Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

Delilah and Leticia show me a spell to seal the bottle and keep the wine fresh so I can take it home to have with the chocolate later once I decide what I want to do. I’m surprised how easily I can perform the spell. It feels effortless and natural. Leticia rolls her eyes in frustration, insisting this is basic stuff compared to the magic I have performed in the past.

The rest of the night goes without incident and we have a fun time getting to know Leticia better. She and Delilah discuss current trends in magic and explain important details to me. The more they speak, the more it feels like we are rehashing a conversation I've already had. Bits and pieces of spells and incantations formulate in my mind. At the end of the evening, the server comes over and announces that the bill has already been taken care of. Carly already called the restaurant and took care of the charges.

“Bronxy paid for dinner? Oh my Goddess, that’s so sweet!” Leticia gushes, “You know what this means?”

“That my husband is being extra controlling again?” I roll my eyes.

“Well, yeah, but we've all met him. Everyone knows he would spend every penny he has on you if you would let him, Kas. But that isn't what I was going to say.” happiness to one that is cold and calculated. She looks pointedly at

Delilah, “If Bronx paid for dinner, Delilah still needs to make up for throwing a spell at me.”

I feel myself tense at the change in mood. Lex takes notice and prepares herself in case she needs to come to the front.

For a moment Delilah looks taken aback, but she quickly composes herself. Her eyes turn a royal blue and her voice sounds like little bells when she speaks, “I am sure I will find a way, Leticia. In fact, as long as it doesn’t involve dark magic, I give you my word.”

“Oh, you gave your actual word,” Leticia raises her eyebrow. Her smile turns smug, “That’s some real magic shit right there, Kas.”

When we finish eating, the server brings out Leticia’s to-go box of chicken fingers. She gives me a kiss on the cheek and shakes Delilah’s hand before she leaves while Delilah and I wait for Marco to come let us know the car is ready for us.

“Alright, madame. Home to meditate. We need to cleanse our spirits. Then you're going to tell me how you plan to deal with the wine and chocolate situation,” Delilah lectures with a faux stern look, “I could practically see your gears churning all night. I know you've thought about it already.”

“I can’t hide anything from you, can I?”

“Never,” she smiles, leaning her shoulder into me with a laugh as Marco approaches the table.

“Ladies, your car is waiting in the back. We'll leave through the kitchen,” he advises, “Kas, no stopping to talk to the chef.”

I that much of an open book to you

list of ingredients so  we can experiment with recipes all day tomorrow. Marco takes it to his makeshift office in the

on the bed in her room and take an hour to meditate. Instead of actually meditating, I use

transport with my consciousness. I open the door to the apartment and hear Leticia come running down the hall and to greet me with

for coming to dinner, Darling,” I return her crushing hug, “I’m so glad you and Delilah could come to a truce. Also,

this stuff. We just have to unlock it inside of you,”

have to Keep it quick, Letica. I have less than an hour. Were you able to get the meeting I asked for?” I ask, trying not to sound too excited. She doesn't know about my deal with the God

on it. You're lucky your name carries some weight. Name dropping the youngest Manae gives me some leverage. It’s making it easier to get on the inside,” she points at me with her fingers in the shape of a gun and gives me an exaggerated wink, “Give

without you. How many other Mavri

far. Julia and Ellen are notoriously difficult to find, but I have feelers out. They will come out of hiding soon. I have put the word out for everyone to convene here by your orders. They’re

excited to meet them too,” I can’t help but smile at the prospect of meeting my sisters. The ones who are actually looking

I want to make sure ] have everyone straight in my head

same after. She hates it. The Manae seem to

understand. Well, thank you for trying your best, Leticia. Iam lucky to have you on my side,” I smile at her warmly, “ I have

she says, gripping

For all of us,” I

sitting

things are good now," I smile back, hoping she doesn't catch on that I am talking about something completely different from what

something that is going to make you

grabs my hands and puts them on her belly. I can sense Alexander's heartbeat, but as I let my hands settle on Delilah’s shirt,

know that happened when Lenora was pregnant with Codi, but I didn’t know what to expect with your pregnancy. I figured

pregnancies. I'm a little surprised it’s so soon. It’s so exciting. Maybe it means it won't be seven months after all. I can't

tears in my eyes, “So y- you can really feel him in

are and how excited I am to meet him ina few months. I watch Delilah blush as] tell him how he’s going to be a great warrior like James and, based on how person who doesn’t know about my first conversation with Zeus. I decide not to tell her. I don’t want to get her hopes up in case I don't live long enough to have a pup of my own. Instead, J tell her I met with Zeus in person and he must want to discuss our