Chasing His Kickass Luna Back

“Thanks for picking me up, Marcus,” I finally say, breaking the silence.

He glances at me with a small smile. “No problem, Abby. Karl wanted to make sure you're safe.”

I nod, appreciating Karl's concern. “I know. I just... I never thought I'd wind up in a situation like this. It feels weird. Like I'm a celebrity on the run from a scandal.”

Marcus turns onto a winding road, the scenery becoming even more picturesque. “Hey, it's just part of the job when you make it big and start doing things like catering the Alpha gathering,” he says. "Which, by the way... was impressive.”

“You really think so?” I ask.

He nods. “Of course. Lots of people are talking about it. Abby, our old Luna, is moving on up in the world. Good for you.”

His words make me smile, and I turn to look out the window again to hide the blush in my cheeks. “Thanks, Marcus. That's nice of you.”

We drive in silence for a while longer, the tranquility of the countryside providing a stark contrast to the chaos of the city I left behind. The tension that had hung in the air earlier has dissipated, replaced by a sense of ease.

“So, how's Karl doing?” I ask, wanting to steer the conversation away from my own troubles. “I mean, how's he really doing. He doesn't usually say.”

Marcus glances at me, his expression softening. “He's... been busy with campaign preparations, but he's holding up well. His approval ratings are on the rise, and he’s optimistic about the upcoming election.”

I smile, genuinely happy to hear that things are going well for Karl. But I knew all of this already; I want to know how he’s doing, not just as an Alpha, but as a person.

“But how is he really?” I find myself asking. “How stressed is he?”

Marcus pauses for a moment, then finally lets out a sigh. “On a scale of one to ten?” he asks.

"Yes."

Another pause. Then, “A solid twelve, at the very least,” he admits. “I'm a little bit worried he's biting off more than he can chew. He always puts on a good show, but I know he’s freaking out on the inside. And Abby..."

Marcus falls silent again, and his gaze meets mine for a split second. “I think he'll feel a lot better having you around,” he says quietly. “Because he really does worry about you. Constantly.”

My eyes widen slightly, and my face flushes red. “Is that true?”

Marcus nods. “It is. Karl worries about you all of the time, Abby. You're always at the forefront of everything for him. He... cares about you.”

His words give me pause. I don't know what to say, don't know how to feel. Karl rarely expresses his emotions on such a deep level. He's always creating this image of a man who has it all together, even when things would send a normal person spiraling.

But maybe he is spiraling, in a way. He's just not showing it.

As the car continues to glide along the scenic route, I can't stop thinking about my own role in Karl's life. Once, 1 was by his side as his wife, but now, things are different. I'm grateful that he’s offering me a safe haven, but it's also a stark reminder of how much has changed.

“I hope I'm not causing too much trouble for Karl,” I say, my voice barely more than a whisper. Marcus shakes his head. “Not at all, Abby. Karl cares about your well-being. He wouldn't have offered if he didn't want you here.”

I appreciate Marcus’ reassurance, but there's still a nagging doubt in the back of my mind. “I just don't want to be a burden, you know? His campaign is important, and the last thing I want is to distract from it.”

Marcus gives me a reassuring smile. “Abby, you're not a burden. Karl's a smart man, and he knows how to balance his responsibilities. Having you here won't be a distraction. If anything, I think it'll help him focus.”

I take a deep breath, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. “Thanks, Marcus.”

He nods, his gaze returning to the road ahead. “You're welcome. We're almost there.”

The two of us fall into silence once more, Marcus’ words still whirling around inside my head.

Then, I see the pointed roofs of Karl's house slowly come into view over the treetops, and my heart begins to race with anticipation.