Tabitha's POV
My babies were playing freely. Their movements were not very strong, as they were only over four months old.
I simply had a vague feeling. It wasn't as strong as in the late stage of pregnancy.
I gently stroked my belly, and they gradually calmed down.
They had been good these days. I had vomited a lot in the early stages of pregnancy, but now, I didn't feel sick anymore.
My babies were so sweet. They didn't wanna see me suffer.
"It doesn't matter. I just want them to be healthy."
Joanna cupped her chin and said, "You're right. I now get it. Health beats everything, including money and power."
I sighed, "It's only after you've lost so much that you realize there's nothing better than having your loved ones around and healthy."
She said, "Look at you. You're such a glowing, energetic pregnant woman, not to mention you're getting prettier every day. And your babies are both so sweet. I'm so jealous."
I joked, which was a rare thing, "You want babies this badly? How about I set you free so that you can find your mate?"
"Not interested. I'm fine on my own."
"Really? Who sounded so sweet on the phone yesterday?"
Joanna immediately blushed. "Tabitha, you're teasing me again."
I bumped her lightly with my shoulder. "Jokes aside, tell me. Is he your mate?"
"To be honest, it's more like a one-sided secret crush. We went to the same werewolf school. He was so outstanding, and he gave me a hand a few times, which was why he made an impression on me. I hadn't shifted back then, so I didn't know if he was my mate or not. After I came to work here, he went to study abroad. But the good thing is, he's coming back next week to further development," she said.
When talking about him, she sounded so happy, and her eyes were sparkling. I could almost see my past self on her smiling face.
Back then, I was so full of hope for love, and my eyes would always sparkle whenever I talked about Derek.
"You never forgot him even though he had been abroad for all those years?"
Joanna shook her head. "How could one ever forget the person who showed up in their dream when they were young? I remember his gentle eyes, thick eyebrows, and the way he looked when he ran on the playground wearing a white shirt. I don't think I'll ever forget about that. I fell for him at first sight, and ever since that day, I could never forget about him."
"How nice." At least in this matter, I could relate.
"Tabitha, did you have a crush on someone, too?"
"Yes. I used to feel the same as you. Back then, I was crazy about him."
"What happened later?"
"Later..." I chuckled. "He died. He died in my memory. Whenever I think of it now, I feel nothing but pain and regret."
Joanna immediately realized something. "Is it ... Alpha Derek?"
Joanna had been staying by my side for almost six months now, and she was very curious about the past between me and Derek.
Yet I hated Derek's guts and simply didn't want to bring it up at all.
It was just like what was happening now. Whenever it came to him, I'd turn cold and imperceptibly change the subject.
"Your senior is coming back next week, right? Why don't you go pick him up at the airport?"
"No," Joanna said without hesitation.
"It's been years. I'm sure you miss him a lot."
She said sternly, looking all serious, "He's not as important as you at all. I said I'd be there for you till you gave birth. No one with an ulterior motive could go anywhere near you."
"It's just speculation. There is no proof that says anyone is trying to harm me," I said.
"I still think we should be careful. I don't want any more accidents to happen, or who knows? Maybe it'll be too late for us to regret. Tabitha, I promised you that I'd take care of you. And I will. After he comes back this time, he'll stay in the country for long-term development. If we're meant to be together, we'll always have a chance. If we're not, then forcing it now won't help."
I smiled helplessly, "You're quite cool about it."
Joanna raised her head complacently. "Of course, I am! Your safety means everything to me. I'm gonna be the two little ones' godmother! I will protect them for sure!"
"Alright then. On behalf of them, thanks. Feel free to go find him after the babies are born, OK?"
"No rush," she said.
I patted her shoulder. "You are so pretty and sweet. Anyone who isn't a fool will fall for you."
"Stop it, Tabitha. You're making me embarrassed," Joanna murmured, blushing utterly.