Mag-log inTabitha's POV
Someone came charging at me. Even though he was wearing a waterproof suit and goggles, I could totally recognize him from just his jawline.It was Austin!I wanted to shout out and ask him what the hell he was doing and who he really was.But before I could say anything, he raised a gun and aimed it directly at me.No chit-chat, no warning—he was coming straight for me.At that moment, he seemed like a grim reaper crawling out from hell, total"Bentley and I... we had an incident last night."Misha ground her teeth so hard it hurt to speak, but the cold reality forced her to swallow the last of her pride. "Now he's got proof and he's forcing me to marry him. The Rios elders and their lawyers are already at our front gate!""Oh? And how exactly do you expect me to save you?" Derek asked casually, twirling a strand of Tabitha's hair around his long fingers."If you just show up... if you walk into the parlor right now and crash this, tell everyone you're marrying me, the Rios family wouldn't dare push it! I wouldn't have to marry that pig!"Misha sobbed, gripping her phone like a maniac. "Derek, I'm begging you, help me! I can't marry Bentley, I'd rather die!""Misha, do you hear yourself right now?"Derek let out a cold laugh, his deep voice cutting like a knife. "I don't love you, and you're not my mate. Why on earth would I play the knight in shining armor for some random girl? Besides, things between the Black Thorns and
"Ma'am, let's not make this uglier than it needs to be."Bentley took a step forward, a smug, menacing smile creeping onto his face.Even facing the high-status Lycan Luna, he didn't blink. "Misha's reputation is tied to the Rios family now. As an Alpha, I can't exactly sit back and watch my fiancée become the biggest joke in L.A., can I?"Bonnie ground her teeth, her nails digging so deep into her palms they almost drew blood.Never in her wildest dreams did she think that after running the L.A. social scene for decades, she would be outsmarted by a nobody Alpha from the Rios family.This time, she and Misha were backed into a corner with no way out.Bentley was clearly rubbing it in, playing the savior while reaping all the rewards.Meanwhile, Misha—the one who had started this entire disaster—showed none of the dignity expected of a high-ranking werewolf. She just curled into a ball under the duvet, bawling hysterically.Lycan Algernon sat in his wheelchair while Cyrus stood by the
"Miss Holmes has a very straightforward personality. She's easily manipulated by men with deep, hidden agendas. Honestly, you can't really blame her."Tabitha stood behind him, her fingertips applying just the right amount of pressure to his temples. "After an accident like this, she's actually the one hurting the most."Algernon was genuinely surprised. He hadn't expected Tabitha to speak up for Misha, especially after how Misha had targeted her. "She's made life so difficult for you, yet you're still willing to be understanding. Agh... if she had half your maturity, I wouldn't be this worried."Tabitha knelt by his side, offering a gentle but confident smile. "She's just a spoiled princess. Why would I take it personally? The situation still needs a leader like you to take charge. Your stomach can't handle the stress right now—let me go make you some hot oatmeal.""You're very kind. I'll leave it to you."Tabitha went to the greenhouse to p
Meanwhile, in another guest room.Tabitha was curled up in Derek's arms. The distant commotion finally woke her, and she blinked her eyes open, feeling exhausted. "What's going on? Why is it so loud?"Derek was leisurely kissing her fingertips, his dark gold eyes full of post-coital laziness. "Who knows?" he said casually. "Maybe someone's little dream just turned into a nightmare.""It's barely dawn, and they're already at it." Tabitha tried to sit up, but Derek pinned her back down. "Even for a drama-filled family, they should have some boundaries!"Derek pouted, his voice low and gravelly. "You weren't this 'calm' last night, Tabitha. Acting like you don't even know me the second you get your clothes on... it really hurts my feelings."Tabitha rolled her eyes and pulled her robe tight. "I'm going to go see the show. Since everyone is distracted over there, you need to head out the back door now."She could hear Misha's sobbing from across
Years ago, Bonnie had used the exact same drugging tactic to trap Algernon.Back then, he'd had no choice but to go along with the marriage to save face, but he never got over it.The humiliation had rotted inside him for years. Finally, over a decade ago, he used his workload as an excuse to move into a separate bedroom.Now that his power was absolute and he no longer needed the Miller family's support, he had zero desire to touch the woman who disgusted him.And now, Bonnie had tried the same trick on Derek.Algernon knew exactly how deep Derek's feelings for his ex-wife ran. He didn't believe for a second that Derek would fall for such a bush-league stunt.Bonnie, however, had ignored her husband's warnings.Her servants had clearly reported hearing heavy breathing and the rhythmic sounds of movement from inside the room. How could that be faked?All she had to do now was wait for sunrise.Honestly, she was pretty sa
Tonight was a descent into a sea of desire for some, and a celebration of a plot coming together for others.In the master bedroom, Bonnie held a bottle of warm medicinal oil, half-kneeling beside Algernon's lounger.It was the formula Tabitha had prepared."Algernon, counting the days, we've known each other for decades," Bonnie said softly. "We've weathered so many storms together. In the blink of an eye, we've reached this age. Time really flies."Algernon reached out and tilted her chin up, his gaze conflicted. "You're still in your prime. I'm the only one who's actually grown old."Bonnie was more than a decade younger than him. Combined with years of luxury and top-tier cosmetic upkeep, the visual gap between her and the visibly aging Algernon was stark.Bonnie took his hand, her expression tender. "Don't say that. Everyone ages. Marrying you was the greatest stroke of luck in my life. Now, I only have one wish left—for our child
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
Derek's POV Kyrian's disappearance almost drove me insane, so I had to tell Tabitha to put off the rejection ceremony. Watching her lose control in anger, I had to release the Alpha aura to calm her down. Holding her, I suddenly realized she'd lost a lot of weight. What had I done to the mate I u
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 l
Derek's POVTabitha's words freaked me out. I widened my eyes, staring at her in disbelief.Right now, tears were trickling down her cheeks as she stared out the window, making her look gorgeous yet fragile.Inside my head, Leo was losing his mind, howling like crazy, giving me a s







