#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

mean?” I ask,

couldn’t have a private

for a fight, and Chloe was

as usual. “Dam n, you’re

alone time with Abby, and

blameless in all this, and you never have

recognizing that, maybe it’ll turn out better than you

wisdom settle into my bones. I just hope he’s right.

“Let’s

with activity—customers chatting, employees hustling. A quick

her. Chloe’s seated at one of the patio tables, her arms

she’s furious. This is gonna be

can’t just walk away now,” I say as I approach

be six feet under.

narrowing her eyes

sit down opposite her, careful to keep a respectful distance. “We need to

would I want to talk to you, of

And you and I both know that she’s our favorite person, so we need

work this out.”

but maybe a notch less hostile than she

how you feel about me, Chloe. You think

I’ve got

to everyone, including you.”

expect this

grown a conscience.”

late than never, right?” I say, locking eyes with her. She

first layer of her icy fortress. “You can

don’t take it

I see a glimmer

know.

the weight of her anger seems to

harsh. But you need to understand, Karl.

another one right now, especially

her brutal honesty, but she’s not wrong. If this were

was single. But I realize that would never work, not if I’m truly

being a better person.

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