Third person's POVMisha sat stubbornly on the couch across the room, her eyes fixed unblinkingly on the two figures on the bed.Her heart burned with resentment and jealousy. She wished Tabitha would just vanish from Derek's side.But Tabitha paid no attention to Misha's glare. Her focus was entirely on Derek.She stayed by his side, wide awake, watching over him.She knew that with injuries like his, the biggest risk was infection and a high fever that wouldn't break. Every so often, she reached out to check his temperature, her eyes filled with worry and care.The night was quiet. The hospital was surrounded by tall trees, their shadows bending under the weight of the snow and wind.With no skyscrapers in sight, the area felt vast and empty.In this peaceful atmosphere, Tabitha's mind began to settle, but her thoughts raced.She started recalling the people who had tried to assassinate her in the past. They had always
Third person's POVFinally, the room was just the two of them.Even though the wound on his back burned like fire, Derek's heart was filled with joy.He gazed at Tabitha, thinking to himself, "My Tabitha. No matter how many times looking at her, it was never enough."It was true that Tabitha had saved his life all those years ago, but he couldn't deny that her beauty had also deeply attracted him.Even as a young girl, her features had been strikingly delicate, as if she'd stepped out of a comic book.Now, he had the rare chance to stare at her without restraint.As if sensing Derek's intense gaze, Tabitha slowly woke from her light sleep.The moment she opened her eyes, she was met with a pair of affectionate eyes that seemed to drown her in their depth."You're awake," Derek said, his voice soft and filled with concern. "Are you hurt anywhere?"Tabitha's dry lips moved slightly as she instinctively explained, "N
Third person's POVTabitha wasn't longing to rekindle the intimacy she once shared with Derek. She just couldn't help feeling that her past self had been foolish.She had loved him so deeply, given up everything for him, and stayed by his side. He knew everything about her, yet she knew almost nothing about him."Tabitha, some things are better left unknown. I'm doing this for your own good," Derek said, his voice tinged with helplessness and concern.But his words only made Tabitha's expression darken.Her eyes widened, filled with anger and disappointment, as she stared at him."How long are you going to keep hiding behind the excuse of doing what's 'best for me' while being utterly selfish?" Tabitha couldn't hold back her frustration any longer. All the emotions she'd bottled up came pouring out."I loved you so much back then. I gave up everything for you. Your work was always so mysterious, and I never asked questions. Wherever y
Third person's POVAlvin's expression turned grave. "Alpha Derek's identity has been exposed. Every faction that ever held a grudge against him will come at him like starving wolves. What happened last night—those attackers were core members from Wintertown ten years ago. They sent suicide squads. Those people aren't afraid to die. They just want to drag Alpha Derek down with them."Tabitha's heart raced with fear. Her eyes filled with worry as she asked urgently, "So he's in even more danger now?""He's safe here in the military zone, but stepping outside means walking into a minefield. I also found an anonymous bounty on the dark web—$15 million for Alpha Derek's head. That kind of money will lure private assassins and mercenaries. Greed makes people reckless," Alvin explained.Despite the danger, Derek remained calm. He looked at Tabitha. "I kept you by my side before because I could protect you. But now, staying near me is the most dangero
Third person's POVDerek lay face down, unable to see Tabitha's expression.His heart was a mess of anxiety, unsure of what she was thinking.He wrestled with himself—part of him desperately wanted to tell her the truth, while another part feared it would only hurt her more.But he knew he couldn't keep hiding it."Tabitha, I think it's time I explain everything about Daphne and me. There's no point in keeping secrets now," Derek said, taking a deep breath.Tabitha was cleaning Derek's wounds, her hands steady but slow.When Derek brought up the topic, she felt no relief—only a deep, gnawing fear.She was terrified he'd say something dismissive, like it was a moment of weakness or that he'd been drugged.Her hands trembled slightly, each movement deliberate, as if she were bracing herself for what was coming.Derek didn't wait for her reaction. "I've wanted to tell you the truth for a long time. But ba
Third person's POVDerek kept talking, his voice low. "Daphne begged me to give her a family, saying she didn't want her child to grow up without a father. She asked if I could give her a home."Hearing this, Tabitha felt a sourness welling up inside her. Her eyes reddened slightly as she asked, "So you gave her one?""She used Randall's life as leverage. I couldn't refuse. That's why I asked for a divorce. But later, I realized her ambitions went far beyond that. The hospital, the gown, 32 Seaside Avenue—everything I prepared for you, she tried to steal." Derek's voice hardened with anger and regret.Memories of that agonizing time flooded back.Tabitha bit her lip, fighting tears. "So you knew… when she pushed me into the sea?""From the beginning, I knew both of your personalities well. How could I not guess what she had done? When you both fell into the water, my instinct was to save you. But thinking of Randall's death and
Third person's POVDerek's brow furrowed, a shadow of worry crossing his face. "Tabitha, things aren't as simple as you think."There were things he couldn't explain to her, not fully."It's too late to back out now. The only way I can protect you and the children is by climbing higher, reaching further."Tabitha didn't fully understand the intricacies of his world, but she sensed that Derek's family wasn't just some wealthy dynasty."But you know how dangerous this path is. How can you bear to put our child in harm's way?""Tabitha, I don't have a choice. Kyrian has potential. He's the eldest, born into the Black Thorn Pack. I can't raise him like some sheltered heir. He has a responsibility to protect this family. If not him, then Helios. I won't have children with anyone else."Tabitha's heart ached. Both boys were her flesh and blood. She'd already missed so much of their lives."Is there really no other way?""He's
Third person's POVMisha's looks were average at best. She had a larger frame.At 168 centimeters and 120 pounds, her figure wasn't bad, but standing next to Tabitha, she paled in comparison.Tabitha was slender, her skin as pale as snow. After losing weight, her delicate features stood out even more, making her look like a doll.Misha, on the other hand, applied thick layers of foundation.Unfortunately, she wasn't skilled at makeup. The heavy application left her face caked and uneven, creating a stark contrast between her face and neck.It looked… odd.Derek knew Misha didn't have bad intentions.She was just straightforward, and he had a good relationship with her father, so he tolerated her.Still, her daily appearances were hard to stomach.Letting her leave would've been the kindest thing he could do for her.But Misha didn't get the hint.She batted her heavily mascaraed eyelashes at h
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.
Third person's POVDerek loosened his grip slightly, allowing her to breathe. "Sorry, I can't see. No idea what's going on," he muttered."You're in a tub. No dialysis here—just using heat to sweat out the wolfsbane. I was checking your condition," Tabitha explained, her tone flat.Derek realized his mistake. "Apologies.""Now that you're more lucid, let's do a quick check-up. How do you feel?""Body's burning. Blind as a bat. Hearing's there but muffled, ringing in the ears. Headache, chest tightness, shortness of breath, weak limbs...""Your entire body's under toxin attack. Recovery will take time. Don't stress. You're in good shape—should bounce back faster. Can you stand? Let me see your condition."The tub's dark liquid hid Derek's nudity, so Tabitha didn't push him to move.Derek suddenly realized something. "Wait, I'm naked?""Yep."Silence.His face twisted in discomfort."I'm a