Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

Chapter 48

As Kas steps to the podium in front of the Silver Moon pack, I see people whispering to each other and looking at her suspiciously. People definitely recognize her as they sneer and roll their eyes. Even after two years and with all the punishments that were handed down to these people, they still haven't learned their lessons?

To her credit, Kas ignores them and begins her speech. She introduces herself as the Luna Regent of Blood River, which is met with a couple of boos and growls from the crowd. I watch as a look crosses her face that I have never seen from her before. I feel a sensation of authority and dominance she hasn't had to embody before. Unlike Bronx, who lets these types of feelings roll off of him and fill the room, Kas's feelings come in soft pulses, building each time a wave reaches you.

"Silver Moon pack. Blood River has been ordered by the Elder Council to acquire Silver Moon. As your new Luna, I am here to tell you that your leadership has decided that instead of Silver Moon operating as a satellite location, you will be moved to Blood River over the course of the next several months. Families with school-age children will take priority," she holds her head up and speaks clearly and loudly to the crowd, who gasps and starts speaking nervously among each other. Marco and Tyree both step forward, putting themselves in a position to protect her in case things get out of control.

"You alright, Luna?” I ask through a mind link.

"I'm fine," she replies quickly, "I was expecting worse."

She addresses the crowd as they quiet down again, keeping her tone formal and stern, "I know that you all know who I am and I know you may believe your current situation is because of me, but it's not. Your current situation is because many of you intentionally mistreated an innocent child who was already a victim at the hands of an abusive Alpha.

The pack members who didn't directly mistreat me chose to apathetically turn a blind eye and say nothing, which is just as damning. I am here today as your future Luna because of decisions you consciously made. So you can all put your shock and outrage that your pack has failed to flourish as part of a healthy society aside, because it is not justified.”

At this declaration, the room goes silent. The looks of suspicion and anger are replaced with remorse and curiosity.

"So, this is the part where I let you know that you have options. I will explain and provide documentation so you understand what decisions you and your families will have to make before the end of the week,” she announces. Her voice has a slightly forceful edge that I'm not used to hearing from her, but it's a tone I would expect from a Luna Regent who is irritated by a disrespectful audience.

She tells the crowd that they can choose to leave peacefully and live as a rogue or find another pack who will give them asylum. The other option is to become a member of the Blood River pack. As she is explaining the rules, they will be required to follow if they choose to come to Blood River, omegas hand out packets of information.

"I would like to introduce Blood River's female Beta Lenora Emory. She will explain how you can make an appointment to let US know about your family’s decision before the end of the week. For those of you who choose to come to Blood River and be a productive part of our community, welcome. We look forward to having you. To those who go on your own or find asylum with other packs, may the Moon Goddess bless you with health and prosperity,” Kas gives the crowd one last look before stepping away from the podium. She gives me a quick nod, showing its my turn to address the pack. She motions to Marco and Tyree who lead her away. I see Marco pulling a granola bar out of his pocket as they walk out of the room.

Kas's POV

"How did I do?" I ask Marco and Tyree once we are back in the conference room.

“Luna, you were perfect. The Alpha is going to be proud of you," Tyree gives a lopsided smile and holds up his cell phone, "We had the omegas record the whole thing.”

stepping up when people started to look like they were going to act out," I clasp my hands together, finally

his tie a little, taking a minute to relax now that we are in a closed

River. I spend the rest of the day with Lenora and Elder Randall, helping people fill out required forms and asking additional questions. I spend the day reintroducing myself to people who are extremely apologetic and

conference room. She gives me

one friend you had here. I am so glad she is coming to Blood River! She's

can't I remember?" I search my

‘The one who helped

The woman stands a little straighter, her

Lex asks, unsure

Moon that actually cared. She helped me when I was in the hospital wing recovering from surgery and when I was so scared after a premonition that I couldn't even think straight. She was there for me when I needed someone, but

waiting for?! Go give her a hug!" Lex

to Diane and throw my arms around her, pulling her into a

so happy for you!" She murmurs into my ear with a little sniffle, "You gave an impressive speech out there.

in mine, giving her a warm smile, ‘Thank you. I'm so glad you are choosing to come to Blood River. How have

her head a little, trying to dismiss the

have a few minutes, talk to me,” I pull her out of the line to

members left. The council decided there were not enough people left to keep the hospital wing fully staffed, so I got reassigned to be an omega. So after that, I didn't have enough money to keep my apartment, so I had to move into a room in the packhouse with three other girls. We are so busy cleaning that I don't really get to eat

I feel anger building in me

head because, um, I don't get time to shower every day and

make this right," I wipe a tear from my eyes, 'Things will be better once you are at Blood River. Do you want to be a nurse

but I will take any job I can get as long as it means getting

back to your spot in line, can I heal you? Give you some energy to keep you

uh, yes, of course," she

and close my eyes. Lex happily helps me focus my energy, pushing positive healing to Diane. When I open my eyes, I see her looking less pale and her smile genuine, "You look better already, Diane. Now, let's get you back to your spot in line. I will let Beta Lenora know we can use your services in the hospital wing and to

is such a blessing,” she doesn't stop the happy tears falling now. I give her another hug before taking her back to her spot in line before heading over to the