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

right?" she asks with a tinge of sympathy

until I can find something else," I responded without looking at

back.Baking, decorating, cleaning, things like that.I can put in a friendly

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

can do to help get her girls back on their feet, you

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

it back once 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

really appreciate it.

give a relieved sigh and a small smile, "Can I use

time," she picks up my

blue contacts in my eyes, then French braid my hair,

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 and

to try.I try to ignore

guards are all carrying semi-automatic handguns, clearly visible for

seems to handle them

keeping good relations with the paparazzi.I look

moves quickly and 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

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

second, I

be able

how many times she touched the door, resetting her memory while she was

breathe an internal sigh of

our wolf spirit special? It’s

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