Derek's POV
After I punished the Omega who disobeyed my order, Leo gradually calmed down.
I turned around, finding Daphne running towards me with teary eyes.
"Derek, listen, it's all Tabitha's fault," she sobbed.
Then, she took my hand, hoping to seek comfort from me. But I just stood there, looking at her coldly.
Noticing the aloofness in my eyes, she involuntarily took a step back.
My gaze then shifted to Tabitha.
She was still lying on the ground, obviously in too much pain to rise on her own.
I rushed over, carefully helping her up.
Though as cautious as I could, my fingers still accidentally brushed the wound on her back, making her wince.
Seeing her in pain broke my heart.
I immediately called out to Alvin, "Tabitha's injured. Go get Kamp, hurry."
Alvin nodded and went for Kamp right away.
I supported Tabitha, letting her lean on me.
I could feel her warmth through her clothes. And her breathing sounded heavy.
Tabitha looked up and said, "I'm fine. Go check on Kyrian."
Although her voice was weak, her tone remained firm.
So I turned to look at Kyrian, who was huddling on the couch with his eyes locked on Tabitha.
He was trying to act brave, but the tears streaming down his face betrayed him.
"Kyrian, stay put on the couch," I told him.
He nodded, still shuddering in fear.
Just then, Rolf strode over.
"Alpha Derek, I found the first-aid kit. And some disinfectant and gauze," he said.
I took the kit and took a quick check at what was inside.
Then, I turned to Tabitha, whispering, "Now I need to disinfect your wound. It's gonna sting a bit."
Tabitha nodded without saying a word.
When I approached her with a swab, she instinctively flinched. "Don't move," I ordered.
Hearing my words, she remained still.
Knowing she was afraid of pain, I tried to be as gentle as I could. She acted tough, not letting out a single moan.
I couldn't find any trace of that pampered girl who frowned at a graze. I killed her personally with my cold shoulder and my harsh words over the past two years.
Now, she seldom smiled, not even whimpering because of pain.
My gaze fell on her hair, which got dust and splinters in it.
Rage started boiling up inside me, every cell in my body on fire with it.
Without realizing it, I pressed a bit too hard, and the swab jabbed right into her wound.
Catching off guard, Tabitha grimaced out of pain.
"Did I hurt you?" I quickly asked, trying to soften my tone. "I'll be gentler."
"It's fine," she calmly replied.
Soon, I finished treating the wound, and Tabitha said coldly, "Thanks. I gotta go."
Kyrian, probably hearing her, burst into tears.
Daphne snapped, "What are y'all waiting for? Take him back to his room."
The maids hurriedly approached Kyrian, while he flailed his arms in resistance.
Daphne snarled, "C'mon. Do it. Don't just stand there."
Hearing that, Tabitha looked at her in disbelief, saying, "He's your kid, not some pet. You should at least hold him and comfort him."
"Oh, so you know he's my kid. Then stop talking. It's none of your business," Daphne sneered.
Just then, Kyrian broke free and stumbled towards Tabitha.
Seeing him about to fall, Tabitha scooped him up right away.
"Mommy," Kyrian exclaimed, flinging his arms around her neck.
I helped them up, and Daphne finally left her seat.
She ran over, cursing, "Tabitha, I told the maid to bring him to his room because there are so many splinters on the ground. Why did you have to go against me? What the heck is wrong with you?"
I used to let her lame acts slide, but not today.
Scowling, I grabbed her collar, hissing, "You think I'm a fool?"
She went pale, trying to spit out some excuse, but Tabitha suddenly piped up, "He almost got hurt just now. And the first thing you did was to scold me instead of comforting him? Are you really his mother?"
Daphne fired back, "I see what you're doing. You tryna frame me so that you could win Derek over, don't you? Nice try. Derek was with me during my childbirth, so he knows better than anyone Kyrian's my blood."
While they were arguing, I fixed my gaze on Kyrian. Instead of crying, he was all quiet, gripping Tabitha's shirt with one hand, not letting her go.
Probably feeling like talking to Daphne was a waste of time, Tabitha just shook her head and walked towards the couch, Kyrian in her arms.
"Stop right there. Put Kyrian down!" Daphne piped up.
I couldn't help snapping, "Shut up."
"Kyrian's my son!" Daphne yelled, her face twisting with anger.