Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

Chapter 55

"Musu, I am sorry, but you are about to see a side of me I rarely show to pack members. I'm just going to step over there,” I point to the other side of the room, trying to sound as calm as possible, "Please don't be scared. I will be right back.”

Musu nods slowly, like she is questioning my sanity. Can't blame her. I'm questioning it too. I walk to the far side of the room and grip the back of the leather loveseat, with my back to her. My entire body tenses up and I feel my claws extend, tearing into the brown leather. A deep rumbling growl rips through me, making the entire room shake until my voice is a full on roar. When I have let out as much of my frustration as I can, I stand up straight and take a deep breath. When I tum around, I see Musu standing against the door to exit the library.

"I feel much better now, Musu. Again, I apologize for the outburst, but every dam has a breaking point,” I explain. When she doesn't look like she is going to run for her life, I ask her to sit at a table with me. She sits at the edge of the chair, looking at me suspiciously, just in case she needs to run.

I explain to her what Saint just informed me of and ask if any of it sounds familiar or makes sense.

She looks around for a moment, then stands up and goes to a bookshelf. She pulls out a giant book and puts it on one of the reading stands. I stand up and watch as she flips the pages.

"Alpha, this answers so many questions I had about this passage," she says with a look of relief, pointing to a handwritten diary page. I look at my watch, "Well, you have five minutes to explain it to me.”

When she finishes, I tell her to wait in the library for half an hour, then she is to go directly back to the suite next to my apartment. She nods in understanding and wishes me good luck before I push the button to exit the room.

I fix my suit jacket and sit down in front of Tessa. I smile, but she looks scared by it. Imagine that. It's not one of my genuine smiles Kas always talks about.

‘Tessa, would you like US to take off the silver handcuffs?"

"Since when do you have a sense of humor?" She snarls, "Of course I want them taken off.”

"Good. Here are the conditions to your new found jewelry being taken off," I lean my elbows on my knees and get close to her face so I can make sure she understands as I explain my terms.

When I get down to the conference room, we greet the Santoro Enterprises team and apologize for our tardiness. As we sit down and prepare for the first presentation, Reggie gives me a concerned look.

"All good, Alpha?” He asks.

"Uh yeah, but I need to take a break at lunch so Delilah can check something out in my apartment,” I try to sound casual.

witch to look at something in your apartment?”

the bathroom. And I realize how crazy that sounds, but two full years of craziness with Kas around and this is bottom tier

US know if you need US for anything,” Reggie

I see Katherine pretending not to hear

who went for a run last night found it suitable? Our guards were not intrusive?” Milo asks with

again. Your hospitality has been so wonderful. We appreciate all the accommodations you have provided US,”

her out as far as the landscape in this area goes. I have some topographical and satellite maps to show her. I really just need her for half an hour or so?

in just a few minutes. She just

I should be able to handle everything. My assistant gave me all the notes I need,” I say, holding up the papers Carly had given me at our breakfast

‘That's fine," Katherine smiles.

through a full presentation and question-and-answer session about physical security. There is a knock on the door and a woman wearing large dark sunglasses with her hair tightly wrapped in a silk scarf walks in. Her movements are elegant but guarded at the same time.

way to show she can have dominance over the encounter. I feel a surge of powerful ambient energy come from her, raw and pure. The urge to shift flows through me but

shit!” Saint bounces off the walls of my

is the woman you said I would never meet?” I

for everything,"

parcel. The rest of US break off into smaller groups to discuss more specific concerns about the contract until there

head in, "Gamma Reggie, I'm so sorry but you're needed

So sorry for the disruption," Reggie says quickly. He bows as he

snacks. She is back in her blonde wig and blue contacts, wearing her housekeeping uniform. She looks around the room and sees Milo sitting separately with Persephone. I can see her back stiffen slightly. Persephone looks up and sees Tessa. For a moment, I think she is going to stand up and go to her sister, but she just stares for a

pours drinks for everyone when the door

sorry. We need both of you. Today seems like

who shrugs at me

bow as I back up, ‘We will be back as soon as we can. Tessa, would you mind staying and making sure our guests are taken care

Alpha, of course,” she smiles

at me, then waves me down the hall. We go to a small security guard room with dozens of monitors. Reggie and Carly are already there. Carly directs the guard with which cameras to pull up, then hits the record button on the touch screen.