Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

Chapter 28

Tessa’s POV

I sit quietly at a counter seat near the front of the 24-hour cafe, sipping the disgusting coffee and barely edible omelette while I scroll through the burner phone to catch up on the news.I watch out of the corners of my eyes as people queue up in a line to enter the store across the street.

They all seem very excited and happy to be there.

The window of the store has the silhouette of a wolf wearing a pointy witch's hat.

Above the image, in curly purple and white lettering, are the words ‘Patisseries de’ and below it are ‘ Loup Magique’ meaning ‘Magic Wolf Pastries’.

I roll my eyes at blatant call out to the owners of the little bakery.

The lights in the front of the store turn on, and a petite woman in a purple and white apron opens the door.

A security guard dressed in a purple shirt and black pants stands guard next to the front door, while another shoos away photographers from getting too close.

"Excuse me," I call to the waitress behind the counter.

"Yes, Miss? Would you like some more coffee?" she asks in her powdery voice that reminds me of a grandmother.

"Oh Goddess no...I mean...No thank you.I was just wondering, what is that place over there? Where all the people are standing,"I point to the little bakery, "Is it that good that people stand in line for it and why are there photographers?"

"Oh yes, Loup Magique is the best bakery in town.We get our pies and cakes from there.The owner is Bronx Mason’s wife," she wiggles her eyebrows at me as if that is supposed to be impressive news.

"Ohhbhh, how...ubh cool,"

I make my eyes a little bigger and emphasize the word cool, for effect.

in reality, I don’t give a shit that the owner is Bronx’s

asks with a tinge

temporarily, until I can find something else,"

work in the back.Baking, decorating, cleaning, things

fingers for touching me.I clear my throat and gently slide

feet, you know," her voice lowers as she thinks

little nervous about people knowing

but why don’t you go stand in the line across the street.The little lady with sparkly hair, that’s Kas.You can speak to her about a

really appreciate it.

small smile, "Can I use

course, child.Take your time," she picks up my plate

behind me.I put blue contacts in my eyes, then French braid my hair, pinning it up, before putting

a baseball cap and sunglasses over just to be safe.I peek out of the bathroom and don’t see the overly friendly waitress.I quickly make my way out of the restaurant, conveniently dropping a couple of one hundred-dollar bills on the floor, where she can easily see them as I make my way out.I look one last time at the line of people in front of the store

try.I try to ignore them as I assess security and escape routes.I calculate the distance between the door and various

carrying semi-automatic handguns, clearly

controlling the photographers seems to handle them with

tactic, keeping good relations with the paparazzi.I look

before I know it; I'm at the register, looking at the smiling young woman with sparkly silver hair and violet irises.I take off the dark sunglasses and look at her with

slightly as she recognizes I have a wolf scent.She looks at me for a

a split second, I worry

isn't possible.She wouldn't be able to remember anything from the

she touched the door, resetting her memory

breathe an internal sigh

Loup Magique," she says with a smile, "Can I interest you in our wolf spirit special?

the board with flavors listed to the woman.She is stunning, with a sly smile on her face.I feel my breath catch in my throat, standing this close