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.

Marco? Why act so aggressively? That's not like you, Kas. I think that is the part we are so concerned about. You weren't just trying to incapacitate an intruder to protect yourself. You tried to kill him," his tone is serious and

me?!” Lex growls, “You had better tell him

her full name for emphasis, "There was just this part of me that felt more... I don't know...independent? No.

patiently as I try to find the

Feral. Yeah. It felt like there was a part of me that was feral. Like I needed to attack him," I look at him to see if

know about that feeling?" His expression hints that he knows something I don't. I'm confused by the question, “I-I don't think so. I mean, I don't feel like

to say. Finally, he cocks his head to the side, “Do you remember me bringing you back to

that is a conversation for another night," I hold my hands up, not wanting to start an

do you know

I know of?

Maybe it could be a group of wolves from Silver Moon? Or do you know if Silver Moon ever

don't remember any groups calling themselves the Feral. Why do I feel like we had this

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 and more feel

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 sigh, then take another bite of pizza, trying to push my worry down. I need to think about Delilah later. We are still in business mode here,“

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

“BRONX!” I squawk.

to Lenora that the maneuver was one they had taught you to use for extreme

it in my mind. 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

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

guard."

I swallow a hard lump forming in my throat. "It even freaked

a feeling of panic, "Can 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. I-I understand if

Bronx reaches out and takes my hand, “I have already talked to Tyree and Ashley