tabitha said.Like an oversized puppy begging for af
Tabitha's POV I turned around and walked away, unable to endure their conversation any longer. Every moment spent there felt like a personal insult. My wolf growled deeply within me, echoing my pain and anger. "We have to go, Tabitha." Its sound echoed in my mind, carrying a subtle and impercep
Derek's POV "Derek, why do you think I had plastic surgery and ran away?" The scars on her fair skin were horrific. Almost instinctively, I rolled up her sleeve only to see her arm covered with scars. I persistently lifted the sleeve of her other hand, which was also covered in burn marks and tw
Derek's POVAfter getting rid of all the snitches, I sat down in my office, grinding away.No one dared to disturb me.Once I wrapped up my work, Leo told me someone was waiting outside.As soon as I opened the door, Daphne rushed at me. "Derek!"I frowned the second I saw her. "What are you doing here?
Tabitha's POVDerek said, "I see. I won't hurt him, I promise. And I'll have my men looking for John. I'm sure he's fine for now. Don't worry."I nodded, and he gently stroked my cheek."Tabitha, believe it or not, I never wanted us to end up like this. From now on, I won't hurt yo







