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?"

cross my arms in frustration, trying to remember I’m not

since I need her

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

door, closing herself

hear a bird

away slowly into the living room and wait for

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

nearly long enough to take a

grin on her face.My resolve softens as I look at her.I can’t imagine there are many people showing

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

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

out a ton of stuff about myself.I want to know more from your perspective, please," I sigh, letting my hands fall heavily to my sides,

seems like a conversation that needs snacks," she

over our laps, exposing

I need," I give her cheek a little pinch, eliciting

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

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

"Box of notecards?"

to you unless things are at ‘ critical mass’.I think we’re there," she frowns a little and gets up from

disappears into the depths of a closet, and comes out dragging a foot locker sized chest with

puts her hands on her hips, looking

look at the chest, not

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

I open it?" I look

"Blood magic," she mumbles.

magic? That doesn’t help

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

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

to trick

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

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

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

cards to add to the trunk that I will bring with me next

back onto the sofa, "Okay.What’s on

does everyone else seem to remember all of their lives except

yeah.That is

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

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

her hand away from me into her lap and twists her

away from her face and tilt my head, trying to get her