Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

#Chapter 64: Out in the Open
Standing in the alley, the tension between Karl and me is almost palpable, like a living, breathing entity

that neither of us can ignore. His eyes search mine, as if trying to excavate the truth from deep within

me.

“Is it true, Abby? Your wolf is—”

I cut him off, not wanting to delve into that cavern of pain right now. “Forget it,” I say, turning away.

There’s a beat of silence as we both grapple with our feelings. I thought that Karl somehow knew about

the fact that my wolf has been in a coma all this time, but it seems as though he has no idea. I can’t

decide if it makes it hurt worse or less.

“Abby, why didn’t you tell me?” he asks gently.

I can feel his fingers brush my arm. It’s a comfort for the briefest of moments, but I’m still angry, still

hearing Chloe’s words whirling around in my head. I pull away and turn on him, pointing a finger at his

chest.

“Karl, if you want to get on my good side, if you want a chance at anything, you need to be a team

player. That’s the end of it.”

He studies me for a beat, then finally nods, clearly giving up on the subject of my wolf. “Fine. But you

need to talk to John about his attitude too, Abby. It’s not just me who has a problem with him.”

The concession tastes bitter in my mouth, but it’s necessary. John’s inappropriate remarks and hot-

headed attitude in the kitchen have been a problem for a long time now. He’s such a good employee

and an excellent cook that I try to ignore it, but Karl is right; it’s about time that he’s put in his place.

“Agreed,” I say with a nod. “Now get back in there. We have a dinner service to complete.”

Karl gives me a nod, a mere shadow of his former c ocky self, and heads back inside. I take a deep

breath, preparing myself for the conversation that awaits me. With John.

The atmosphere in the kitchen is thick with tension as I reenter, but I push through it, striding past the

line cooks and prep stations until I reach my office.

I take a few minutes to steady my

I lean out

can I see you in my

sense the shift in the room, the

from his prep work, his eyes narrowing as they meet

hands on a kitchen towel

close the door, sealing us off from the world outside. “Have a

chair across

posture is rigid, his eyes wary. “Abby, if you’re gonna scold me

trying to choose my words

long time. But it’s gone too far. Your comments, your tone, the way you speak to

team—it’s unacceptable.”

indignation. “So, you’re siding with the new guy now?

hands clenched into

isn’t about taking sides, John. This is about the environment in our kitchen. And it’s not just

have been making female staff uncomfortable as well. This is your last

face reddens, and for a moment I think he’s

got to be kidding me. Why are

shake my head. “That’s my business. And yes, you have been here for

a warning.”

pauses, opening and closing his mouth as though trying to say something but not

he spits it out. “This is all because you’ve

now that you’re single, isn’t

to him, incredulous. “Get

“What?”

repeat, my voice icy. “And come back when you’re ready

deserve as your boss.”

as if trying to decide whether or not I’m serious. Then, with

out of my office and slamming the door behind

door slams shut in his wake, I drop my face into my hands and let out a sigh that feels like

This restaurant was supposed to be a

But the show

rise from my seat when I hear a knock at the door.

all

asks, taking a tentative step into

my temples, then exhale deeply before recapping

to grasp the concept of treating people with respect,

snide comments today.

I do

it to anyone, nor do I ever plan on acting on

any of this anyway.

my head. “I won’t repeat it. It was

the door behind him.