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 want to set her

since I

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

the door, closing

inside, I hear a bird squawking

away slowly

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

nearly long enough to

her.I can’t imagine there are many people showing her affection these days.I approach her

slightly ragged breath as she buries her head in my shoulder.I rub her back slightly

from me,

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

seems like a conversation that needs

exposing a bowl of popcorn, glazed pecans, and mugs of hot

I give her cheek

I have learned over the past day about the Manae and about myself.She nods and listens

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

"Box of notecards?"

to give it to you unless things are at ‘ critical

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 at

puts her hands on her hips, looking at the

at the chest, not sure what to make

it would hinge open.I run my finger across the edge, trying to figure out what

I look up at Leticia,

"Blood magic," she mumbles.

doesn’t help me, Leticia.I

remember that you do.Extend your fangs, slice your finger, and let it bleed onto

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 putting notes in there for

not trying to trick you,

to understand my position.I have orders from our Mother.There is so much I would

with you, either.It just seems like the more I find out about my sisters

this one, you

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

have note cards to add to the trunk that I will bring with me

smiles and slides back onto

to remember all of

yeah.That is a

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 good

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

pulls her hand away from me into her lap

her face and tilt my