Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

Chapter 91

"fastest dinner ever..."

I hear Bronx say, but he sounds like he’s underwater.

The high pitch buzzing sound is trying to push its way forward, but I fight against it with all my concentration.

Lex is trying to speak to me, but she sounds like she’s miles away.I stand up so I can join Bronx in front of the table, but Milo and Lenora take my hands and pull me into my seat.

Codi is in my lap, hugging me tightly.I can feel the warmth of our special connection and hug her back.

Pack members cheer and howl silently as Bronx gives his speech.He paces slowly and confidently while his hands add emotion to his words.

Our pack looks so happy.

That’s how it should be.

Happy.

A plate of chicken cordon bleu is in front of me.I look at it curiously.

My mind can’t seem to remember how eating works.I dip my finger in the sauce and give Codi a taste.

She claps her hands, but there is no noise.

Lenora gives Bronx a worried look and shakes her head as she pulls her pup from my lap.

Red, gold, and white decorations glitter in the background, slightly out of focus.

People look up from their dinner.I can sense their worry.It hits me in crashing waves.

Milo and Reggie are on either side of me, helping me to my feet.We are walking down a hallway.

Marco is ahead of us, holding his phone to his ear.I feel a hand on the small of my back.I look up to see who it is and trip over my feet.

Bronx catches me and picks me up, carrying me the rest of the way.I don’t even know where we’ re going.I close my eyes and let the scent of coffee and dark chocolate lull me into a relaxed sleep.

"Leticia? Are you here?"иσνєℓєвσσк.¢σмI call out as I walk into the apartment.

"To..uhh...Kas?"

Leticia pops her head out from what appears to be an office.There are small symbols painted on her face that look like runes.She has her hair pulled back into a black bandana.She wipes her hand over her face and the markings magically disappear, "I wasn’t expecting you.What’s going on?"

"I have some questions.Do you have time?"

trying to remember I’m not upset with her.I also

I

out at me, "O-of course, I always have time for you.Give me just a second.I’ll meet you in the living

door,

I hear a bird squawking

glass breaking, then silence.I back away slowly into the living room

is fresh out of the

enough to take

face.My resolve softens as I look at her.I can’t imagine there are many people showing her affection these days.I approach her and wrap

in my shoulder.I rub her back slightly and

away from me, "To what doI owe

out a ton of stuff about myself.I want to know more from your perspective, please," I sigh, letting

like a conversation

watch as she waves her hand over our laps, exposing a bowl of popcorn, glazed pecans, and mugs of

what I need," I give her cheek a little pinch, eliciting a giggle and a genuine smile from

hour, I tell her all the things I have learned over the past day about the Manae and about myself.She

this is the part where I give you the box of note cards?" she cringes

"Box of notecards?"

give it to you unless things are at ‘ critical mass’.I think we’re there," she frowns a little

disappears into the depths of a closet, and comes out dragging a foot locker sized chest with her.She sets it down in front of me

you go," she puts her hands on

at the chest, not sure what to make of

is no separation where it would hinge open.I run my finger across the edge, trying to

I open it?" I look up

"Blood magic," she mumbles.

magic? That doesn’t help me, Leticia.I don't know

just don't remember that you do.Extend your fangs, slice your finger, and let it bleed onto the chest

them.This was your idea.I just keep the trunk safe.Not

trying to

position.I have orders

shouldn’t have gotten upset with you, either.It just seems like the more I find

of roses.But on this one, you can trust Leticia.That trunk will keep you busy for

"I’m not opening the trunk today, Leticia.Lex says it's going to keep me busy for a long time.I would rather spend my time right now

note cards to add to the trunk that I will

onto the sofa, "Okay.What’s on your

does everyone else seem to remember all of their lives

is a

slowly, tucks her legs under her, and takes my hand, "Darling, every time you and Bronx are reincarnated, you both lose the memories of your previous lives.The rest of us do not.We remember everything.The

prevents you two from being corrupted by dark forces.The kicker is, you guys are the most powerful of all the Manae

pulls her hand away from me into her

sparkly hair away from her face and tilt my head, trying to get her to look