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.

part we are so concerned about. You weren't just trying to

had better tell him it wasn't

stop me," I use her full name for emphasis, "There was just this part of me that felt more... I don't know...independent? No. Alone? That's not right

watches patiently as I try to find the

was a part of me that was feral. Like

something I don't. I'm confused by the

Finally, he cocks his head to

carrying me and I remember telling you I'm still mad at you...which I am...but that is a conversation for another night," I hold my hands up, not

know anyone

I know of? Should

know yet, Saint mentioned the name. How about a group called the Feral? Is that something you remember? Maybe it could be a group of wolves from Silver Moon? Or do you know if

calling themselves

“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 and more feel like this was a group of

the hospital wing, though. I'm sure I stressed her out enough,” I sigh, then take another bite of pizza, trying to push my worry down. I

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.

“BRONX!” I squawk.

hands up now, "Marco explained to Lenora that the maneuver was one they had taught you to use for

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

on his neck. I don't know what his mindset is right now. I just want you to be prepared that there could be a possibility he might not want to come back

guard."

lump forming in my throat. "It even freaked Marco out,” Bronx continued," Lenora had to send him home

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

time off,” Bronx reaches out and takes my hand, “I have already talked to Tyree and Ashley is pulling a few guys from Milo's ops team to cover guard