Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

The next day, | go to visit Delilah who is, thankfully, feeling much better. James brings us tea while we are snuggled into blankets on the sofa in their living room. “Kas, Lady Camille would like to come here to speak with Beta Milo and Beta Lenora to help with the premonition...umm...situation," she says the last part quietly with her tea cup held close to her mouth. Her breath makes steam billow off the top of her cup.

| think for a moment about what Delilah just said, "She doesn't want to speak with Bronx?” “Kas, we mean no disrespect to Alpha Bronx, but think that Beta Lenora will be the best person to explain the premonition to him. Specifically because of their relationship. He will accept it better from her,” she pauses, then sighes, "We also think it is best if we dont tell either of you when it is supposed to happen, so neither of you tries to change it. The people who surround you two, the ones who truly love and care about you the most, will be the ones to protect you and stop it.” It sounded a bit cryptic, but Delilah has never given me a reason to question her before. “Alright, | will speak to Beta Milo. When should we expect Lady Camille? | will make sure she gets the suite with the big balcony. | know how she likes to do sun salutations in the mornings.”

“Two days time,” she confirmed, "Thank you for your understanding, Kas. I-I| don't want you to think there is any sort of subterfuge against you or Alpha Bronx. This situation is very complex.”

“Oh Delilah, | don't think that at all. | am truly grateful to have you as a friend and an ally through all of this.”

We spend the rest of the afternoon watching a holiday baking competition and drinking herbal tea.

When it was close to time for dinner, | head back to the packhouse but not before giving Delilah a big hug, “| meant it when | said | am grateful to have you as a friend, Delilah. If you ever need anything, just say the word.” Milo, Lenora, and Bronx got home from the MasonCo office and | let them know to prepare for Lady Camille. | pull Bronx aside and tell him about what Delilah said. Lady Camille will discuss the situation with Milo and Lenora and she will have Lenora speak with him separately about the premonition. | also tell him that he and | are not allowed to know when it is supposed to happen, but she and Delilah would prepare the people around us, so they can protect us. This news makes him extremely grumpy. He gives me a kiss 0n the forehead and mutters something about going to the weight room before he sulks away.

As soon as Lady Camille arrives, his attitude changes. He treats her like the most important guest we have ever had at Blood River. We spend the first day letting her spend time with Delilah and James. Knowing Lady Camille is not one for fanfare, we plan a small get together for dinner. Just her, the ranked members, Delilah, James and Marco. Bronx begrudgingly lets me cook the entire thing. He would much prefer if | let the kitchen staff handle it. He says that is what they're there for but | enjoy cooking so much. | am happy | can make a meal that the people | love the most will enjoy.

The next day, Lady Camille, Delilah, Lenora, and Milo spend most of the day in Bronx's office. They even have breakfast and lunch brought into them. Bronx makes himself scarce by spending most of the day on the training grounds. | keep finding reasons to casually walk past the door. Maybe | would happen to overhear something...anything. No such luck. Dang it.

| guess I'm not as casual as | thought because Ashley pulls me away and gives me a few chores that omegas could use my supervision on, out in the greenhouse.

It's late afternoon when an omega comes to fetch me. Lady Camille is ready to speak with Bronx and me. | hurry as fast as | can without looking like I'm being chased. ° Bronx arrives at the same time. As we approach the office, Lenora and Milo are just leaving. Lenora looks like she's been crying. “Lenora, are you okay?” | take her by the hands and look up at her watery eyes.

grabs me by the shoulders and pulls

remember that. No matter

| pat her back so

ground in

us. Always. You're never alone, okay?" his breath hitches as

| know," | squeak out from inside his crushing hug. A low growl comes from

Milo apologizes as he sets

close to Bronx, telling him she would speak

that all about?" | ask as they

Bronx says watching the Betas head down the stairs before he places his hand on the small of my

at the conference table, sipping

for taking so much of your Betas’ time but we had an extremely fruitful conversation. Most of which was about the two of you and what we can do about Luna lokaste's

discussed in depth your journey and the things we learned about you in the first

see. That would explain the the hallway hugs,” | look down

whom were overwhelmed and had to respectfully stop working with me. Almost all my experiences in my life at that point were all based out of isolation,

how | felt before and after the premonition, how | have been since, and discuss the progress of my other abilities. Lady Camille takes some

would like to spend the rest of the evening meditating with Luna lokaste and Delilah. It seems like both of their spirits could use a