After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

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.

at him from the

powerful and cold werewolf, a

emotions.

not through

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face that could be called gentle, yet

has a tender side after all,” she mused.

stroll didn’t last much longer. On the side of the road, a figure stood watching them, her delicate features barely concealed by the flickering light from the nearby lodge lanterns.

Linda.

took in the sight of them walking side

it well

greeted, her voice smooth and sweet.

at Nora, she tilted her head slightly and asked, “Are you coming to the tonight?”

her position

grown accustomed to. With practiced ease, she

tonight,” she murmured.

and left without waiting for a response, her footsteps

party

to begin. Laughter and music spilled from

in high spirits, leaned toward Alex with an amused glint in his eyes. “Go ask your mom if she wants to come,” he

hesitated, He wasn’t sure she wanted

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

smoothly–chatter, soft laughter, the occasional clinking of glases.. Chit and

chat..

before he could respond, Arnold

go,” he

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