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

I need

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

slams the door, closing herself

a bird squawking and

away slowly into

happened, looking like she is fresh out of the shower even though she closed

nearly long enough

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

finally clears her throat and pulls away from me, "To

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

conversation that needs snacks," she

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

exactly what I need," I give her cheek a little pinch,

tell her all the things I have learned over the past day about the Manae and about myself.She nods and listens intently as

I think this is the part where I give you the box of note cards?" she cringes

"Box of notecards?"

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

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

her hands on

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 Leticia,

"Blood magic," she mumbles.

That doesn’t help me, Leticia.I don't

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

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

to trick you,

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

gotten upset with you, either.It just seems like the more I find out

you can trust Leticia.That trunk will keep

today, Leticia.Lex says it's going to keep me busy for a long time.I would rather spend my

to add to the

slides back onto the sofa, "Okay.What’s on your

all of their lives except

yeah.That is a

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

"Thousands of years 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 all the Manae

hand away from me into her lap

her face and tilt my head, trying to get her to look at me