Chapter 88

Guilt settled in Sarah’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!”

Sarah blinked in surprise. “You did?”

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

She disappeared off–screen, rustling through papers.

Sarah 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 Sarah standing together, both smiling.

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

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

Before Sarah 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 Sarah 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 Sarah’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.

She glanced at him from the corner of her eye.

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

emotions.

through

14:09

Crippled

Chapter 88

be called gentle, yet

side after

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

Linda.

the sight of them walking

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

she greeted, her voice smooth

even glancing at Sarah, she tilted her head slightly and asked, “Are you coming to the party tonight?”

position in the conversation–uninvited,

accustomed to. With practiced ease, she stepped back.

meeting tonight,” she murmured. “You two enjoy the

for a response, her

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

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

she wanted to follow that

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

had been going smoothly–chatter, soft laughter,

chat..

before he could respond,

he

14:09

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