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?"

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

since I need her

me, "O-of course, I always have time for you.Give me just a

slams the door,

inside, I hear a

breaking, then silence.I back away slowly into the

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

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

as she buries her head in my

throat and pulls away from me, "To

of stuff about myself.I want to know more from your perspective, please," I sigh, letting my hands fall heavily to my sides, then plop onto the sofa, pulling her down

a conversation

her hand over our laps, exposing a bowl of popcorn, glazed pecans, and mugs of hot

exactly what I need," I give her cheek

I have learned over the past day about the Manae

where I give you the

"Box of notecards?"

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

closet, and comes out dragging a foot locker sized chest with her.She sets it down in

there you go," she puts her hands on her

look at the chest, not sure what to make of

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

I look up at

"Blood magic," she mumbles.

help me,

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

your idea.I just keep the

not trying to trick you,

have to understand my position.I have orders from our Mother.There is so much I would love to tell you but I just

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

always a bed of roses.But on this one, you can trust

my cheeks blow out as I breathe out heavily, trying to decide what to do, "I’m not opening the trunk today, Leticia.Lex

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

back onto the sofa,

else seem to remember all of their lives except

yeah.That is a

slowly, 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 and the bad and

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

hand away from me into her lap and twists her

her sparkly hair away from her face and