Chasing His Kickass Luna Back novel Chapter 381

Abby

As we burst out of the restaurant, I feel the chilly night air hit my face, a stark contrast to the heated atmosphere we just left behind.

“I can’t believe it,” Karl hisses under his breath as he pulls me further and further away from the restaurant. “That lying little…”

Karl’s grip on my hand is like iron. I can tell he’s furious, and for good reason; but I can also tell that he’s not necessarily in the right headspace right now. I stop suddenly in the middle of the sidewalk, tugging my hand free from his grip.

“Karl,” I say, my voice trembling with a mix of emotions that I can’t even begin to describe, “what are you going to do about all of this?”

Karl stops as well, his shoulders slumping, and he lets out a deep sigh. He’s silent for a long time, his body shaking with anger, before he finally runs a hand through his hair in frustration. “Honestly, Abby,” he begins, “I wanted this election against my brother to be amicable, you know? But it just doesn’t seem like it’s going to be possible at this point. Not after… whatever that was.”

My heart aches for him, and I reach out to touch his arm gently. “Do you think you’ll have time to rectify things before the election is announced?” I ask. “I’d hate to see you and Ethan be at such odds throughout the entire election.”

Karl’s gaze is distant, and he throws his hands up in exasperation.

“I’m not sure, Abby,” he says, his eyes finally meeting mine. They’re full of pain and anger.

“There has to be something you can do,” I insist. “He’s your brother, Karl. All those years ago, when his family took you in…”

My voice trails off before I can finish my thought. We both know what I’m referring to.

Years ago, when Karl was just a child, Ethan’s family took him in. Karl was an orphan with no memory of his real family, but it didn’t matter. From that day forward, Ethan’s family was Karl’s family. There were three brothers including Karl and Ethan, and it was a happy family.

Until, that is, a strange illness wiped all of them out. The doctors say it was genetic, which was why Karl was spared. Ethan barely made it out alive; if it weren’t for his wolf putting him into a coma at the last moment, he wouldn’t have survived.

“I doubt it,” Karl says, breaking my train of thought. “Gianna has been sowing the seeds of manipulation while Ethan was in his coma for years now. She knew exactly what she was doing. And now that she’s also Ethan’s campaign manager, she’s got him wrapped around her little finger.”

“Surely we can help him see the truth,” I say. “If we show him the emails, the proof—”

But Karl shakes his head. “Abby, I’ve tried,” he says. “Trust me, I’ve tried. He just won’t see logic here. He’s lovestruck and manipulated. I don’t think he’s going to see the light anytime soon—or maybe even ever.”

Looking at Karl, seeing him like this, makes my heart break. I feel a pang of guilt, knowing that my presence at the dinner may have only added fuel to the fire. “Karl, I’m so sorry,” I whisper, my voice barely audible over the sounds of the cars on the street.

Karl’s eyes widen in surprise. Without a word, he steps closer, holding me gently by both shoulders. He places his hand under my chin and tilts my face up, making me look at him. “Abby, how is this your fault?” he murmurs, his eyes searching my face.