John's POV
The words "pass away" exploded in my mind like fireworks.
I felt like I couldn't breathe. My blood seemed to freeze in my veins.
My wolf, sensing my agony, whimpered in my mind.
My body shook uncontrollably as I grabbed Daphne's hand out of sheer panic. "How did your mom die?"
"What does it matter to you? Who do you think you are, you country bumpkin! If you don't scram, I'll call security," Daphne shot back at me with a glare.
I was reeling from shock, pain, and disbelief all at once.
These emotions tangled together, making it hard for me to catch my breath.
"Are you a friend of my mom's or something?" Daphne scrutinized me with a new look in her eyes that wasn't so hostile anymore.
Then she added, "Forget it. It's my wedding day today. Since you're already here, stick around for a drink."
Lyrique shot me a glance and sneered, "Get lost already! It's obvious that this is not where you belong. Don't ruin Daphne's big day."
I was still drowning in the grief over Holly's death, not giving a damn about her insults.
I couldn't help but roar at my wolf in my mind, trembling all over.
"Why? Why didn't you tell me?"
My wolf replied in a whisper, "You two have already rejected each other, remember? I cannot sense her anymore."
"Is she really gone? How could this be?"
Even though she had walked out on me a long time ago, I still loved her deep down.
My wolf remained silent, not knowing what to say.
Snapping out of it, I looked up and caught sight of Daphne, who was watching me closely.
Her face softened with sympathy. As I looked at her, I couldn't help but notice she bore some resemblance to Holly.
For some reason, that gave me an odd sense of familiarity.
Just then, a young Omega strolled over, holding hands with two kids.
One of them called out sweetly, "Mommy."
"Sweetie, come here," Daphne beamed with maternal pride.
She then turned to the other kid. "Kyrian, why didn't you greet me?"
The boy named Kyrian just turned away without saying anything.
Surprisingly, his little face looked just like Derek's.
Shocked, I asked, "Is he your pup?"
Lyrique snapped impatiently, "What are you still doing here? Can't you understand plain English? Scram!"
"Are they your kids with Derek?" I pressed.
"Seriously, what's your problem? Everyone knows that Daphne is Alpha Derek's first love. He's waited for ten years just to marry her. Isn't it perfectly normal that they have kids?"
"You call it normal?" My face twisted into pure madness. "What about my daughter?"
I felt like I was being I'd fallen into a massive whirlpool, my emotions spiraling out of control.
"Your daughter? You are..."
I knew Daphne didn't recognize me. After all, we'd never met before.
Even if she had heard about me, it would've been through Holly's lips.
But I figured Holly wouldn't wanna bring me up at all. I wasn't the one she loved anyway.
I forced myself to calm down and looked at Daphne, who visibly paled. "I'm John Hartley, the Alpha of the Silver Moon Pack."
Lyrique immediately chimed in, "Alpha John, if you're here to seek justice for Tabitha, I'd suggest you head back home now. You won't be able to change anything. Alpha Derek has no feelings left for Tabitha."
I could sense that this girl named Lyrique had no Alpha blood in her veins.
Having held the position of Alpha for so long, I naturally gave off an aura of authority.
Keeping my composure intact, I shot her a cold glance and said flatly, "Who are you to tell me what to do?"
Lyrique was pissed off. "Do you really think you're still that powerful Alpha? You probably don't even know why your pack was attacked by rogues, do you?
"It was all Alpha Derek's doing. He wanted to wipe out the entire Silver Moon Pack. Do you honestly think there's any chance he'd get back together with Tabitha?"