After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

Chapter 24

Nor a knelt beside him, her hands resting gently on his arms.

“Alez, listen to me,” she said softly. “You’re my son. No one could ever take your place in my heart. But you have to understand, being kind to others doesn’t mean I love you any less.”

Alex sniffled, avoiding her gaze. “It feels like you do,” he muttered.

Nors pulled him into a hug, holding him tightly.

“I’m sorry if I’ve made you feel that way, I’ll do better, Alex. But you have to meet me halfway, okay? No more pushing people away or picking fights. Can we agree on that?”

Alex hesitated, then gave a small nod. “Okay,” he murmured.

Nora smiled, brushing a stray tear from his cheek. “That’s my boy. Now, let’s go talk to your coach. I’m sure he’s eager to see what you’ve got today.”

The schoolyard was a swirl of activity, filled with the laughter and shouts of children enjoying their morning.

Nora stood to the side, taking in the vibrant scene with a calm demeanor.

The sunshine filtered through the trees, casting dappled patterns on the pavement as children darted between their parents and friends.

Just as she turned to check on Alex and Brian, a familiar tug on her sleeve drew her attention.

Alex stood before her, his expression a mix of irritation and expectation

“You forgot something.” he said firmly, his small arms crossed over his chest.

Nora tilted her head, amused but playing along. “Did I now? What did I forget?”

“A hug,” Alex said, his lips pressed into a pout.

“And a kiss,” he added, glancing pointedly at Brian, who stood quietly by her side.

Nora chuckled softly. Of course, how could I forget?

into a warm bug before pressing a light kiss to his cheek.

immediately,

gesture quelled half of Alex’s simunering irritation, but not

its childish pitch.

surprised at the abrupt

said with a slight smile, “I think I understand now.

Alex frowned. “What?”

light but teasing. You don’t want anyone else taking your place

off guard, then crossed his arms again. “There’s

a laugh, finding the situation both

time to diffuse the

Let’s get both of you out of the crowd before you start a wrestling match

schoolyard, Alex took the opportunity to push Erian aside, stepping

left, Alpha father and

21.7

Chapter 24

himself, brushing off the shove without a

a note of firm reprimand. “That’s not how we treat our classmates. You could have hurt Brian.” She knelt to look him in the eyes. “Especially if

scuffed the toe of his shoe against the pavement, his face a mix of guilt and stubbornness.

meeting her gaze. “But I just don’t like it when you’re nice to other kids.”

“It doesn’t take anything away from you when I care about others, Alex. You’re still very important

pause, Alex gave a

“Now, let’s make things right. Apologize to

then turned to Brian. “Sorry,” he said grudgingly. “But I’m still going to beat you in training.”

“Not a chance. I’ll leave you

a glare, their rivalry reignited but redirected to a more

boys, it’s almost time for class. Let’s get you both back

around Nora, holding on as if he didn’t want to let go.

asked gently, brushing a

1. I haven’t seen you much lately,” he admitted in a quiet voice. “I miss when you’d say good morning every day, and… your food, and how everything smells nice when you’re