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

right?" she asks with a tinge of

can find something else,"

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

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

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

no no.It’s alright.I-I just get a little nervous about people knowing my business," I give her a

lady with sparkly hair, that’s Kas.You can speak to

appreciate

relieved sigh and a small smile, "Can I use the restroom before

child.Take your time," she picks up

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

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

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

semi-automatic handguns, clearly visible for people

controlling the photographers seems to handle

tactic, keeping good relations with the paparazzi.I look at

young woman with sparkly silver hair and violet irises.I take off the dark sunglasses and look

I have a wolf scent.She looks at me for a moment

a split second, I worry she remembers my

that isn't possible.She wouldn't be able

the door,

breathe an internal sigh

Loup Magique," she says with a smile, "Can I interest you in our wolf spirit special? It’s a coffee with two cookies or a cupcake.I highly recommend

listed to the woman.She is stunning, with a