Chapter 38 sking up . I just wanted to say hi . Aunt Linda , Alex replied without looking up . Noras chest tightened , but she said nothing . She didnt stop him . The car ride continued in silence , save for the fam tapping of Mexs hugers on his phone , Nora kept her eyes on the road , though her mind was elsewhere . She told herself it didnt matter , that Lindas presence in Alexs life didnt diminish her role as his mother . But the lingering ache told a different story . The message from Linda arrived just as Alex was putting his books into his backpack He glanced at his phone , his heart pounding in worry . ** Just a minor illness , Alex TM Lindas text read . No need to worry . Rest up , focus on school , and Ill be fine . Alex frowned , chewing his bottom lip . He knew Linda hated being fussed over , but her vague assurances didnt sit well with him . His fingers flew over his phone screEIL ** Til come by right after school , Aunt Linda . Dont try to talk me out of it . He hit send before she could respond . As he slipped his phone into his pocket , he recalled asking his mom , Nora , to make dinner tonight . The thought made him pause . She didnt even react when I told her Id visit Linda , Alex murmured to himself . Does that mean shes okay with it ? With his concerns momentarily appeased . Alexs mood lifted . Whustling a jaunty tune , he hurried to school , his steps light with purpose . Nora stood by the window , watching Alexs retreating figure with a small , distracted smile . When he turned the corner and disappeared , she let out a soft sigh and turned to the calendar hanging on the kitchen wall . Her brows furrowed . Today was circled in red Work Turnover Deadline .* This is it , she muttered to herself , her voice tinged with relief and apprehension After today . I can finally focus entirely on my own projects . With a deep breath , Nora collected her things and headed out the door . When Nora arrived at the office , the usual hum of activity buzzed around her , but something felt off The as if air was unusually subdued , at id anticipation had been deflated . She glanced at Megan , who sat at her deck with a pouty expression , her clan resting in her land Whats with the long face , Megan ? Nora asked, setting her lay down . The Alpha canceled his meeting . Megan replied with a dramatic sigh . I was really looking forward to seeing him today . You know , his presence just makes the day so much better . Chapter 38 Nora fought the urge to roll her eyes . Megans infatuation with Alpha Arnold was well known , and while most of their colleagues humored her , Nora found it tiresome . Im sure he had a good reason , Nora said briskly , logging into her computer Deep down , though , she suspected why Arnold hadnt shown up . Linda must have gotten worse , By the time the afternoon rolled around , Nora felt a dull ache building in her temples . She pushed her chair back and stretched before heading to the pantry for coffee . The familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air , soothing her frayed nerves . Just as she reached for a mug , the sound of the front doors opening caught her attention . Turning her head slightly , she saw him . Alpha Arnold , striding into the building with his usual commanding presence . Her breath hitched . Arnolds sharp gaze swept the room briefly before locking onto hers For a moment , their eyes held . His expression was unreadable , and yet it carried a weight that made Noras heart clench Without a word , they looked away simultaneously , as if the moment had never happened . As Arnold passed by her , the faintest hint of his scent wanted through the air familiar , warm , and undeniably Lindas . The bond in Noras abdomen tightened painfully , a physical manifestation of emotions she had tried so hard to suppress Π * Why does it still hurt ? she thought bitterly , clutching the edge of the counter for support . Why does it feel like Im still tethered to something that no longer exists ? Her wolf Lenas soothing voice echoed in Noras mind , firm yet reassuring . * This is it , Nora . The last day of the handover . The next time you see him will likely be at the divorce ceremony at the werewolf council You can handle this → Nora exhaled deeply , nodding to herself as if solidifying Lenas words . The thought of finality gave her an odd mix of relief and emptiness , but she pushed it aside . By late afternoon , BETA Cody approached her , his expression neutral but his tone unusually soft . The handoff is complete , Miss Nora . You dont need to return to the office tomorrow , he informed her , handing over a finalized document . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!