Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

I sit on the edge of the bed in the silent room. So this is what twenty-five feels like. I wonder if a hundred and twenty- five will feel just as good. What about two hundred and twenty-five? I laugh to myself at the thought as I head into the bathroom.

I look in the mirror and run a brush through my white hair. None of the sparkly gray came back when it grew in four and a half years ago. I examine the mirror closer. It looks like there are some more violet flecks in the light gray of my irises, but maybe that’s just me being hopeful. I still don’t have any abilities other than being able to shift and mind linking other pack members. 

I splash water on my face and brush my teeth. There will be time to shower later before the pack Summer Solstice party and pack run. I pick up some toys that made their way into the closet room and find a dark blue sundress to wear. Once I am changed, I look at myself in the full-length mirror and smile.

When I get into the living room, Marco comes up and gives me a giant hug, lifting me off the ground, “Happy Birthday, Kas.”

“Thank you, Marco,” I give him a peck on the cheek before he puts me down, “ What are you two up to?”

“Nothing for you to worry about, Luna. We will see you two for the pack run tonight,” he waves and shows himself out the door.

“Where are the kids?” I ask, heading to their rooms to collect them.

“Delilah has them. They are helping her with the surprise chocolate cake,”

Bronx stands and walks over to me with a big smile. He kisses me deeply, then looks into my eyes, “Another fleck of violet in there, I think.”

“Yeah, I thought the same thing,” I giggle at him.

He puts his hand over his heart and tilts his head at me, “Forever my favorite sound. Come on, I havea surprise for you.”

“Bronx, I asked you not to get anything for me. We're going to have hundreds of years together now. Material things are not worth it,” I insist, trying not to whine.

to the garage and opens the door to his Range Rover.

are we going?” I lean my head back

Maybe when you are a hundred, you will be interested in learning how to do it yourself,” he raises an

learn how to drive. I just

of nowhere called Jimmy’s BBQ. He has taken me here once before. I remember the food was

booth she keeps reserved for Bronx, she takes us outside and to the little cabin next to

you were gone, Saint kept bringing me back here, and I didn't understand why. He just Kept insisting

say, confused, as he leads me

it out. Kas, there is someone very special who we would like you to meet,” Bronx says to me once we are sitting

hand. He has white blond hair and hazel

I would like you to meet Andy. Andy Latmus Briland,” Shelly smiles broadly.

She nods happily and gently puts her hand on his back so he

back at the little boy, with tears in my eyes, trying to find my voice, “H- hello,

head and uses his sleeve to wipe

that Shelly's husband is a hybrid? Werebear and werewolf?” Bronx says sitting next

think I remember that,” I sniffle as I admire the little boy

and had some blood work done. Would you believe there is not a drop of werebear blood in his system? He’s a pure werewolf, Kas. In fact,

“ Mommy said that makes me special.” “Oh my Goddess, yes. Your mommy is right, it makes you very special, Andy,” I

asked if I would have him tested. When we got the results, they asked me if they thought having Andy become a member of Blood River was a good idea. Werebears are pretty solitary, but

again, “Andy, i-is that

and I would get to stay with these people called Gammas. They came to visit. They’re really nice,”