Tabitha's POV
Turned out, it was totally not what I expected. The things Dad left behind were truly priceless to me, but they didn't have much practical value.
The analysis of that netizen was wrong. Derek wasn't after my cash at all.
What else could it be that he wanted from me?
After spending most of the day at Hope Ranch, I still didn't recall anything.
Before leaving, Tucker came over. I was gonna say something about taking Tucker with us, but the words got stuck in my throat. Subconsciously, it seemed like there was a voice telling me that Derek wasn't a dog person.
"What's wrong?"
I pointed at the dog by my feet and asked, "Can I take him home?"
Tucker was pretty old and probably didn't have much time left. So I wanted to stay with him while I still could.
Derek answered promptly, "Alright. I'll have someone bring him back. Let's continue our date."
I wondered, "Date?"
He smiled slightly and took my hand. "Yeah, what's the problem? Is it illegal for mates to go on a date?" He opened the car door and fastened my seatbelt for me.
"Did we used to go on dates a lot?"
Derek kept his eyes on the road and answered honestly, "Not really. I was super busy back then with business trips and all that, so I didn't get to spend much time with you. But from now on, I'll make an effort to be around more."
He looked calm, showing no trace of deception.
"Tabitha, I've already sorted out your visa for Australia. If you're cool with it, once I wrap up some work stuff, we can head there by the end of the month. You can continue your studies there and meet my mom too."
I frowned in confusion. "Haven't I seen her before?" The Omega mentioned that Luna of the Black Thorn Pack, who was Derek's grandma, had lived with us, but she never mentioned Derek's parents.
"No, my mother has mental health issues. She's been undergoing treatment all these years. Previously, I was afraid of triggering her condition, so I didn't let you meet her. But lately, she's stabilized, so you can see her now."
I couldn't help feeling nervous.
"What kind of person is she?"
"She..." Derek fell silent like he wasn't sure how to describe her either.
Finally, he piped up, "Growing up, Mom and I didn't spend much time together. Later, I became the heir of our pack, so I had to learn how to manage it. My mother's condition was unstable. Once she fell ill, she would get violent. Not only were Omegas beaten, but I was also hurt when I was little, and it was more than just once.
"As a kid, I loved her yet feared her. Since no one could help me, I forced myself to be independent. Later, I became busy with pack stuff and family business, so we barely talked or even met. After all, when her disease attacked, she didn't even recognize me as her son and would even treat me like an enemy.
"I've hardly felt any motherly love or seen her normal self. So it's difficult for me to describe her. Anyway, you'll figure it out when you see her."
Upon hearing his words, I fell silent.
I didn't know that as the Alpha of the Black Thorn Pack, he had such a tragic past.
Not wanting him to feel upset, I quickly changed the subject.
"What if she doesn't like me? Isn't it said that there are conflicts between one's wife and one's mother?"
Hearing my whispering worries, Derek chuckled softly as he hooked his fingers around mine again. "No way. You are so adorable. Who could possibly hate you?"
I pulled my hand away and replied, "Eyes on the road. Or you might have a car crash. I don't want us to die here."
"Tabitha," he suddenly asked outta nowhere, "would you be sad if I died?"