Chapter 0205
Karl
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I was sitting in my apartment one night after work, flipping through N*****x with a ss of whiskey in my
hand, when my phone buzzed on the coffee table. Picking it up, I let out a soft sigh. It was Marcus, and
it waste. It wasn’t like him to call thiste at night. We had only just spoken a couple of days ago, at
Abby’s clean-up party, too.
“Marcus, what’s the matter?”
I could hear him sigh through the phone. “Karl, you might have to pack your bags ande home.
Sooner rather thanter.”
I frowned. “Last week you told me things were stable. What changed?”
“It’s your brother. The doctor came by. He’s showing signs of improvement, Karl. Doc says it might be
just a matter of weeks before he wakes up.”
My eyes widened slightly, and I sat up. I knew that he was improving, but I didn’t think it would happen
so soon. “Weeks? Are you sure?”
“Yes, I asked him twice to confirm. He’s showing responses, moving in his sleep. Vital signs are
improving. It’s not certain, but it’s possible.”
A long pause filled the air. I wasn’t sure what to say. My brother waking up should have been good
news, but Marcus and I both knew the implications; that my brother might want to take back control of
the pack when he woke up. And I wasn’t about to give up so easily.
“Is that it?” I asked, maybe a little more bitter than I intended.
He sighed. “Listen, the pack is restless, Karl. Your absence is making people question your leadership.
And your brother waking up? They’re saying maybe it’s time for the ‘true Alpha’ toe back and
lead.”
Anger shot through my veins. “The true Alpha? Are you kidding me? I’ve been leading the pack in his
absence!”
“And I’ve been defending you, Karl, but I’m just one guy. With you gone, people are talking. You’ve
been chasing after Abby and they think you’re neglecting your pack. You know how gossip spreads.”
His words stung, but the shame that followed hurt more. I had been preupied with Abby, I knew that.
Marcus was just voicing what I had been ignoring for too long.
“So what are you suggesting, Marcus? Should I abandon everything here ande back
immediately?”
“I’m suggesting that you think about your priorities, Karl. Your brother’s recovery could be a game-
changer. If he wakes up and you’re not here to navigate the transition, the pack’s loyalty might shift.”
“I get it. I really do. I’ve been neglecting my duties. But I’ve gotmitments here too, Marcus. Abby
has the cook-off next week and I need to be here for her.”
Marcus sighed. “The cook-off?”
“I know how it sounds,” I said, “but she’s important to me, too. I can’t just abandon her.”
“Karl, listen,” Marcus said, “I’m not trying to sway you one way or the other. I’m just telling you the
news.”
“I know,” I murmured. “I’m grateful for your honesty, though, Marcus. You know you’re a good Beta to
me.”
“Thanks, Karl,” Marcus replied.
I sighed then and passed my hand over my face. “Alright. Here’s what I’ll do: I’ll finish the cook-off, and
then I’lle back home. One week. I won’t make any moremitments here until everything’s
settled with the pack. How does that sound?”
“Sounds like a n,” Marcus said, though he still seemed skeptical. “Just remember, Karl, the clock’s
ticking.”
…
Abby and I are standing in her office, and I’ve just broken the news. Her wine-stained lips twitch into
the slightest frown, and I can tell that she’s on the verge of tears. She quickly looks away, not realizing
that I can still see the reflection of her face in the mirror.
“Alright,” she says quietly. “So, after the Alpha party, you’ll go home.”
“Sort of,” I answer. “I’ll be heading home right after the cook-off, actually.”
Her eyes widen in the mirror. She still doesn’t realize that I can see her, she’s too busy staring down at
the floor.
“But you just told me it would be after the Alpha party—”
“I’lle back for the Alpha party. But after that, I have to go home. Permanently. I’m sorry, Abby.”
A flicker of what looks like despair crosses her face, but she quickly hides it with a tight-lipped smile
and turns back around, her posture stiff. “I understand, Karl. Being an Alphaes first, and you have
responsibilities. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me and the restaurant.”
Her words areced with sincerity, but my wolf senses the thinly veiled disappointment that she’s trying
to hide. I know it hurts her, and it’s short notice. My chest tightens at the thought of leaving her, but I
have no choice. I’ve been shirking my duties for too long now. Marcus was right; I need to go home. I
need to be an Alpha.
Abby’s eyes soften as she looks up at me finally. “You know, I’ve always admired your dedication to
your pack. I hope you know that.”
Her words make my stomach feel lighter. “Thanks, Abby. That means a lot.”
There’s a charged silence between us. For a moment, I want to kiss her. But then the night of the party
shes through my mind, and I know I can’t. I can’t be rejected again, not now.
“But I promise I’ll visit, Abby,” I find myself saying. “And… you’re always wee toe to my home,
too. I meant what I said about you always having a ce there.”
She smiles, a genuine but hesitant expression. “I wouldn’t want to impose. You have enough on your
te.”
I chuckle. “Imposing? Abby, you’d never be an imposition. My home will always be open to you. It was
our home once, too.” New chapter avаble o? Drаmаnovels
“Well, then… maybe I’ll take you up on that offer sometime,” she says, her eyes twinkling as she gazes
up at me. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll surprise you with another visit soon.”
Our eyes meet, and in that moment, a myriad of emotions pass between us—regret, gratitude, maybe
even a sliver of hope. With a final nod, I take a step back, putting a bit of distance between us.
“So, I’ll see you tomorrow,” I say, shooting her a smile. I point at the index cards on her desk and wink.
“Keep practicing.”
I nod, a smirk tugging at the corners of my lips. “Wouldn’t dream of it, boss.”