Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

Chapter 70

I smile warmly as my friend recognizes me.

"Delilah, why are you here? Where's Bronx?" I ask with a yawn and a big stretch.

She yawns too, stretching her long spindly arms, before she pushes her light brown hair out of her eyes. Her French accent is thicker than usual as she wakes up, "He's downstairs with everyone else completing the Santoro deal. Oh, excep Musu. She's in your living room doing research."

"Oh, okay," I nod with acceptance while the fog in my brain clears, "Wait, why does that mean you and Musu need to be here? Not that I mind."

"You have been asleep for a day and a half. The Alpha wanted someone keeping an eye on you at all times when he is not here. I volunteered this time. Musu and I have been taking turns."

"Musu is here too?" This gives me an idea. I could really use a good chat with both of them about Leticia, but before that I want to spend time with my best friend. I have missed her so much.

Other than Bronx, I spent most of my time with Delilah. She and I are both perfectly content with that. Outside of the Coven's realm, where time operates much differently, she is only a year older than me. If my conversion time conversion i right, I think she is over a thousand years old. An old soul, like me. For the sake of our relationship, I like to think she is twenty. It makes it a little easier to connect with her than Lenora or Ashley, who are in their mid-twenties. 1

I pull back the covers and pat on the bed so she will come lay down next to me like we do when James is on duty and Bronx is out of town on business. We like to binge watch Chopped or baking competitions and eat junk food until we fa asleep in my bed. We come up with our best menu ideas that way. I miss my best friend. It feels like I haven't spoken to her in weeks. She giggles a little and slides onto the bed next to me. Once she snuggles in the bed with me, I throw the covers over her and give her a big hug. She hugs me back tightly before she lies on her back and takes my hand in hers, holding it to her heart.

'Talk to me mon ami [my friend]. How are you? How's the baby? Everything. We haven't had any time for bavardé [gossip] in forever," I smile at her.

"Where to start?" her mesmerizing voice sounds like little solstice bells jingling in the air, "First off, the baby, he is doing wonderfully." "He? You're having a boy?" I ask excitedly.

"Oui," she smiles back. Her ever changing blue eyes looking a little teary, "We are naming him Alexander. James picked it out." 1

"Delilah, I am so happy for you and James. Can I please help you shop for the nursery? I need to spoil my nephew."

"Of course! I can't imagine going without you," she giggles, "James looked a little overwhelmed when I asked him if he preferred blue or green for the paint. I can't imagine his reaction if I ask him to help shop for furniture." 'That definitely sounds like James," I giggle in return, "So what did the doctor say? We had a hybrid specialist come in, right?"

'Yes, he says my pregnancy will be seven months instead of five, since it is a hybrid pup. Witches usually have a pregnancy like humans. We even got to hear the heartbeat. It was so sweet, Kas. Even James got tears in his eyes. I am ter weeks along. So four and a half months left," she gives me a happy but tired look.

"And how are you feeling, because that face looks more tired than the open shift before an espresso at the bakery," squeezing her hand to show her my support.

"Don't mention espresso," she laughs hardily, then pulls her face into a pout, "I'm not allowed to have coffee, according to the doctor. I tried to sneak a few sips the other day and had to make a draught for heartburn. I can't even eat my favorite cheeses. Can you believe it?"

"Okay, okay, no coffee until after Alexander is here," I pout along with her.

"Indeed. Until then, only water. Oh, and the repugnant protein shakes James makes me drink," she scrunches her face.

"Well, it sounds like you need a milkshake. I've had those protein shakes when I first came to Blood River. You're right. They are repugnant," I agree

with a sly grin, 'You stay here. I'm getting you a milkshake."

"Kas, you should really stay in bed," Delilah leans forward and tries to stop me, but I pull back the covers and hop out of bed before she can catch me.

I feel a little wobbly at first, but quickly collect myself and make my way out of the bedroom.

"Musu? Are you here?" I call into the living room while I'm on my way to the kitchen.

"Luna, you're awake? Is everything alright?" Musu stands and follows me to the kitchen. I can sense her worry.

"Musu, how many times do I have to ask you? Pretty please, when you are in my home, call me Kas," I smile at her while I dig through the pantry.

Musu looks around a little uncomfortably, "A-alright, Kas, is everything okay? Where's Delilah?"

"She's in the bedroom. I'm making US a snack and I would like you to join us, please."

"A snack in the bedroom?" she asks, amused. When I stand, I notice she is wearing a flowy shirt to hide her growing belly, but she's having twins. She is already showing too much for a flowy shirt to hide her bump. She looks beautiful. I move around her to go to the freezer.

'Yes. I hope you like milkshakes," I hold up a container of ice cream and chocolate syrup with a big smile.

"Well, who am I to say no to a request from my Luna, Kas?" she laughs loudly, showing her wide, bright smile.

I quickly blend up chocolate milkshakes for Delilah, Musu, and myself. I add a little protein powder that Bronx keeps for his post workouts to theirs, so their mates don't get upset I had both of them eating junk food.

Between twins and a hybrid pup, these two ladies need as much protein and as many calories as they can get, but they should still get to treat themselves every now and then. When the drinks are in glasses, Musu and I head back into the bedroom.

I climb on the bed and crawl back under the covers, next to Delilah. Her eyes go wide with excitement when she takes a sip of her drink.

"See Delilah? Back in bed just that quick and with a delicious, somewhat nutritious treat for you. Musu, come on, you're on this side" I pat the bed on the other side of me, 'Think of it like a sleep over."

Musu's eyes go wide. It isn't really a look of excitement, more of disbelief," You want me to get into yours and the Alpha's bed? I can't do that.

Besides, it's only ten a.m. No time for a sleepover, Kas."

"Il ne serf à rien de se battre. Elie n'abandonnera pas jusqu'a ce que vous vous mettiez au lit [It is no use fighting. She won't give up until you get in the bed]," Delilah shakes her head as she explains the situation to Musu in French. Delilal hasn't taught me enough French to be fluent, but I think she said something about getting in the bed. 1

Musu takes a sip of her milkshake and shakes her head in defeat, then climbs in bed next to me, "I-it's a damn good milkshake, Kas."

"And if your mates ask, yes, there is protein powder in them. That makes them healthy food, right?" I smile slyly.

'The most delicious healthy food I have had in two months," Delilah laughs. Musu follows suit. 1

"So Musu, how have things been for you? How are your babies? You're in good hands with Mama Sanchez. She's had lots of practice with all her boys and grandchildren," I engage Musu in conversation.

"Well, other than being tired ALL the time. It's going well. These two pups pull the life out of me, but Marco pampers me like you wouldn't believe. Once we found out we are having a boy and a girl, he has been to the moon and back. I think he was worried we would have two girls and he would have to sit in front of their bedroom with a gun to keep the boys away," she laughs while she rubs her belly. 2

We all laugh, thinking about Marco as a protective daddy to two little girls. I can already tell his daughter will have him wrapped around her little finger.

"Have you thought of names yet?" Delilah asks.

'Yes, our little boy is Deago after Marco's father, and our little girl is Inez after my mother," she grins broadly.

"I love it! Beautiful names," I feel myself squeal as I clap a little, "I can't

wait to meet them! Our pack is going to have a huge nursery!"

"Indeed. I can't wait to meet everyone else's pups," she sighs, thinking about the future, 'The worst part is that I still have three months to go and my feet are already swollen all the time. The best part is Marco gives superb foot rubs." "I have a tincture that can help with the swelling. I will bring it to you in the morning," Delilah offers soothingly, "I think you should still let Marco give you those foot rubs though."