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?"

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

I need

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

slams the door, closing

inside, I hear a bird squawking and

silence.I back away slowly into the

happened, looking like she is fresh out of the shower

enough

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

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

from

to know more from your perspective, please," I sigh,

like a conversation that needs snacks," she

laps, exposing a bowl of popcorn, glazed pecans, and mugs of

I give her cheek a little pinch,

the things I have learned over the past day about the Manae and

this is the part where I give

"Box of notecards?"

at ‘ critical mass’.I think we’re there," she frowns a little and

and comes out dragging a foot locker sized chest with her.She sets it down in front

there you go," she puts her hands on her hips, looking at the

not

separation where it would hinge open.I run my

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

"Blood magic," she mumbles.

That doesn’t help me, Leticia.I don't

slice your finger, and let it bleed onto the

your idea.I just keep the trunk safe.Not that anyone could get into it except for you.You’ve been putting notes in

not trying to trick you,

yelled at you earlier, but you have to understand my position.I have orders from our Mother.There is so much I would love

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

not always a bed of roses.But on this one, you

let my cheeks blow 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

note cards to add to the trunk that I will bring with

slides back onto

all of their lives except

is a good

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

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 on you if there is a problem with our family

pulls her hand away from me into her lap and twists her

brush her sparkly hair away from her face and tilt my head,