Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

Chapter 22

When Bronx comes back, he has Mrs. Miller in tow. I come out of the bedroom with a big smile when I hear her voice. She is one of my favorite people. Left to our own devices, she and I can experiment with new recipes and trade technique ideas all day long. Bronx is carrying the ingredients I asked for. She is carrying a pizza box. As soon as she sets it down, I throw myself into her arms.

"Oh, Luna, we have been so worried about you. I am glad to see you back at home safe and sound," she comforts me in a warm hug while she smoothes my hair.

"I'm glad to be back, Mrs. Miller," I grin, “I am going to come see you this week about ideas for sandwiches for the bakery.”

"Of course Luna. You know where to find me," she squeezes me a little harder before she says goodbye and takes her leave.

Bronx takes our pizza to the living room so we can relax while we eat and talk. This is how he and I usually talk about pack or regent business when there are tough decisions involved. We have found it works better for us than being in one of our offices.

Once we settle in, I take a huge bite of the pizza. It is the most delicious thing I have ever eaten. That may be my hungry stomach speaking on my behalf, but it really is delicious.

“So where do you want to start?” Bronx gives me the option to talk about what I want. He knows me better than to make me talk about what he wants to hear first. We will get to it, eventually. I don't even have to think about what I want to start with. It's been on my mind since I woke up from my nap.

“Can we start with James?" I request, wiping my mouth with a napkin.

“Of course, Baby. You want to go first, tell me what happened? Or do you want me to tell you what we know?"

“I can start,” I give a quick nod before explaining that I didn't recognize his scent and that when I opened the bedroom door, I didn't recognize him. He was wearing a t-shirt and jeans, not his usual black suit.

"So, you don't remember me telling you he would be out here?" Bronx looks confused. “I-I'm sorry, but I don't remember that at all,” I frown, trying to recall any conversation about James being inside our apartment.

That's not like you, Kas. I think that is the part we are so

Lex growls, “You had better tell

for emphasis, "There was just this part of

patiently as I try to find the

me that was feral. Like I needed to attack him," I

he knows something I don't. I'm confused

bite of pizza and looks at me, clearly trying to figure out what to say. Finally, he cocks his head to the side, “Do you remember me bringing

am...but that is a conversation for another

know

that I know of? Should

called the Feral? Is that something you remember? Maybe it could be a group of wolves from Silver Moon? Or do you know if

groups calling themselves the Feral. Why do I feel like we had

worry about it,” he brushes off my question, “But saying you felt feral and the fact that you wouldn't eat human food, then involuntarily shifted in the hospital wing so Lex could go eat raw food makes me more

could be? Maybe we could ask Delilah if she had ever heard of a group like that. Once James is out of the hospital wing, though. I'm sure I stressed her out enough,” I

position before he looks at me, "So, we had James and Marco come up here for guard duty since we didn't know if the people who took you would try to show up again. They weren't wearing their usual suits because they came within fifteen minutes of me mindlinking them. We all figured you would sleep most of the day. We positioned James inside, so if something happened that the hospital wing wouldn't be able to handle, he could call Delilah right away. I also didn't want you in here by yourself. I know I told you I was leaving, but I didn't know what your state of mind was going to be when you woke up. We

“BRONX!” I squawk.

the idea,” he's the one putting his hands up now, "Marco explained to Lenora that the maneuver was

Exactly where I needed to put my feet. Exactly how much pressure I needed in my hands, how far I would need to lean back so he couldn't throw me off. It's like it all instinctually calculated itself in my mind. I just had to execute with precision," I shrug, "Looking back on it, I

on his neck. I don't know what his mindset is right now. I just want you to be

guard."

umm, okay,” I swallow a hard lump forming in my throat. "It even freaked Marco out,” Bronx

we give them both some time off? Before they ask for it? Give them time to think about if they want to be my guards.

takes my hand, “I have already talked to Tyree