Chasing His Kickass Luna Back novel Chapter 88

Abby

I stand by the long table, the air thick with the scent of gourmet hors d'oeuvres and sparkling wine. Idly, I pick up a tiny pastry, turning it this way and that before setting it back on the plate.

As if to steel my nerves and try not to think about what Karl is saying to Gianna in the other room, I’m arranging the treats into some semblance of symmetry when a familiar voice that I haven’t heard in years suddenly pulls me away from my thoughts.

“Abby, darling! It’s so good to see you again!”

I turn to find Rebecca, the wife of one of the Betas, her face glowing with genuine delight. I flash a smile, the corners of my lips straining just a bit.

“Sarah, it’s been too long! How have you been?”

She glides over, her high heels clicking against the polished floor. “Oh, you know, busy with pack life, community events, all that jazz. But never mind me; look at you! You’re stunning as ever!”

I chuckle, trying to deflect the attention. “Thank you. You look absolutely fabulous tonight.”

We share a few pleasantries, talking about fashion and the unusually mild weather we’ve been experiencing. But the conversation takes a turn when Sarah skillfully steers it into more personal waters.

“So, Abby,” she says, her eyes twinkling, “I couldn’t help but notice how cozy you and Karl have been tonight. Is there a chance for reconciliation? The pack could really use a union like that, you know.”

My cheeks flush. “Sarah, I’m flattered, but no. We’re friends, and I prefer it that way. So yes, I suppose we’ve reconciled in that regard, but not in a romantic sense.”

Sarah looks a bit disappointed, but understanding at the same time. “Ah, I see. Well, either way, I’m glad he made that announcement tonight. I’ll admit, I was a bit worried when I saw you—thinking that our Alpha was getting back with a cheater and all that—but to find out that it was all just a mistake…”

Caught off guard, I hesitate before answering. “Yes, it was a mistake. I hope that the word gets out.”

Sarah’s eyes light up. “Oh, of course,” she says, smirking. “You know me; I’ll make sure all of my girlfriends hear about it. I’m sure a lot of people will be relieved. You two were always the golden couple, after all. Lots of hearts were broken when the marriage ended.”

I shift uncomfortably, unsure of how to respond. Yes, I’m sure a lot of hearts were broken. Especially mine.

“Well,” she beams before I have to come up with an answer, “I should mingle. But really, it was nice seeing you. And the food was delightful.”

“Thank you,” I say, relieved. “You should come visit my restaurant sometime.”

“I might have to do just that.”

With that, she gives me a quick hug, her perfume wafting around me like a cloud, and then moves on to mingle with other guests, leaving me to my plate of hors d’oeuvres.

Despite the surface-level cheeriness of our conversation, I feel drained now. I didn’t expect to field questions about Karl and me so openly, so soon.

My fingers lightly touch the edge of the table, steadying myself. Each word from our conversation echoes in my head, their implications adding weight to the heavy thoughts already occupying my mind.

Sarah meant well—I know she did. She’s always been one of the more empathetic wives in the pack. But even well-intended conversations can pull you underwater when you’re already struggling to stay afloat.

I glance around the room, the elegant crowd still buzzing with energy, but I find myself disconnected from it all.