Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

Chapter 79

"Here come the Alpha and Luna now," Ashley motions to US as we enter the great room. I hold up the books and look at the children who all still look pretty tentative about their new environment, "Who wants to hear a story? Follow me!"

I walk backward slowly, with a big smile, as children look up to their parents for permission. Moms and dads gratefully set toddlers down and let go of their children’s hands, encouraging them to follow me, so they can have a few minutes of peace.

I lead the children over to the corner with all the comfortable cushions and bean bags. Once we are all settled in, I give the kids a choice, a book or a story about the Moon Goddess. They all agree they want to hear about the Moon Goddess, so I tell them the story of how the Moon Goddess and Endymion fell in love and had fifty daughters together. I leave out the parts about factions, abilities, and that I am one of those daughters. I let Lex help by using her voice for the male characters in the story.

As I tell the story, I see Ashley out of the corner of my eye give me a thumbs up with a big grin. Even some parents are listening in. I glance over to see some of them smiling and whispering happily to each other.

"Is that it?" One of the girls cries out desperately as I finish the story.

I feel myself chuckle, "Yes, darling. For now, that's it, but guess what. Every Thursday afternoon, I go to the pack library and we have story time. Ask your parents to get the information from Gamma Ashley.”

The girl's eyes brighten when she hears she will get to hear more stories from me.

"Now, who here is going to school on Monday?" I look around at the group. More of the children raise their hands, "Oh! So exciting! I bet your teachers are going to be thrilled to meet you.”

A little girl sitting near the back looks up at me with a worried face, "Is school scary, Luna? I've never been before.”

"Well, school can be scary at first, but a lot of new things are scary. Once you see that there is nothing to fear, then it's fun. What's your name, darling? What grade are you going to be in?” I reassure the girl.

"I'm Hannah Fisher. I'm going to be in first grade," she says, a little more confidently. As I look more closely at her, I realize it's the little girl from the basement.

"Well, you are in luck, Hannah Fisher. The first grade teachers are the best,” I emphasize the word best, making my eyes big, "And the first graders are learning a play for Winter Solstice. I bet they can find a role for you.”

Hannah smiles and her eyes get glossy, "Really?"

really. I’m sure of it,” I look up to see Ashley tap her watch, "Okay everyone, it looks like your parents need you back so we can get lunch. Who

raise their hands excitedly, "Great. Go find your Moms and Dads. I will

up and run to find their parents, who all look grateful I could provide a quiet moment for

okay,

her lap, not sure what to say. I slide off my bean bag and sit on the cushion next to

the basement. B-but I-I saw ..." her eyes get watery as

little secret. I have a lot of sisters. One of my sisters looks like she could be my twin, but she’s older than me. That’s who you saw in the dungeon. She, well, she’s influenced by dark magic. She doesn't

again, she looks at her hands in her lap and her voice is lower, "Luna, I-I'm sorry I blamed you. I

and lean down to get her to look at me, ‘What were you

now. The look on her sweet little face is so complicated. Her watery eyes spill tears, "Umm, he told me if I gave him information about the new Luna, he would

to sound suspicious or accusing, but I can feel anger boiling inside

Mommy and Daddy to

hug? A lot of people say my hugs make

turn my head and see them nod to her before she

you to go anywhere without your parents knowing first, okay? No one will ever touch you without your permission, even if it's just to hold your hand. That is how we raise our pack,” I tell her gently as I

against

are going to speak to the Council about what happened in the dungeon and I want you to make sure you tell the truth but I need to know. Did that man touched

close my eyes and brace myself for whatever it is she is about to say.

thinking. He told me I was brave for helping him and thanked me for going into the dungeon with him. And he held my hand to go down the stairs since it was dark, but after that, he didn't touch

time if I needed to," Lex snarls as she and I breathe a collective sigh of relief. I smell Bronx and Milo's scents getting closer behind US and a couple other scents, I assume, are

have any information to give him?" I ask, still rocking her in my

but giggle, "Well, Hannah, it sounds like you

Milo and the girl's parents are right behind him. Milo has a worried expression on his face and

are some people here who would also like to give you a hug,” I jostle her gently so she will look

go, I just want you to promise me two things," I put my finger under her chin so she will look at