Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

“A star-studded charity event in Greece turned scary last night when America’s pint-sized princess, Kas Mason, co- owner of ‘Patisseries de Loup Magique’, and wife of security mogul Bronx Mason, was attacked by a disgruntled server."

“The casino themed event was thrown by Santoro Enterprises for Katherine Santoro’s personal charity that provides fresh water resources for people around the world. The Masons made a rare public appearance together, attending the event with a group of Kas’s friends, who walked the red carpet with her."

“Bronx looked swoon worthy in a Tom Ford tuxedo. His new, realistic prosthetic green eye highlighted the secretive stunner's handsome features.

But ladies and gentlemen, let me tell you, Kas, who is known for her signature silver hair and violet-colored contacts, really stole the show ina curve-hugging black, open back

Givenchy gown, giving the world a peek at the burn scars. She has spoken about them before in interviews, but I, for one, gasped at how severe those scars actually are.”

“The altercation with the server began when the ill-advised employee approached Kas and offered her a glass of champagne. Now we know we have not seen Kas drink alcohol in the past, so naturally she politely refused a drink from the man. Eye witnesses claim he became enraged and grabbed her by the wrist, threatening her, unprovoked."

“They say Kas stayed calm, cool, and collected while her ever present security guards came to the rescue and subdued the man. But the really juicy part of the story begins when Bronx got involved and tried to strangle the attacker in front of everyone. A source tells us Kas was able to calm Bronx down and convince him to let the man go, letting event security take over the situation. Makes you wonder what he's like at home, doesn't it?"

“The Masons immediately left the event after the incident. Witnesses later saw the couple canoodling by a nearby fountain, where they spied Bronx with his hand on Kas’s belly. While the couple hasn't announced a pregnancy yet, maybe he was just being an overprotective daddy-to-be? Make sure you have alerts set on our social media accounts, because we'll break that news as soon as we hear about it!”

I feel the spoon drop out of my hand, into the bowl of oatmeal. The reporter from the tabloid news show grins broadly as the professional video clips of Bronx and I smiling on the red carpet switch to me turning to show everyone the open back of my dress, then to Delilah, Musu, Carly, and Diane posing beside me to a cell phone video of Bronx dangling Dionysus in the air by the neck. Finally, a grainy picture of Bronx sitting on the side of the fountain with his hand clearly on my stomach.

“Ashley, I don't care what time it is there, get the PR team to deal with this NOW” Bronx bellows into his phone as he comes out of the bedroom of our hotel suite, “I'll be waiting.” |

“Bronx people recorded you,” I hear myself say.

“Yeah, I know, Kas. You don’t have to worry about it. This is my problem, not yours,” he says, pacing and rubbing his hands on his face.

“Media outlets think I'm pregnant,” I can feel tears in my eyes as I turn toward him. I rarely let tabloids bother me, but this is too personal.

“Kas, I'm going to handle this,” he continues to pace, not paying attention to what I'm saying, and mumbles under his breath about hating public events and cursing Saint for his bad temper.

“I'm going to lie down. Hopefully, when I wake up, this will all be part of a bad dream,” I don’t even stop to give him a kiss and he's too distracted to notice. I just make my way to the bedroom and crawl under the covers.

“Lex, please tell me you have some words of wisdom to help Bronx and me out here,” I sigh, trying to hold back tears. I feel so stupid being upset by a stupid tabloid report.

“Well, I’m not gonna say he hasn't pulled a trick like that in the past but it was way before cell phone cameras were a thing,” she admits, “I think you both just have to lie low until it blows over.”

my mind is racing. There's no way I can relax enough to clear my mind. I consider calling Delilah to come hang out with me, but I don’t want to trouble her with this. I decide

turn on the water, and get undressed. While l am

purple portal forming in the middle of the bathroom. “Kas? Are you alone?” Leticia peeks her head out

arms to the sides, remembering I have no problem with her right now,

portal with a hop and looks around the bathroom, “ This is a hotel?

trying to be rude, but if Bronx finds you here, he’s going to kill you. So

scars are?” she asks, her violet

kill me. He has to protect me, just like he does for you. I thought you

wrong. Please tell me what you need or get out until Iam in a better

gathered at the apartment and I have your meeting confirmed. Two human weeks from today,” she beams at

absorb her words. Holy crap,

a lifesaver,” I breathe out heavily, “What is the

smelling a bar of soap that was

mean the dagger? The one you used

There’s just one minor problem. Well,

“What's the problem?”

years ago, but we need the three pieces that are still in Bronxy’s liver. Otherwise, the dagger isn’t complete. Not as powerful. She'll

reassemble the blade? I don’t know what kind

meeting will be enough. How are you going to

her concern. She doesn’t know I removed the silver from Bronx’s liver and she doesn’t need to. I just need to get them out of the

Our combined power will be enough to reassemble it," Leticia says resolutely. She pauses for amoment as her demeanor changes from serious to

now? Leticia, I'm in a towel," I run

on, Kas. Come, give them your best rally speech. They haven't seen you in so long,” she begs, hopping on her toes with her hands clasped over her heart. It reminds me of when pups want to open their early presents during Winter

moment. I do want to meet the rest of the Mavri Magea. Now's as good a time as any, I suppose, but I can’t just leave. Bronx

Lex, wanna cover

"Cover for you? How?”

here while my human spirit goes