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?"

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

I need her

room she is 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 living

door, closing herself

inside, I hear a bird

silence.I back away slowly into the living room and wait

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

enough to take

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

takes a slightly ragged breath as she buries her head in

from me, "To what doI owe this

sit.I just found 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, then plop onto the sofa,

like a conversation that needs

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

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

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

part where I give you the box of note

"Box of notecards?"

said not to give it to you unless things are at ‘ critical mass’.I think we’re there," she frowns a little

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

she puts her hands on her hips,

chest, not

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

I open it?" I look up at Leticia, who looks

"Blood magic," she mumbles.

doesn’t help me, Leticia.I don't

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

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

trying to trick you,

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

okay, Lex.I shouldn’t have gotten upset with you, either.It just seems like the more I find out about

of roses.But on this one, you can trust

not opening the trunk today,

to the trunk that I will bring with me next

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

all of their lives except for Bronx

is

every time you and Bronx are reincarnated, you both lose the memories

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 just don’t

into her lap and

sparkly hair away from her