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?"

I’m not upset with her.I also don’t want to set

I need

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

the door, closing

hear a bird

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

if nothing happened, looking like she is fresh out of the shower even

nearly long enough to take a

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

breath as she buries her head in

away from me, "To what

to know more from your perspective, please," I sigh, letting my hands fall heavily to my sides,

like a conversation that needs snacks," she

exposing a bowl of popcorn, glazed pecans, and mugs

perfect.You seem to always know exactly what I need," I give her

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

I think this is the part where I give you the box of note

"Box of notecards?"

at ‘ critical mass’.I think we’re there,"

dragging a foot locker sized chest with her.She sets

her hands on her

look at the chest, not sure what to make

separation where it would hinge open.I run my finger across the edge, trying to

it?" I look up at

"Blood magic," she mumbles.

help me,

don't remember that you do.Extend your fangs, slice your finger, and let it bleed onto the chest until your wolf heals you."I look at

lie to you.I mess with a lot of dark shit.Blood magic is not one 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

trying to

but you have to understand my position.I have orders from our Mother.There is

just seems like the more I find out about my sisters

roses.But on this one, you can trust Leticia.That trunk

my cheeks 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 speaking

the trunk that I will bring with me

onto

seem to remember all

is

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 been

dark forces.The kicker is, you guys are the most powerful of all the Manae and Guardians, but because you don’t have any

me into

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