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?"

"Okay everyone, it looks

excitedly, "Great. Go find your

run to find their parents, who all look grateful I

okay, Hannah?"

down at her lap, not sure what to say. I slide off my bean bag and sit on the cushion next to her, "You can tell me anything, Hannah. You don't have to be

that man in the basement. B-but I-I saw

she could be my twin, but she’s older than me. That’s who you saw in the dungeon.

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

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

little face is so complicated. Her watery eyes spill tears, "Umm, he told me if I gave him

suspicious or accusing, but I can feel anger boiling inside of me. Lex is pacing and growling as

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

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

her parents tentatively. I turn my head and see them nod to her before she slides into

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,”

her nod against my chest as she

is very important. I heard you are going to speak to the Council about what happened in the dungeon and I want

and brace myself for whatever it is she is about to say. Lex is already growling, prepared for the

was dark, but after that, he didn't touch me. He just wanted information about you, I swear," her sobs are bigger now. Somehow, I

snarls as she and I breathe a collective sigh of

Hannah. Did you have any information to give him?" I ask, still rocking

to school," she admits between hiccups. I can't help but giggle, "Well, Hannah,

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

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

to promise me two things," I put my finger under her