LOGINBonnie's face darkened almost instantly as Michelle brought up the topic. Her usually refined features twisted into a snarl. "Shut up! You know your father hates anyone to mention it, and why are you bringing it up again?"
"What's the big deal about it?" Michelle grumbled, pouting as she kicked at the ground. "I heard that years ago, Dad dumped his fated mate and their pup for a better future, and that he only secured the Lycan throne by marrying into your family. Well, if that's true,
"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
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
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
Tabitha's POVSitting in the helicopter, I heard nothing except for the rotor roar outside the window. The cabin was dead quiet.Perhaps feeling uneasy because of the silence, Mark finally spoke up, "I don't get it. Blood ritual is one of the traditions of us werewolves. We have strong
Derek's POVNoticing that she had barely touched the abundant seafood on the table, I felt deeply unsettled.I didn't bring Tabitha to the island merely to confine her.Currently, I hadn't found who was behind it all, making Seattle a persistent threat to her safety.I'd also
Derek's POVThe realization filled me with excitement."Yeah. Tabitha isn't the revengeful type. It doesn't make any sense she said that. She was definitely implying something," Alvin echoed.As he spoke, I recalled Tabitha's hesitant looks when she was with me as well as her odd b







