Tabitha's POV
Dad's even breaths were like a background track to my ramble.
Leaning in, I continued in a whisper, "Dad, after Derek rejected me, he coughed up a hefty alimony. I'm putting that cash to work, helping the Silver Moon Pack get stronger. Look how much I've grown."
I placed his hand next to my cheek. "When Mom walked out, you told me regrets were necessary in life. And it's the only way we can learn to cherish everything and everyone around us. Since then, I've been treasuring every single thing, yet it turns out my efforts are all in vain." I let out a sigh, heavy as the weight of my heart.
"I don't know who on earth is targeting me. Just when I thought I was getting better, someone applied wolfsbane on my wound when I was in a coma. Now Orson's going abroad, and my treatment's gonna be put on hold again. I don't know if I'll still be alive when you come around."
I mumbled on all afternoon until the sunlight began to fade.
No sign of Dad waking, I couldn't help but chuckle at my own naivety. "Guess miracles really are just for the books."
Then I left the hospital and went to the Silver Moon Pack, heading straight to the pack house to deal with pack affairs.
The minute I sat down, Gary burst in, urgency lacing his words as he told me, "Tabitha, the Council of Elders's throwing the 'Moonshadow Fair' soon. All the local prestigious packs are gonna be there."
My eyes lit up, and I asked, "Did we get invited?"
The Moonshadow Fair was an ancient tradition among Seattle's packs. Back in the day, it was held for werewolves to trade resources.
Nowadays, it'd evolved to auction high-value items between packs, like jewels, estates, etc.
Gary hesitated before saying, "The rules have changed this time. Whoever wanna get invited gotta donate to the Council of Elders. We haven't done that in years."
I nodded. "Alright, then forget it."
Past Moonshadow Fairs only invited major packs in Seattle. So being able to participate would be an honor.
But right now, our main focus was survival and development. We got no money for donations, either.
After pausing for a while Gary added, "Emmm, one more thing, Hope Ranch will be up for auction."
At the mention of that name, my heart skipped a beat.
The ranch held a special place in my heart. It was not only Dad's private property but also a sanctuary for pups he saved from the hands of rogues.
Dad spread love and hope on that land, giving those kids a home and a future.
After the Silver Moon Pack's decline, the Council of Elders temporarily took over the ranch.
So the news got me filled with unease.
I didn't want the ranch to end up belonging to another pack. I gotta shield those pups who found hope there.
After careful consideration, I decided to join the fair. To keep Dad's wish alive.
When the big day arrived, I picked a simple yet elegant black dress. Gloria didn't want me to go there all by myself, so she offered to come with me.
Since the Guaiacwood Pack was one of the three major packs in north Seattle, she naturally got invited.
When we got to the venue, the fair was just about to start. Gloria poked her head out the window, saying, "Wait for me inside. I'll go find you after I park the car."
I gave a nod.
But as soon as I walked to the entrance, a guard stopped me.
"May I see your invitation, ma'am?" he asked.
"It's with my friend," I calmly replied.
He said apologetically, "Sorry, ma'am, we can't let you in without an invitation. You'll have to wait for your friend."
Given it was a decennial event, such security measures were reasonable.
So I just nodded and waited aside.
Passing guests all threw glances my way, but I kept my cool.
Just then, I spotted Lyrique and Daphne. From a distance, I could hear Lyrique gushing, "Daphne, your romance with Alpha Derek's the stuff of legends."
I clenched my fists, enraged at the sight of this bitch.
Daphne was surrounded by a bevy of flashy ladies. When she noticed my glare, she just turned her head with a sneer.
As they approached, a guard stepped up, asking, "Do you know this lady? She didn't bring her invitation with her. If you guys know her, I'll let her in."
Daphne snapped, her voice icy, "No."
Lyrique chimed in, "Be careful. We don't want any thieves sneaking in. Or the consequences are gonna be severe."
The guard nodded solemnly.
After they walked in, he turned to me. "Sorry, ma'am. The lady says she doesn't know you. You'll have to leave."
"I've told you, I'm waiting for my friend," I fired back.
"Please go," the guard insisted.
Just then, Alvin showed up.
"What's happening?" he asked, cutting through the tension.
The guard, recognizing Alvin, switched to fawning mode. "This lady wants to go in, but she ain't got no invitation."
Alvin glanced at me and then turned to the guard, commanding, "She's my friend. Let her in."
He then walked up to me, saying, "Ms. Hartley, allow me to escort you in."