Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future
Chapter 159

Chapter 27

Katherine's POV

"They offered us accommodations at the Blood River pack house?" I ask suspiciously.

"Yes, Luna. They said they have plenty of room and would be honored to have the entire team there. If we would rather stay at a hotel, they will make those arrangements, too. We just have to let them know how many suites we need," my assistant says through the phone.

"I think the packhouse would probably be the best option," I think about Cora, who will need to come with us, being able to shift on Blood River's extensive territory. I also selfishly think about the opportunity to get to see lokaste in person.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Sarah, how did they know we were wolves? How did they know to offer us a place in the packhouse?"

"I didn't think to ask, Luna, but Mister Mason's assistant was very nice. She sent pictures of the suites we would stay in and everything." I smirk at her innocence, "Alright, please request a block of eight suites.' "Yes, Luna. Oh also, Alexandros left a message. He says his team has scoured the eastern seaboard of the United States with no luck. They are moving to the Midwest but they are pretty sure Tessa must be headed to wherever lokaste is," her tone turns more serious as she relays the message.

"Alright, I will contact him about our upcoming trip to Blood River. Please complete the travel arrangements. Cora is coming, so we need the large jet in case she needs room to shift." "Yes, Luna," she replies obediently before hanging up.

I pull my personal cell phone from the drawer and dial Tessa's number for the hundredth time since she drank from the Journeyer's Cup. Straight to voicemail. I sigh before calling Alexandros. I can hear the exhaustion in his voice. Not having Tessa with him is wearing on him. She has to know that. It must be difficult for her to be away from him, too.

"Have you heard from her?" he asks, trying but failing to hide the desperation in his voice. "Sorry, Alexandros, no," I frown as I deliver the update.

"She must be close to lokaste, 1-I just hope she's not reckless enough to stand outside the hornets' nest, Katherine," he gives a frustrated growl.

"She will turn up, don't worry," I reassure him with empty words before we say our goodbyes and hang up. I don't know if she will be alright or not, but I'm not going to tell him that.

I mind link Amari and Cora to join me in my office.

"We are out in the greenhouse. We will be there soon," Amari's sweet voice rings through the mind link. Which gives me time to finish some paperwork.

When they finally get to the office, I see Cora has let someone care for her dreadlocks and finally took a proper shower. She is wearing a loose t-shirt and running shorts. I notice she still won't wear shoes, but at least Amari convinced her to try the clothes on for size and she liked them. In the couple of weeks she has been home, she has spent most of her time in wolf form, but when she is in human form, she stays with Amari during the days to take advantage of her healing power. At night, she sleeps in my apartment. I can still feel her pain from the loss of losing her mate. I give her energy to help her composure while she gives me energy to help bolster my independence. 1

"Alright Sisters, we are going to the United States in two weeks to meet with Blood River. I spoke to Alexandros, he is going to meet us there," I explain, looking back and forth between them.

"I am going too?" Cora looks confused as to why she would need to be at a business meeting.

"Yes. We have blown our opportunity to summon lokaste here," I give Amari a scornful look, "So we need to go to her. Don't worry, Blood River has a large territory. You will have plenty of free reign to run around."

She gives a little sigh and nods, understanding that we don't have much of a choice.

I update both of them on the quick call I had with Alexandros and that he is also going to make his way to Montana and meet us there as our head of security in Tessa's absence. I also make sure to remind them that under no circumstances are they to interact with lokaste other than to greet her as Blood River Luna. They both agree, but I get the sense that Cora feels guilty about something. I make a mental note to ask her about it later.

Bronx's POV

"Alpha, there is a call on line three for you," Carly's voice comes over the intercom, "It is the woman from the boarding house you funded last year."

"I'll take it," I furrow my brow, "What is her name again? Edna?"

"Yes, sir. Edna Kirby."

Last year, Kas and I funded having a boarding house built for a foundation that houses women who are victims of domestic violence. I had told the head of the foundation if she ever needed anything, to please let me know. Obviously, her call on a Tuesday afternoon was unexpected, so I pick up the line.

"Mrs. Kirby! It's a pleasure to hear from you!" I do my best to sound friendly. Admittedly, not one of my strong suits.

"Mister Mason, thank you for taking my call. I hope all is well," her voice is warm and friendly, "I know you are a busy man, so I will get to the point. The other day, I took in a new case. She looked very familiar, but I couldn't remember where I had seen her before."

"Alright?" I ask unsure of where the conversation is leading

"Well, I pulled out the newspaper clipping from the day of the ribbon cutting and realized I knew exactly how I knew her. She is the spitting image of your sister, Lenora," the woman claims proudly.

I feel the blood drain from my face a little, "I'm sorry, ma'am. Are you saying my sister requested asylum in your boarding house?"

"Well, that's the thing Mister Mason. Her paperwork says her name is Contessa DeCaul. It seems like a very unusual name to choose as an alias. I approached her later and tried to see if I could get her to give her real name, but she insisted that was it. Usually, our cases are confidencial, but in this instance, I thought you should know." 1

"Mrs. Kirby, I appreciate your diligence and for giving me the heads up. I will certainly look into it. It was very nice speaking with you. You take care," I say and hang up before she can respond.

I pick up my cell and call Lenora. "Hey Bronx, what's up?" She answers in as professional a tone as she can.

"Where are you at?" 1

"Two floors below you in my office at headquarters, why?"

"Stay there. I'm sending security to your office. I don't want you to leave," I warn.

"Why? What's going on?" She asks in her usual cool, not bothered tone.

"You're 'look alike' was spotted in town. I gotta go. I need to have Kas's detail get her back to the packhouse," I hang up and pick up the phone, ringing Milo. At the same time, I go to the door of my office. Milo picks up at the same time Carly asks me if I need help with anything. 2

"Carly, we are on lockdown. Send extra security to Lenora's office."

"WHAT?! BRONX! What are you talking about extra security to Lenora's office? What's going on?!" Milo starts yelling into the phone.

"Milo, get Kas back to the packhouse right now. Lockdown pack territory, send extra guards to all the borders. We have a situation, I will be there as soon as I am sure I can get Lenora and Ashley out of here safely," I bark my orders into the phone.

"Bronx, what the Hell is happening?" He asks hurriedly.

"One of Kas's kidnappers was spotted. The one she said looks like Lenora. Protect your Luna, Milo." "Yes, Alpha," he replies quickly and hangs up.