Chasing His Kickass Luna Back novel Chapter 83

Karl

The mahogany door clicks shut behind me as I step into the conference room.

Members of the council, influential businessmen and entrepreneurs who hold significant power in the community, are already seated around the long table. I can feel the weight of their expectations hanging in the air, but right now, my thoughts are preoccupied with something—or rather, someone—else.

Before I can approach the table, my secretary, Gianna, is waiting by the door for me. “Good morning, Alpha Karl,” she says, her voice low and even as usual. “Nice to see you after all this time.”

I nod as I slip my jacket off and hang it on the hook. “I’m glad to be back.”

“And you’re staying, I presume?” she asks, her eyes glinting with something unreadable.

For a moment, I feel almost like I’m being put on the spot. The others are preoccupied with their preparations, but Gianna’s gaze is unwavering. I always knew that she disapproved of my… adventure out to the city to win Abby back, but there’s something else in her gaze. Something I can’t quite put my finger on.

“We’ll see,” I say, trying to be vague.

Gianna blinks slowly before handing me the meeting’s agenda in a leather bound folder. As she does, our fingers brush, and she leans in.

“Sir, I know this might not be my place, but I heard that your… ex-wife is staying with you. Is that correct?”

Her sudden choice of words gives me pause, especially in this setting. Slowly turning to face her, I can’t help but notice a subtle furrow of her brows, a tightening around her eyes. “And if she is, would that be that a problem?” I ask, keeping my voice neutral.

“No, not a problem,” she says, but her hesitation tells me otherwise. “Just… be careful around her, Karl. You know how things were.”

I look at her squarely. “Abby never cheated on me. The gardener manipulated the situation. Let’s not forget that.”

Gianna’s expression shifts, a hint of guilt flashing across her eyes, but before I can question it further, the room settles into a hushed silence, signaling the meeting's commencement. Gianna takes her seat, and I push my concerns aside, focusing on the task at hand.

“Let’s get started,” I say, scanning the room. “First on the agenda—”

The meeting progresses smoothly enough. Various issues are discussed: business acquisitions, investment opportunities, community initiatives. But it’s the last item on the agenda that makes my stomach tighten.

My brother’s condition.

“As you all may know,” the local renowned physician and member of the council, Dr. Thompson, begins, “your brother may be waking up from his coma soon. How does that affect your position as Alpha?”

All eyes are on me, probing, scrutinizing. I maintain my composure. “I welcome it. If he wakes up, maybe a little friendly competition for the role of Alpha wouldn’t be a bad thing.” Of course, my words are couched in a hint of humor. But at the same time, I can’t entirely deny the fact that there’s a bit of truth behind my words.

I’ve been the Alpha here for years. No matter how much I love my brother, I won’t give up my position so easily. And besides, who’s to say that he’ll even be physically able to lead our pack?

A low murmur courses through the room at my words. Then Mark, a council member who’s always been vocal about his opinions, speaks up.

“But you’ve been working at a restaurant in the city, haven’t you, Karl?” he asks.

I shrug. “That is correct,” I say. “And what of it?”

Mark pauses, then shoots me an apprehensive look. “Perhaps being Alpha isn’t your top priority.”

The words hang heavy in the air, and I can feel the atmosphere shift, the tension climbing up a notch. I look him straight in the eyes.