Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

Chapter 53

Bronx's POV

I have some pretty dumb ideas sometimes. I'm man enough to admit that. Sending Kas away for five days, that is probably the dumbest I've had in a long time. I know because when I roll over to pull her into my arms, but she's not there. It's my own stupid fault. I have to settle for her green and gray blanket to get her scent. I growl into the empty blanket, upset that it is not my mate.

Only one more night, Bronx. You can do this, I tell myself. I look at the ceiling, thinking about the conversation I had with Kas last night. I was so proud to hear her tell me about her conversation with Randall. And glad to hear they only have to finish assessing the packhouse while Lenora finishes registrations. They will leave first thing tomorrow.

I let out a heavy sigh before I pull myself out of bed and get a shower.

I grab a towel and dry myself off. I throw it over my head and rub it through my hair, drying it as much as possible. When I pull the towel off, I swear I see a glowing flash of purple in the mirror. I pause and look closer, but there is nothing. It must have been my imagination. I comb my hair back, then start shaving. The flash catches my attention again in my peripheral vision. I can see it on the side of my face where I have no eye. I snap my head around and look, but there's nothing there.

Lady Camille had told me she believed I was developing an aura like Kas because of how close our connection is. I was absorbing Kas's extra energy, and it was having a physical effect on me. She and I decided to keep a close eye on it, since she would be in town for a few more weeks with Delilah. I look down at my hands, but they aren't glowing. Whatever that light was, it's not coming from me.

I look in the mirror one more time and pause, trying to look around without moving my head, just shifting my eye back and forth. Whatever it was, it's gone now. I finish shaving and brush my teeth. When I get to the door, I feel a heat against my back. I quickly turn to see a purple light in the room suddenly fade. I can't tell where it originated from, just that it was in the bathroom and it was hot.

"James, I'm sorry to bother you, but I think I need Delilah to come to my apartment. Something weird is happening up here," I mind link Kas's guard.

"No problem, Alpha. We have an appointment with the specialist this morning. Do you need her before or can it wait until after?"

"After is fine. I have meetings all morning. If you two could meet me up here at lunch, that would be perfect.”

"Yes, Alpha. See you then," James confirms.

I take another good look around the bathroom. Nothing seems suspicious or out-of-place now, so I go about my business and finish getting ready. Milo and Reggie meet me at the landing of the third floor. Both looking chipper and ready to work.

"Morning Alpha! How did you sleep?" Reggie chirps.

are you so

appointment, and

Milo gives Reggie a big hug, "She and Codi are gonna be

smile and shake his hand, "Congrats,

on, Bronx. When is it your turn? We need a little mini

really wanting to make eye contact, and talk about my sex life in the

if you

you think you are about to say, think twice. My little sister is your mate,” I

Reggie, give Bronx some

know... mean...if you need any advice, uh...lemme know. Otherwise let's drop this conversation." Milo and I laugh at Reggie's modesty. As we get to the landing of the second floor, there is a distinct change in energy in the air. It feels like static building around US, ready to spark. All three of US

his eyes growing black and fangs extending. Reggie and I follow suit, letting our wolves come forward in case we

over the railing of the landing down to the first floor to see if I can see the source

Moon, not here while Santoro

what are you doing?!" Milo rushes

and Lenora aren't just standing on the main level. They are having an argument. I watch, horrified, as Lenora lifts Kas off the ground, holding her up with both hands by the throat. The smell of blood wafts in the air as Lenora’s claws pierce the scarred skin on the sides of Kas's throat. There is a look of pure hate and rage in the black eyes of Lenora’s wolf, Justice, as she strangles a thrashing

green and she lets go of Kas, letting her fall to the ground

okay, Baby?" I get to the bottom of the stairs and kneel next to Kas. I can immediately tell something isn't right when I touch her. There are no sparks of our mate bond. Her scent is off. So is her body posture and her energy. Is she falling into a vision? Goddess, please no. Not on the main floor of the packhouse where everyone can see her. She will be

catches

her Baby,” Kas giggles

about? Something

coming off of her makes me feel slightly

the spot. What the fuck? She looks exactly like Kas, but it isn't her. This woman doesn't have Kas'’s scars. Her smile is cruel and

a look alike,” her laugh is