John's POV
That line hit me like a ton of bricks, shattering my last glimmer of hope.
I felt a chill running down my spine, chilling me to the core.
Before I knew it, I vomited blood.
Lyrique freaked out, shouting, "What the hell is wrong with you? I'm telling you, putting on an act won't change anything. Where are the guards? Get this guy out of here!"
Daphne shot Lyrique a nasty glare.
Before she could say anything, Derek rushed over and caught me before I fell flat.
"John, are you alright? Alvin, get him to the hospital, now!"
I turned my head, only to see him and saw him decked out in his groom's outfit. It made my blood boil even more, and I felt like I was about to shift any second.
I was so enraged that I could barely get my words out through gritted teeth. After a long while, I finally managed to question him, "Were you the one behind the rogue attack and bankruptcy of my pack?"
I never imagined that my daughter's mate, who I'd always thought highly of, would turn out to be the one making the Silver Moon Pack fall apart.
Although I felt a bit off back then, I never once considered Derek as the culprit. I always thought it was someone else I'd crossed in the past.
Derek frowned, replying, "John, I'll explain everything later. Let's just get you home first."
"Home?" I scoffed, pointing at Kyrian. "Is he your son too?"
Lyrique jumped in right away, "Of course, his face looks exactly like Alpha Derek's. No doubt he's his flesh and blood."
Fuming, I slapped Derek across the face with my trembling hand. Although I didn't exert much force due to my condition, it still caught the attention of a lot of people.
"Tabitha loves you so much. How could you treat her like this? Don't you remember your commitment back then? You ungrateful snake! How blind was I to marry off my daughter to a jerk like you? What have the Silver Moon Pack ever done to deserve this?"
People around all glanced our way, and whispers began circulating.
"He's such a jerk. He's kept his ex-mate a secret, but now he's making literally the whole world know about his current mate."
"Yeah! And he dares to boast about his 'devoted guy' image, saying that he's loved Daphne for over ten years! Ew, what a joke!"
"And given the boy's age, he might've been cheating during his first relationship. Poor Ms. Hartley."
Derek didn't seem fazed by their chatter. His focus was entirely on me.
"John, this isn't the place to talk. We need to get you to the hospital."
In my fury, I yanked my arm away from him hard. "You piece of trash! Stay away from me! I feel sick looking at your face!"
I then used the strength left in me to shove him away. Derek stumbled aside as I collapsed again and coughed up more blood.
Tabitha's POV
"Dad!"
I rushed over as fast as I could, but I was still too late.
Luckily, Derek reacted fast enough and caught Dad before he hit the ground.
"Tabitha, slow down!"
But I was too overwhelmed with worry to care about my own safety. When I saw Dad spitting blood, I felt like I couldn't breathe.
When I finally ran over to Dad's side, I asked in a shaky voice, panic written all over my face, "Dad, how are you feeling? Are you alright?"
Dad grabbed my hand, his lips moving as if he was about to say something. Finally, he murmured, "Tell me, Tabitha, is Holly really dead?"
I froze for a moment before lying through my teeth, "That's not true. She's alive and well. Who spread that ridiculous rumor?"
"Silly girl," Dad gave a bitter smile. "Your expression gave you away. You always have that look on your face when you lie. You haven't changed a bit."
He reached out with his other hand, trembling as he brushed against my cheek. "Tabitha, I'm sorry for putting you through this."
Tears welled up in his eyes as he looked at me with guilt. "It's all my fault. I failed to protect you..."
"Dad, stop talking. I'm taking you to the hospital right away. Don't worry about anything. You'll be okay. Everything will be fine."
"Tabitha, I'll always love you." With that, his hand slowly fell limp.
Dad!" I yelled in despair.