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.

touches my forearm, “The family of the little girl who was in the basement is coming as well. 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 the Council about what

my cheeks puff out as I breathe out heavily, “Alright. Yeah, I

the coach bus pulls up the driveway, followed by two moving

and the door opens, Carly steps on the bus. I hear her making a couple of announcements. She steps on the bus followed by

line in rank order, with Ashley at the front and Bronx last so we can greet everyone and shake their hands. I bend down, so I am at eye level

hand, but the kids

run up and give her a hug as soon as her feet touch

I feel like

a suite for you here in the packhouse. You won't have to share with anyone or anything," I look up and grin

stops abruptly and

air. I don't smell anything unusual,

again. She looks past me and smiles. I see tears come to the corner of her eyes

Maybe one of the omegas? As I look around, I see one person standing

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

so Carly can meet her mate for the

and slowly puts her hand in Carly's. Diane's eyes close and a smile crosses her face as she feels the sparks of the mate bond for the first time. Carly looks more relieved than she has in a long time. I feel myself smile as they look at each other in disbelief and walk a few yards back toward Bronx and the other ranked members.

unexpected," he leans down and whispers

elbow him playfully on the side. I hear a little sniffle next to me. Ashley wiping tears

to the sweet scene unfolding in front of US as