Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

I hear a familiar giggle that warms my soul. I turn to find the most gorgeous woman in the world standing in front of me. She's wearing leggings and a linen sleeveless tunic style top. She's gained weight since the last time I saw her, filling out her curves. Her skin has a sun- kissed glow that makes a few freckles pop on her nose and cheeks. My heart skips a beat at the sight of my mate.

She bounces on her toes and runs to me. "Bronx!" she squeals as she jumps into my outstretched arms. Sparks fly between us as our bodies collide.

"Kas! Oh, Goddess, it's so good to see you. You look amazing," I say as I pepper her face with kisses and plant one on her mouth.

"Luna Iokaste, dinner is in two hours. Why don't you show Alpha Bronx around in the meantime?" Lady Camille suggests as she seems to appear out of nowhere.

"Yes, ma'am," Kas says but doesn't take her eyes off of me. ae ok

"Bronx, I have learned so much already. Lex and I are so close now. It's practically like we're the same spirit," Kas speaks excitedly as we walk around the coven house grounds. I notice Marco following at a distance, giving us plenty of space. Good. I am glad to see he is committed to his job.

"Oh, did Lady Camille tell you about James and Sister Delilah?" she says with sparkling eyes.

"Yeah, Baby, she said she and I have decisions to make before you guys leave. We can worry about that later," I reassure her.

We stop at a bench next to the path we're walking on. I sit down and pull her into my lap. We sit there holding each other, talking about how things have been. She seems to have done a lot in two weeks. The more she tells me the more I don't know how she possibly had the time to do it all. As she sits on my lap, our conversation melts into nothing more than slow, soft kisses until a woman comes up to us and clears her throat.

“My apologies for the interruption, Alpha Bronx, Luna Iokaste, but dinner will be served in ten minutes," she says with a blush.

“Thank you, Sister Renee," Kas says gratefully. She stands up and takes my hand. We go inside to a large dining room with three long tables that take up the length of the room. There are benches instead of chairs. Approximately a hundred women are talking and laughing with each other in their seats. | They all stop when they see Kas and me. They stand in unison and bow, showing their respect to me. I bow in return feeling self conscious as I realize I am the only person who is not female in the room. They all go back to sitting but quietly, as Lady Camille stands at the center of the room ona small platform. 2

"Sisters, as you know, Luna Iokaste's mate has arrived for a visit. Please make him feel welcome over the next two days. In other news, tonight is the full moon. Alpha Bronx, your Luna wanted to surprise you with the news, so please, Luna Iokaste, go ahead."

Kas stands up from her seat with an ear to ear smile and turns to face me, "Bronx, tonight I get to shift for the first time. Will you please shift with me?"

for me to answer her, "Y-yes. Oh my Goddess, Kas, of course

in the courtyard tonight in support of Luna

who's

practically doing backflips in my head. 2 Lady Camille sits down across from us and explains the details of the ceremony to

says many of the sisters of the coven have never seen a werewolf shift before. So

Kas's. It makes me feel a little better that they are protecting her from both sides. "Alpha, I'm so glad you're here.

James. You know you always

know the feeling. I tell him to enjoy his time with her and that we will figure out what to do before it's time for him to leave this place. He seems relieved, then shows me

love, but I do know werewolves can get distracted easily," I look at him seriously, hoping I don't have to spell

and I meet up when it's Marco's watch and she knows not to disturb me

tone. I try imagining I'm talking to Milo or

of surprise at my relaxed tone. I'm his Alpha. I never talk about personal relationships. When he realizes it isn't a trick question, his shoulders relax and he

on her mood. She is so caring and sweet. I just want to be close

a werebear in a battle once. I can't imagine him being the complete opposite with

James. Trust me, I completely understand," I clap his shoulder and

the hallway

as I walk into the

Good to

you. How are you, Marco? We miss seeing you at the packhouse. Training isn't the same without you," I smile. He looks at me the same as

here are...tranquil...always. It can be unnerving because everything is so perfect. Like too perfect, ya know. But we've adjusted.

months? Marco, you've only

is different here. A week for

feel the blood drain from