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.

to steady my racing

door, I lean

can I see you in my

the shift in the room, the undercurrent

John glances up from his prep work,

a kitchen towel

soon as we’re both inside, I close the door, sealing us

chair across

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

take a deep breath, trying to choose my words carefully.

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

team—it’s unacceptable.”

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

hands clenched into fists

about the environment in

comments have been making female staff uncomfortable

and for a moment I think he’s going to explode.

be kidding me. Why are you

And yes, you have been

a warning.”

closing his mouth as though trying to say something but not

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

now that you’re single,

snap back to

“What?”

my voice icy. “And come back when you’re ready to speak to me with

deserve as your boss.”

as if trying

seat, storming out of my office and slamming

door slams shut in his wake, I drop my face into

restaurant was supposed to be

the show must go

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

all over his

he asks, taking a tentative step

then exhale deeply before recapping the unpleasant exchange

seem to grasp the concept of treating people

his snide comments

entirely wrong. I do have the hots for Karl, and I

but I won’t admit it to anyone, nor do I ever plan

any of this anyway.

shaking my head. “I

closes the door behind him. “That’s