After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

Chapter 80

Nora’s grip on the phone tightened slightly.

She had anticipated resistance, but hearing it still made something twist in her chest.

“Grandma’s birthday only comes once a year, Alex. You can visit Aunt Linda anytime,” she said, keeping her voice even.

A sigh came from the other side. “I guess…” He didn’t sound convinced.

Nora closed her eyes briefly.

She knew pressing him further would only make him more resistant, so instead, she decided on another approach.

Later that evening, she found Arnold at his cottage, sitting in his usual chair, flipping idly through an old book. He barely looked up when she entered.

“Can you talk to Alex?” she asked without preamble.

Arnold turned a page, his face impassive. “About what?”

“Grandma’s birthday. He’s reluctant to come. Maybe if you talk to him, he’ll reconsider,” she said, crossing her arms.

Arnold finally glanced at her, studying her for a moment. “And you’re not going to ask me to come?”

Nora looked away. “That’s not what this is about.”

He exhaled through his nose, closing the book. “Fine,” he muttered. “I’ll talk to him.”

That was all she needed. She left without another word, walking back home with Alex. They barely spoke, and though she tried to brush off the lingering discomfort, it clung to her like a shadow.

Saturday arrived with a quiet kind of joy.

The house was filled with the warm scent of baked pastries and fresh flowers, the soft murmur of family members exchanging laughter and greetings.

Nora watched as her uncle Alexander presented his carefully chosen gift to Grandma, a beautifully embroidered shawl in her favorite shade of deep blue.

Alex shifted awkwardly,

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Chapter 80

gentle gaze toward him.

what about you, dear?” she asked with a smile, expecting nothing extravagant, only

at Nora with a look of slight embarrassment.

I didn’t bring anything,” he admitted. His shoulders

of

measured. “You’re still a kid, Alex. What Mom and Dad prepare is what you prepare, too,” she said, her words smooth,

instantly. “Oh,” he said,

to the way Nora’s expression cooled ever so slightly.

birthday–not only remembering the date but counting down the days, eagerly anticipating it as if it were

into it,

buy a gift, he could have drawn something–he

he hadn’t thought of it. Not

that realization that had made her reluctant

forced a small smile, her thoughts swirling beneath the surface like an unmoving tide. Some things, she supposed, were

out the herbal wine she had prepared and handed

Grandma unwrapped the package, the faint yet distinct

air.

Grandma murmured, eyes widening with

nodded. “Yes, Grandma. I knew you would appreciate it.”

she looked at her granddaughter.

had some help,” Nora admitted with a

as she turned the wine pot in her hands.

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Chapter 80

most esteemed elders of the tribe could enjoy it. You have brought me

admiration rippled through the family.

recognized its rarity. Some exchanged glances, impressed that Nora had

the werewolf howling at the moon. She whispered, “Grandmother, Arnold wasn’t here

was a finely crafted piece, depicting an ancient oak tree with twisting branches and