Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

Chapter 78

"The bus just came through the security gate, Luna. Can you meet US out front?” Carly mind links me.

"Thanks Carly, I'll be right there," I let her know. I put a thick cardigan over my shirt to keep the early autumn chill away while I'm outside.

Tyree meets me in the hall and escorts me downstairs. I realize I don't know all that much about him. He tells me he has been working for Reggie since he got out of the military when he was twenty. He has two younger siblings. His sister goes to the human university in the state capital. His little brother is a senior in high school and really looking forward to being a pack guard.

By the time we get downstairs, Carly is standing with the rest of Blood River's ranked members, giving them last-minute instructions. Tyree gives me a nod and steps back, taking a place among the other guards who have been assigned to keep tabs on Bronx.

Ashley runs up and gives me a giant hug. She is practically jumping up and down as she speaks excitedly, "Oh Kas, I'm so happy to see you!

Thank you again for what you did! I have been feeling so good the past few days."

Reggie steps forward and puts his arm around her waist, giving her a little kiss on the cheek, “Come on, Sweets. Give her some space. You'll have time to talk to her tonight at the party."

"Oh Luna, good, you're here," Carly looks up from her tablet and hands me several books, "Once everyone is in the Great Room, I will invite the children for story time with you. We set up bean bags and cushions on the floor on the far side of the room near the fireplace. These are the books I was telling you about, but we all know how good your mythology stories are. Whichever you want is fine. Keep it to fifteen, twenty minutes max. You have some pretty young kids in the group. I can't imagine they can pay attention for very long."

I smile and nod, looking at the selection of books. I can't help but think about Codi and how distracted she can get when she has a lot of energy,” Yes, ma'am."

Carly looks down at her tablet again, "Also, Diane Muller. I have several omegas ready to help her get the medical records to the hospital wing and set up appointments for everyone.”

"That's perfect. Thank you so much for finding a role for her," I nod with approval.

We have some time set aside so you can speak with them and explain that the person in the basement wasn't you. Also, at some point, she needs to speak with

Yeah, I definitely want to speak to

watch as the coach bus pulls up the driveway, followed

on the bus. I hear her making a couple of announcements. She steps on the bus followed by parents carrying babies and holding the hands of older children.

front and Bronx last so we can greet everyone and shake their hands. I bend down, so I am at eye level with younger children who are not being carried

but the kids all

up and give her a hug as soon as her

like it's been a month,” she

for you here in the

have no idea-” she stops abruptly and looks around curiously, "Do you

don't smell anything unusual,

past me and smiles. I see tears come to the corner of her eyes as she puts both hands up to her mouth. Her next words

One of the guards? Maybe one of the omegas? As I look around, I see one person standing with wide eyes staring at US with

side and the tablet, usually glued to her hand, slips out of her fingers. Milo catches it before it hits the ground, but she doesn't notice as she slowly walks toward Diane and me. As she

meet her mate for the first time and have a moment alone.

crosses her face as she feels the sparks of the mate bond for the first

is unexpected," he leans down and whispers to

the side. I hear a little sniffle next to me. Ashley wiping tears on her sleeve

I turn my attention back to the sweet scene unfolding in front