Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

Chapter 54

I throw open the door to my office, letting it slam against the wall, and pace in front of my desk as everyone else files into the room. My rage is flowing off of me but I don’t care.

"Conference table," I snarl, pointing to the back of the room. James and Delilah quietly go to the table and take a seat. James looks at the table with his neck exposed to me.

Delilah just looks terrified. I don't think I have ever seen her eyes so dark blue.

A moment later, Musu pokes her head in through the open door. Her eyes widen when she senses the anger.

"Alpha, you sent for me?" she asks innocently.

"Sit!" I growl at her, still pacing. She scurries over to the table and joins James and Delilah.

Saint is raging in my head, not because of a random portal opening in the packhouse, but because of the intruder who looked like Kas being attacked by a woman who looked like Lenora.

"Saint, knock it off”

"We have to go after her! We have to help her!" he howls desperately.

"And how the fuck are we supposed to do that? You know where she went? You know how to get there? Do you know what she's doing once she gets there? Because if you do, you and I have to have some really serious conversations about withholding information from me,” I seethe at him.

"Bronx, I don't know how to tell you any other way. You are a Guardian. Yeah, you need to protect our mate, but there are other goddesses who need US, too. I don't know where the Hell she went but we have to find her.”

‘You're impossible, Saint. I’m not even going to pretend to agree with you because I don't understand...at all. Kas is our mate and our priority. All this other insanity is not our business. Well, it wasn't until it started happening inside my packhouse.”

Saint groans and continues pacing restlessly, but doesn't argue with me again.

I know I need to calm down before I speak to the people sitting at my conference table. Anything that comes out of my mouth right now will be fueled by an anger that shouldn't be directed at them.

Reggie appears in the doorway, “Alpha, Milo's on his way. He should be here in ten minutes. It was Tessa, without the wig and contacts. Don't worry, we caught her."

"Good. Sit," I point to the table. The news feeds me a sense of satisfaction, but it does nothing for my temper. I take a breath and go stand at the head of the table, gripping the back of the chair tightly. I'm not sure how long it has been, but my patience is dissolving as I wait for Milo.

here...What the fuck just happened out

angry. I slam my fist on the table, shaking the room, creating an indent in the oak table. So much for controlling

James holds

I snarl, staring her

cry but she keeps speaking, "Anyone who could have magic strong enough to get through them

a dark witch? Is that what you're saying?” I

is not a natural ability for

research has shown for the past year now. Delilah, Lady Camille is still

‘Yes, Alpha."

ceiling, trying to think.

and Delilah to boost those wards. That is, if you're able to Delilah, with everything considered,” I allude to her pregnancy without actually saying it, "Don't put yourself at

grateful to be excused from the room. He stands up

and I-I'm sorry I hit you with that spell. I aimed it at that intruder. I-I was trying to stop her from escaping,” she sounds like she is

the right thing. I know it goes against your morals to attack someone. If anyone can handle it, it's me. I appreciate your dedication to Blood River and loyalty to Kas and to me," Her eyes are still deep navy blue, showing how stressed out she is. I listen carefully for a moment. I can hear her heartbeat pounding. My tone

not in trouble for using magic in the packhouse. It was an emergency, and

James gives me a silent nod of thanks and leads her from the office. I look at my watch. Twenty minutes until we are supposed to be in the conference room.

room. Including Persephone or Cora or whatever the fuck she goes

"Alpha, is everything alright?"

but don't tell them that. Just stall until

‘Yes, Alpha."

Reggie and Musu both stand up. Reggie touches her

Tessa by her armpits. She is wearing silver handcuffs. Her black ponytail is askew

eyes are pitch black. Milo and the guard ignore her and keep a firm

the woman. I feel my eyes turn black as

lets go of her, and Milo shoves her forward. I grab her by the collar and pull her toward me. I feel my breath getting heavy and I notice a purple aura surrounding me,

packhouse doors earlier this week is because I promised my mate I wouldn’t. Give me one reason I shouldn't snap your neck right now and tell her you took off in the middle of the night, Tessa?” Saint's gravely voice booms

black of her wolf's eyes recede, and they are crisp green again. I have to stop myself from thinking I am

coming from her, but something else too. As I look into her eyes, I can tell she is much older than her physical appearance. She has lived lifetimes through the same eyes. She looks at me like she’s known me for an eternity. Maybe she has. Mixed in with her fear, I feel a sense of duty and responsibility.

d-dark. I'm here to protect you and lokaste. I swear,” she panics and stumbles over her words, "Mother lit the harbinger lamp purple. I