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?"

look up to see Ashley tap her watch, "Okay everyone, it looks like your

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

all look grateful I could

okay, Hannah?"

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

d-didn't kill that man in the basement.

older than me. That’s who you saw in the dungeon. She, well, she’s influenced by dark magic. She doesn't realize what she did is wrong, but I’m trying to help her understand

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

mad at you. No one is. I have a question though,” I tilt my head and lean down to get her to look at me, ‘What were you doing in the dungeon with that man? He wasn't part of the pack. It could have

is so complicated. Her watery eyes spill tears, "Umm, he told me if I gave him information about the new Luna, he would give me money so my family

into a locked dungeon with a man that promised you money?” I try not to sound suspicious or accusing, but

to go with strangers, but I just wanted Mommy and Daddy

"Hannah, can I give you a hug? A lot of people say my hugs make them feel better.

nod to her before she slides into my lap. I wrap my arms around her and

one will ever touch you without your permission, even if it's just to hold your hand. That is how

her nod against my chest as she

you 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 you,” I speak softly so she knows the conversation is between

and brace

hand to go down the stairs since it was dark, but after that, he didn't touch

if I needed to," Lex snarls as she and I breathe a collective sigh of relief. I smell

you have any information to give him?" I ask, still

hiccups. I can't help but giggle, "Well, Hannah,

and the girl's parents are right behind him. Milo has a worried expression on his face and Hannah's parents look concerned for their little girl. I

I jostle her gently so she will look up.She

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