Derek's POV
I have heard countless advice that I should have treated Tabitha better.
However, the current situation was that I have put her in such a predicament. Guilt and a sense of powerlessness filled my heart.
But I was aware that now was not the time to indulge in self-blame.
"Okay, I got it. She holds a grudge against me, so she doesn't want me to know about her pregnancy. You don't need to say much. Just take good care of her. If anything happens to her, let me know immediately. Try to fulfill all her needs at Rose Manor."
I gave instructions to Joanna.
As Tabitha's personal Omega, she was an important source for me to know Tabitha's condition.
"Okay, Alpha Derek, I understood," Joanna responded simply.
She did not know Tabitha's secret, nor did she realize that she had unintentionally revealed too much.
"You can leave now," I said to Joanna, and I stayed alone in the study, with my hand on my forehead, filled with conflict and struggle.
I needed more advice, so I dialed Kamp's phone number.
As the doctor of the Black Thorn Pack, Kamp had a more professional understanding of these matters.
"Alpha Derek, what's going on with Tabitha again in the middle of the night?" Kamp's voice came through the phone as if he had already gotten used to being disturbed by me because of Tabitha's issues late at night.
I remained silent for a few seconds, then slowly spoke, "When is the best time for an unexpected pregnancy to be terminated?" As soon as I asked this question, I could even picture the shocked expression on Kamp's face on the other end of the phone.
Kamp took a sip of his drink and immediately sprayed it out when he heard what I said.
"What did you say? Terminate a pregnancy? Tabitha is pregnant?" His voice was filled with astonishment.
"Answer me," I said in a commanding tone.
Kamp remained silent for a moment and then said, "Usually within seven weeks. However, it depends on her physical condition."
His tone became serious.
I fell silent on the phone, and Kamp hurriedly spoke again, "Is it Tabitha? If it's her, as her ex-mate, you know about her physical condition better than anyone.
"Her condition was very unstable before. If she's really pregnant, I suggest you keep this baby.
"Otherwise, having another abortion could potentially burden her body and make it even more difficult for her to conceive in the future."
I felt my fingertips sinking into the palm, and after a while, I said in a heavy voice, "What if the child she is carrying is not mine?"
This problem was like a sharp knife, piercing my heart.
Kamp's tone became cautious. "This is a serious accusation among werewolves. If it's not your child, then things get complicated. But considering Tabitha's feelings for you, I find it hard to believe that there is such a possibility."
I hung up at that moment, and I didn't want to admit it.
This was reality. I, as her ex-mate, never had sex with Tabitha for the past few months, but she was pregnant.
Was the child's father Jasper or Klein?
The thought of this possibility made me extremely restless, and I couldn't help but want to confront Tabitha right now to clarify everything.
But my reason told me that I couldn't do that. Now, my relationship with Tabitha was on the verge of collapse and it could no longer withstand any blow.
Even if I decided to let Tabitha have an abortion, I absolutely couldn't tell Tabitha, in case she did something extreme.
I inserted my hands into my thick hair, even though I myself couldn't believe it. Proud as I was, one day I would silently endure the betrayal of my beloved.
Betrayal and separation? I would rather pretend to be ignorant of everything compared to separation from her.
At least this way I could see Tabitha every day, which was better than seeing her with someone else, smiling sweetly.
Was this how it felt to be betrayed by someone?
I felt as if someone was stabbing me with a knife, even though there was no trace of any injury.
But I felt pain all over my body that made it impossible for me to breathe. It hurt so much.
My mind was filled with images of Tabitha enjoying having sex with another man. "Bang."
I swept everything on the table onto the floor and a dagger fell beside my feet.
I bent down, picked up the dagger, and fiercely slashed my left hand.
My white shirt was instantly soaked in blood. It hurt a lot.
But why did my heart still ache? Why did Tabitha betray me?
I came to Tabitha's room again. She suddenly opened her eyes and looked at me from the bed.
In the darkness, she impatiently asked, "What are you here for again?"
Before she could finish speaking, I quickened my pace.
I suddenly embraced her and whispered in her ear, almost depressed, "Tabitha, I'm in so much pain."
My voice was filled with agony and helplessness, a vulnerability I had never experienced before as an Alpha, as her mate.