#Chapter 72: Making Amends
Karl

I step out of Abby’s office, my heart still pounding. It’s like a battlefield in there with emotional shrapnel

all over the place.

But I’m not naive enough to think I’m a mere bystander, oh no. I’m pretty sure I’m the d amn cannon that

fired the first shot.

“Big moment, huh?” My wolf’s voice resonates through my mind. I’m so focused on the situation

between Chloe and Abby that it almost took me by surprise.

“You could say that,” I respond. “Chloe’s not exactly my biggest fan.”

“Well, maybe this is your chance,” he suggests. “Just like you did with John. Bury the hatchet, put aside

your differences for Abby’s sake. Start over.”

“I hope so,” I reply, running a hand through my hair. “But Chloe’s different. She’s never liked me, not

even at the beginning.”

I recall a camping trip years ago, back when Abby and I were still married. Chloe was there, along with

their other friend Leah. A mix-up with the tents meant we all had to share one. G od, that was a disaster.

The memory plays out like an old film reel in my mind. Leah, as always, was as chill as ever about the

situation while Abby was fairly indifferent. But for Chloe and I, it felt like the end of the world. To share a

tent with each other? I knew for a fact that Chloe would have rather died, because she said so herself.

That night, the tent was cramped, the tension palpable. Of course, Chloe and I ended up arguing about

something st upid—how to properly set up a sleeping bag or some such nonsense.

It eventually devolved into an all-out brawl. Chloe threw a folding chair. I chased her up the tree. You

know, the usual, until Leah and Abby had to step in. They were both in stitches over the ridiculous

situation, but it was real as hell for Chloe and I. We hated each other’s guts.

all Chloe’s fault?” my wolf chimes in, snapping me back

mean?” I

couldn’t have a

fight, and Chloe was an

the head as

alone time with Abby, and

You’re not blameless in all this, and you never have

turn out

settle into my bones.

“Let’s do

restaurant is buzzing with activity—customers chatting,

one of the patio tables, her

could tell she’s furious. This is gonna be

away now,” I say as I approach her. She looks up, and if

be six feet under.

narrowing

careful to keep a respectful distance. “We need

I want to talk

both know that she’s our

work this out.”

still skeptical but maybe a notch less hostile than she

you feel about me, Chloe. You think I’m toxic for

better man. I’ve got a lot to make up for, not just

to everyone, including you.”

surprised, as if she didn’t expect this level of self-awareness from me. “Well,

grown a conscience.”

never, right?” I say, locking eyes with her. She glances away, but there’s a shift in

first layer of her icy fortress. “You can hate me all you

don’t take it out

see a glimmer of realization. “You think

know. You tell

and the weight of her anger seems to lift

a little harsh. But you need to understand, Karl.

one right now,

If this were a few

I realize that would never work, not if

being a better person.

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255