Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

After congratulating the happy couple, we make our way around the hospital wing, handing out boxes to the grateful staff and the patients who are happy to get a visit from their Alpha and Luna. When all the boxes run out, we make our way back up to the apartment. I give Tessa a deep hug, letting her energy surround me without pulling it from her. It feels very structured and controlled to hug her, but full of gratitude and love at the same time.

“Everything’s going to work out for the Manae, Tessa. I'm going to make sure of it,” I pat my hand against her face reassuringly.

“Little Sister, I don’t know how you think you could make a difference on your own, but I commend your tenacity,” she gives me a kiss on the cheek and makes her way down the hall.

I get back to my normal routine and make dinner for Bronx. He comes into the kitchen and helps make the side dishes, listening to my instructions carefully. Just like the guards and warriors I have given lessons to in the past, using the paring knife proves too difficult for Bronx's large hands so I help him peel the veggies and pretend not to see him sneak nibbles from the salad while I’m putting the meatloaf in the oven.

“I'm so glad you're feeling better, Kas. Except for having to be followed around by two guards, today was almost...well... dare I say ‘normal’ for us,” he tenderly wraps his arms around me, “Now to get you looking healthy again. Tell that sassy wolf of yours to get you healed up.”

“You can tell him I've been a little fucking BUSY healing you from attacks by the Mavri Magea,” Lex growls impatiently.

“Lex, chill. Training is over. No more drills tomorrow,” I remind her, “Let’s just enjoy this evening with our mate. Please.”

I feel her sigh heavily, “I’m sorry, Kas. You're right. I’m just a little stressed out.”

“Yeah, I know. It’s going to be okay. We've got this.”

“What are you two talking about in there?” Bronx asks, poking the side of my head playfully, bringing me back to reality.

“She’s just excited to get to go for arun tomorrow,” I brush my fingers against the scruff on his chin and pull him toward me for a kiss.

While we wait for dinner to finish cooking, we talk a little about pack business and things that have been happening since I have been back from Greece. I try my best to avoid talking about future plans and give vague answers about Solstice and baby showers for all the women who are pregnant.

We clean up the dishes and watcha couple of cooking competition shows on television before we go to bed. As we snuggle under my green and gray blanket on the sofa, I let my eyes close. When I open them, I'm in the hallway of the Mavri Magea apartment. I let myself in and greet my sisters as I always do, with hugs and words of appreciation. A conference table has materialized in the living room with ten seats for us to review the information Leticia got today while she was looking through my eyes. I explain the areas where security has increased and areas that shouldn't be a problem. I warn it's a dangerous mission for everyone and they need to stay on guard. In amore compassionate tone, I tell them if anyone doesn't make it, we will see them in our next lifetime.

I show them pictures of all the women who are pregnant who we believe are going to give birth to goddesses or guardians, making sure they understand it is strictly off limits to be in contact with these women.

We practice shifting again, making sure everyone has timing down. I watch as nine beautiful black wolves with violet eyes look at me expectantly, tails wagging. They are all almost as big as Lex, but not quite. Close enough to confuse anyone who isn’t paying close attention.

“For now, it’s time

me good night, giving me hugs and telling

cradled in Bronx’s arms. I look out the window and see the sun rising. I grip him tighter and

me, rubbing his face with his hands, “Yeah. Tessa is helping with a hand to hand fighting

I go?”

Please say no.

strength back,” he kisses my forehead, “ You did a lot the past two days

Thank the Goddess.

bed and goes to put on clothes for training. He’s so overprotective, but I guess I will be grateful for the extra

going to the office

Please say yes.

home office,” his

Shit.

me goodbye. I let my lips linger against his for a moment before he leaves then I let

aK

We'll give you space, but we still gotta have eyes on you,” Marco instructs as we

my dress, already feeling the prickly sensation of fur under my

a little modesty?” James

Lex stretch and yawn as she shakes

You know where we're headed,

of the rest of the wolves waiting on her

through the underbrush, scaring small animals and flushing birds. She howls happily as she strides effortlessly through our territory, enjoying the crisp, late November air. In the

Kas. Are you ready?” Lex directs us to the old

ready to set the timer,” I say, already prepping

back side of the cabin. I shift as quickly as possible and tear off the tracker necklace, throwing it to the ground in disgust. I recite an incantation, creating a

on, we have to go,”

soon as I'm sure it’s stable, I run, shifting back to wolf