Chasing His Kickass Luna Back novel Chapter 388

Abby

Our feet are sore as we make our way down the quaint market street, but my entire body feels loose and relaxed after the full day of hard work.

It seems as though the first snow yesterday has led everyone to get into the holiday spirit, and the stores are all bursting with people excitedly doing their gift shopping. The storefronts are all festively decorated with vibrant green wreaths and bright red ribbons, and people in equally festive outfits are standing on street corners ringing donation bells.

“I should do some gift shopping while I’m here,” I say, holding my warm cup of hot apple cider between my hands as we walk.

I stop and peer into a chocolate shop window, looking at all of the tantalizing sweets on display. There’s a couple with a little toddler inside, and the toddler is excitedly pointing his tiny little finger at a chocolate rabbit in the case.

“That actually reminds me,” Karl says, following my gaze, “I haven’t even thought about what I’ll be getting for people this year. I was thinking I should treat the staff at home to something nice.”

As he speaks, it reminds me of what Elsie had said earlier. It’s yet another reminder that maybe, just maybe, Karl has changed from the gruff and cold Alpha I used to know into someone who’s a bit warmer and more open.

Karl and I continue walking side by side, weaving our way through the crowds. I steal a quick glance at him as we walk, his profile illuminated by the warm glow of the street lamps.

He looks content, relaxed even, which is a rare sight for the Alpha I used to know. I find myself wanting to break the comfortable silence that has settled between us.

“So, why did you change your mind, Karl?” I finally ask, my voice soft but curious.

He turns to look at me, his expression thoughtful. “Change my mind about what?” he replies, feigning innocence.

I raise an eyebrow, knowing he’s just playing coy. “About volunteering,” I say, not letting him off the hook so easily. “I thought it was ‘below your pay grade’, wasn’t it?”

Karl lets out a sigh. “I know I said that all those years ago,” he says quietly. “And honestly, the only reason why I volunteered today was for publicity before the election.”

I wait patiently for him to continue, knowing that he likely had a change of heart throughout the day.

He takes a sip of his cider before continuing. “But today, I think I realized that it was actually kind of… fun,” he admits. “Helping people, making a difference in their lives, even if it’s in a small way. It felt... fulfilling, to say the least.”

“It’s not just about approval ratings or good press,” I say. “It’s about making a difference and connecting with your community. And it seems like you realized that today.”

He nods. “Yeah, yeah, I know. Who told you, by the way? About the approval ratings?”

I can’t help but smirk. “Marcus.”

“Always Marcus,” Karl says, rolling his eyes although I can tell there’s no real heat in it.

We continue our walk, passing by shops filled with holiday shoppers searching for the perfect gifts. As we approach a cute boutique with a display of baby clothes in the window, though, it makes my heart ache just a little.