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 tinge

yeah, temporarily, until I can find something else,"

in the back.Baking, decorating, cleaning,

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

I can do to help get her girls back on their feet, you know," her voice lowers as she thinks

just get a little nervous about people knowing my

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

appreciate it.

small smile,

time," she picks up my

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

restaurant, conveniently dropping a couple of one hundred-dollar bills on the floor, where she can

go on and on about which cupcakes they want to try.I try to ignore them as I assess security and escape routes.I calculate the distance between the door and various cameras around

are all carrying semi-automatic handguns, clearly visible for people to

one controlling the photographers seems to handle them with kid

paparazzi.I look at my watch,

the register, looking at the smiling young woman with sparkly silver hair and violet irises.I take off

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

a split second, I

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

she touched the door,

breathe an internal sigh

wolf spirit special? It’s a coffee with two cookies or a

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