Third person's POV
Alvin's expression turned grave. "Alpha Derek's identity has been exposed. Every faction that ever held a grudge against him will come at him like starving wolves. What happened last night—those attackers were core members from Wintertown ten years ago. They sent suicide squads. Those people aren't afraid to die. They just want to drag Alpha Derek down with them."
Tabitha's heart raced with fear. Her eyes filled with worry as she asked urgently, "So he's in even more danger now?"
"He's safe here in the military zone, but stepping outside means walking into a minefield. I also found an anonymous bounty on the dark web—$15 million for Alpha Derek's head. That kind of money will lure private assassins and mercenaries. Greed makes people reckless," Alvin explained.
Despite the danger, Derek remained calm. He looked at Tabitha. "I kept you by my side before because I could protect you. But now, staying near me is the most dangerous choice. You have to leave."
Even though he'd risked his life to shield her, he still begged her to leave.
Tabitha had already made up her mind. "I'll leave—but not yet. I'll go once your back heals."
"Tabitha, you…" Derek had expected her to flee after hearing the truth. Her decision to stay stunned him.
"Don't misunderstand. This isn't about us. You hurt me, and I haven't forgotten. But these injuries are my responsibility," she said flatly.
"But—"
"Alvin said this place is secure. A few more days won't matter, right?" Tabitha cut in.
Derek's eyes softened, a mix of surprise and gratitude in his voice. "Of course. I'm… glad you're staying."
Sensing the tension, Alvin tactfully interjected, "Alpha Derek, the children are safe, and we captured some attackers alive. You can deal with them when you've recovered. Rest now."
He quickly excused himself.
A nurse wheeled in a cart of medical supplies, visibly nervous as she said, "Time to change the bandages."
Misha trailed in like a shadow.
She snatched the supplies from the nurse. "I'll handle it."
Shooting Tabitha a glare, she added, "I've always done this for him."
Derek's voice was cool. "Tabitha can do it."
"She's just some fragile woman!" Misha protested. "If she messes up and hurts you, it'll make things worse! Let me—I'm experienced!"
The nurse glanced between them, eyes wide with curiosity.
Derek remained unshaken. "You donated blood for me last night. I'm grateful. But you must be exhausted after losing so much. Rest. I'm used to Tabitha's care—she's trained in medicine. Simple tasks like this are easy for her." Every word politely shut Misha out.
Misha pressed, "But—"
"You just got promoted, right? Focus on your work. I'll thank you properly once I recover."
He turned to Tabitha, his tone softening. "Honey, you'll help me, won't you?"
Tabitha cringed at the term.
Derek had never called her that publicly, even when they were married.
Misha, realizing she had lost, muttered, "Rest well," and stormed out.
[$]
Once alone, Tabitha studied the nurse's instructions.
When the door closed, she snapped, "Honey?"
"It was the quickest way to make her leave," Derek said casually.
Tabitha scoffed. "You have plenty of admirers."
She pulled back the blanket, revealing his bandaged back.
Derek winced. "She only changed a bandage once. On my arm. That's all."
"We've rejected each other. What she does with you isn't my concern."
Tabitha carefully cut through the gauze, her hands steady but gentle.
"Tabitha," he sighed, "no one else has ever touched me like this. Just you."
She meant to retort, but the sight underneath stole her words.
She'd known it was bad, but the reality was worse.
His back was a patchwork of raw wounds—barely an inch of unbroken skin.
Her heart twisted.