Chasing His Kickass Luna Back novel Chapter 13

Abby

He looms over me, his jaw clenched. His anger seems to win out over his attempt to shield his emotions from me. The sheer power radiating off him makes me want to back down and submit to him.

I shake my head to clear my thoughts and take a step back. He might be an Alpha, but that doesn’t mean I should let him get away with everything. I don’t need to submit to him, and I have no intention of doing so ever again. If he thinks he can intimidate me, he’s wrong. I stand up straighter and stare him in the eye.

“Engaged?” he snarls. “To whom?”

I cross my arms, creating a further barrier between us. I refuse to back down. “His name’s Adam Mitchell, and he’s great. He’s my partner, and he really cares about me. No matter what, he believes in me. He thinks I’m competent and loyal.”

I only say the last part to get under his skin, but I can’t help myself. It’s not like he doesn't deserve it after everything.

Karl growls in answer, and unease pools in my gut. I have a feeling that the growl came from his wolf more than anything. He turns away and runs his hands through his hair, clearly trying to get a grip on his anger. I wait quietly for him to sort himself out.

I was just as surprised when Adam proposed to me, but I haven’t second guessed my answer. Even though we haven’t been going out for very long, I really like him. I think we could be really good together, and we have time to get to know each other, anyway. Things move fast in our world, and we both want the same things. That’s what really matters.

“Did you say Adam Mitchell?” he finally says, turning to look at me again. His expression has smoothed out, but there’s a sort of blankness to it. He’s trying to keep me out. Though, I can’t help but wonder if it’s really hurt that he’s trying to mask, not his fury.

“Yes?”

“Shit, I know him.” He shakes his head. “He’s the latest restaurant investor to make a name for himself.”

“His investment in your pack should make you a fortune as well,” I say. “If you’re good to me, that is. You should give me your blessing to start a new life.” I’m not really expecting him to do so, but I figure it doesn’t hurt to ask. It would certainly make life easier if he did give me his blessing.

He shakes his head with a dry laugh. “I’m not interested in a business deal, but thanks.”

I’m not sure why he thinks he has the right to sound so bitter. Shouldn’t I be the bitter one? It’s been three years. Three years. Why is he doing this now, after all this time?

“I don’t know what to tell you, Karl. I’m happy with my new life.”

He takes a sudden step toward me, a pleading look in his eyes. “Let’s just start over,” he says, reaching for my hand. I move my arms behind my back, and he drops his to his side. “I can do better than him.”

Maybe this isn’t even about me. He just can’t stand the thought of another man having something that ‘belongs’ to him. I can’t believe he thought I’d take him back after everything. It’s not as simple as just starting over. I still don’t even know why he left me in the first place.

“We can’t go back to the past,” I say. “I can’t focus all of my energy on you like I did back then. If you didn’t believe in me before, then what about now? It’s even less likely.”

I know he’ll never approve of my restaurant business. He hated when I cooked just for fun, let alone as a career. He must know that I have no intention of giving up the thing I love, especially just to get back with him. And how am I supposed to trust that he won’t just leave me again? With no explanation. With nothing.

“We can start over.”