Tabitha's POV
"Dad!" I called out in a panic but got no response.
With tears in my eyes, I followed the nurse back to the ward.
After placing Dad on the bed, she left. Then, I immediately walked up to him.
Fixing my gaze on his face, I noticed he'd changed a lot—his cheeks had hollowed out, and he got heavy dark circles under his eyes.
"Dad..." I whispered again, even though I knew he wouldn't answer me.
My gaze drifted down to his left hand. It looked thin and aged, a stark contrast from the strong one that used to hold mine on our way home.
On the back of his hand was an indwelling needle, and the skin was loose and sagging. In just a couple of years, he'd aged so much...
As I looked at him, memories of the past came flooding back.
Back then, he was so exuberant and robust.
As the Alpha of the Silver Moon Pack, he was incredibly kind to every pack member. So even the lowest-ranking omegas felt blessed to be part of the pack.
No matter if Dad was the killer of Elena or not, I couldn't bring myself to hate him or ignore him like Derek did.
"What should I do?" I couldn't help asking Crystal in my mind, hoping that she could give me some sort of guidance or support.
"Derek once said that he knew the whereabouts of that mysterious rogue doctor, Matthew, remember?" Crystal responded after a yawn.
My heart raced as I pondered, 'Given his connections and wealth, it's no surprise that he could find Matthew. I bet he would never have mentioned it if he hadn't been trying to calm me down that day.
'But we've completely severed ties. If I asked him about Matthew now, he surely wouldn't tell me.'
I hesitated, saying, "I do. But..."
"We have no other choice." Crystal read my mind.
I nodded, thinking to myself, 'She's right. It's the only way I could save Dad.'
Just a couple of days ago, I had resolved to cut Derek out of my life for good. But now, I found myself having to ask for his help again.
"Will you be affected if you see him again? I mean, you'll meet Leo too," I asked Crystal.
"Don't worry. I'll be fine," she responded confidently.
After the carer I hired for Dad arrived, I immediately headed to the Black Thorn Pack.
When I got to the entrance, however, I was stopped by the guards.
Although they all knew me, having been notified of my rejection, they wouldn't let me in.
When things got a bit sticky, Alvin showed up.
"Sorry, Tabitha, you can't go in," Alvin was as courteous to me as ever.
I nodded with a bitter smile. "I see. But can you do me a favor? I need to see Derek. It's urgent."
Alvin paused before finally replying, "Alpha Derek isn't here. He went to Lupine Grove for a gathering."
I then murmured my thanks and rushed to Lupine Grove, a place far away from the city center.
It was surrounded by huge oaks, which served as a perfect barrier.
Plus, the clearing in the middle of Lupine Grove wasn't claimed by any pack. So it was an ideal spot for public gatherings among werewolves.
By the time I arrived, the place was buzzing with werewolves from various packs.
So I had to scan the crowd for Derek.
The vibe was lively. Alphas from different packs were mingling with one another. Omegas were busy providing food and drinks.
After a while, I finally spotted Derek. He was chatting with a few Alphas. The sleek dark suit made him stand out from the crowd.
Mustering up my courage, I walked up to him.
My arrival clearly piqued the interest of the other Alphas, their gazes drifting toward me. Derek, however, didn't even glance my way, treating me as if I was invisible.
Just as I was about to speak to him, a voice dripping with disrespect cut me off. "Tabitha? What are you doing here?"
I turned my head to see who it was. Then I locked eyes with Gareth Beaumont, Alpha of the Shadow Moon Pack, a subordinate pack of the Black Thorn Pack.
"To speak to Derek," I replied, ignoring his attitude.
"And what right have you to do that?" Gareth sneered. "Don't tell me you still think you're Luna of the Black Thorn Pack."
Derek's friend, Carson Graven, Alpha of the Grey Stone Pack, stood up. He shot a cold glance at Gareth, warning, "Gareth, mind your words."
Gareth walked back to his seat with a scoff.
I gave Carson a grateful smile and then turned to Derek, saying, "I need to talk to you."
Derek finally lifted his head, meeting my gaze.
A hint of mockery flickered in his eyes.
"I don't feel like doing it," he replied.
I piped up, clenching my fists, "Derek, I need your help."
He just gave a chuckle.
After pulling out a cigarette, he asked with a sarcastic smile, "Tabitha, what trick are you playing today?"
He lit the cigarette and took a puff. "You once told me that you'd rather die than ask me for help, remember?"