Tabitha's POV
I felt a shiver run through my body as I looked at Derek, somewhat puzzled.
"What do you mean?" I asked, a sense of foreboding welling up inside me.
Derek let out a heavy sigh, sounding all serious as he replied, "What happened last night wasn't an accident. Someone pushed Kyrian down a really high staircase."
Shocked by the news, I asked, "Who would do such a thing?"
"Right now, we don't have enough clues to nail it down. From the build, it doesn't seem like an ordinary person, possibly a professional hitman. That's why I need to get Kyrian and Reid to a safe spot."
His words sent chills down my spine.
I asked tentatively, "Does this have anything to do with Poison and Wolf Shadow?"
As a werewolf, I had a natural sensitivity to these hidden forces.
"I don't think so. Poison and Wolf Shadow is an organization well-versed in the field of medicine. Their method of killing is mostly through drugs, just like with ... Holly. But the person who came after Kyrian was different. He wanted to kill Kyrian on the spot. I mean, he pushed Kyrian down a spiral staircase! Luckily, Kyrian caught the edge in time, or it could've been way worse."
Just thinking about it made my heart race, and I couldn't help but grab onto Kyrian.
The fact he was standing right here with a smile felt like a miracle.
I squatted down, realizing I couldn't take out my frustration on Derek on Kyrian.
Gently caressing his face, I asked, "Darling, does it hurt?"
Kyrian didn't quite get what I meant—he was just happy with my touch. "Mommy, Mommy!" he kept exclaiming.
A wave of fierce protectiveness surged through me, and I gently held his hand.
We were supposed to return to the city after breakfast, but I ended up spending the whole day playing with him, picking him fresh flowers, chasing butterflies with him...
Derek kicked off his shoes, rolled up his pants, and jumped into the river to catch small fish for Kyrian.
For Kyrian's sake, I didn't give him a hard time.
We set aside our grudges and past drama, just like a regular couple experiencing the purest joy with their child.
It wasn't until the sun had set that we finally left.
Kyrian was so exhausted that he fell asleep as soon as he got in the car. I sat in the back, gazing at him with a gentle look.
It was strange. Although we weren't related by blood, and I hated his mom's guts, I just couldn't bring myself to loathe Kyrian.
Just thinking about parting with him and not knowing when I'd see him again tugged at my heart.
Derek took me back to Rose Manor. As soon as the car drove past the gate, I noticed that there were a lot more pack guards around.
I caressed Kyrian's face and asked, "Where are you taking him?"
"For his safety, the fewer people who know, the better," Derek replied, leaving a hint of helplessness in my heart, but I knew it was for Kyrian's protection.
"You're right. Take good care of him. His mom probably won't be able to look after him personally in this lifetime," I sighed, feeling pity for the boy.
Derek opened his mouth as if to speak but stopped short.
A while later, he responded in a low voice, "Got it. You and John have to leave in the next couple of days too. It's no longer safe here."
I was taken aback. "You sure?"
His words made me tense up. Clearly, things were more serious than I thought.
"I don't know who they are after, but given the fact that you are my second chance mate, I fear you might be next."
He sighed, "I'm sorry, Tabitha. This isn't what I wanted, but it is what it is. I just have to do my best to keep you all safe."
Without further comment, I stroked Kyrian's cheek one last time.
Before I got out, I turned and asked, "Can we take someone with us?"
"Try not to. Even though these guys are handpicked by me, for safety's sake, it's better to leave them behind. I'll send an Omega to take care of you."
"I'm not taking anyone else, just Joanna. She knows my habits." I insisted, as Joanna was not only my helper but also someone I trusted.
"Alright, get ready tonight." Derek's tone revealed a hint of resignation, but I understood these measures were necessary.
I didn't try to defy him, for I knew Dad needed a safe place to recuperate, and I was about to give birth.
This wasn't the time to be stubborn since I gotta take responsibility for my pup.
"Got it," I replied softly, my mind already working on the next steps.