Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

Kas's POV

Hundreds of flashes go off as we take our spots on the little x's on the red carpet in front of the wall of photographers. We ignore the questions being yelled at us as Bronx slides his hand around my waist and squeezes a little. I look up at him with a big smile, which makes the flashes go off even faster. My smile gets even bigger when he gives me a wink, then leans down to give me a kiss.

"You're so fucking beautiful, Kas," he whispers against my lips, before he stands straight again and walks away backwards. He raises his hands toward me and looks toward the photographers, then claps his hands, showing the crowd how much he approves of my slinky black dress. We don't go to many red carpet events, but for the ones we go to, Bronx always gives the media a minute to get solo pics of me. I feel Lex swoon at our mate, making me blush again before I pose by myself.

I may be young, but I'm not stupid. After my interactions with Katherine, I completely understand she invited

Bronx and me here for clout. We are just another feather in her cap. Convincing the Masons to attend one of her events is an impressive feat, indeed. If she wants attention, I'll be glad to provide it. Two can play at this game.

I let my little storm cloud, combined with Lex’s bold personality, fuel me as I stand by myself in front of the endless sea of flashing cameras. I turn and let everyone see the large keyhole back of the dress, intentionally exposing my keloid scars from years of being whipped by my former Alpha. It’s nota secret to the public that I have severe scarring, but the human world believes it is from being in a fire when I was young. It is something I have discussed before, but never shown off in the human world.

There is a lull in the noise when the crowd, who has never seen the scars, realizes how severe they really are.

When I turn my head and wave at the photographers with a sly smile, the flashes and questions start again, even more frenzied than before.

Through the noise, I hear giggling and clapping. I see Delilah, Musu, Carly, and Diane chatting excitedly in the left wing while they watch me pose.

"Kas, who are your friends?" a voice calls out from the crowd. I wave the women toward me. Carly looks around, not sure what to do in the impromptu moment. A woman with a headset and clipboard motions to Carly that they should all come out to join me.I can hear her say you have forty-five seconds as Carly nods her head.

Bullshit, lady. We have as much time as I damn well please.

My four friends shyly make their way hand in hand out to stand next to me. I see them looking at the view from center stage in awe. We wrap our arms around each other's waists and pose with big cheerful smiles. I call out to the reporters who each woman is and how I know them. Carly whispers she will provide the spelling for everyone’s names so it is correct in any publications that want to post them.

is a dig at Katherine and the rest of the Manae, but I know damn well she

of the spotlight, Carly goes to speak to a production assistant and gives them everyone's

reporter from a fashion website who is accompanied by a cameraman recording video for

next for you? "Well, my business partner Delilah and I have been considering another second location for our bakery. We'll see. One is a

and Bronx?" The

mean are we planning

would never ask that outright, but since you

been really busy for us with my business getting

so well, so we haven't talked about it much," I

for your time, Kas. You look gorgeous as

by my friends. Bronx is still being interviewed by

we wait for them, Marco takes pictures of us all together with

we wait for Bronx. She is wearing a light blue dress that falls below her knees with high-heeled sandals.

in my life,” she giggles,

and takes her hand, "What

with an exaggerated eye roll, "Speaking of which, Carly, you make this whole feminine tuxedo

picked out at Chanel, "Thank you Lu -, Kas.

of the room to give a speech. She thanks everyone and explains how important the event is for her charity

to the ballroom where the casino is and encourages us to buy as many chips as we can and to have

eye and

and wave back, but inside I feel the acid

business contacts. Marco and Tyree are in charge. There are also two MasonCo guards monitoring things from the corners of the room. James is going to be tailing me,” Bronx briefs us, " There are chips for all of you, so go have a