Chasing His Kickass Luna Back Chapter 229

Abby

Karl hangs up with one final request.

“Be ready in a few hours.”

I can’t help but feel a sense of relief at the thought of getting out of here, and at the same time, I can’t deny that I’m excited to see him.

My heart races as I pack a small bag with enough clothes and essentials for a few days. The events of last night still weigh heavily on my mind, but knowing that Marcus is on his way to pick me up provides a glimmer of relief.

But as I zip up my bag, a strange feeling washes over me. It feels as if I’m preparing for a secret rendezvous, like some kind of celebrity on the run from the paparazzi. The thought makes me chuckle nervously, and I take a deep breath to calm my racing thoughts.

Before I know it, it’s almost time. I’m all packed, dressed in a low-key outfit, and I’ve made my call to Officer Martinez to let her know I’m leaving town.

“I’m glad to hear it, Abby,” she says. “Stay safe. I’ll keep you updated.”

As I step into the chilly morning air, I spot the sleek black car waiting for me in the alley, the tinted windows providing a shield from prying eyes. Marcus is in the driver’s seat, his expression somber.

I can’t help but remember a time when he used to be so chatty with me, especially when I was still married to Karl. Now, there’s a palpable awkwardness hanging in the air. But can I blame him?

I climb into the car and meet his gaze. “Hey, Marcus,” I say. “Long time no see.”

“Yeah,” he says as he puts the car in drive. “You got everything?”

I nod. I only packed one bag, because I don’t plan on staying for long; and besides, there are still some things of mine at the house. I realized during my last visit that Karl never cleared them out.

As Marcus shifts the car into gear and pulls out of the alley, neither of us says anything. The silence is almost suffocating. I can feel Marcus’ discomfort, and it gnaws at me, despite the relief in my stomach as I watch the news vans fade into the distance. They’re oblivious to my secret escape, or so it seems.

For a long time, we just drive in silence. Eventually, we get onto the highway, and neither of us has said a word. I’m not sure if I can bear another three hours of this.

In an attempt to break the ice, I reach for the radio and turn it on. The familiar melody of a pop song fills the car, and I can’t resist the urge to sing along. My voice is a bit shaky at first, but as I continue to sing, I start to feel a sense of liberation.

Marcus, however, remains stoic.

“Come on, Marcus,” I say, flashing him a playful grin. “Don’t be so serious. Join me!”

He hesitates for a moment, his grim expression softening just a bit. And then, to my surprise, he starts to sing along with me. His voice is surprisingly good, and I can’t help but laugh.

“See, this isn’t so bad, is it?” I say as I dance in my seat, feeling strangely carefree in this moment.

Marcus chuckles, and it’s a genuine, warm sound. “You’re right, Abby. It’s been a while since I’ve let loose like this.”

As we continue to sing and dance in the car, the tension between us gradually eases. It feels like a glimpse of the past, when things were simpler, and I was still a part of Karl’s world.

The miles pass by, and the cityscape gradually gives way to open roads and countryside. The car ride is long, but the music and our shared laughter make it feel shorter.

Before I know it, we’re talking about anything and everything: old memories, the changes in the pack, Marcus’ wife, Elizabeth. I forgot how close we all used to be. It’s bittersweet, now, to experience a glimpse of that again.

Eventually, the music fades, and we settle into a comfortable silence. The landscape outside the window becomes more scenic as we leave the city behind. I take in the rolling hills and lush greenery, the worries of last night fading into the background.

As we approach our destination, I start to wonder what exactly is waiting for me at Karl’s house—in our old home. A mixture of emotions swirls inside of me—gratitude for his offer of sanctuary, anxiety about what the future holds, and a lingering sense of unease about the events that led me here.

But for now, at this moment, I’m just content to let the music play and enjoy the company of an old friend, even if the circumstances that brought us together are far from ordinary.

“Thanks for picking me up, Marcus,” I finally say, breaking the silence.

He glances at me with a small smile. “No problem, Abby. Karl wanted to make sure you’re safe.”

I nod, appreciating Karl’s concern. “I know. I just... I never thought I’d wind up in a situation like this. It feels weird. Like I’m a celebrity on the run from a scandal.”

Marcus turns onto a winding road, the scenery becoming even more picturesque. “Hey, it’s just part of the job when you make it big and start doing things like catering the Alpha gathering,” he says. “Which, by the way… was impressive.”

“You really think so?” I ask.

He nods. “Of course. Lots of people are talking about it. Abby, our old Luna, is moving on up in the world. Good for you.”

His words make me smile, and I turn to look out the window again to hide the blush in my cheeks. “Thanks, Marcus. That’s nice of you.”

We drive in silence for a while longer, the tranquility of the countryside providing a stark contrast to the chaos of the city I left behind. The tension that had hung in the air earlier has dissipated, replaced by a sense of ease.

“So, how’s Karl doing?” I ask, wanting to steer the conversation away from my own troubles. “I mean, how’s he really doing. He doesn’t usually say.”

Marcus glances at me, his expression softening. “He’s… been busy with campaign preparations, but he’s holding up well. His approval ratings are on the rise, and he’s optimistic about the upcoming election.”

I smile, genuinely happy to hear that things are going well for Karl. But I knew all of this already; I want to know how he’s doing, not just as an Alpha, but as a person.

“But how is he really?” I find myself asking. “How stressed is he?”

Marcus pauses for a moment, then finally lets out a sigh. “On a scale of one to ten?” he asks.

“Yes.”

Another pause. Then, “A solid twelve, at the very least,” he admits. “I’m a little bit worried he’s biting off more than he can chew. He always puts on a good show, but I know he’s freaking out on the inside. And Abby…”

Marcus falls silent again, and his gaze meets mine for a split second. “I think he’ll feel a lot better having you around,” he says quietly. “Because he really does worry about you. Constantly.”

My eyes widen slightly, and my face flushes red. “Is that true?”

Marcus nods. “It is. Karl worries about you all of the time, Abby. You’re always at the forefront of everything for him. He… cares about you.”

His words give me pause. I don’t know what to say, don’t know how to feel. Karl rarely expresses his emotions on such a deep level. He’s always creating this image of a man who has it all together, even when things would send a normal person spiraling.

But maybe he is spiraling, in a way. He’s just not showing it.

As the car continues to glide along the scenic route, I can’t stop thinking about my own role in Karl’s life. Once, I was by his side as his wife, but now, things are different. I’m grateful that he’s offering me a safe haven, but it’s also a stark reminder of how much has changed.

“I hope I’m not causing too much trouble for Karl,” I say, my voice barely more than a whisper.

Marcus shakes his head. “Not at all, Abby. Karl cares about your well-being. He wouldn’t have offered if he didn’t want you here.”

I appreciate Marcus’ reassurance, but there’s still a nagging doubt in the back of my mind. “I just don’t want to be a burden, you know? His campaign is important, and the last thing I want is to distract from it.”

Marcus gives me a reassuring smile. “Abby, you’re not a burden. Karl’s a smart man, and he knows how to balance his responsibilities. Having you here won’t be a distraction. If anything, I think it’ll help him focus.”

I take a deep breath, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. “Thanks, Marcus.”

He nods, his gaze returning to the road ahead. “You’re welcome. We’re almost there.”

The two of us fall into silence once more, Marcus’ words still whirling around inside my head.

Then, I see the pointed roofs of Karl’s house slowly come into view over the treetops, and my heart begins to race with anticipation.