Tabitha's POV
With every step Derek took forward, I stepped back. Eventually, he had me cornered right up against the sink.
Feeling my back pressed against the cold mirror, I realized I got nowhere to run. His scent enveloped me completely.
In his deep-set eyes flickered some complex emotion I couldn't quite get a read on.
His hand gently caressed my cheek, his thumb rubbing back and forth on my lip, sending my heartbeat into overdrive.
Then, he trailed his fingers down the back of my neck. An electrical feeling was left in its wake as the tiny hairs on my arm stand up to attention.
My mind was in turmoil.
Part of me hated him because of what he had done to Dad, while another couldn't say no to his touch.
Suddenly, I felt Crystal whimpering low in the depths of my heart.
She seemed to grow a strange desire for Derek—something closely related to our bittersweet love but went beyond our mate bond before.
Puzzled, I closed my eyes, trying to talk to her.
"What's wrong, girl?" I whispered.
She paused before stuttering her reply, "Tabitha, I-I felt him. His scent, his presence... I wanna get close to him, and I can't help it."
Knitting my brows, I took a deep breath, trying to cool off.
"Crystal, we gotta keep our heads," I reminded her. A warning to her as much as to myself.
Then, I opened my eyes, meeting Derek's gaze.
With every move he made, every look we shared, he was silently telling me what he wanted.
It all felt so familiar as we'd done it like a million times when we used to be mates. Yet the thought of he doing it with Daphne made me sick.
Derek, as if noticing my emotional struggle, stroked my hair.
My arms lightly pushed against his chest, trying to get some space.
But he closed in on me again, all dominant.
In the struggle, I accidentally hit his shoulder. He immediately let out a pained grunt.
"You okay?" I asked with a frown.
After a beat, he answered in a low voice, "Yeah."
I then pushed his chest again. Unexpectedly, he didn't keep me pinned this time.
I quickly put some distance between us, then walked over to the bathroom door and turned on the light.
Only then did I notice the blood on his left arm. It stained his shirt red, like roses blooming in the snow.
"You're hurt," I said, implying that it was not the right time for sex.
Dodging my gaze, he calmly replied, "I'm fine. It's just a minor injury."
"If so, it should've healed by now. Now that you're still bleeding, it's gotta be serious," I shot back.
He just looked at me silently, showing no intention to explain.
I didn't know what he'd been through, and clearly, he wasn't about to tell me. I didn't really care, though. I was just glad that it gave me an excuse to avoid getting physical.
So I went on, "Your wound needs to be treated."
He raised an eyebrow, answering, "Do it for me then."
I nodded and went to the living room, searching for the first-aid kit. Then, I headed back and started treating his wound.
"I need a dress for Kyrian's birthday party," I piped up, keeping my voice light and breezy as I dabbed on the antiseptic.
Derek just listened, his eyes locking on what I was doing, like he was trying to figure out what I was up to.
Then, he asked, "Any specific requirement?"
"No. Just pick something you like for me," I remarked casually as I kept on dressing his wound.
He nodded, saying, "I'll have my men get you one."
After putting a bandage on his shoulder, I followed him to his study.
He was gonna write an email to tell his staff at the clothing store to pick out a dress for me.
As he powered up his laptop, I stood behind him, trying my best not to make any sound in case he got turned on again.
He didn't seem to mind me being there. Maybe he figured I wouldn't pose a threat even if I found out about his secrets.
When he was checking his unread emails, I took a quick peek at the screen.
An email confirmation for a custom-made dress for Daphne caught my eye.
I quickly memorized the style, brand, and custom details listed in it. Ironically, the brand used to be my favorite.
After he sent the email, I used his need to heal as an excuse to flee his villa.
The next few days, he didn't call me again, which was quite a relief. Soon, Kyrian's birthday arrived.
The party was going to be held at Rikta Manor down at the foot of Mount Rainier.
Since it was Derek's private estate, it wasn't located in the Black Thorn Pack.
With thick woods separating it from the city, it was super private. Locating right next to Mount Rainier National Park, it got breathtaking views.
The guests invited weren't just members from Seattle's known packs but also folks from some packs that Derek did business with, as well as his business partners.
With humans among the guests, the werewolves were all about keeping it on the down-low.
I moved with the crowd, getting closer to the manor entrance.
On the way, I heard that Daphne picked the spot personally. Probably to show off how Derek doted on her.
Nearing the entrance, I saw Rolf right there waiting for me.