Chasing His Kickass Luna Back novel Chapter 229

Abby

The stage lights are blinding, but I try to focus on the announcer standing across from me. His voice reverberates through the microphone as he begins his script.

“Ladies and Gentlemen… Welcome to the annual Alpha party cooking competition! I’m your host, Heinrich Williams, and today I’m proud to announce…”

One by one, the contestants and judges are introduced. Their faces are projected onto giant screens that hang above us, and with each announcement, the audience cheers and applauds excitedly. The announcer then asks each person a couple of questions, giving them time to promote themselves before the show begins.

As I’m waiting for my turn, though, all I can feel is crippling, soul-crushing fear. How do I look? How will the audience respond? What will I say when it’s my turn to talk? I wasn’t expecting all of this, and all I can think is that maybe if I had showed up on time this morning, maybe I wouldn’t be feeling so unprepared.

But all the while, Karl stands beside me, steady as a rock. When I glance over at him, I catch his brown eyes glinting in the light of the stage lights, and something about it is grounding.

In an odd way, I’m almost glad to have him here. I thought that it would be a disaster not to have John by my side, but this feels like a happy accident. My wolf roils inside of me at his presence, attracted to his scent and closeness as if he’s a lifeline in a stormy sea.

“And now,” the announcer booms, pulling me back to reality, “a chef who captured your hearts with her interview yesterday. With her unconventional staff and eloquent words about inclusivity in the culinary world—please give a warm welcome to Abby!”

Suddenly, the crowd erupts into cheers, louder and more excitedly than I could have ever imagined.

I blink in surprise.

Signs, actual signs with my name on them, being held up by people in the audience. The word ‘Abby’ is written in colorful letters, hearts dotting the ‘i’ in phrases like “Go Abby!” and “Team Abby”.

I feel Karl nudge my arm gently, a signal for me to step forward. My shoes click against the stage floor as I move stiffly toward the microphone, my heart still racing but now in a different way than before.

Is it true? Do people… really like me?