Chasing His Kickass Luna Back Chapter 188

Karl

Shana and I are strolling through the paths of the local botanical garden. It’s a nice, sunny day, the perfect day for a second date. Figuring that it was best if we got to know each other a little more before the Alpha gathering, I decided to invite Shana out for a couple of hours.

But as we walk, I can’t help but notice the occasional sidelong glances from people I know from the town, members of the pack, and even some acquaintances. It’s clear that the rumors have spread like wildfire, and everyone is well aware that their Alpha is dating a new woman.

I glance at Shana, who’s walking beside me without a care in the world, seemingly unfazed by the curious gazes. I feel a pang of guilt for putting her in this position, for subjecting her to the scrutiny that comes with being associated with me.

“I’m sorry about all of this,” I say, turning to face her. “If we continue to see each other, you’ll have to get used to this sort of thing.”

Shana gives me a nonchalant shrug, her expression inscrutable. “I figured it would be like this, Karl. It comes with the territory, right?”

I’m relieved by her calm response, grateful that she doesn’t seem to be bothered by the attention. But as we continue to walk, my thoughts drift back to Abby and how different things used to be with her.

Abby always had a fiery spirit. She was never the type to let nosy gossips get away with their intrusive questions or judgmental looks. She would hold her head high, radiating confidence and pride in who she was, regardless of what others thought.

And on more than one occasion, she would call those gossips out on their behavior.

I still remember one day when a group of teenagers had been huddling near the restaurant we were eating in, trying to sneak unflattering pictures of her to start a smear campaign. She marched right out of the restaurant and walked up to them.

All she did was hold her hand out, and after a moment’s hesitation, the girl taking the pictures handed her phone over. I felt so impressed that day; my wife, my Luna, could command people with just one look.

I miss having her beside me. I miss her sharp wit and her ability to put people in their place with a single cutting remark. Shana is nice, she’s refined, but she lacks that fire.

Shana’s voice pulls me back to the present, and I realize she’s been speaking to me. “Karl, I was asking you about the Alpha gathering. You mentioned that it’s coming up soon.”

I blink, refocusing my attention on her. “Oh, right. The gathering. Right.”

Shana nods, her interest piqued. “And you mentioned you’ll pick me up at seven?”

I confirm with a nod. “Yes, seven o’clock. Oh, and it’s a black tie event, so we’ll need to dress accordingly.”

As I utter those words, a sudden realization hits me like a ton of bricks. I used to be so controlling with Abby, always telling her how to dress, even when she looked absolutely beautiful just the way she was.

I can’t help but cringe inwardly at my past behavior.

Shana, seemingly unaware of my internal turmoil, offers a polite smile and says, “I’ll make sure to dress modestly and in a feminine way so as not to embarrass you.”

I open my mouth to respond, but then I hesitate. I can’t repeat the same mistakes I made with Abby. I won’t be so controlling if I’m going to move on to a new relationship. It’s not fair to Shana, and it’s not the person I want to be.

“You don’t need to dress modestly,” I find myself saying. “And you certainly won’t embarrass me. Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and beautiful. It’s your choice, Shana.”

Shana blinks, clearly taken aback by my openness. She seems pleasantly surprised but doesn’t comment further on the matter. Instead, she smiles warmly and nods.

“Okay. I’ll keep that in mind.”

As we continue our quiet walk through the garden, I can’t help but wonder if I’m finally letting go of the past, of the mistakes I made in my relationship with Abby. It’s a small step, but it feels significant.

I just wish that I was making things right with Abby instead.

…

The soft glow of the television screen fills the room as I sit in my office, watching Abby’s interview. She looks absolutely stunning, her confidence and grace shining through as she speaks.

A smile tugs at my lips, and for a moment, I can’t help but feel a swell of pride and happiness for her.

She’s come a long way, and it’s evident in every word she utters. Her journey from the cook-off to this moment has been nothing short of remarkable, and I’m glad to see her flourishing.

But then the dreaded question comes. The interviewer wants to know about me, about the mystery sous chef named ‘Ken’.

Abby pauses, and it’s then that I see it. A flicker of something in her eyes—something that looks like sadness. I feel my wolf tug at me as she responds, as poised as ever.

“We were old friends,” she says. “He wanted to lend a helping hand when I needed it the most, and… And I’m incredibly grateful for his support, and I’ll never forget what he did for me.”

As I watch her, my chest tightens, and a fleeting thought crosses my mind. I almost consider picking up the phone and calling her. I want to hear her voice, not on the television, but directed toward me.

But I can’t. My hand, which was slowly inching toward the phone, drops back to my desk.

She’s in the midst of preparing for the Alpha gathering, and I don’t want to disrupt her focus. Plus, there’s a nagging doubt in the back of my mind. What if she’s still upset with me? What if my call affects her ability to perform at the gathering?

I let out a sigh, torn between the desire to reach out to her and the responsibility that comes with being an Alpha. Duty wins this time, and I decide to postpone the call.

Instead, I focus on the paperwork spread across my desk. There are meetings to schedule, decisions to make, and a myriad of tasks that are begging for my attention. The clock is ticking, and I can’t afford any distractions right now.

As I delve into the work, time slips away, and the television becomes nothing more than background noise. My mind is consumed by the responsibilities of my position, and before I know it, I’m losing track of the outside world.

Just when I’m about to delve into a particularly important report, Marcus suddenly bursts into the room, his expression frantic.

“Karl, you won’t believe this!” he exclaims.

I look up, concern flashing through my eyes. “What’s wrong?”

He takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself. “It’s Ethan. He’s awake.”

I blink in shock, my heart pounding in my chest. Ethan, my older brother, who has been in a coma for years… woke up? I knew that it was supposed to happen soon, but I didn’t expect it to be so sudden.

Now, it feels like a miracle just happened. I push back my chair and stand, my mind racing with a million thoughts.

“Are you serious?” I ask.

Marcus nods vigorously. “Yes, I just got a call from the doctor. They said he regained consciousness a little while ago. They want you to come right away.”