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.

a few minutes to steady my racing heart, to gather my

I lean out into

can I see you

leave my mouth, I sense the shift in

his prep work, his eyes narrowing as they meet

mutters, wiping his hands on a

as we’re both inside, I close the door, sealing us off from the world

the chair across

his eyes wary. “Abby, if you’re

deep breath, trying to choose my words carefully. “John,

But it’s gone too far. Your comments, your

team—it’s unacceptable.”

siding with the new guy

clenched into fists

is about the environment in our kitchen.

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

he’s going to explode. “I’ve been

me. Why are you

yes, you have been here for years, which is why this is

a warning.”

mouth as though trying to

right words. But then, finally, he spits it out. “This is all

that you’re single, isn’t

snap back to

“What?”

repeat, my voice icy. “And come back when

deserve as your boss.”

he just stares at me, as if trying to decide

his seat, storming out of my

into my hands and let out a

building and building for years. This restaurant was supposed to be a dream, not

But the show must go

hear a knock at the door. Looking up, I find Ethan

all

taking

temples, then exhale deeply before recapping the

the concept of treating people with

Especially his snide

frankly, John wasn’t entirely wrong. I do have the hots for Karl, and

I ever plan on acting on it. And that has nothing to

any of this anyway.

continue, shaking my head. “I won’t

closes the door