Derek's POV
When I saw Tabitha, who was in a sorry state, anger and pity surged in my heart.
Tabitha cried so hard that she couldn't even speak. How could she even get checked out like this?
And how could I trust that doctor when she hurt Tabitha before the surgery even started?
Dr. Palmer stammered as she tried to explain herself.
"Alpha Derek, it was all a misunderstanding. I thought this young lady was... Well..."
But seeing her panicked expression and shifty eyes next to Tabitha's pitiful look made it clear to me that her excuses were just an attempt to dodge responsibility.
I would never allow anyone to harm Tabitha. This doctor must pay for what she did.
"No, you weren't like this earlier! Alpha Derek, she slapped me first. It's her fault," yelled Dr. Palmer.
Tabitha sobbed softly, "But don't you know why I did so? We don't even know each other, yet you called me a slut and said I'd slept with loads of guys. And you even claimed that was how I got pregnant. Shouldn't I slap you?"
My rage kept building as I listened. Every word from Dr. Palmer felt like a jab at my pride.
"What gives you the right to talk about my mate like that? Who do you think you are?" I spat, trying to hold back my anger. If it weren't for protecting Tabitha, I might've lost my temper by now.
"Alpha Derek, this was a misunderstanding indeed."
Dr. Palmer looked over at Obadiah and Kamp, pleading for help, "Alpha Obadiah, you know me well, I..."
I knew why she would try to seek help from Obadiah. He was usually kind and amiable, and he got along well with everyone in the werewolf hospital.
But right now, his face was stone-cold. Instead of looking at Dr. Palmer, he turned toward me with an apologetic look. "Alpha Derek, I'm truly sorry something like this happened in our hospital. I'll make sure to sort this out."
I shot him a cold stare. "You'd better do that."
With that, I scooped up the disheveled Tabitha in my arms. While carrying her away, I heard Dr. Palmer's voice coming from behind. "Alpha Obadiah, I swear I didn't mean to hurt her. She attacked me first."
"Dr. Palmer, no need to rush into explanations. I'm not going to wrongfully accuse anyone, but I'm also not covering for anyone either. All of you, come with me to my office. I'll personally look into this issue."
I could feel Tabitha trembling in my arms—not sure if it was because of fear or anger.
Then I whispered, "Tabitha, don't be afraid. It's over now. I'm not letting that woman get away with hurting you."
Tabitha's POV
Tears filled my eyes and I stared at Derek. "But you're the cause of what happened today. You doubted my loyalty! That's why others think I'm loose! Derek, do you really see me as some easy girl who sleeps around?"
Derek remained silent, and I could sense that he didn't want to believe that about me.
But why couldn't he just trust me?
Tears of grievance streamed down my face.
"But you're pregnant. And I didn't remember sleeping with you. How do you expect me to trust you?" he sighed.
Those words just ticked me off. Thanks to Dr. Palmer, I finally found a chance to explain the whole thing to Derek.
Grinding my teeth, I said, "The day I came to I came to the Black Thorn Pack, you were having a high fever. I just wanted to check on you, but as soon as I walked over to your bedside, you pulled me into your embrace. I couldn't fight back at all.
"It was my safe period, and besides, it's hard for me to get pregnant. So I didn't take any pills. I never thought I would get pregnant."
As soon as those words left my mouth, I shot him a cold glare. "Don't you remember what you've done?"
Derek remained silent, just furrowing his brows like he was mulling over what I'd said.
Crystal complained, "He should believe you. There's no hint of lies in your scent."
But still, Derek seemed unsure. So typical.
Finally, I had no choice but to pluck up the courage and whispered something in his ear—something only we knew about from that day.
After he listened, his gaze slowly dropped down toward my belly as he exclaimed, "Tabitha, so... the twins you're carrying are mine?"