Chasing His Kickass Luna Back Chapter 297

Abby

The pub, with its warm, amber lighting and the gentle hum of conversation, feels like a haven after the long day of work. Outside, it’s nearly frigid, but it’s as warm as can be in here thanks to the flickering fire in the fireplace. I can already picture a tall glass of beer in my hand to ward away the cold that has seeped into my bones.

I hate to admit it because of Chloe’s cold shoulder, but I’m glad I came. It brings me back to the days when Karl and I were married, and we would head to the local pub for a drink and a game of billiards on a Friday night.

Even though it’s been over three years, everything looks exactly the same; even the pictures on the walls, Polaroids of various patrons in funny outfits, are still hanging exactly where they were before. It’s comforting, in an unexpected sort of way.

We gather around a large, worn wooden table in the corner and take our seats. The sound of classic rock music playing over the speakers combined with the sound of other patrons chatting and clinking their glasses fill my ears, and I can’t help but let out a soft sigh of contentment.

“I haven’t been here in ages,” I say, leaning closer to Leah and Chloe as we settle in. “It feels like forever.”

“Remember when the three of us won that trivia tournament?” Leah chimes in. “That table of guys was so pissed that they lost to a bunch of girls. It was hilarious.”

I let out a soft chuckle, but Chloe doesn’t utter a word. She’s scowling, her arms folded across her chest. I want to say something to her, but I’m not sure if it’s a good idea. Maybe it’s best to just let her fume for a while until she’s ready to talk.

A few minutes later, eight pints of beer are laid out in front of us. Raising my glass, I catch everyone’s attention.

“I just want to say thank you, all of you, for being here,” I begin as I look around at all of my friends. “And… I know it’s been tough lately with the restaurant closing, and I’m sorry for the stress it has caused all of you.”

Daisy, without skipping a beat, is the first to respond. “Abby, don’t be like that,” she says. “We’re all here for you, no matter what. We’re your team, through thick and thin.”

Ethan, usually quiet, adds, “Yeah, Abby. We know you’re doing everything you can. We believe in you. That restaurant is going to reopen, and we’ll all be there to see it.”

Their words are a relief, although I just hope they’re right. “Thank you,” I say, raising my glass a little higher. “It means the world to me.”

We all clink our glasses together—even Chloe joins in—and the night unfolds with an easy rhythm, laughter and stories flowing freely. I find myself momentarily lost in the camaraderie, the worries about the restaurant and our collective future momentarily forgotten.

Feeling a bit tipsy, I excuse myself to the bar for another drink. The bartender, a middle-aged man with a friendly face, greets me with a knowing smile as I slide onto a chair and order another pint.

“So, I hear you’re the Luna again?” he asks. “It’s Abby, right?”

I chuckle, a bit louder than intended. “No, that’s not me,” I say, crinkling my nose a bit. “I’m not the Luna.”

The bartender gives me a puzzled look. “Really? But I heard you two got back together. It’s been the talk of the town.”

My cheeks flush with embarrassment. In my tipsy state, I guess I let slip my true feelings. “Oh, um, yes. I misspoke,” I stammer, trying to correct myself before it’s too late. “Yes, I am the Luna again, and Karl and I are together. Sorry, it’s just… I’m not used to being called that anymore.”

He grins widely, oblivious to my lie. “Well, it’s great to hear,” he says. “A lot of people are happy about it. And, you know, it’s nice to see our Alpha smiling again. He’s seemed different since you came back.”

The bartender’s words give me pause. I peek over my shoulder at Karl, who is deep in conversation with John and Anton, his laughter genuine and carefree. They’re playing a rather animated game of darts, most of which are winding up in the wall instead of on the board.

I find it hard to believe that his newfound happiness is really because of me, though. Even though my wolf surges ever so slightly when I look at him, it’s as if I can’t convince myself that Karl might actually be happier thanks to me.

Taking my drink, I return to the table, where the atmosphere has shifted slightly. Chloe, still distant, sits beside Leah, who’s currently trying to engage her in conversation. After a moment of hesitation, I slide into the seat next to them, the weight of Chloe’s coldness heavy in the air.

“Hey, guys,” I say softly. “Did I miss anything?”

“I was just trying to explain to Chloe why this new guy she’s been talking to is a loser,” Leah says with a laugh.

“And I’m listening.” Chloe’s voice is cold, devoid of her usual mirth. I know it’s not Leah who’s upsetting her, though; Chloe has never been one to take it badly when either of us make fun of her for her choices on Tinder. Hell, she’ll even agree with us pretty much all of the time.

No. This is because of me. I swallow, glancing down at my drink as my mind races with things to say.

But then Leah, sensing the tension, wraps an arm around each of us. “Come on, you two. We’re here to have a good time. Life is short; let’s not waste it being mad at each other.”

Chloe lets out a sigh and finally meets my gaze. I lift my glass, my voice soft but earnest. “Chloe, I’m sorry,” I say gently. “I know you’re mad at me, and I don’t blame you. But… I just want my friend back.”

Tears brim in Chloe’s eyes. She stares at my glass for a moment, her lip quivering, and shifts uncomfortably in her chair. For that moment, I almost wonder if she’ll get up and leave.

But she doesn’t. Instead, she lets out a soft sigh and clinks her glass with mine. “I don’t want to be mad at each other either,” she whispers, the wall between us finally starting to crumble. “I love you, Abby.”

“I love you too, Chlo,” I say softly. “And you too, Leah.”

We lean into a group hug, the relief and love palpable in the air. The laughter and chatter around us seem to resume as though everything has somehow fallen silent, and for a moment, everything feels right.

As the night progresses, my head starts to spin slightly from the alcohol. I find myself thinking back on what the bartender said earlier, and that’s when it happens: I catch Karl’s gaze from across the room, a look that’s deep and unreadable.

Then, after a moment, he stands and walks away, disappearing into the crowd.

“Follow him,” my wolf commands.

“But—” I begin mentally, but it’s too late. My wolf is compelling me, causing me to stand. Without necessarily meaning to, I excuse myself, pushing my way through the crowd.

Karl’s tall and slim form appears over the other patrons up ahead, and I follow him without a second thought.