Third person's POV
Rolf stared at Derek's back, a wave of concern rising in his heart.
He was well aware of Derek's past, how Derek had promised Randall to make Daphne the mate of the Black Thorn, yet his heart and soul never strayed from his true love—Tabitha.
In the world of werewolves, emotional fidelity is of utmost importance, and Derek's commitment was like an ancient vow, etched in his heart.
Unlike himself, Rolf, though without a mate, would occasionally indulge his primal desires at specific gatherings of the werewolf community as a subordinate of an Alpha.
However, Derek had poured all his emotions into Tabitha alone.
Rolf pondered that if they never reconciled, Derek's inner world would likely plunge into endless loneliness and darkness, like a werewolf bereft of the moonlight, wandering alone in the dark, silently enduring the torment of unrequited love.
"Alvin, look at Alpha Derek lately, he's always gloomy. This can't go on. We need to find a way to cheer him up," Rolf said, his brow furrowed with worry.
Alvin sighed softly in response, "It's not that easy. Ever since the disagreement with Luna Tabitha, he's changed."
Rolf's eyes brightened, and he said eagerly, "Can't we find an opportunity to clear up their misunderstandings?"
Alvin shook his head helplessly, "It's not that simple. The rift between them seems deep, not easily mended."
As they walked away, the blush on his ears gradually faded.
Derek smirked inwardly, realizing that being around Tabitha lately had stirred his werewolf instincts, the primal urges crashing against his rational defenses like a raging tide.
Yet, he had been suppressing them with his formidable willpower.
Could he really be so transparent, his inner turmoil visible to others?
Could that quack doctor sense the turmoil within him?
Derek shook his head, dismissing the man as a fraud and disregarding his words.
Unable to find the anti-wolfsbane medication he sought, Derek decided to bring back some delicious food for Tabitha and Ayla.
Perhaps influenced by the quack's nonsense, Derek felt a nameless fire burning within, a restless heat.
He also ordered a cocktail for himself. Around Tabitha, he was always on high alert, not only disguising himself as another person but also suppressing his werewolf's powerful aura to avoid detection.
The constant mental strain left him exhausted, as if heavy shackles bound his body and soul.
Sitting in a booth, he closed his eyes, one hand massaging his temple, his face etched with fatigue.
Suddenly, he caught a faint scent, and upon opening his eyes, he saw the bartender place a mixed cocktail on the table in front of him.
"This is our signature drink 'Alluring,' please try it!"
'Alluring'?
He had simply asked for a signature drink, not expecting such an ambiguous name.
The liquid was split into two colors, purple and deep red, resembling the mysterious eyes of a wolf under the moonlight, exuding an irresistible charm.
Derek, who had a good tolerance for alcohol, downed the drink in one go, only to find the bartender hadn't left.
That was a woman who dressed in a bunny-themed uniform with furry ears, a short skirt, white bow-decorated stockings, and high heels.
She was unmasked. Her appearance was both innocent and seductive, her makeup deliberately creating a pitiable look.
In the keen senses of a werewolf, she exuded a special aura that made Derek frown slightly, a hint of vigilance rising in his heart.
After a brief glance, Derek averted his gaze and said, "You may leave."
"How does the drink taste?" The woman not only didn't leave but pressed further.
The drink wasn't a strong liquor. It was more like fruit wine with ice and mint.
A few seconds later, there was a lingering sweetness that made one crave another sip, addictively so.
Unconsciously, Derek finished the entire glass.
He simply commented, "It's alright."
At that moment, the woman bent down. With just a slight lift of Derek's eyes, he could see the cleavage between her breasts.
She deliberately changed her voice to a softer tone and whispered in Derek's ear, her voice as gentle as a breath of orchids, "This drink was specially made for you. I'm so glad you like it. It was worth the effort to find you."
Derek's gaze turned cold instantly, recognizing the woman as the flirtatious one who had approached him earlier to borrow a lighter.
"It's you."
The woman smiled and inched closer to Derek, propping one hand on the side of his seat.
Then, lowering her voice, she said, "I sense a kindred spirit in you. How about we have some fun tonight? I promise it'll be more interesting than the drink."