Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future
Chapter 156

Chapter 24

We talk with Delilah and James for another fifteen minutes or so before we say our goodbyes.

As we are leaving the hospital wing, we see the doctor.

"Luna! I am so happy to see you! I take it you're feeling better?" he asks joyfully.

"Yes, sir. I am feeling more like myself. Thank you for asking," I respond gratefully, "Also, we just went to visit James. I helped him out, so you won't need to worry about him too much. Hopefully, you can send him home soon to finish recovering."

"Well then! I will check on him right now," he looks happy at the opportunity to see the results of my healing ability.

"Oh, Doc, before you go, can you look into getting a doctor that specializes in hybrid pregnancies for James's mate?" Bronx adds quietly.

"Yes Alpha, absolutely," he bows slightly at Bronx.

Bronx takes my hand and we head back to the apartment. "Can we stop by the daycare and visit Codi?" I ask, trying to think of ways to distract my mind.

"Well, you're in luck. Today is Saturday. We can go to Lenora and Milo's apartment to visit Codi," he pulls my hand up to his face and gives it a kiss.

"Oh, thank the Goddess. That is perfect," I smile, knowing Lenora loves when I spend time with Codi. It gives her and Milo an opportunity to get things done around the apartment or even go on date nights. "We have a meeting with Marco and Musu this afternoon, so you only have a few hours," Bronx reminds me.

We make our way to the fourth floor and knock on the apartment door. A flustered Lenora opens the door with Codi throwing a tantrum in her arms. Her expression turns to surprise when she sees us.

"Kas! What are you doing? I thought you would need more time to recover after yesterday?" she looks back and forth between Bronx and I.

"I am feeling much better. Bronx and I talked through some things last night. You guys can talk about it. I will take Codi," I smile, holding my arms out to take the screaming toddler.

If I didn't know Lenora well enough, I wouldn't have seen the moment of hesitation or fleeting look of worry before she placed Codi in my arms. Codi immediately calms down and gives me wet kisses on my cheek when I hug her.

Great. Lenora doesn't even trust me. Who else is going to feel that way? James and Delilah didn't outright say it, but they were more than happy to not have to see me for a month. 1

I guess I'm going to have to earn back trust from a lot of people. Who can blame them? I still don't completely trust myself, either.

We head inside and I take Codi to her room so Lenora and Bronx can talk about the woman named Cora and the Feral.

I sit in the beanbag chair and put Codi on my lap. We read a book about dragons eating tacos. She helps me turn the pages and points to the colorful pictures as I read in silly voices. I feel her yawn against me as she settles in a little deeper.

"Au Ka?" she says in her sleepy little voice. "Yes, Niece Codi?" I set the book down and cover her before I give her a kiss on the forehead.

"Wan cat," she yawns again as she adjusts her little body to lean against me.

"You want a cat? I don't know if it is a good idea for a kitty in a packhouse full of wolves, baby girl," I whisper while I run my fingers through her fine, dark hair.

"No. Cat," she says before she falls asleep completely. Her breathing evens out and her thumb makes its way into her chubby little mouth. 1

I think for a while, trying to decipher what she was trying to tell me. I look around the room decorated in pink and cream. There are no stuffed animals that look like cats in the room. Maybe there is one at daycare? I make a mental note to ask Lenora.

I replace myself humming a little tune while I rub Codi's back. I can't remember where I heard it, probably at the daycare. The warmth of Codi and the blanket laying against me in combination with the tune makes my eyelids heavy. I think about the happiness on Delilah's face when she made her announcement and the way Lenora looks at Codi with nothing but love and wonder. It makes me smile inside. My thoughts fade into a dream. 1

I'm in a hall that looks like it was created for giants. Tall pillars made of white marble with gilded corners line the colossal room. Animal skin blankets cover chairs that are too tall for me to climb into. Beyond the pillars, I can see a sunny, beautiful day outside, puffy clouds with a sky as blue as Delilah's eyes. I seem to be alone, but I also feel like it wouldn't be right to call out to anyone in here. I look to my left, then to my right, and choose to walk to my left, even though both directions look the same. It just seems like the correct thing to do.

As I walk down the regal corridor, I notice statues in alcoves alternating between men and women. They are dressed in togas and leather armor, some with crowns, others with spears. I admire the perfect craftsmanship until I get to one of a woman that looks familiar. I step closer and look up at her stone face. She has strong features and hair that looks like it is flowing in the wind even though it is made of marble. She is wearing a crown. I have to stand back to see it properly. It is a crown of a crescent moon.

"Mother?" I whisper in awe. "Mother, eh? You must be lokaste. I've been waiting for you," I hear a man's voice rumble behind me.

I turn and gasp. A tall man with white hair and light blue eyes stands in front of me. Even with white hair, I can't tell how old he is. I get the sense that he is ageless. He has always been and he will always be. He has a broad chest and strong arms, with his hands on his hips. As I take in his features, I realize he is wearing a leather brace that is holding a bow and quiver on his back. The quiver looks like it's filled with electricity.

"I-I'm sorry, sir. Do I know you?"

"Ehh, my name isn't important right now. Please follow me, lunch will be served soon," He holds out his arm, bidding me to latch my arm in his. It is a little awkward since he is so tall. When our skin makes contact, it creates an overwhelming feeling. It feels like he has perfected the art of holding in the excessive amount of power that makes up his essence.

"So my child, what brings you here?" he asks as we walk. "I'm sorry, Sir. I-I'm not sure where here is exactly," I apologize for my ignorance.

He stops walking and looks at me before he pats my hand, "This is Mount Olympus, lokaste."

"What?" I look at him with my mouth wide open.

