Chasing His Kickass Luna Back

Over the next hour, I get to work scrubbing, shaving, plucking, and rinsing, followed by styling my hair and putting on my makeup. I opt for an understated shimmery eyeshadow since I'll be wearing a mask, and a plum red lip—a color which, thanks to Elsie, is now my favorite on myself.

Then, I carefully slip into the stunning midnight blue dress. It fits perfectly, just as I remembered. Now, all I need is the mask.

Standing in front of the mirror, I carefully slip the Venetian mask on and fasten the ribbons. My eyes widen as I finally see the finished product. It's...

“Beautiful,” my wolf says, just as amazed as I am. “Abby, he’s going to love it.”

It's true; the hair and makeup I've done have transformed me into someone I hardly recognize. The masquerade gown fits perfectly, and the mask adds an air of mystery to my appearance.

“He won't be able to take his eyes off of you,” my wolf continues. “That's for sure.”

Blushing at her thoughts, I take a deep breath and smile slightly. “Remember, this isn't only for Karl,” I find myself saying mentally, more to myself than to her.

And yet, no matter how much I try to hide it, I can’t help but imagine what Karl's reaction will be. Finally, with a deep breath, I decide that I'm ready for the party. I head out of the room, making my way down the grand staircase. But as I reach the top of the stairs, I pause, gazing at my reflection one more time in a nearby mirror.

Am I really ready for this?

What will people think? Will they recognize me? What will this mean for my relationship with Karl? What will it mean for me, for Abby, for the life I've created without... him?

But as I stand there, looking at myself in the mirror and the dim light of the hallway, the sounds of the party already in full swing float through the air, beckoning for me. Maybe for tonight, just tonight, it's okay to give in to the fantasy a little bit.

And maybe, just maybe, I can just enjoy the party, enjoy Karl's eye's on me... Enjoy his arm around my waist, just like when we were married.

The lingering doubts are dispelled by a surge of determination. With renewed confidence, I take another deep breath and make my way downstairs to join the masquerade.

The scene that greets me is a dazzling spectacle. Guests dressed in elegant masks and gowns mill about, laughter and chatter filling the air. It's so much more than I expected, but it's so wonderful. It seems as though the idea of a masquerade was taken well, and I can see the excited guests touching their masks, playing along with the idea of mystery and intrigue.

And I blend in perfectly; no one bats an eye, and no one recognizes me. Here, I'm not Abby the failure, Abby the fraud, Abby the chef who ruined the Alpha gathering, Abby the ex-Luna.

Here, I'm just a girl in a Venetian mask and a midnight blue dress.

But as I scan the crowd, I can’t seem to find Karl anywhere. My heart sinks for a moment, and I start to feel a little naked as I stand here. The sea of masks makes it difficult to recognize anyone, and for a moment, I almost consider slipping away.

Just as I'm about to turn away, the crowd on the dance floor begins to part, and my eyes widen as I see him. There he stands, in his mask, looking every bit as handsome and enigmatic as I imagined. Our gazes lock, and for a moment, it's as if the world fades away.

Karl extends his hand, and I place mine in his, our fingers entwining. He leans closer, his mask brushing against the skin of my neck as he whispers to me.

“May I have this dance?”