Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

Kas’s POV

I sit in front of him, even though he doesn’t know I’m there. I'm afraid if I look away, I may never see him again. Elexis’s black snout pushes under my elbow so I will put my arm around her while she sits next to me. I let myself lean heavily against her while we watch our mate realize that my spirit has left my body.

“He broke the mate bond, Kas. Our spirits’ journeys are finished,” Lex says quietly, “There are no more lifetimes for us.” °

“I understand,” I nod slowly as I run my fingers through her silky onyx fur, “Lex, through everything, I forgive him. I’m sure it seems foolish, but I don’t have the desire to hold on to hate or malice when I move on. So, I forgive him.”

“Of course you do. You have a good heart, Kas. 1 know how much you loved him over the centuries.”

“I've made my peace, and I died knowing! did everything I could do to save my sisters and keep my pups alive. There is nothing else I need to fulfill me.” «

“It has been a pleasure being your wolf, Kas. I couldn't ask for a better human spirit to be attached to for the last five thousand years,” Lex says as she gives my cheek a lick.

“Thank you for being sucha magnificent wolf, Lex,” I look up and smile at the giant black wolf, “I’m going to miss you.”

We both look back at Bronx as Reggie takes my body out of his arms and puts i ton a gurney. Everyone looks like they are in pain.

“They feel the Luna bond breaking,” Lex says as if she was reading my mind.

“How long will it last?” I watch as Reggie and the medical staff run the gurney down the hallway.

“It depends on the pack member. Children, meh, a couple days and for adults, a couple weeks. And for the ranked members, it could be a long time. Bronx will probably always feel it. Since he broke the mate bond, he will not die in the next couple of years unless he does something stupid. He is going to live a normal lifetime now,” Lex explains, “but it’s his and Saint’s last one, too.”

Milo is trying to comfort Bronx through his own pain. I frown, wishing I could take this part away.

out loud when

to us. I feel a

anyone else

I can’t, Iokaste,” she says, ignoring my request,

did what I had to do. I don’t have any regrets. If 1 had known it was going to be my last lifetime, I would have eaten more grilled cheese sandwiches. A few more bananas, too,” I try to lighten the mood, glancing at her. She has pulled her blonde hair

that you did what you had to do to help the Manae. In fact, it's the first time in five thousand years thatI realize you have been acting selflessly. You spent so much time in the shadows, I thought you had lost your way,” she tells me while she observes Bronx and Milo, “I convinced the other Olympic Gods to give you one last

won't be here to see it. I don’t have a mate anymore, so my spirit’s journey is

away from a distraught Bronx toward her, “I came here to give you a choice, my darling. We told you if you saw your quest through, we

I ask, confused, “I've already told you, I don’t want any rewards for doing the right

choice as a reward. The Olympians were having a lively discussion about you and Elexis when they found out Bronx broke the mate bond,” she

huh? Ironic choice of words, Mother,” I feel myself roll my eyes at

you now that you have completely changed the fates of your

thanks. I’ve had enough of that

want to give you the opportunity to be

startle against me at my mother’s statement. I take a deep

that deserves immortality. I did what any decent werewolf with the powers I had would do,” I shake my head at her, “I don’t want

what can I do

Mother, “OUR

gods and goddesses on Mount

have a choice. What's my other option? Because, no offense, Mother, but

journey as it is fated or, continue

“More even footing?”

and you will keep your memories when you are reincarnated. Now that you’ve shown that you

and our Leaders. Completely. Not just in this lifetime. For the rest of their spirits’ journeys,” I say flatly, “ They are all so tortured.

we can arrange for that,” she

who has his head in his hands looking