Chasing His Kickass Luna Back

Karl

So far, the plans to have Abby's staff cater for the library building event are going well. Abby was very receptive to the idea, and now her staff is all here.

I'm certain that this event will be great press, not just for the election, but also for Abby and her restaurant. And even though this election is important to me, so is helping Abby.

As the meeting finally comes to an end, though, I can feel my heart beginning to race ever so slightly. It's time to talk to Chloe and Leah.

I did make a promise, after all; and I'm no longer in the business of not keeping my promises. If Abby wants me to talk to her friends, then I'll do exactly that. And I'll do a damn good job of it, too. I'm not about to let Chloe and Leah, especially Chloe, walk out of here with a bad taste in their mouth.

I turn to face Chloe, Leah, and Abby, who exchange wary glances. Abby knows what's coming next, and I know she’s a bit embarrassed. Hell, I'm even a little embarrassed too, but I won't show it.

The atmosphere is tense, and I can feel my wolf bristle with unease. Chloe, in particular, shoots me a glare that could cut through steel, and I can't help but inwardly question the state of our supposedly improved relationship.

Putting on a smile, I muster my most diplomatic tone. “Chloe, Leah, could I talk to you two for a minute?”

Chloe's apprehension is palpable, and she shoots me a skeptical look as she folds her arms across her chest. “What could you possibly need to “talk’ to me about?” she retorts.

I have to hold in a sigh. It's clear that Chloe is upset—no, more than upset. Furious. But regardless, I push aside the unease gnawing at me and maintain my composure. “I just want to set the record straight,” I say evenly.

Abby steps in, her voice gentle but pleading. “Chloe, please, hear Karl out.:

Chloe hesitates for a moment before relenting with a reluctant nod. Leah, standing beside her, seems more open to the idea. “Alright, Karl,” Chloe concedes, her tone less confrontational. “I guess we can “talk’.”

I lead them to my office, and they take seats in front of my desk. Abby leans against the windowsill, watching from a safe distance as though she expects her friends to explode like dynamite once I tell them everything. And honestly, I don't blame her.

Chloe wastes no time in unleashing her accusations. The second the door is closed, she whirls on me, her tone biting. “So, Karl,” she begins, her voice sharp and accusatory, “what is it you wanted to “talk’ about? Because I think I already know what the deal is here.”

"Oh?" I ask, exchanging an almost imperceptible glance with Abby. “And what would that be?” Chloe scoffs. “You two are totally sleeping together,” she says. “I can see it all over both of you. And honestly, Karl, I'm appalled that you're doing this to her. After what you put her through—"

"Chloe, please,” Abby chimes in, “don’t jump to conclusions. Just hear what he has to say.”

“I fail to understand why any of us should listen to anything this guy has to say, Abby,” Chloe retorts before turning back to me. “You've hurt Abby before, and now it seems like you're trying to pull her away from the city. How long do you plan on keeping her here, hm? Is all of this really to keep her safe, or is it just another one of your schemes to win her back? To manipulate her?”

"Oh my god,” Abby mutters, passing her hand over her face. “Chloe, it's not like that.”

“Listen,” I say, sitting down in my chair, “I completely understand why you're worried about Abby, Chloe. And I fully understand why you're so distrusting of me. I get it, alright? But Abby is an adult.” Abby nods, taking a tentative step closer. “I'm not a child, Chloe,” she says softly. “I love you, and I appreciate your concern, but I'd really appreciate it if you could just try to be a little more understanding right now. Besides, you don't even know the full story.”

Chloe sighs, her anger giving way to a sense of helplessness. “I do know that,” she admits, softening a little, “but I just can't forget how heartbroken you were because of him. I've tried, I've really tried, but...”