Crippled Luna's Farewell: Half A Life Without My Alpha's Deadly Deception

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.

always been a powerful and cold werewolf, a man

emotions.

commanded attention, not through arrogance

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Crippled

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Chapter 88

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

tender side

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

Linda.

as she took in the sight of them walking

though she masked it well with

voice smooth and sweet.

she tilted her head slightly and asked, “Are

understood her position in the conversation–uninvited,

had grown accustomed to. With practiced

have a meeting tonight,” she murmured. “You two

response, her footsteps

lodge was buzzing with excitement. The party was about to begin. Laughter and music

with an amused glint in his eyes. “Go ask

she wanted to follow that order.

uneasy, as if her presence would

night had been going smoothly–chatter, soft laughter, the occasional

chat..

respond, Arnold stood

go,” he

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