Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

Chapter 25

“You had a dream about Zeus?” Bronx looks at me suspiciously, unsure of what I am saying.

"No, Bronx," I extend my hand with the giant walnut out further as if it is proof, "I had lunch with Zeus. I also met

Dionysus. He called me a monstrosity. I picked up the nut to hit him with, but he walked away.” 1

“Kas, we have dealt with a whole lotta crazy since you have become part of our pack, but that...that is pretty damn

close to the top of the list," Lenora says in a loud whisper, so she doesn't wake the baby. The look of disbelief on her

face is evident, "You haven't left this room in two hours. We've checked on you twice.”

She doesn't sound angry; she sounds more concerned for my mental state. Like if she says it firmly enough, I will

stop the pretense and believe her instead.

That is how Lenora is. Pushy in her own way. A stickler for rules and order. Everything in Lenora's world fit into tidy

little boxes until I came along. I know it bothers her that my life naturally exists outside of her perfect world,

constantly changing, morphing, and developing as I learn who I am. She stands by and supports me as my abilities

mature and as I get to decide who I really want to be. She has never had that opportunity. Her path has always

been planned for her. She may never understand the intricacies of my life as much as she tries.

I know she loves me. She is like my big sister. I'm her Luna. Until yesterday, she has never had any doubts about

me. She has always been in my corner. After yesterday, a seed of doubt has been planted, making her push her

agenda a little more than she usually would

“Lenora,” I look at her as sympathetically as possible, “I'm sorry. I don't know how to explain it and I don't

understand how it happened either. I wish I did because I would explain in a heartbeat.” 1

Bronx steps in to ease the tension. His eyes have a glint of hope behind them, “Kas, what did you speak with Zeus

about?”

"He told me things are going to be difficult and chaotic for a while and I'm going to have difficult choices to make.

He also told me to trust my instincts,”I nod while I summarize, adding in the last part since it was part of the vision I

had about the redeyed woman.

"He used those words specifically?” Bronx's eye grows wide.

"Yeah. I think he said it on purpose, like a clue," I confirm.

I give Bronx a pleading look. We need to get out of here so I can tell him about the rest of the conversation as soon

as possible. I want him to know if I can make it through all this, I will go back and Zeus will let me have a pup. I can't

say anything in front of Lenora. The only other people who know I can't have a pup are Bronx and Lady Camille. He

seems to read my expression. 4

“Well, Musu and Marco should be here in an hour. Kas, how about we go upstairs so you can change before we

meet them in my office. Codi can finish her nap in her bed,” he says, "Lenora, if we are giving both of them time

off, we may as well make this a working meeting so Musu can update us on everything she is currently working on."

"Alright," Lenora picks Codi up out of my lap and lays her in the crib, "I will meet you guys up there."

I immediately feel colder without the warm baby and her blanket covering me. I sigh and let Bronx help me stand

up.

We say our goodbyes to Lenora and head up to our apartment. I pull Bronx along behind me so we can get there as

fast as possible. When we get inside, I push him in, then close the door, and stand against it.

“Bronx,” I put my hands up, covering my nose and mouth, "Zeus said if I can make it through everything that is

coming, he will let me have a pup."

“Oh, Baby! That's awesome news!” he gives me a broad grin and pulls me into a hug, lifting me off of my feet, "We

all know you can do anything you put your mind to. I have no doubt you can handle whatever comes your way.

Besides, you have me by your side. I will keep you safe.”

I try to tell Bronx details about the beauty of Mount Olympus, but I can't find the words to describe it. It's almost like

my brain won't let me talk about it. I guess it isn't meant for everyone to know.

We both change and make ourselves presentable for a business casual meeting with Marco, Musu, and Lenora. 1

Bronx gets ready to open the apartment door, but stops short, turning around to face me.

"Kas?" He takes me by the waist and pulls me toward him.

“Yes, Sweetheart?” I marvel at his handsome face. I feel like I'm on cloud nine at the prospect of becoming a

mother because of this man.

“I know I have said this before, but I will say it over and over again until the day I die. It doesn't matter which

lifetime it is. They can reincarnate me a thousand times and I will still feel the same," he caresses my chin and

smiles. His green crisp eye sparkles as he continues, "I only need you. I know you want a baby and I do too, but if

we can't have a pup, it doesn't make a difference to me. You and I could be hermits in a shack on the back of the

territory, and I would love you just as much as I do now. You are the one who makes me truly happy. If there was

any doubt before, the past week has taken it away.”

