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

right?" she asks with a

I can find something else," I responded

people to work in the back.Baking, decorating, cleaning, things like that.I can put in a friendly word for you if you’d like," I feel her touch my

touching me.I clear my throat and gently slide my hand away from hers, looking at her out of the side

you know," her voice lowers

little nervous about people knowing my business," I give her

you have a steady job.Unfortunately, I'm fully staffed, 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 job.I also recommend the cookies with the caramel chips in them, even if you do chicken out on asking for a job," she gives me a little wink as she finishes

appreciate it.

and a small smile, "Can I use

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

bag, head to the bathroom, and lock the door behind me.I put blue contacts in my eyes, then French braid my hair, pinning

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

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

semi-automatic handguns, clearly visible for

controlling the photographers seems to handle

the paparazzi.I

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

I have a wolf scent.She looks

a split second, I

be able to remember

many times she touched the door, resetting her

breathe an internal sigh

"Can I interest you in our wolf spirit special? It’s a coffee with two cookies or a cupcake.I highly

to the woman.She is stunning, with a sly smile on her face.I feel