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?"

my arms in frustration, trying to remember I’m not upset with her.I also don’t want to

since I need her

peeking out from, then back out at me, "O-of course, I always have time for you.Give

slams the door, closing herself

I hear a bird squawking and loud

away slowly into the living room and wait for

like she is fresh out of the shower even though

enough

grin on her 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 my arms around her

she buries her head in my shoulder.I rub her back slightly and let

her throat and pulls away from me, "To what doI owe this pleasure,

from your perspective, please," I sigh, letting my hands fall heavily to my sides, then plop onto the sofa, pulling

like a conversation that

exposing a bowl of

I give her cheek

I tell her all the things I have learned over the past day about the Manae and about myself.She nods and listens intently as I tick off the list of important things

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

"Box of notecards?"

things are at ‘ critical mass’.I think we’re there," she frowns

as she 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 and waves

she puts her hands

not sure

no separation where it would hinge open.I run my finger across the

open it?" I look up at Leticia, who looks

"Blood magic," she mumbles.

help me, Leticia.I don't

and let

of them.This was your idea.I just keep the trunk safe.Not that anyone could get into it except for you.You’ve been putting notes

to trick you,

"I’m sorry I yelled at you earlier, but you have to understand my position.I have

the more I find out about my sisters and me,

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

I breathe out heavily, trying to decide what to do, "I’m not opening the trunk today, Leticia.Lex says it's going to keep me

probably have note cards to add to the trunk that I will

smiles and slides back onto the sofa, "Okay.What’s on

does everyone else seem to remember all of their lives except for Bronx

yeah.That is a good

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 good and the bad and trust me, there has

ago, Mother insisted it helps keep balance and prevents you two from being corrupted by dark forces.The kicker is, you guys are the most powerful of all the

away from me into her lap and twists her

from her face