Chasing His Kickass Luna Back

Karl takes a deep breath, his gaze flickering to me for the briefest of moments, before he begins. “I have an election coming up, and having a family will significantly boost my approval ratings,” he explains. “On the other hand, as you know, Abby is currently facing allegations regarding her restaurant and the Alpha party food poisoning incident.”

"And how the hell will a fake relationship help her?” Chloe interjects, shooting me a concerned look. “By presenting ourselves as a united front, not only will she be physically safer,” Karl explains unwaveringly, “but I can also stand by her side and help her through it. The court might be more likely to believe her story if she has a powerful Alpha supporting her.”

“Chloe, there are layers to what happened at the Alpha party that the police are still trying to uncover,” I add. “It's a dangerous situation. It seems very likely that I was framed by someone who wishes to bring harm to a Luna's children. If whoever orchestrated this finds out I've been talking to the police, I could be in danger.”

Chloe's brows furrow as she tries to process everything we've just told her. It's clear that she softened a bit at the mention of my safety, but her skepticism still lingers, and she crosses her arms defensively.

“I guess that's all well and good,” she says, “but it still feels fishy. Abby is only doing this for her restaurant, isn't she? Is there some other catch to sweeten the deal?”

I exchange a quick glance with Karl. He left out a crucial part of our arrangement to protect our privacy, and I appreciate that, but I know it's time to come clean—about one thing, at least. I don't need to mention our more... personal arrangement, but if I actually do wind up having a baby someday, they'll obviously find out.

And I can't hide something so significant from my best friends. I want them to be there every step of the way through the treatments, the ups and the downs, the potential outcomes.

I want them to be there if the treatments work and I finally get to have the baby I've always wanted, and I also want them to be there if the treatments don’t work.

With a deep breath, I finally speak up, having made up my mind. “Chloe, you're right,” I admit. “There is something more to it.”

Chloe's eyes flash. “I knew it,” she mutters. “You two are totally sleeping together. After everything he did, Abby, you're going to hook up with him?”

I swallow, exchanging another brief glance with Karl. His eyes are wide, and it's clear that he wasn't expecting me to bring any of this up. But it's too late now.

“It's not that,” I say. “Karl is helping me find treatment to address my... infertility.”

Chloe and Leah's eyes widen in shock. They exchange incredulous glances, and Leah steps forward, giving me a cautious look. “Really, Abby?” she says gently. “Is that true?”

I nod. Even though my heart is practically pounding out of my chest, I've made my decision. I want these treatments to work, I want to have a baby, and I want my friends to be on board with it. They deserve to know. And I'd like to think I deserve the support.

“I know it sounds crazy,” I say, “but you guys know I've always wanted this. So yes, there is something extra to sweeten the deal. And I made my own decision, as an adult, to take it.”

"But Abby,” Chloe says, standing now and pointing incredulously at Karl, who's still seated behind his desk, “how the hell is he supposed to help you heal your infertility?”