Chasing His Kickass Luna Back novel Chapter 205

Karl

I was sitting in my apartment one night after work, flipping through N*****x with a glass of whiskey in my hand, when my phone buzzed on the coffee table. Picking it up, I let out a soft sigh. It was Marcus, and it was late. It wasn’t like him to call this late at night. We had only just spoken a couple of days ago, at Abby’s clean-up party, too.

“Marcus, what’s the matter?”

I could hear him sigh through the phone. “Karl, you might have to pack your bags and come home. Sooner rather than later.”

I frowned. “Last week you told me things were stable. What changed?”

“It’s your brother. The doctor came by. He’s showing signs of improvement, Karl. Doc says it might be just a matter of weeks before he wakes up.”

My eyes widened slightly, and I sat up. I knew that he was improving, but I didn’t think it would happen so soon. “Weeks? Are you sure?”

“Yes, I asked him twice to confirm. He’s showing responses, moving in his sleep. Vital signs are improving. It’s not certain, but it’s possible.”

A long pause filled the air. I wasn’t sure what to say. My brother waking up should have been good news, but Marcus and I both knew the implications; that my brother might want to take back control of the pack when he woke up. And I wasn’t about to give up so easily.

“Is that it?” I asked, maybe a little more bitter than I intended.

He sighed. “Listen, the pack is restless, Karl. Your absence is making people question your leadership. And your brother waking up? They’re saying maybe it’s time for the ‘true Alpha’ to come back and lead.”

Anger shot through my veins. “The true Alpha? Are you kidding me? I’ve been leading the pack in his absence!”

“And I’ve been defending you, Karl, but I’m just one guy. With you gone, people are talking. You’ve been chasing after Abby and they think you’re neglecting your pack. You know how gossip spreads.”

His words stung, but the shame that followed hurt more. I had been preoccupied with Abby, I knew that. Marcus was just voicing what I had been ignoring for too long.

“So what are you suggesting, Marcus? Should I abandon everything here and come back immediately?”

“I’m suggesting that you think about your priorities, Karl. Your brother’s recovery could be a game-changer. If he wakes up and you’re not here to navigate the transition, the pack’s loyalty might shift.”

“I get it. I really do. I’ve been neglecting my duties. But I’ve got commitments here too, Marcus. Abby has the cook-off next week and I need to be here for her.”

Marcus sighed. “The cook-off?”

“I know how it sounds,” I said, “but she’s important to me, too. I can’t just abandon her.”

“Karl, listen,” Marcus said, “I’m not trying to sway you one way or the other. I’m just telling you the news.”

“I know,” I murmured. “I’m grateful for your honesty, though, Marcus. You know you’re a good Beta to me.”

“Thanks, Karl,” Marcus replied.

I sighed then and passed my hand over my face. “Alright. Here’s what I’ll do: I’ll finish the cook-off, and then I’ll come back home. One week. I won’t make any more commitments here until everything’s settled with the pack. How does that sound?”

Her words make my stomach feel lighter. “Thanks, Abby. That means a lot.”

There’s a charged silence between us. For a moment, I want to kiss her. But then the night of the party flashes through my mind, and I know I can’t. I can’t be rejected again, not now.

“But I promise I’ll visit, Abby,” I find myself saying. “And… you’re always welcome to come to my home, too. I meant what I said about you always having a place there.”

She smiles, a genuine but hesitant expression. “I wouldn’t want to impose. You have enough on your plate.”

I chuckle. “Imposing? Abby, you’d never be an imposition. My home will always be open to you. It was our home once, too.”

“Well, then… maybe I’ll take you up on that offer sometime,” she says, her eyes twinkling as she gazes up at me. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll surprise you with another visit soon.”

The tension in the air eases, replaced by an unspoken understanding between us. My wolf is restless, sensing the finality in our conversation, yet I know this is the right decision. I can’t ignore my responsibilities any longer; it’s time to be the Alpha I’m supposed to be, even if it means leaving Abby behind, at least for now.

Our eyes meet, and in that moment, a myriad of emotions pass between us—regret, gratitude, maybe even a sliver of hope. With a final nod, I take a step back, putting a bit of distance between us.

“So, I’ll see you tomorrow,” I say, shooting her a smile. I point at the index cards on her desk and wink. “Keep practicing.”

Abby blushes and begins shuffling the cards together into a small pile. “I will. And don’t be late tomorrow, alright? Just because you’re leaving us doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for your next shift.”

I nod, a smirk tugging at the corners of my lips. “Wouldn’t dream of it, boss.”