Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

Kas’s POV

“Kas, you're sure about this, right?” Lex asks while I get changed into fresh clothes, “I mean, I agree with your decision, but I just want to make sure this is what you really want to do. We don’t know if it's going to work.”

“I'm sure, Lex. We have to try. I only have to live long enough to give birth to Cora. After that, worst case, you and I meet again in our next lifetime,” I say resolutely, “You have my back, right?” “Yes, Ihave your back. Jeez, Kas, you're such a badass, you know that? You're making this lifetime one of my favorites,” she coos at me, "A true warrior child of the Moon Goddess."

I roll my eyes at her, “Speaking of lifetimes, hundreds of them. I understand why you couldn't tell me but you told me we have had like fifteen or twenty lifetimes with Bronx, with all things relative, that isn’t very many.” “Well, there are a couple reasons for that,” she says sheepishly, “Sometimes you die before you meet him. Sometimes you die before I even wake up.”

“Who was my mate before Bronx? I mean, Saint isn’t even a thousand years old but you and I, our spirits, are ancient.”

“I don’t really want to get into those morbid details, Kas. It's the past. It doesn’t matter. You have Bronx now and I have Saint. We love them very much until the end of our spirits’ journeys.”

Morbid? I lean against the dresser and think for a moment. What an odd way to describe past mates. From the bathroom, I hear the shower turn off and Bronx gives a big snarling yawn. I can't imagine living a lifetime that I don't get to know this guy. He is perfect for me.

“I know technically I can’t command you to do anything, but Iam going to command you right now, okay?” “Ummm...okay?”

“I command you to never ever, no matter what, never tell me how I have died in the past. This is the last time in this life anyway that we have this conversation. I need to keep as many positive thoughts in my heart asI can.” “Command accepted, ma’am.”

“Thank you. Now let’s go find Cora and Amari.”

Bronx comes into the closet room, with a towel wrapped low around his waist, and gives me a kiss before he chooses what to wear for the day. I admire his hard chest and abs and smile at the tattoos that blanket his skin like a work of art.

“Yeah, the sooner the better. I want to get back so we can spend time with Saint,” she purrs, sending dirty images of things she wants to do with him. “Earth to Kas. What are you thinking about?” Bronx is waving his hand in front of my face, “I've been talking to you for like five minutes.”

“I-oh-I was th-thinking about- I-hmm,” I clear my throat while Lex laughs. Bronx smirks as I stumble over my words, too flustered to tell him what Lex is up to. “BUSTED! she howls at my expense. I compose myself, then give Bronx a kiss, and let him know I am going to see my sisters and leave before I can embarrass myself further.

her as we walk down

asks,

being vulgar,” I

a flush come through his dark complexion. “Hey, you asked!” Now I laugh at him. He scrunches his face, regretting asking

would do if I told her you were talking to me like this? Just casually walking down the hall, talking about your horny Luna wolf? She would drag me to the Northern border and bury me six feet under

to not upset

wait patiently. I can hear her moving around in the room, but she

It’s Kas. You wanted to see me?”

moving, “Mia stigmi! [ One

door as well. Finally, Cora cracks the door open enough to peek one scarlet eye out at us. “Please come in now, Kas. Antras nkarnt episis? [The male guard too?]” she looks at

any concerns,” I smile at her. She nods and pulls me into the room without fully opening the door, closing

has moved even the heavy furniture to make a nest of bedding, with the furniture forming a protective barrier around it in the center of the room. The room smells musky, like she has been shifting and spending time in wolf form in the room. “C-Cora, don’t you

River is a good pack,” she says plainly, “I will never speak against

the other Manae leaders, but she won't speak ill of them either. She takes my hand and makes our way to the middle of her bedding nest before she sits down cross-legged in the center, then pulls me down into her lap just like Bronx does. I let her put her arms around me and rock me slowly. She hums a lullaby that makes me feel sleepy. I recognize the interaction as something Lenora does to soothe Codi. “Cora, why does the song sound familiar?” I ask, letting myself

I keep alive

smile at the sweet

when you speak it to

for hundred years

come from you. That is why you know it when I

how you can mind link me

link. Only a link between us. Special for sister, who is my daughter and my mother,” she

only ever felt this safe and relaxed in Bronx’s arms before. I feel like I am supposed to be here. In Cora's arms and her in mine. Our energies flow between each other as if i tis the most natural thing in the world. I take a deep calming breath and feel wet tears on my cheeks

are strong, but I am here for you. Always,” she pulls me away from her just