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.

glanced at him from the

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

emotions.

commanded attention, not through arrogance but through sheer dominance.

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be called gentle, yet tonight, there

has a tender side after all,” she mused.

much longer. On the side of the road, a figure stood watching them, her delicate features barely concealed

Linda.

narrowed slightly as she took in the

made her uncomfortable, though she masked it well with a pleasant smile as she approached.

voice smooth and sweet.

her head slightly and asked,

understood her position in the

grown accustomed to. With practiced ease, she stepped back.

she murmured.

a response, her footsteps

party

the time night fell completely, the lodge was buzzing with excitement. The party was about to begin. Laughter and music spilled from the event hall, filling the air

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

sure she wanted to follow that order.

him uneasy, as if her presence would somehow

laughter, the occasional clinking of

chat..

could respond,

he stated

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