Tabitha's POV
I secretly returned to Seattle with Kyrian.
Kyrian thought I took him to another place to play. He hugged me and laughed happily in my arms.
In the winter of Seattle, the sky was always gray, and occasionally falling snowflakes added a touch of tranquility and mystery to this city.
I brought him to a park in the city center. Although the cold winter kept people staying in their warm homes, there were still some brave citizens and playful children playing in the snow there.
I held Kyrian in my arms, his little hand tightly gripping my collar, his eyes shining with curiosity and excitement.
We strolled along the snow-covered path, the snow under our feet crunching, adding a touch of liveliness to the quiet winter day.
I found a pine tree covered in snow and gently shook its branches.
Snowflakes fell like white feathers, landing on Kyrian's head and shoulders.
He exclaimed with joy and reached out his little hand to catch those light snowflakes, but they quickly melted in his palms.
Then, we moved to an open area where several children were playing.
I put him down, and he immediately squatted down, using his little hands to scoop up the snow, imitating other children.
I stood by, gently guiding him on how to compact the snow, and how to build the body and head of the snowman.
Kyrian was very focused, his little face turning rosy due to the cold, but he seemed not to mind.
I found some small stones for the eyes and mouth of the snowman and a carrot for the nose.
As the snowman took shape, he clapped his hands excitedly, his smile appearing particularly warm in the winter sunlight.
Tired from playing, we sat on a bench in the park. I took out a scarf from my pocket and gently wrapped it around his neck.
Then I took out a steaming hot dog and handed it to him. He took a bite and smiled contentedly.
We sat quietly, enjoying the tranquility of winter and each other's company.
I told myself, 'This child, oh, is extremely adorable.
'I liked him so much.'
I touched his head and said, "Little one, I have to say goodbye to you. Go home and find your mom, grow up well."
Hearing my words, he raised his head and looked at me with confusion.
He was still too young to understand what separation meant.
I handed him a balloon, and his attention was instantly drawn to it.
And at that moment, I quickly ran away.
Kyrian immediately let go of the balloon and ran towards me, shouting, "Mom, Mom..."
He hadn't taken two steps before he fell heavily onto the snowy ground.
Even so, he didn't give up, crawling towards me, disregarding the cold snow.
I kept walking, occasionally looking back at him.
His pitiful face tore at my heart.
I wish I could run back and pick him up, comforting him in my arms.
But I couldn't.
I could only cover my mouth and run to hide behind a tree not far away.
But his cries are still coming from behind me.
Worried, I poked my head out to see if he was alright.
I saw a woman running quickly towards Kyrian.
That was the Omega responsible for procurement in the Black Thorn Pack.
Just as I remembered, she used to pass by there at that time every day.
I watched as she ran over and picked up Kyrian, and then I sighed with relief.
Watching her ecstatically holding Kyrian and leaving, I took one last glance at them and turned away.
Derek's POV
I lay in the lounge of the packhouse.
Kamp sat by my bedside, holding a small bottle of green liquid emitting a peculiar fragrance.
He told me that this was the extract ofthe Moonshadow Herb, a rare plant with miraculous healing effects for werewolves.
I took the bottle and took a sip.
The bitterness of the herb spread on the tongue, but it was followed by a warm power.
It circulated within me, and I could feel my wolf Leo was slowly recovering.
Just at that moment, Leo suddenly growled low in my mind.
"I smell blood," Leo told me.
"What does it mean?" I quickly responded in my mind.
"The heir of the pack entered our territory," he answered.
I immediately sat up, and the hope in my heart ignited. "Leo, can you confirm the location? Is it Tabitha and Kyrian?"
Leo's voice echoed in my mind. "I'm not sure, but that scent was very close."
I quickly put on my clothes and rushed out of the lounge.
Kamp immediately followed my pace.
We walked through the corridor, and I could feel the gaze of others. They didn't say anything but silently made way for us.
Just as we were about to walk out of the packhouse, the door was suddenly pushed open.
Rolf walked in with Kyrian in his hands.
Seeing Kyrian safe and sound, the heavy burden in my heart was finally lifted.
I walked briskly forward and took Kyrian from Rolf's hands, holding him tightly in my arms.
Kyrian saw me, a hint of confusion flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by joy.
He reached out his little hand and hugged my neck, calling out in a tender voice, "Daddy!"
I looked up at Rolf and asked, "Rolf, what's going on? Where is Tabitha?"