"Close your mouth, flies will replace their way in," he chuckles.

"A-are you Zeus, sir?" I feel tears welling up in my

eyes.

"Yes, that is one of the many names I go by," he smiles warmly as he looks at me, making me stop in my tracks.

"Y-Your Highness, I-," I stutter at his casual admission.

"No, no, just Zeus to you, my dear lokaste," he pats my hand holding his arm, "You are a very special young lady. I don't need you to use my formal title."

"Alright, Zeus," I feel a sense of deja vu. Bronx and I had a similar first conversation.

"Sir, how did I get here? And why was I summoned?" My heart is hopeful, but I don't want to assume anything. Could this be my opportunity to ask about being able to have a pup?

"We will discuss over food, lokaste," Zeus informs me.

"Please, sir, just Kas, if we are being informal with each other," I tilt my head and give a charming smile.

We make our way to a dining room that is bigger than the entire first floor of the Blood River packhouse. A stunningly beautiful woman approaches me with a stool to help me into the next to Zeus. She realizes I'm too short to reach the tabletop, so she brings several pillows for me to sit on, like an adult version of a booster seat. 1

Now that I can see the table, I take in the amazing sight. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, sliced meats as far as the eye can see. "Help yourself, my dear," Zeus waves his hand over the table.

I take some of the fruit and nuts and place them on the giant platter that's supposed to be a plate in front of me.

"I always forget just how petite you are for a goddess," he puts his chin on his hand, looking at me like I'm a sideshow act.

"Zeus, I appreciate the opportunity to be here, having lunch with you. It is truly an honor I never thought I would experience, but, um, I'm still trying to understand why exactly I was summoned here," explain, trying to see if I can get him to get to the point.

He opens his mouth to speak but is interrupted by a man who looks about Bronx's age. He is over seven feet tall and slender with soft features. His hair cascades around his face in dark ringlets. "Father, can I interest you in wine?" he asks.

"Ah, Dionysus, yes please," Zeus cheers as the man pours red wine from a decanter he is holding, "Son, this is your half sister, lokaste."

The man looks at me with a mix of curiosity and disgust, "She is one of the Menae? One of the wild monstrosities Mother and that human created?"

Excuse me? Did he just call me a monstrosity? I don't fucking think so, asshole.

I pick up a walnut from the table, ready to hit him with it and stand on the seat of the chair so I am at eye level with him. I feel a growl coming from deep within me. The man rolls his eyes and walks away without another word. Coward. 3

Zeus looks at me with a smirk, which turns into a deep laugh, "Oh Kas, as feisty as ever. Almost five thousand years old now, right?"

"Yes, sir," I come to my senses and sit back down on the cushion, "I'm sorry about that. Wait, does that mean you and I have met before?"

"You have nothing to apologize for," he looks amused, "Always trust your instincts, Kas and yes, we have met before."

"I- why did you just say that?" I ask suspiciously.

"Which part?"

"About trusting my instincts," I think back to the vision of the woman with red eyes.

"It's true. You are part animal. Your wolf's spirit will always guide you. Trust your instincts," he pops a fig in his mouth as he explains himself. He takes a moment to chew before he sighs, "Now, why you are here." I perk up and pay close attention now.

"The Fates have sent me a message that involves your future. Now, while I'm not allowed to tell you the specifics, I want you to know your life is going to be pretty chaotic and stressful for a while, but we made you to handle situations like this. Admittedly, this lifetime is more challenging than most for you and for that, I apologize, but some things are out of even my control. Ultimately, you are going to have decisions to make about the people you love," he looks at me with a friendly affection, "Not everyone will agree with your decisions. It will be up to you to trust your heart to do what's right, even if it is uncomfortable." "I see," I answer as I look at my hands in my lap," Why are you telling me this, Zeus?"

"Because I have heard your pleas. I want you to know, if you do as I ask and follow your instincts, the path won't be easy, but I will bring you back here to grant your wish," his tone is serious and firm, but gentle at the same time.

I look up at him as his words process in my mind," You'll grant Bronx and I permission to have a baby?" "Indeed," he nods but his expression is blank.

"Sir, will my child have a difficult life?" I can feel my concern grow.

"Fate has not been written for your pup yet. There is nothing to see and nothing to be foretold at this point. Which means there are still questions about what kinds of decisions you will make when the time comes," his mouth scrunches a little, trying not to look too frustrated at the idea.

"Alright. I think I understand. I will do my best to not let you down, Zeus," I bow my head gratefully, "I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to be here and giving me as much information as you can." "You're welcome, Kas. Spoken like a true Luna, I might add. There is a lot riding on you. It is a lot of pressure for a spirit so young. Please remember that you are never alone. Even in the dark. You are never alone," his expression changes to one of paternal concern. He reaches his giant hand toward me and brushes his fingers across my jaw line. As he removes it, I feel myself getting sleepy.

I watch as he becomes blurry and the world gets dark. I slip back into the comfort of a deep sleep. "Kas. Time to wake up, Baby," I hear Bronx's voice coaxing me back from my slumber.

I slowly open my eyes and smile as I feel Codi's weight still leaning against me with the blanket covering both of us. Bronx is crouching in front of me with a loving grin on his face. Lenora is standing behind him with her cell phone, taking a picture.

I pull my arms up to hold sleeping Codi more securely, breathing in her baby scent from her hair. I take a moment to think about the dream I just had. There is an odd sensation on the palm of my hand. I pull it out from under the blanket to replace a walnut the size of a baseball.

"What the Hell? Kas, where did that come from?" Bronx looks at the nut, confused.

"I-It wasn't a dream. I met Zeus," I whisper with tears in my eyes.