Chapter 74

Guilt settled in Nora’s chest. “I know, sweetheart. I’ve just been busy.”

Abby brightened. “That’s okay! Guess what? I started painting! Uncle Cole got me a big sketchbook, and I drew a picture of you!”

Nora blinked in surprise. “You did?”

Abby nodded enthusiastically. “Wait! Let me show you!”

She disappeared off–screen, rustling through papers.

Nora glanced at Cole. His face was unreadable, but there was a quiet softness in his eyes.

A moment later, Abby returned, holding up a simple drawing–her and Nora standing together, both smiling.

Nora’s throat tightened. “That’s beautiful, Abby,” she said warmly. “You’re very talented.”

Abby beamed. “Come see me soon, okay?”

Before Nora could respond, a voice called Abby’s name from the background. The little girl pouted. “I have to go! Bye, Auntie! Bye, Uncle Cole!”

The call ended. Silence lingered between Nora and Cole.

The two strolled through Spa Hills at night, the sound of rustling leaves and distant murmurs of other guests filling the silence between them.

The moonlight cast long shadows along the pathway, and the cool night breeze carried the faint scent of pine and mineral water from the hot springs.

Cole’s phone call with Abby had ended minutes ago, yet the words still lingered in Nora’s mind.

When he had turned to her and said, “Abby likes you a lot,” there had been something strange in his tone–something softer than she had ever heard from him before.

him from the

been a powerful and cold werewolf, a man of few words and even

emotions.

through arrogance

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Clupter 24

that could be called gentle, yet tonight, there was something almost warm

tender side after all,” she

stood watching them, her delicate features barely concealed by

Linda.

narrowed slightly as she took in the sight of them walking side by side.

it made her uncomfortable, though she masked it well with a pleasant

she greeted, her voice smooth and

head slightly and asked, “Are you coming

her position in the conversation–uninvited, unacknowledged.

she had grown accustomed to. With practiced ease,

a meeting tonight,” she murmured.

a response, her

party

lodge was buzzing with excitement. The party was about to begin. Laughter and music spilled from the event

with an amused glint in his

He wasn’t sure she wanted

Nora joining the party made him uneasy, as if her presence would somehow disrupt the relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere.

laughter, the occasional clinking of

chat..

respond,

he stated

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