MasukDerek was way more well-behaved than last night. "Alright, I won't look. I've got some clean clothes in my backpack. You can borrow them."
He got up and headed out. "I'll go spread some insect-repelling powder."
His figure paused at the cave entrance. There was a flash of worry in his eyes before he slowly disappeared into the rain.
Tabitha found a big shirt of his. After changing, she quickly snuggled into the sleeping bag.
Derek returned soon. Tabitha poked out h
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
Before she could finish her sentence, Derek stormed in like a predator on the prowl.He pinned Tabitha against the wall with one hand and slickly locked the door behind him with the other.His heavy breathing hit her neck, his Alpha pheromones far hotter and more aggressive than usual.Clearly, the drug had fully ignited him. His deep eyes shimmered with a faint, golden glow in the dim light."Tabitha, you smell so good..." he whispered into her ear, his voice incredibly raspy.Of course she did. Between the cold water soak and the fatal attraction of the mating bond, how could she not?"Are you okay?" Tabitha asked, feeling like she was about to be crushed under his weight."No. I'm a mess." Derek's fingertips slid under the collar of her robe. That icy touch against her burning skin sent a wave of shivers through her body.Tabitha struggled, pushing against his firm chest, her breathing shallow. "You're crazy... this is the H
The reason Derek had downed that drink without a second thought was because, as the Alpha of the Black Thorn Pack, he had his own ways of dealing with things.Back in her room, Misha was so excited she could barely stand. The thought that Derek would finally be hers in a matter of moments sent a surge of adrenaline through her.She quickly changed into a piece of delicate lace lingerie she'd been saving, her curves hauntingly visible in the moonlight.Still, she remained cautious. She was terrified that if Derek were fully sober and saw her face, he might reject her.After weighing her options, she cut all the lights.Darkness was the perfect catalyst; between the alcohol and the drug, as long as he couldn't see her clearly, his primal instincts would take over.Once tonight was over, it would be a done deal.Misha let out a wild, triumphant laugh as she imagined waking up tomorrow and announcing her relationship with Derek to all of
Derek discreetly sniffed the liquid in his glass. It was a top-shelf single malt, the heavy peat and alcohol masking any subtle inconsistencies.He caught Tabitha's eye, and they downed their drinks at the same time.Across the room, Misha saw Derek empty his glass, and a smile bloomed on her face like a opening flower."Misha, what's got you looking so happy?" Bentley asked, sliding over like a piece of gum you can't kick off your shoe.The smile vanished instantly. Misha turned stone-cold. "Nothing. None of your business."To be honest, Misha wasn't even Bentley's type. But to gain a foothold in the Holmes family, he had to force himself to suck up to this arrogant brat.After being rejected over and over, his patience was hitting a breaking point. A dark, predatory glint flashed in his eyes."Misha, why won't you just look at what's right in front of you?"Bentley lowered his voice, his tone suggestive. "You've chased him fo
Under the cover of the ballroom music, a faint, hidden blush crept onto Tabitha's cheeks.It felt strange. In all the time they'd known each other, this was probably their first time actually dancing together in a formal setting.Derek didn't hide his intentions, wrapping his arm firmly around her waist and pulling her close, while her hand naturally found its place against his solid chest.They were parents to several children, yet in this moment, their hearts were racing like two teenagers in over their heads.Tabitha could feel a light sweat on Derek's broad palm—the most honest sign of a werewolf's physical arousal when facing his true mate.Misha, meanwhile, was standing on the sidelines, literally shaking with rage as her carefully laid plans turned to dust.Bentley saw his opening and moved in, trying to sound like a gentleman. "Misha, may I have this dance?""No," Misha snapped, not even bothering to look at him.
Cyrus pulled a cigarette from his pocket but didn't light it. He just flipped it irritably between his fingers, a look of pure, untamable frustration on his face. "I'm not looking to get married," he snapped."You're in your thirties, Cyrus. When exactly were you planning on starting?"Bonnie shot him a look. "Look at Derek. He already had—well, regardless, you're trying a girl out tonight. No excuses.""Women are nothing but trouble," Cyrus scoffed. Yet, for some reason, Tabitha's cold, stubborn face flashed in his mind."What trouble? Just go! These ladies have the bloodlines and the degrees to match yours. This is an order from your father. When the dancing starts, you pick a partner."Cyrus tossed the unlit cigarette, his eyes dark. "This sucks."He scanned the room. Every socialite in high-fashion silk felt her heart skip a beat when his gaze passed over her.Being the heir to the Holmes family meant he had the kind of powe
Third person's POVTears streamed down Misha's face as she said, "You're still thinking about her even like this."Alvin turned to Alban and asked, "Dr. Weaver, what do we do now that Alpha Derek is in this state?""Have they identified the specific toxins yet?""Here
Third person's POVTabitha was used to Alvin calling her by name. Hearing him call her "doctor" made her wince."Use a different name," she said."May I know your name, Doctor?""Vanessa."Wait, what?Alvin nearly choked. "You're Vanessa? The all-around p
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 Tab
"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.







