Derek's POV
As the wheels whirled through the night, I drove away from Black Thorn Pack and headed for 32 Seaside Avenue.
Leo was not at all quiet. He roared with discontent in my mind.
"Why did we leave her?" he asked. There was an obvious complaint in his tone.
"She needed time," I said, trying my best to sound calm.
"Time? We almost finished marking her!" he retorted. "She's the mate we chose. We can't leave her alone there!"
I tightly gripped the steering wheel and didn't respond.
I knew Leo was right.
When Daphne called, I didn't wanna go.
But she threatened me that if I didn't come to see her, she'd ask the Amber's Eye Pack's Alpha to talk to me.
I didn't give a damn about Daphne, but the Amber's Eye Pack was one powerful pack.
Mark had already left the Amber's Eye Pack because of Holly.
But I knew the Amber's Eye Pack's Alpha never really gave up on Mark. After all, Mark was his son.
So, I had to say yes to Daphne.
"We've gotta deal with this first. Then we'll go back as soon as possible," I tried to soothe Leo, but I didn't think my words worked.
When I arrived at 32 Seaside Avenue, it seemed that Daphne had been waiting for a long time already.
"Derek! Finally!" Her voice was filled with excitement as she almost leaped towards me.
I dodged aside and asked, "What was so urgent that you had to make me come now?"
Daphne was obviously embarrassed because of my indifference.
She awkwardly withdrew her hands, but soon, I saw that phony smile on her face again.
"They say you found Tabitha and Kyrian. How are they doing?" she asked tentatively with a sly look in her eyes.
"They're fine. Thanks for asking," I said concisely, obviously impatient.
She didn't give up. Instead, she continued, "I care about Kyrian, you know? He's my son after all. When can I see him?"
After a moment of silence, I nodded, indicating that she could see him.
I mind-linked Alvin and said, "Take Kyrian to 32 Seaside Avenue."
"OK, Alpha Derek."
Then I turned around and looked at Daphne, saying, "Kyrian will be here in a minute. If you fail to take care of him again, there's gonna be consequences."
"That's not gonna happen. Besides, it wasn't my fault. If it weren't for Tabitha..."
Upon hearing her words, I immediately glanced at her.
She shut up at once.
I said, "Tabitha saved Kyrian. You should be grateful to her."
Clearly, Daphne was bugged because of my words. "Why do you always take her side? She's such a jinx. You know all the troubles she has caused to Black Thorn Pack. You of all people should know she doesn't deserve to stay there."
I said coldly, "Silver Moon Pack is very weak. I'm just letting her stay with Black Thorn Pack for now."
"You're no longer mates!" Daphne screamed, her shrill voice making me frown involuntarily.
She continued, "She can't stay with Black Thorn Pack! Or what will the members think of me? Besides, you saw it with your own eyes that day. There's something going on between her and that Jasper!"
"Enough!" I angrily interrupted her. "You're not yet Black Thorn Pack's Luna. And you know what? Mark my words. Even if you become my mate, you don't have the right to call the shots at Black Thorn Pack."
Hearing that, she looked at me in surprise.
Meanwhile, someone knocked on the door.
Alvin came in with Kyrian, who had been crying.
Daphne immediately got up and walked over to hold Kyrian in her arms.
She wanted to press her face against Kyrian's, but he kept waving his arms and crying.
"Baby, tell me. Did Tabitha treat you badly?" Her voice was gentle, but there was cunning in her eyes.
Kyrian cried even harder.
He kept shaking his head and pushing Daphne away, wanting to break free from her embrace. "Mommy! I want my mommy!"
His voice carried the helplessness and fear of a child.
Daphne's face darkened, and obviously, she was upset with his answer. "Kyrian, I am your mommy. What's wrong with you?"
"Mommy! I want my mommy!" Kyrian continued to sob, ignoring her.
She continued to ask, sounding eager, "Did Tabitha force you to call her Mommy?"
Under her non-stop questioning, he suddenly waved his hand and slapped her several times.
He was just a kid, and of course, he didn't have much strength. However, he managed to piss her off.
Daphne's patience finally ran out. She raised her hand high, ready to teach Kyrian a lesson.
Seeing that, I immediately stepped forward and grabbed her wrist, stopping her.
"I dare you!" My voice was deep and powerful.
Daphne turned to look at me, her eyes filled with fury and unwillingness.
"Derek, did you see that? She spoiled him. He actually dared to hit me!"
I looked at her coldly, releasing my Alpha aura.
"Daphne, if you ever dare to lay a hand on him again, don't blame me. I won't let you off easily."
Terrified, Daphne started to tremble. She knew very well that I was serious.
"Derek, I was... I was just..." she stammered, unable to explain her actions.
I let go of her wrist and turned around to pick up Kyrian.
Kyrian wrapped his arms around my neck tightly and buried his face in my shoulder. Gradually, he stopped crying.
"If you can't be a good mother, I won't give you a third chance."
After saying that, I got up and left 32 Seaside Avenue.