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?"

to remember I’m not upset

since I need her

back out at me, "O-of course, I always

the door,

I hear a bird squawking and

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

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

long enough to

for a hug, a huge grin on her face.My resolve softens as I look at her.I can’t imagine there

slightly ragged breath as she buries her head in my shoulder.I rub her back slightly and

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

of stuff about myself.I want to know more from your perspective, please," I sigh, letting my hands fall heavily to

seems like a conversation that needs snacks," she

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

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

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

where I give you the box of note cards?"

"Box of notecards?"

‘ critical mass’.I think we’re

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

puts her hands on her hips, looking at the

the chest, not sure what to

no separation where it would hinge open.I run my finger across the edge, trying

open it?" I look

"Blood magic," she mumbles.

doesn’t help me, Leticia.I

fangs, slice your finger, and let it bleed onto the chest until your

dark shit.Blood magic is not one of them.This was your idea.I just keep the trunk safe.Not that

to

chimes in, "I’m sorry I yelled at you earlier, but you have to understand my position.I have orders from our Mother.There is so much I would love to tell you but I

either.It just seems like the more I find

on this one, you can trust Leticia.That trunk will keep you busy

opening the trunk today, Leticia.Lex

probably have note cards to add to the trunk that I will

slides back onto the sofa,

seem to remember all of their lives except for Bronx and

yeah.That is

and Bronx are reincarnated, you both lose the memories of your

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 know it.We're only allowed to call

away from me into

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