Chasing His Kickass Luna Back

Abby

The tow company finally arrives, bringing my car—well, Karl's car—back from the snowy ditch where it had been abandoned during the incident. I stand by, anxiously watching as they unload the car and bring it back to its rightful place in the driveway.

Karl stands beside me, his hands tucked into his coat pockets, a warm and amused smile on his face as he watches me fret over the car. When the tow truck driver finally finishes unfastening the car and placing it back in the driveway, Karl and I walk over to take a closer look.

“There's no damage as far as I can see,” the tow truck driver says as we approach. “But you're welcome to take a look for yourself.”

Karl nods and takes a step closer, inspecting the car for any dents or scrapes, but thankfully there are none. “Looks good to me,” Karl says with a smile. “Thanks for your services.”

The tow truck driver gives Karl a curt nod and returns to his truck to get our bill. As we wait, I turn to Karl, feeling a pang of guilt in my chest. “I'm so sorry for running your car into a ditch,” I say, my voice filled with genuine remorse. “I really couldn't see anything on that road.”

Karl chuckles, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he shakes his head. “Abby, it's really fine,” he reassures me. “There's no damage, and the most important thing is that you're safe.”

I offer a weak smile, still feeling bad about the whole situation. “At least let me pay for the tow truck,” I offer, reaching for my wallet.

But before I can do anything, Karl stops me, gently placing a hand on mine to prevent me from getting my wallet. “No need, Abby,” he says, shaking his head. “I've got it all covered.”

I watch as he pays the tow truck driver, feeling a mix of gratitude and a touch of embarrassment. He hands the driver a wad of cash, and with the payment all set, the driver hops back into his truck and drives off.

“Karl, you don't have to keep paying for everything,” I say quietly, my cheeks tinted with a hint of pink.

He gives me a sideways glance, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “What do you mean?”

I blush a bit deeper, struggling to find the right words. “I mean, you've been so generous since I've been here. You showered me with gifts, paid for meals, even offered to pay for my dress, and now this. You're... spoiling me.”

Karl's expression softens, and he gives me a warm smile. “Abby, it's not about spoiling you. I just feel like, as a man, I should step up to the plate, especially after everything that happened between us in the past—all of the mistakes I've made. If I can make your time here a little more comfortable, then I want to do that.”

I look down at my feet, feeling touched by his words. “Thank you, Karl,” I murmur, my voice barely more than a whisper. “But you really don't have to do all of this. I can pay for myself if the need arises.”

Karl tilts his head, studying me for a moment before he speaks. “I know you can pay for yourself,” he says. “But I want to pay for you whenever I can. Will you let me?”

I meet his gaze, and for a moment, I feel a rush of emotions welling up inside of me. Karl has always been protective of me, even though we're divorced

“Alright,” I say with a weak smile and a soft sigh. “Thank you, Karl.”

“It's nothing. Really.”

We walk over to the car, and I begin to take my belongings out of it. My dress, a little cold still from the night in the car, is still perfectly intact. The mask isn't cracked or anything from the cold, which is a relief.

But as I look at them, a thought crosses my mind.

"You know,” I begin, “what about the holiday party in a couple of days? After everything that happened, do you think I should go?”

Karl considers my words, his brow furrowing slightly. “Abby, it's entirely up to you. Of course I want you there. But if you're not comfortable going, then don't feel obligated to attend.”

I chew on my lower lip, debating with myself. On one hand, I don't want fear to control my life, as that would just be letting those two guys win in the end. But on the other hand, the idea of attending a party, even a holiday one, seems a little daunting after what happened. Right now, I just kind of want to curl up in bed and not see anyone.

But then, my wolf stirs inside me, and I can feel her urging me to go.

"You should go, Abby,” she says, sounding hopeful. “It'll be good for you. And for your relationship with Karl, too.”

I almost blush. “There is no relationship,” I reply. “Not yet, at least...”

My wolf bristles in response. “Come on, Abby. You know what you want.”

I hate to admit it, but my wolf is right; I do want to attend the party, to be by Karl's side. And besides, wallowing in bed probably won't help in the slightest. I came out of that situation last night mostly unscathed, and I should just focus on that instead of on what could have happened.

Finally, after a moment of contemplation, I nod. “You know what, Karl? I think I will go to the party. It might be nice to dance, enjoy some good food and drinks, and just forget about everything for a while.”

Karl smiles, looking a bit relieved. “I'm glad to hear that, Abby. And if you ever change your mind or need to leave early, just let me know. I won't hold it against you.”

I return his smile and thank him for understanding. As he heads back inside, mentioning a meeting with his campaign manager, Sarah, I'm left alone once again with my thoughts.

Later, as I sit in my room, I can't seem to stop thinking about the events of last night—and for good reason. After all, it was nearly a disaster, and I might not have even been able to defend myself despite my wolf. It's been years since I've properly trained.

I should be able to defend myself, and I've grown rusty.

Standing with a soft sigh, I glance at my reflection in the mirror.

My eyes fall on my figure, and I can't help but notice the changes that have occurred over the years. Most of my muscle mass from my previous training has faded, and I feel a bit out of shape. My wolf, who has been dormant for all these years, hasn't helped in that regard either.

I run a hand over my stomach, feeling a little self-conscious about the slight softness I've developed. It's not just about self-defense; it's also about feeling confident in my own skin.

I wonder if it's time to start training again, to regain the strength and confidence I once had.

My wolf's return has changed everything, and maybe it's time for me to change, too, and not always rely on being saved