Chasing His Kickass Luna Back Chapter 168

Karl

The silence in the mansion is a stark contrast to the hum of the restaurant. I’m sitting at my desk amidst paperwork, meetings, and preparations for tomorrow’s luncheon. The pack is buzzing with excitement; their Alpha is looking for a date, potentially even a new Luna. It’s the talk of the town, and I feel like a spectacle.

“Karl, we need to go over the security arrangements for tomorrow. Your potential mates must be protected,” Marcus reminds me as he enters the room, a handful of notes in his hands.

I nod, setting aside my pen. “Let’s make it quick. I’ve got a lot on my plate.”

As we talk, I can’t help but think of the irony. Here I am, arranging for a new date to the Alpha party, while Abby… What is she up to, actually? I declined her call the other day, and haven’t heard anything else. Is she doing okay? Is she thriving?

“Karl, you haven’t said a word about the seating arrangements. What are your thoughts?” Marcus asks, pulling me back to reality.

“Just follow the usual protocol, Marcus. I trust your judgment,” I say, trying to focus on the conversation at hand.

He studies me for a moment, his concern evident. “You sure you’re up for this, Karl? You don’t have to go through with it if you’re not ready.”

I sigh, rubbing a hand over my face. “It’s not about being ready. It’s what’s best for the pack,” I say, a mantra I’ve repeated to myself too often lately.

Once Marcus leaves, I rise from my desk, the sense of disquiet growing. I step outside, taking in the expanse of the estate, the manicured lawns, the wild forests beyond. This was supposed to be our domain, Abby’s and mine. What will happen if I introduce a new woman? Will she want to change it? Make it her own? I’m not sure if I want that.

With a sigh, I head back inside. I can hear my staff in the kitchen, gossiping as they prepare for tomorrow’s big luncheon. They’re oblivious to my presence.

“I heard there’s an heiress from another pack coming,” one of the maids says to another. “Imagine the strength that would bring to the pack. To be united with another…”

“Strength isn’t everything,” another replies. “Beauty matters, too. When our Alpha has children, he’ll want to make sure that they’re just as attractive.”

Their words are a blow. I almost want to say something, but I don’t.

Abby and I would have made beautiful children. But our relationship is over, finished, in the past. There’s no use trying to save it anymore. It’s time to move on.

The rest of the day is a blur of paperwork, meetings, and endless discussions about the luncheon. By the time night falls, I’m exhausted, not from the work, but from the principle of it all.

I retire to my study, pouring myself a drink. The amber liquid swirls in the glass, and for a moment, I see her reflection in it—Abby’s smile, the way her eyes crinkles at the corners when she laughs.

I sit in the dark, the only light coming from the fireplace. The flames cast a warm glow, but they can’t warm the chill inside of me. I should be used to Abby’s absence by now, seeing as how it’s been three years since our divorce, but I’m not. I never have been.

And now that I tried to win her back and failed, it’s even worse than before.

But I have to move on.

Tomorrow, I will meet with the women who hope to become my next Luna. Maybe I’ll find a gem among them. Or maybe I’ll find someone who’s just ‘good enough’. Good enough to be Luna, to bear children, to stand by my side. Maybe love isn’t in the cards for me.

I take a sip from the glass, the liquid burning as it goes down my throat. It’s nothing compared to the ache in my heart.

No matter what tomorrow brings, no matter who I meet, they won’t be Abby. They won’t be my Luna.

And as the night stretches on, I can't shake the feeling that no one ever will be. No one except for her.

…

The meeting room is lined with stern faces, pack businesspeople and advisors all waiting for my direction. I’m present as one of the commerce moguls drones on about some new merger, but my mind is elsewhere.

My phone buzzes, and a glance reveals her name lighting up the screen.

Abby.

A pang hits my chest—a mixture of longing and regret—but I can’t answer. I slide the phone aside, silencing the call without a second thought. This is Alpha business; personal matters can wait. Maybe forever.

“Karl, the trade routes need to be established before the winter. We can’t delay any further,” insists Marcus, his eyes boring into me, bringing me back to the present.

“Of course,” I say, my voice steady despite how I really feel. “I’ll review the proposed paths tonight. Let’s ensure we prioritize safety and efficiency.”

The meeting drags on, discussions surrounding logistics, alliances, and pack welfare—topics that should command my full attention. Yet, through it all, a sliver of my mind lingers on the missed call, on Abby.

When the room finally empties, the silence left behind feels oppressive. Only then do I allow myself to reach for the phone, noticing the voicemail notification. My thumb hovers, hesitates, and then presses play.

“Hey, Karl, it’s Abby. I wanted to call you…” She pauses. I can feel my heart stop as I hear the sound of a ragged breath on the other end before she speaks again.

“I’ve got news, and I guess I wish you were here to hear it in person… The security tapes from the cook-off came in, and Daniel was exposed. But that’s not all… The judges, they’ve given me another chance. They want me to cater the Alpha party.”

Without meaning to, a smile spreads across my face. I knew she would do it. I knew she would come out on top.

“I have to cook them a private meal first. To test my skills, I guess.”

And then, time seems to stop. “I... I’d love it if you could be there, Karl. One last hurrah as my sous chef? It’s not mandatory, of course. Just... I guess I’d just really like you to be there. If you want.”

“And Karl,” she adds a moment later, and I can feel my breath hitching in my throat. “I hope you’re doing well. I—I miss you.”

The message ends abruptly, and the silence is even more profound than before.

“Abby,” I murmur. “Oh, Abby.”

I stand, crossing over to the window to look outside. She did it. She’s going to cater the Alpha party after all; this will be huge for her career, and I’m happy for her.

But then, something crosses my mind. Abby… at the Alpha party… And I will be there with another woman.

How will she take that? How will I take that?

Suddenly, the heavy doors to my study open, and Marcus steps in, his expression turning to concern as he sees me. “You okay, Karl? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

I shake my head, a half-hearted attempt at lying. “It’s nothing. Did you need something?”

Marcus stands there for a moment, clearly not believing me. But then he holds out a clipboard and a pen, his expression returning to its usual businesslike demeanor. “Just need your signature for the band. For the luncheon tomorrow.”

“Right.” I nod, clearing my throat, and step closer.

The pen feels heavy in my hand as I sign, but what’s done is done. I’m sorry, Abby, but I can’t be your sous chef… Because tomorrow, I have no choice but to attend that luncheon… and I will have to find the new future Luna.