Chasing His Kickass Luna Back Chapter 304

Abby

Karl’s sudden appearance in the doorway of the cooking tent is a welcome distraction from the conversation that was bound to occur with Chloe.

“Time to go home, everyone,” he says. “I’ve got a surprise for all of you back at the house.”

The thought of a surprise gets everyone excited, and Chloe seems to give up on her interrogation for now.

“You have to tell her eventually,” my wolf says as I continue to pack up the leftovers. “It’s better to do it sooner rather than later.”

“I know,” I reply in the back of my mind. “But it’s not that simple. And besides, what if Karl and I stopped hooking up anyway? What would be the point then?”

My wolf bristles at my words. “You’re not seriously thinking of ending it with him, are you?”

As I continue to work, I swallow. “Maybe,” I reply hesitantly. “Look, it’s not as if I necessarily want it to end with him, okay? I do enjoy hooking up, and… I miss him. But I’m worried that I might be setting all of us up for failure if I keep doing this.”

My wolf, despite her annoyance, seems to understand to an extent. “Look, just give it a little time. Don’t do anything rash, and… follow your heart, okay?”

I almost laugh out loud at her words. Follow my heart? My heart’s been broken in a million different places. I’m not even sure if my heart knows what it wants anymore, or if it can tell right from wrong.

Thankfully, the day at the library project comes to an end with a sense of accomplishment and a touch of melancholy. My team and I finish packing up the tent, our movements a mixture of tired efficiency and lingering fondness for the community we’ve served for the past week.

As we distribute the leftover containers, the chatter is light but also filled with the realization that this shared experience is drawing to a close.

“I must say, Abby,” John says as we begin heading out, “this was a lot different than working in our usual kitchen, but I enjoyed it.”

“As did I,” Anton chimes in. “It’s nice to be out in the fresh air, and to serve a greater cause.”

“Rather than pissy customers,” Daisy chimes in with a giggle.

I feel a bit relieved. “I’m glad you guys enjoyed it,” I say. “I had fun, too.”

As we load up the truck to take any supplies back to the mansion, Karl sidles up to the group and flashes me a knowing smile. “There might be more opportunities like this,” he says. “If you’re all interested, of course.”

The staff and I shoot each other puzzled glances. Everyone else is pleasantly surprised at the idea of more opportunities like this, and murmur in agreement, but I’m mostly surprised that Karl actually wants to continue volunteering.

Maybe this wasn’t only for the approval ratings after all.

And that fact alone softens me toward him, further muddying my feelings about whether to end the physical aspect of our agreement or not.

Once we finally arrive back at the mansion, we’re greeted by an unexpected sight. The dining room has been transformed, the table laden with an array of delicious food. The living room, too, has been set up for a night of movies and games, complete with music filling the air.

It’s a warm and welcoming scene, one that momentarily lifts the weight from my shoulders.

“What’s all this?” I ask Karl, my voice betraying a hint of awe.

He smiles, that rare, genuine smile that always seems to reach right into my chest and tug at my heartstrings. “I just wanted to treat everyone to one last fun night together,” he explains. “A thank you for coming, and for all of your hard work. I thought we could all use a bit of relaxation, you know?”

The sentiment, so heartfelt and unexpected from Karl, makes my heart flutter. It’s moments like these that remind me of the man I fell in love with, the man who can still take me by surprise when I least expect it.

John, always the direct one, turns to me with a curious look. “Speaking of which, are you coming back to the city with us tomorrow, Abby?” he asks as the others begin milling around and admiring the spread of food.

I hesitate, feeling the weight of Chloe’s gaze still lingering on me. “Actually, I was advised to stay here until the restaurant case blows over,” I admit, trying to keep my voice steady. The truth is more complex, of course, tangled up in feelings and agreements with Karl.

But I can’t bring myself to voice it—not here, not now.

I catch Chloe’s eye, and the unspoken understanding between us hangs heavy in the air. She knows there’s more to my decision than just safety, but she doesn’t push, not yet. Behind her, Leah also meets my gaze, and there’s a depth in her eyes that seems to say, “You’d better tell her, and soon.”

However, now is not the time for deep conversations and drama.

The evening unfolds with a light-heartedness that I didn't realize I had been missing today. We enjoy the delicious food until our bellies are full, and when we move to the living room for games, the mood shifts to one of playful competition.

Charades become the highlight of the night, especially with John and Anton as teammates. Their antics, exaggerated gestures, and hilarious guesses have us all in stitches.

“Is it... a flying monkey?” John exclaims, his arms flapping wildly.

Anton rolls his eyes dramatically, pointing at John and then miming something small. “No, you imbecile, it’s clearly a baby bird learning to fly!”

Their banter and wild guesses keep the laughter rolling, a welcome distraction from the undercurrent of goodbyes looming over us.

Eventually, though, I find myself needing a breather. I slip away to the kitchen under the pretense of refilling snacks, but really, I just need a moment alone. The thought of my friends leaving tomorrow weighs heavily on me, leaving a void that even tonight’s excitement can’t fill.

As I stand there, lost in thought, I hear footsteps approaching. I turn to find Chloe standing there, her expression serious and probing.

“Abby,” she begins without preamble, cornering me with a look that leaves no room for nonsense. “What the hell is going on with you and Karl?”

I laugh, a nervous, forced sound. “What do you mean? There’s nothing going on.”

But Chloe is not one to be easily misled. “Don’t play dumb with me,” she says firmly. “You two must have hooked up last night after leaving the bar. I’ve seen the way you look at each other, too. You’ve been hooking up this whole time, haven’t you?”

Her accusation, so direct and so accurate, catches me off guard.

My laughter fades, replaced by a sudden tightness in my chest. She knows. She has to know. But how can I admit it? How can I tell her about the tangled web Karl and I have woven when I’m not even sure what it means myself?

“Chloe, I…” I start, but the words falter on my lips.

Chloe’s gaze softens slightly, but the determination doesn’t leave her eyes. “Abby, you can’t keep this from me,” she says softly but firmly. “I know you too well.”