Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

Chapter 42

Kas's POV

Waking up in Bronx's arms, tangled up against his body, is probably one of the best feelings in the world. He weighs well over a hundred pounds more than me, so I used to think his heavy arms would crush me in my sleep, but now I know those arms are the safest place in the world. I have gotten used to the weight of him and find it comforting to bury my nose into his chest and breathe in his delicious dark chocolate and coffee scent before I have to open my eyes and face the world.

I sigh as the morning light shines through the window. I know I should go down to the training field for one last session before I leave, but I selfishly just want to lie here with my mate.

"Bronx, we're late for training,” I nuzzle closer to his warm body and tap his arm to wake him.

"No, we're not. I had the trainers cancel it for the day,” his gruff morning voice whispers sleepily. He wraps his arms tighter around me without opening his eye, "Now let this weak old wolf sleep. You wore me out last night."

"Fine, but I'm getting a shower. You're welcome to join me...last few minutes before I put clothes on." I whisper in a sing-song voice. His eye opens and flashes black as Saint comes closer to the surface, while a sly grin crosses his face. His voice is more gravely as Saint speaks on Bronx's behalf, “Only if I get to wash you down, Baby."

"Hmm, I don't know, you just said you were worn out. How will you ever manage?" I tease him.

"Will you look at that? My old wolf battery is fully recharged. Let's go," he growls and playfully grabs me by the waist. I let out a squeak as Bronx easily picks me up and carries me into the bathroom.

James and Delilah decided not to come with US because they have their first appointment with a doctor who specializes in hybrid pregnancies scheduled. Musu stayed back so she could help with the Santoro meeting and be on hand to do any last-minute research if Bronx got any additional information.

Lenora and I settle into the back of the large SUV. Tyree sits in the front seat, while Marco and two other guards ride in a separate vehicle. The dark tint makes it impossible for anyone to see in, which is perfect when we get to the gate to see photographers camping out trying to get a glimpse of me. They seem to have become suspicious of my unusually erratic schedule. As we head down the road, away from town, guards on motorcycles block the road, preventing anyone from following the US.

"What is that like?" Lenora asks, "Everyone recognizes you? All those photographers wanting your picture? I get recognized sometimes, but no one really does anything about it.”

I think about it for a moment while I look out the window at the thick wooded landscape, "Well, I definitely never thought it would be part of my life, that's for sure. But I guess in a weird way, it doesn't bother me. Most of the paparazzi are nice. I mean, I know they aren't my friends or anything, but they know it's a ‘more flies with honey situation’, right? The ones who aren't respectful know they are going to get chased out by my security guards or by the other paparazzi. So even though it is selfish and they are just looking for a story, they kind of look out for me at the same time.” 1

hums in response and watches me for a minute, then looks out the window, "Bronx really hates it you know. He never wanted that kind of attention directed at you. He feels like it’s his fault for being so reclusive from the

Would things have been different if

I met him. The first time I was off Silver Moon pack territory was

picture in a newspaper was on our honeymoon in Paris, where I was referred to as an indie rockstar model who was trying

it was difficult to tell the difference between real business and people who just wanted my picture. We had to set

anything if it meant getting to be with Bronx,” I muse out loud. Lenora looks back at

up the SUVs and take a break. The attendant inside the little store keeps staring

my water, sandwich, and cookies up to the counter and set them down so he can ring them up but he doesn't pick them up. I look up from my

the man croaks

the poor man,” I try not

Marco blushes slightly and backs up. Tyree

Bronx gave them orders to stay close. Got it. When we get back in the car,

on TV," the man asks not that he isn’t being intimidated by

that's me," I

the cameras don't do your hair justice,” he looks at me curiously, "It's so sparkly. W-what kind of hair dye

I just go to my default reaction by holding my finger up to my mouth and wink at him,

frustrated growl come from behind me and see Tyree looking impatiently at

I say apologetically to the man, handing

to me.I walk out of the store and meet

Tyree?” I

to sound casual, but fails

store window and see Tyree leaning over the counter snarling

my breath and start walking back to the front