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.

glanced at him from the

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

emotions.

presence commanded attention, not through

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Clupter 24

rare to see a look on his face that could be called gentle, yet tonight, there was

he has a tender side after all,” she mused.

stood watching them, her delicate

Linda.

the sight of them walking side by side.

uncomfortable, though she masked it well with a

greeted, her voice smooth

without even glancing at Nora, she tilted her head slightly and asked, “Are you

immediately understood her position

grown accustomed to. With practiced ease,

she murmured. “You two

waiting for a response,

party

lodge was buzzing with excitement. The party was about to begin. Laughter and music spilled from the event hall, filling the air with an almost

leaned toward Alex with an amused glint in his eyes. “Go ask your mom if

hesitated, He wasn’t sure she wanted to follow

as if her presence would somehow disrupt the

soft laughter, the occasional clinking of glases.. Chit and

chat..

could respond, Arnold stood

he

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