#Chapter 209: Belonging

Abby   It’s well past two in the morning by the time I unlock the front door to my apartment. My feet are so sore that all I can think about is collapsing onto the couch, but I also smell like a kitchen and there’s a solid layer of sweat coating my entire body, so the shower comes first.   I quickly shed my chef’s uniform and turn on the hot water. While the bathroom fills with steam, I comb out my tangled hair and allow myself a few moments to just breathe.   The Alpha gathering was a success; a huge success. And although my parting with Karl was bittersweet, I feel like a new door has opened on the next chapter of my life.   With a satisfied smile, I climb into the shower and let the hot water cascade over me. I spend a long time just scrubbing, washing away the grime from cooking all night. By the time I’m finished, I feel as though I’ve just shed a whole layer of skin, and I step out of the shower feeling like a new woman.   After drying, I wrap my hair in a towel and gra