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 her.I also don’t want to set

I need her

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

door, closing

inside, I hear a bird

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

nothing happened, looking like she is fresh out of the shower even though she closed the door to

enough to

holds her arms out for a hug, a huge 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 approach her

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

from me,

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

a conversation that needs

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

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

about the Manae and about myself.She nods and listens intently as

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

"Box of notecards?"

unless things are at ‘ critical mass’.I think we’re there," she frowns

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

she puts her hands on her hips, looking

at the chest, not sure what to make

open.I run my finger across

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

"Blood magic," she mumbles.

help

do.You just don't remember that you do.Extend your fangs, slice your finger, and let

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

not trying to

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

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

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

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 that I will bring with me next

onto the sofa,

does everyone else seem to remember all of their

yeah.That is a

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 trust me,

powerful of all the Manae and Guardians, but because you don’t have any previous

away from me into her lap and twists

her sparkly hair away from her face