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?"

not upset with her.I

since I need

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

slams the door,

I hear a bird squawking and loud

crashes of glass breaking, then silence.I back away slowly into the living

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

long enough to

at her.I can’t imagine there

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

pulls away from me, "To

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

a conversation that needs

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

know exactly what I need," I give her cheek a little pinch, eliciting a giggle and a genuine smile from

about the Manae and about myself.She nods and listens intently as I tick off the list of important things I have been

think this is the part where I give you the

"Box of notecards?"

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

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

go," she puts her hands on her hips,

the chest, not sure what to make

would hinge open.I run my finger across the edge,

it?" I look up at Leticia, who looks

"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

was your idea.I just keep

not trying to trick

I yelled at you earlier, but you have to understand my position.I have orders from our

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

not always a bed of roses.But on this one, you can trust Leticia.That trunk will keep you busy for a

out as I breathe out heavily, trying to decide what to do, "I’m not opening the trunk today, Leticia.Lex says it's going to keep me busy for a long time.I would rather spend my time right

note cards to add to the trunk

and slides back onto

does everyone else seem to remember all

is

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 trust me, there has been a

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 and Guardians, but because you don’t have

away from me into her lap and twists her fingers

What’s wrong?" I brush her sparkly hair away from her face and tilt my head, trying to