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.

steady my racing

door, I lean out into

see you in my office?

the words leave my mouth, I sense the shift in the room,

glances up from his prep work, his eyes narrowing as they meet

he mutters, wiping his hands on a kitchen

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

toward the chair across from my

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

choose my words carefully. “John, your attitude in the kitchen has

for a long time. But it’s gone too far.

team—it’s unacceptable.”

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

clenched into fists around the arms of

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

staff uncomfortable as well.

and for a moment I think he’s going to

You’ve got to be kidding me. Why

you have been here for years, which is why this

a warning.”

though trying to say

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

you’re single,

eyes snap back to

“What?”

“And come back when you’re ready to speak to

deserve as your boss.”

moment, he just stares at me, as if trying to decide whether or not

seat, storming out of my office and slamming the door behind

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

years. This restaurant was supposed to be

nightmare. But the show must

when I hear a knock at

all over his

Abby?” he asks, taking a tentative step

temples, then exhale deeply before recapping the unpleasant exchange with John.

treating people with respect, Ethan. It’s frustrating and

snide comments

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

nor do I ever plan on acting on it. And that has nothing

any of this anyway.

shaking my head. “I won’t repeat it.

eyes narrow sympathetically as he closes the door behind him. “That’s