Chasing His Kickass Luna Back

Abby

The car ride stretches on in silence, punctuated only by the sound of the car engine humming and the soft sound of classical music coming through the radio.

I have to contain a chuckle; some things never change. Karl was always the type to put on piano music and go for a drive when he was angry, and now, that's exactly what he’s doing. But I don't mind. I lean my head back on the head rest and close my eyes, letting myself get lost in the soft notes.

The ride continues like this for a while, and at one point, I almost doze off. But the memories of what happened at dinner continue to haunt me. Gianna's words were so pointed, so full of venom, and they cut deep. It breaks my heart that there are still people, particularly within my circle, who still think I'm a cheater.

With a sigh, I open my eyes to see that we're still nowhere near the mansion.

I clear my throat, finally deciding to break the silence. “Karl,” I venture cautiously, “can you tell me where we're going now?”

He glances at me briefly, and there's a small smile playing on his lips. It's a bit surprising after how tense he just was, and it makes me wonder what he’s up to. “We're almost there,” he replies cryptically before returning his attention to the winding road.

I furrow my brow, my curiosity thoroughly piqued. I decide not to pry and just continue to watch the passing scenery while silently trying to decipher our destination. It's too dark now to see much, though, aside from tall trees on either side of the road. It would be eerie if it weren't for the fact that I'm with Karl.

Thankfully, it isn't long before Karl pulls into a familiar spot—an overlook on a hill that offers a breathtaking view of the town below. It's a place we used to escape to back when we were married, our own secret little sanctuary where we could come to hide from the demands and expectations of our hectic lives.

"Oh my god,” I say with a gasp as he pulls in. “I forgot about this place.”

Karl chuckles. “That's why I didn't want to tell you,” he says. “I wanted it to be a surprise. Should we get out?”

I nod excitedly, even though I know it's cold out. “Yes, let's.”

As I step out of the car, a gust of cold wind cuts through me, and I shiver in my dress. The panoramic view of the town twinkling with lights beneath the night sky is as enchanting as ever, though, and I wrap my arms around my shoulders as we approach the lookout railing.

“It's beautiful,” I murmur as I look down at the scene that lies below me. The town is bright with twinkling lights; everyone is decorating for the holidays, and it's turned the scenery into a vibrant landscape of different colors.

“I still come here a lot, you know,” Karl says, sticking his hands in his trouser pockets. “When I need to think.”

I take a glance over at Karl, taking in his stoic appearance. His hair is ruffled ever so slightly by the breeze. But I shiver again as another wind blows through, and suddenly I wish I had brought a jacket instead of a simple cardigan.

Karl, noticing my discomfort, takes off his jacket without a word. Before I can protest, he turns toward me and drapes it around my shoulders. The warmth and scent of his jacket envelop me, offering some solace from the winter chill

“You sure?” I murmur, meeting his gaze.

He simply nods. Then, still without a word, he puts his arm around my shoulders and pulls me close so we can look at the view together.

I stiffen for a brief moment, shocked by the gesture. But then I finally lean my head against Karl's shoulder, gazing out at the town. The tension from earlier begins to ebb away, replaced by a sense of tranquility that only this place can provide.

“You know, I really was so happy to see you and Ethan reunited,” I say softly, my voice carrying a hint of sadness in it. “But now, seeing you and your last surviving brother at odds breaks my heart. Letting Gianna drive a wedge between you two—it's like we're giving her exactly what she wants.” Karl sighs, his arm still wrapped around me. “I know, Abby,” he murmurs. “Believe me, I never wanted this rift to happen.”

There's another long silence as we look out at the landscape below us. The town looks so tiny from here, making all of our silly little lives and drama feel so insignificant. It seems as though Karl feels the same way, too, judging from what he says next.

“I'll try to talk to him,” he says with a hint of determination in his voice. “Tomorrow, I'll see if I can work this out with him. No one else; just me and Ethan.”

I look up at him and see that his brown eyes are filled with determination. That alone gives me hope. “I think you can do it,” I say gently. “You and Ethan always had the strongest bond. Don't let it go to waste.”

Karl's gaze softens as he meets my eyes. “I just want to say...” He pauses, licking his lips, and it's at that moment that I can see his eyes flicker down to my own lips. “..Thank you for being here, Abby. I'm glad to have you by my side during times like this.”

My eyes widen slightly as I look up at Karl, taken aback by his candor. “Karl—"

But he cuts me off with a shake of his head, and reaches up to tuck a stray strand of hair behind my ear.

And then, in that quiet moment under the vast expanse of the night sky, Karl leans down and kisses me. His lips are soft and gentle, and the kiss lingers for what feels like a beautiful eternity. The sensation of it sends a pleasant shiver down my spine and makes me feel warm at the same time. With our lips still locked, I turn toward him and wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer and deepening the kiss. My wolf stirs inside of me, pressuring me to take it even further, and for a moment I almost do.

But I decide that I just want this kiss for now, and nothing more. I slowly pull away, and our forehead lean against one another, our breaths mingling in the cold winter air.

"Abby, I—" Karl begins to whisper, but now I'm the one who cuts him off.

“Look,” I say, pulling away just enough to look up at the sky. “It's snowing.”

Karl follows my gaze. The sky is dotted with delicate snowflakes, falling gently from above. The world around us is slowly transforming into a winter wonderland, and soon the town is going to be covered in a fresh blanket of snow.

Neither of us says anything for a long time. We just hold each other, my head resting on Karl's warm chest, as we look out at the snowy expanse.

And in this moment, I'm content. Nothing else matters.

Nothing else exists except for us and the snow.