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?"

frustration, trying to remember I’m not upset with her.I also

I

at me, "O-of course, I always have time for you.Give me just a

door,

hear a bird squawking

several crashes of glass breaking, then silence.I back away slowly into the living room and wait for her to

room as if nothing happened, looking like she is fresh out of the shower even though she closed

enough to

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

she buries her head in my shoulder.I rub her

pulls away from me, "To what doI owe this pleasure,

sit.I just found out a ton of stuff about myself.I want to know more from your perspective, please," I sigh, letting my

conversation that

exposing a bowl of popcorn, glazed

need," I give her cheek a little pinch, eliciting a giggle

hour, I tell her all the things I have learned over the past day about the Manae and about myself.She nods and listens intently as I tick off

this is the part where I give you the box of

"Box of notecards?"

to give it to you unless things are at ‘ critical

foot locker sized chest with her.She sets it down in front of

you go," she puts her hands on her

the chest, not sure what

no separation where it would hinge open.I run my finger across

it?" I look up at

"Blood magic," she mumbles.

magic? That doesn’t help me,

do.Extend your fangs, slice your finger, and let

shrugs, "Hey, Kas.I won't lie 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

to trick you,

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

just seems like the more I find

on this one, you

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

smiles and slides back onto the sofa,

seem to remember all of their lives

is

under 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

her next words carefully, "Thousands of years ago, Mother insisted it helps 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 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 that needs

pulls her hand away from me into her

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