Chapter 883

　　In the years since Tabitha had vanished with the pups, Algernon had brought up this topic more than once. 　　It was common knowledge across the pack that Michelle harbored an obsession with Derek, the cold, powerful Alpha. She'd spent years pleading with her father, wearing him down with her tears. 　　To Algernon, Derek wasn't just his right-hand man; he was like one of his sons, a warrior of unparalleled status. In the past, Algernon had played the part of the respectful mentor, letting the matter slide whenever Derek showed disinterest. But the silence from the pack was starting to feel like a countdown. 　　Now Michelle stood by the bed, her usual fiery temper replaced by a blush, her head bowed in a rare display of modesty. 　　Algernon leaned forward, his voice taking on that smooth, persuasive tone he used when he was hunting a concession. "I know why you pushed back before, Derek. I know you were hung up on your mate. You had this idea that things might work out, that she'd come ba