Chasing His Kickass Luna Back

Karl doesn't falter. Instead, he doubles down, his actions taking a surprising turn. Releasing his grip on my waist, he strides over to a discarded plate that's sitting on a table, where a bread roll lays untouched.

“Karl, what are you doing?” I hiss, following him.

But Karl doesn’t respond. Instead, he grabs the bread roll and takes a big bite out of it, his hand still firmly over his heart as he chews and swallows. The room ripples with another wave of nervous murmurs, and I can feel my face turn a bright shade of beet red.

“If 1 get sick from this,” he finally declares once he's swallowed, his voice carrying through the room, “then everyone will know. And if I fall ill, I will reveal the truth, no matter what it is. My Alpha honor is at stake.”

A hush falls over the crowd, and the atmosphere becomes charged with the weight of Karl's words. The solemnity of making a pledge on his Alpha Honor is not taken lightly among the pack members.

My heart races faster than ever. “Karl, you don't have to do this,” I whisper, reaching out to grab his arm. “You don't have to.”

But he just gives me a subtle wink, a glint of confidence in his eyes. He then addresses the crowd once more, reaffirming his belief in me.

"Abby is an amazing chef. She would never make people sick, especially not on purpose. None of this was her fault.”

I feel frozen to my spot, utterly shocked by Karl's unwavering support. I'm not sure whether I should be flattered or worried—maybe both.

The murmurs continue, but this time, they're filled with uncertainty. Saying something on one's Alpha Honor is no laughing matter, and everyone present knows the gravity of Karl's promise.

But then Karl speaks again. It seems as though this isn't over. “And on that matter,” he says, “I have another announcement tonight.”

My heart skips a beat, and I look at him with wide eyes, wondering what he’s about to reveal.

"Your suspicions were true,” he continues, and the crowd seems to close in, their curiosity piqued. I have a sinking feeling about where this is headed, and it terrifies me.

Karl's voice carries across the room as he makes a shocking announcement. “Abby and I are back together, and I intend to make her my wife again. In fact, we plan on starting a family soon.”

The room falls into an astonished silence, and my breath catches in my throat. How could he announce something so untrue and unexpected? Not only that we're back together, but also planning to start a family?

Karl turns to me, his hand seeking mine, and I can feel the eyes of the entire pack on us. He looks at me with a glint in his eyes, one that I can’t quite decipher this time. But then it happens; the situation takes an even worse turn.

He wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me close; and before I can stop him, he’s kissing me. The crowd murmurs with excitement, but all I can hear is the beating of my own heart...

And Karl's voice in my mind.

“I'll explain everything later.”

I respond through our Mindlink, my thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and anger. “There's nothing to explain.”

As he releases me from the kiss, I catch a glimpse of his determined expression. Without a word, I pick up the hem of my gown and flee, pushing through the crowd.

I can't stay here, not when Karl has just announced something so far from the truth. The room is a blur of excitement and confusion behind me as I make my escape, leaving Karl and his shocking announcement behind.

And as I rush away, my heart pounds in my chest, my hands gripping the hem of my dress more tightly than ever.