Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

Chapter 15

Musu tries to hide her disappointment at Bronx's reaction, even though we were both expecting it.

"You did a good job, Musu. We knew he would not say yes that easily,” I place my hand on her forearm to comfort her, "It actually wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.”

She smiles weakly at my compliment, "Thank you, Lenora. I suppose you're right. At least he didn't break anything."

“Listen, we have half an hour before the Bronx's message goes live. How about we take a break from work? I'll ask Mrs. Miller to bring a snack and we will watch the broadcast together. We can get back to research after."

Her smile widens to genuine gratitude as we make our way to the love seat on the other side of the room. I mind link the kitchen staff and ask for some snacks and drinks so Musu and I can relax for a bit.

Ever studious, Musu keeps doing research while we wait for our food and the announcement to be released, but came up with nothing. It isn't long before one of the omegas brings us food and drinks so we can sit back and relax. I turn on the TV.

The talking head announces a rare statement directly from the CEO of MasonCo, Bronx Mason, in regard to his wife, Kas Mason. A head shot that the PR team took of Kas shortly before she and Bronx got married flashes on the screen. An involuntary smile crosses my face just by seeing her.

"Our Luna is so beautiful,” Musu muses with a smile of her own.

"Yeah, Bronx is a lucky guy, huh?" I giggle. Musu follows suit, with a little elbow in my side.

The video of Bronx slides onto the screen. He is wearing a gray suit like Ashley recommended, but he is wearing a black shirt and black tie. His eye patch is light green to match his eye. I recognize it immediately. Kas gave it to him for Winter Solstice.

I watch as my brother lets go of all pretence and speaks the way he did when he was in the military. A glint in his eye and tone in his voice that I have not seen or heard since before he met kas. The deliberate, succinct, calm cadence in contrast to the unrelenting intensity of his glare and caustic severity of his words makes my jaw go slack. I look over at Musu, who is wide eyed with a tortilla chip sticking out of her mouth, mid-bite. She has never known this side of him.

"Is this the Bronx Mason who Elder Henri warned me about?" she asks in a quiet voice, never taking her eyes off the screen. Elder Henri served in the military with Bronx. He knows exactly how dangerous my brother can be.

“Yeah...that's him. He's been gone for a while, but looks like he's back," I clear my throat, “This explains his reaction to the video we showed him.”

My cell phone dings with a text message.

Dad: Lenora. What the Hell is going on?

Lenora: Everything is okay now, Dad. I didn't know that was what he recorded though

Dad: Tell your brother to call as soon as he can. Mom is ready to strangle him. Love you, sweetie

Lenora: Okay, Dad. Love you too.

Mom and Dad have been in Norway for the last five weeks. We had called them when Kas went missing. They offered to come home, but there was nothing we could think of that they could actually do to help, so we told them not to come. They were relieved when I let them know Kas was back. Just like everyone else, they love Kas with all of their hearts.

Bronx's little media message apparently has gone viral in a matter of ten minutes.

“You know what, let's get back to work,” Musu says as she collects herself and finishes her chip.

“Good idea. Back to work.”

Bronx's POV

to have a driver take us in one of the dark tinted SUVs instead of driving ourselves to MasonCo headquarters.

discuss what they should and shouldn't say to reporters. It's the regular shit.

and spend time with her. Make sure she is alright. I know she said she can't remember the

pull out my phone and call

help you?" she

Roses. Purple and white," I instruct, “A lot of

Is that

yes. We should be there in fifteen

but calm

my agenda

speak with you. Something about a data center in Montana. Her assistant insisted that the meeting be with you. They are based out of Greece, but they are willing to come here for the meeting.” "Santoro Enterprises?” My interest is piqued. We just finished watching the video of Cordell Santoro being murdered last year. I didn't know the Santoros were wolves until the video, but now that I know, I'm happy

Katherine Santoro,”

can look at schedules when I get into the office and figure something out for both things. Thank you, Carly," I hang up without waiting for

look at my phone to check emails when I realize the car is absolutely silent. I look up at Milo and Reggie. They are both staring at me like I just

ask, confused by

“Santoro Enterprises?” Milo says.

figure out who Katherine Santoro really is before the meeting. Loop in Lenora and Musu if

boss. Want me to send a

what you need to

am I

still on reporter

get to do all

Reggie smiles and

get to the office, reporters swarm the car, but the security guards hold them back until we get

me with the sucky jobs,” Milo complains,

was

in the jewelry store robbery,” I remember it like it was yesterday, not a year

look at Milo one last time before I feed him to

tie?”

had a Winter Solstice tie. It is in the shape of a Solstice tree. As fun as that would be, I didn't feel like having you strangle me today.

and takes it from me and puts it around his neck. He pulls the end over his head like it's a noose, crosses his eyes, and sticks out

papers. She follows me to my desk so I can review them. While I'm signing my name to paper after paper,

Alpha," she informs me, “I also

from the Elder

Randall,” she says quietly, avoiding

lot of packs believe I will be elected to the Elder Council when I retire. I hope

of him. Keep me posted on

backs out of the room,