Chasing His Kickass Luna Back novel Chapter 72

Karl

I step out of Abby’s office, my heart still pounding. It’s like a battlefield in there with emotional shrapnel all over the place.

But I’m not naive enough to think I’m a mere bystander, oh no. I’m pretty sure I’m the damn cannon that fired the first shot.

“Big moment, huh?” My wolf’s voice resonates through my mind. I’m so focused on the situation between Chloe and Abby that it almost took me by surprise.

“You could say that,” I respond. “Chloe’s not exactly my biggest fan.”

“Well, maybe this is your chance,” he suggests. “Just like you did with John. Bury the hatchet, put aside your differences for Abby’s sake. Start over.”

“I hope so,” I reply, running a hand through my hair. “But Chloe’s different. She’s never liked me, not even at the beginning.”

I recall a camping trip years ago, back when Abby and I were still married. Chloe was there, along with their other friend Leah. A mix-up with the tents meant we all had to share one. God, that was a disaster.

The memory plays out like an old film reel in my mind. Leah, as always, was as chill as ever about the situation while Abby was fairly indifferent. But for Chloe and I, it felt like the end of the world. To share a tent with each other? I knew for a fact that Chloe would have rather died, because she said so herself.

That night, the tent was cramped, the tension palpable. Of course, Chloe and I ended up arguing about something stupid—how to properly set up a sleeping bag or some such nonsense.

It eventually devolved into an all-out brawl. Chloe threw a folding chair. I chased her up the tree. You know, the usual, until Leah and Abby had to step in. They were both in stitches over the ridiculous situation, but it was real as hell for Chloe and I. We hated each other’s guts.

“But was that really all Chloe’s fault?” my wolf chimes in, snapping me back to the present.

“What do you mean?” I ask, genuinely puzzled.

“You were annoyed that you and Abby couldn’t have a private tent for you-know-what. You were looking for a fight, and Chloe was an easy target.”

I chuckle, realizing he’s hit the nail on the head as usual. “Damn, you’re right. I was cranky because I wanted some alone time with Abby, and Chloe got in the way.”

“See? You’re not blameless in all this, and you never have been. But I think that if you go into this conversation recognizing that, maybe it’ll turn out better than you expect.”

I take a deep breath, letting his wisdom settle into my bones. I just hope he’s right. “Okay,” I say, steeling myself. “Let’s do this.”

The restaurant is buzzing with activity—customers chatting, employees hustling. A quick scan and I spot her. Chloe’s seated at one of the patio tables, her arms crossed, jaw clenched. Anyone with half a brain could tell she’s furious. This is gonna be a hard sell.

“You know I can’t just walk away now,” I say as I approach her. She looks up, and if looks could kill, I’d be six feet under.

“Try,” she spits out, narrowing her eyes at me.

Ignoring her daggers, I sit down opposite her, careful to keep a respectful distance. “We need to talk.”