Chasing His Kickass Luna Back Chapter 216

Karl

I make my way back to the pack territory, leaving Abby behind in the city.

It’s not an easy decision, but it’s what she wants. Besides, like she said, the pack needs my attention.

I’ve only been home for a day, but I’ve been lost in pack matters the entire time. I feel bad that I can’t call Abby, but I know we’ll be able to chat at some point. After all, our relationship went to the next stage over the weekend. We didn’t officially get back together, but it’s something.

And I’m happy with it for now, so long as it’s what she wants.

I’m engrossed in reviewing pack matters when Marcus strides into my office. His brow is furrowed, and he’s holding his phone in his hand, a hint of concern on his face. Without preamble, he asks, “Karl, have you seen this?”

I glance up at him, curiosity piqued, and motion for him to continue. Marcus holds out his phone, and I lean forward to see what’s caught his attention. A news clip is playing on the screen, and the headline reads,“Dozens Sick at Alpha Gathering. Abby to Blame?”

I nod, my expression grim. “I’m aware of it, Marcus.”

He looks at me, his gaze probing. “So, are you going to handle it for her? It seems like the two of you are back together.”

I lean back in my chair, sighing. “First of all, Marcus, Abby and I are not back together,” I clarify, my tone firm. “Second, I’m staying out of it. I’m not doing anything other than offering my support behind the scenes.”

Marcus raises an eyebrow, clearly surprised by my response. “What changed, Karl? You would’ve paid people off in the past to sweep something like this under the rug.”

I meet his gaze squarely. “I’m not that type of guy anymore,” I say. “Abby asked me to stay out of it, and I respect her wishes. Period.”

There’s a moment of silence as Marcus processes my words. “I see,” he says slowly. “So, you’re just going to let her handle it on her own?”

I nod, even though my thoughts on the matter are like a storm inside my head. “I am. Unless she asks me for help, I won’t go against her wishes.”

“Well, I hope she can handle it herself,” Marcus says as he turns to leave. “It’s a mess out there.”

I watch him go, his words echoing in my mind.

A sense of sadness washes over me as I reflect on the situation. If Abby were still my wife, I would never allow something like this to happen to her. I would have used every resource at my disposal to protect her and salvage her reputation.

But she’s not my wife, and I need to come to terms with that reality. Abby made it clear that she wants me to stay out of it, and I have to respect her wishes, even if it pains me to do so.

Because, at the end of the day, my main goal is to win her back. And going against what she asked isn’t going to help with that.

And yet, as I return to my responsibilities as Alpha, I can’t help but feel a constant worry gnawing at the back of my mind.

It’s like an itch I can’t scratch, a lingering sense of unease that refuses to let go. I know Abby is capable, but I’m worried about her safety and well-being. People can be crazy, especially in the city.

And after that fire that almost destroyed her apartment, I’m terrified of what lengths people will go to in order to bring her down.

But for now, pack matters demand my attention, and I throw myself into the daily tasks of leading my pack. Meetings with other businessmen, negotiations, and handling pack issues fill my day. But even in the midst of pack affairs, my thoughts drift back to Abby.

Today, during a particularly important meeting with other pack leaders, I find myself distracted.

The conversation revolves around alliances and trade agreements, but my mind keeps drifting to Abby and the challenges she’s facing.

I try to refocus, but it’s a struggle.

One of the businessmen, a rival pack’s representative, takes notice of my distraction. He smirks and leans forward, addressing me with a condescending tone.

“Karl, it seems like you’ve been more interested in your personal life lately than in pack matters,” he says, his words dripping with sarcasm. “Perhaps you’re too focused on women to pay attention to what’s truly important.”

I bristle at the accusation, my jaw tightening. “Pardon?”

He shrugs. “We all know what happened with your ex-wife. It’s obvious you’re too worried about her to think about your pack.”

“That’s ridiculous,” I say with a scoff. “My pack always comes first. I’m offended that you’d even suggest that.”

The others at the table exchange knowing glances, and I can sense their skepticism. The businessman who called me out smirks again before leaning back in his chair.

“Actions speak louder than words, Karl,” he says, his tone mocking. “Maybe it’s time you prove your commitment to your business and stop acting like a lovestruck schoolboy.”

Before I can say anything else, he stands and grabs his briefcase, walking out. I’m too shocked to speak as the other businessmen file out, shooting me disapproving glances and muttering under their breaths.

I’m left alone in the room, seething with frustration. I clench my fists, resisting the urge to punch the wall.

This is not how I envisioned my leadership, and I refuse to let anyone undermine my authority.

…

Ethan regards me with a sympathetic expression as he sits across from me. We’re sitting in my garden out back, having coffee.

“Karl, I heard about what happened in the meeting,” he says gently.

“Did you, now?” I ask, trying not to scoff.

He nods. “Karl, you know it’s okay to be worried about Abby, but as an Alpha, you have to maintain your focus on pack matters.”

I sigh and run a hand through my hair, a bit put off by my brother’s words. “I have it under control,” I say, a little more harshly than I intend. “You don’t need to worry.”

Ethan looks at me for a moment as he sips his coffee. “I’m sorry, Karl,” he says, “but I’m not seeing it. You’re distracted, and no matter how much you try to hide it, it’s obvious.”

“What are you really getting at, Ethan?” I find myself asking.

He sets his coffee cup down with a serious look in his eyes. “I think I should take over as Alpha again, Karl,” he says. “Now that I’m on the road to recovery, I think it’s time.”

His suggestion hits me hard, and I stand so abruptly that my chair scrapes on the stone patio. “You’re joking,” I hiss.

But Ethan just nods. “Karl, I think it’s time. You’ve put in a lot of good work over the years, but you were never meant to be the permanent Alpha. You know that, right?”

“Ethan,” I say slowly, trying to contain my rage, “I’ve been leading this pack tirelessly for years, and I can’t just step down so easily.”

Ethan studies me for a moment, his gaze searching. “Then how about this,” he suggests, extending his hand. “Let’s hold an election. Let the pack decide.”

For a moment, I just stare at his outstretched hand, taken aback by this suggestion. The thought of handing over the position I spent years working in makes my chest ache, but at the same time, Ethan’s suggestion is only fair.

An election. It’s an interesting idea, and maybe, just maybe, it’s not so bad.

I grasp his hand firmly, sealing the agreement. “Very well, Ethan. Let’s do it. We’ll let the pack decide who should lead.”