#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.

my racing heart, to gather my thoughts. Then, pulling

door, I lean out into the

you in my office?

I sense the shift in the room, the

work,

he mutters, wiping his hands on a kitchen towel before making

close the door, sealing us

chair across from my

eyes wary. “Abby, if you’re gonna scold me

breath, trying to choose my words carefully. “John, your attitude

for a long time. But it’s gone too far. Your comments, your tone, the

team—it’s unacceptable.”

siding with the

look away, my hands clenched into fists around the arms

isn’t about taking sides, John. This is about the environment in our

comments have been making female staff uncomfortable

a moment I think he’s going to

be kidding me. Why

my head. “That’s my business. And yes, you have

a warning.”

his mouth as though

it out. “This is all because you’ve got the hots for

that you’re

to him,

“What?”

out,” I repeat, my voice icy. “And come back when you’re ready to speak

deserve as your boss.”

a moment, he just stares at me, as if trying to decide whether or not I’m

from his seat, storming out of my office and slamming

wake, I drop my face into my hands and let out a sigh

building for years. This restaurant was supposed to be a dream,

the show must

to rise from my seat when I hear a knock at the

written all over his

he asks, taking

deeply before recapping the

of treating people

Especially his snide comments today. He

wrong. I do have the hots for

to anyone, nor do I ever plan on acting on it. And that

any of this anyway.

shaking my head. “I won’t repeat it.

eyes narrow sympathetically as he closes the

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