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?"

remember I’m not upset with her.I also don’t

since I

at me, "O-of course, I always have

the door, closing

hear a

of glass breaking, then silence.I back away slowly into

like she is fresh out of the shower even though she closed the door to

enough to

a hug, a huge 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 tightly and

buries her head in my shoulder.I rub her back slightly

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

I sigh, letting my hands fall heavily to my sides, then plop

seems like a conversation that needs snacks,"

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

know exactly what I need," I give her cheek a little

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

think this 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

closet, and comes out dragging a foot locker sized chest

hands on her

not sure what to make of

would hinge open.I run my finger

it?" I look up

"Blood magic," she mumbles.

doesn’t help

fangs, slice your finger, and let it bleed onto the chest until

shit.Blood magic is not one of them.This was your idea.I just keep the trunk

to

chimes in, "I’m sorry I yelled at you earlier, but you have to understand my position.I have orders from our Mother.There is so

upset with you, either.It just seems like the more I

this one, you can trust Leticia.That trunk will keep you busy

blow out as 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 busy for a long time.I would rather spend my time right now

to add to the trunk that I will bring with me

back onto the sofa, "Okay.What’s on your

else seem to remember all of their lives

is a

are reincarnated, you both lose the memories of your previous lives.The

words carefully, "Thousands of years 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 Manae and Guardians, but because you don’t have any previous memories, you just don’t know it.We're only allowed to call on you if there is a problem with

from me into her lap and

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