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?"

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

I

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

door, closing herself

inside, I hear a bird squawking and loud

of glass breaking, then silence.I back away slowly into the living room and wait for her

as if nothing happened, looking like she is fresh out

long enough

arms out for 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

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

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

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

conversation

waves her hand over our laps, exposing a bowl of popcorn,

know exactly what I need," I give her cheek a little pinch, eliciting a giggle and a genuine

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

is the part where I give you the box

"Box of notecards?"

not to give it to you unless things are at ‘ critical mass’.I think we’re there,"

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

there you go," she puts her hands on

at the chest, not

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

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

"Blood magic," she mumbles.

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

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

of them.This was your idea.I just keep the trunk safe.Not that anyone could get

not trying to trick

to understand my position.I have orders

okay, Lex.I shouldn’t have gotten upset with you, either.It just seems like the more I find out about my

you can trust Leticia.That

to do, "I’m not opening the trunk today, Leticia.Lex says

add to the trunk that I will bring with me

slides back onto

all of their lives except for

is a good

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 good and the bad and trust me, there

most powerful of all

hand away from me into her lap and twists

is it, Leticia? What’s wrong?" I brush her sparkly hair away from her face and tilt my head,