“Thank you, Bronx. I love you, too,” I lean against his strong chest and let him kiss me on the top of my head. He

wraps his arms around me and kisses the top of my head. I feel the calming glow of my aura surrounding us. We

stay like that for a few minutes before he clears his throat and lets me go. He takes my hand and leads me down to

his office.

Marco and Musu are sitting in the waiting area in the hallway as we approach. They look so happy together.

Seriously, one of the most loving couples I have ever met. They stand up when they see us, bowing slightly to show

their respect.

"Alpha, Luna,” Marco says, using our formal titles.

"Knock it off, Marco, this is a casual meeting,” Bronx smirks as he opens the door and bids them into the office.

We settle in the conference table chairs when we hear another knock on the door. Milo and Lenora step in without

waiting for Bronx to reply.

“Hi guys, I hope you don't mind that I brought Milo since this will involve his team,” Lenora says, “Ashley is watching

Codi for us."

“Yeah, that's not a problem,” Bronx waves them to the table.

"Hi Little Sister,” Milo regards me and gives me a kiss on top of my head before he and Lenora sit down.

“Hi, Milo,” I giggle. I don't know if I will ever get used to him calling me that, even though Lenora, Reggie, and

Ashley have also adopted the nickname, it just sounds extra silly coming from Milo.

“Do you smell that?” Lenora asks.

“What?" Milo looks at her. We all sniff the air, oblivious to any change.

"Something smells, I don't know, different,” she looks around, trying to pinpoint what is different in the room.

"Well, you figure that out while we get started," Bronx clasps his hands in front of him, lacing his fingers while he

speaks.

I notice Marco give Musu an admiring look, bringing my attention back to them. I get a warm, fuzzy feeling inside as

I watch them holding hands.

HOLD UP! Stop the presses. I blink hard and look again to make sure I'm not imagining it.

“YOU TWO ARE ENGAGED!?" I scream excitedly, pointing at the beautiful diamond ring on Musu's finger.

Marco looks at her and smiles, kissing her ring hand while Musu nods, covering her smile with her other hand.

Lenora jumps up and runs to the other side of the table. She pulls Musu into an enormous hug.

"Oh my Goddess!! Congratulations!! When did-," she pauses and turns her nose into Musu's hair. She steps back,

keeping Musu in her grasp. Lenora's eyes are as large as saucers, “You...”

“Yes, I'm pregnant," Musu grins at Lenora from ear to ear. Lenora shrieks and pulls Musu back into a tight hug

before they start talking excitedly. Bronx and Milo both stand and take turns giving Marco handshakes and clapping

him on the back.

I feel the vice that was around my heart earlier in the day clench back down harder than ever. Every fiber of my

being wants to get up and walk away from the table, walk down to the hall, go straight to my bed, pull the covers

over my head, and throw myself a little pity party. But I can't do that. I am Luna of this pack. I need to be happy for

my guard and his mate. I sit and watch everyone talk excitedly about the details of the proposal and when Musu is

due until ever vigilant, Marco stops and looks at me. 1

“Kas? You okay, Luna?” he looks at me with genuine

concern.

“I'm fine, Marco. I'm just so happy for you two, I don't even know what to do with myself," I reach across the table

and squeeze his hand.

He grins, but there is a suspicious glint in his eye. I can tell this conversation with him isn't over, but right now isn't

about me.

"Let's get started then," I announce, clearing my throat to change the subject.

Marco and Musu ultimately request not to take a full month from either of their jobs. They agree one week off now

if they can use the other three weeks to extend maternity leave. Bronx and I agree, as does Lenora. Marco

concedes to shortened shifts he will share with Tyree and any other guards that will reassigned from Milo's team.

Before they leave, we discuss my sisters, the woman named Cora, the red-eyed woman, and the odd not so

coincidental meeting request from Catherine Santoro. Bronx, Milo, and Marco decide to stay for another fifteen

minutes to discuss security at the bakery. 1

As Musu, Lenora, and I leave, I stop Musu in the hall.

"I am really happy for you, Musu. You and Marco are going to be great parents," I compliment her. "Thank you,

Luna. Once I get past these sleepy spells, I will feel much better about this. But for now, I just want to nap all the

time," she stifles a yawn as she speaks.

"How about a little hug with a little extra energy?" I offer.

"That would be fantastic," she laughs as we embrace each other. I release some positive healing energy into her. I

hear her sigh as she rubs my back.

"Thank you, Luna. I feel better already."

I watch as she and Lenora make their way down the stairs trying to decide which they should worry about first, the

wedding or the baby. I turn and look at the office door, but decide to go to the apartment instead.

I wonder if this is part of the challenges Zeus had told me about.