Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

“Incoming,” I link my sisters in the apartment.

“We're hidden,” I hear Thea reply. Marco, Ellen, and I make our way into the apartment. Bronx is already standing in front of the sofa, where Estelle and Simone are sitting. Marco directs Ellen to sit as well and stands behind the sofa with his gun still raised behind them. I don’t see any of my other sisters who I know are hiding somewhere inside.

“You. Keep your mouth shut,” Bronx points to Estelle, then points to Ellen, “ How many of you are here?”

“Just the three of us,” Ellen says sullenly.

“Bullshit,” Tessa growls with her nose in the air, “I smell more of you.”

Bronx puts his nose in the air as well.

His eyes turn black as Saint comes to the surface. A deep growl comes from his chest. Saint’s gravelly voice comes out of Bronx’s mouth, “Lie to me again and I will end this lifetime for all of you.”

I watch my sisters shrink back as their Guardian threatens their lives. Ihave a powerful instinct to scold him for their mistreatment, but I can’t let him know I brought the Mavri Magea here, so! stay quiet.

“Stay here, Alpha. I'l] flush them out,” Marco says before he makes his way into the bedroom, gun still drawn.

Bronx stands with his arms crossed over his chest. His large stature makes him look extremely intimidating. I step forward and stand next to him as he stares down at the women on the sofa with a damning glare. The tension in the air is so thick you could practically chew on it.

Lenora and Tessa jump to attention when they hear growling and snarling sound coming from the closet in the bedroom. They sprint to help Marco while Bronx continues to stand as still as a statue in front of my sisters. The four women I sent into the apartment quietly step out from the bedroom with Marco, Lenora, and Tessa behind them. 

Marco has his gun at the ready with his eyes solid black. There are deep claw marks on the side of his face, bleeding freely while Clash works on healing him.

“Sit,” Bronx snaps, pointing to the floor in front of him. All four women sit ina line on the floor in front of the sofa, avoiding eye contact with everyone. I look around at the scene, not ready to panic. Two left. Where are Letica and Desiree? I can only hope they stuck to the plan.

“Bronx, can we-" I say as I see his expression turning darker. He is the Guardian for the Mavri Magea. It’s part of his job to keep them safe, just like he would for me. I need to find a way to remind him of that responsibility. I could use Desiree's manipulation ability, but I don't want to do that to my mate.

“Stay out of this, Kas,” Bronx snaps at me with a snarl.

Hell no," Lex growls and tries to

cloud, the one I've been fighting so hard against to keep the good parts of me in control, rages into a frenzy. It grows and morphs into a typhoon with no regard to my restraint. I t blows and howls, giving its fury a voice. Its manipulative whisper turns into

take his attention away from the women in front of him. The power of my wrath creates a bright violet

my goddess voice coming forward, “I will not be dismissed, Alpha Regent Bronx Andreas Mason. These

us and you're burning me!” He tries to yank his wrist out of my hand,

we have here? A little lover’s quarrel between Bronxy and Kas?” Leticia’s bitter voice coos mockingly at us. She holds her hands up to her heart and

both looking very smug. Desiree’s athletic build is a stark contrast to Leticia’s petite frame, but her facial features

to shift to human form. They were supposed to

else in there...” Lenora stammers with confusion,

scent blocker,” Leticia smiles with a giggle

says sternly, “Kas barely knows you and she

both look past Bronx at me and start laughing. High pitched, scratchy and maniacal laughter makes them double over, leaning against each other. My

to pounce onto Tessa’s back with a growl. She clamps her

arches and an unnaturally high-pitched squeal emanates from her. She drops to her knees, then flat on her stomach

my soul crumbling and turning to ash as Tessa’s lifeless body lays face down on the floor. There is nothing but anger and agony inside me. All the good in

Tessa and make an x over my heart with my hand and murmur, “ Adeio apo

next move. He, Lenora, and Marco all move forward, but they stop, realizing they could meet the same fate. Marco points his gun at Thea. He flicks

wall. I immediately recite the incantation to open a portal back to the Mavri Magea apartment. It shines brightly behind Bronx, in front of the silver-haired

Bronx and the portal to slow him down in case he tries to get any ideas about going through

Blood River pack members can react. Except for Leticia and Desiree, who are on the other side of the room, they all

who sprints to get to the portal. He runs to Tessa to see if she’s still alive. I can tell by the dull pain in my chest getting stronger that she’s not. I resist pulling my hands in to grab my chest and keep them out to the sides to protect the portal until all nine

Lenora

let a surge of energy flow through me and use some of the telekinetic energy I share with Sophie to reach out and pull on Leticia and Desiree, "GET. OUT. NOW. A blank look crosses over Marco's face, and he points his gun at Bronx. He looks down at his hand and tries to pull it

him as the gun fires into the ceiling instead of at her brother. She immediately scrambles back toward Bronx, blocking