Breathe Into Me

by Nikki Drost

  Neither do I, maybe if I show her, then she’ll have no choice, but to believe me. “Look at my eyes.”

  Her expression changes as my eyes do. “Oh my god!”

  My eyes remain on her, as the wind picks up and begins to visibly swirl around me like a cyclone. She suddenly jumps from her chair and backs away from me. I settle the air and it disappears as quickly as it appeared.

  “How did you do that?”

  I take a step toward her, but she takes another step back.

  “Look, angel, I know this is hard to be-”

  She holds her hand up to stop me. “Don’t, what you just did isn’t possible. None of this makes any sense. I have to be dreaming or something. Please tell me this is a dream.”

  I shake my head no. “I’m sorry I thought you would take this better.” I begin to run my hands through my hair. I’d kill for a smoke right now.

  “You expect me to believe that not only shape shifters exist, but Angels do too? What’s next? Are you going to tell me vampires are real?”

  I nod my head. She might as well know everything. “Vampires, demons, necromancers, and witches also exist and they are my enemies, well not demons or all vampires, but I can explain that later.”

  “You’ve lost your fucking mind. I’m done listening to this.” She starts to leave, but I quickly block her exit.

  “How do you explain what I just did? You can’t, now sit down and hear me out. If you want to leave afterward I won’t stop you.”

  She takes a seat but doesn’t look happy about it. I can deal with that.

  “Shifters were created by the Archangel Sariel. There are four types, wolves, coyotes, bears and cougars. He was trying to make humans better, stronger, but as time went on some of the shifters started to believe that they were the superior species and began to kill humans. God ordered the Angel to kill us, but Sariel refused, so he was punished along with us. Every full moon we shift into our animal form and can’t change back until sunrise. As centuries passed and more shifters were born, it became too much for the Angels to deal with. So the Archangels got together and decided to gift four shifters with their powers. Micah was the first. He has the power to manipulate Earth. Jamie’s element is Fire, and Cass’s is Water. The four of us had no choice, we were born with the marks, and our powers showed up when we turned ten years old.

  When I shift, I become a pure white wolf, I can see in the dark, I’m stronger, faster, I heal rapidly, and all my senses are ten times better than yours are. Those bodies that were found at the bar were killed by werecoyotes. We hunted down a large pack and killed most of them, but there are still more in town and before you freak out you need to understand that there are no jails for my kind.”

  She remains quite so I decide to finish.

  “The last and most important part of all of this is that you’re my mate, Andy. You are meant to be MINE.”

  She stands and my heart begins to pound in my chest. This is it. She is either going to accept me or walk out of my life forever. She glances into my eyes and I can see she’s fighting back tears. I hate that I’ve hurt her, but she had to find out sometime. I take a deep breath and her sorrow hits me like a hammer.

  “I’m so sorry, angel, I know that I should have told you before we made love, but I didn’t know how.”

  A lone tear spills from her eye, I ache to wipe it from her cheek, but I don’t dare touch her.

  “Say something, Andy, anything.”

  Her tears begin to fall freely. “What would you like me to say? That I’m sorry you felt the need to come up with such an elaborate lie. Or that I’m sorry you believe in things like Angels and vampires and shape shifters. Or maybe you want me to say how sorry I am that I met you. I’m sorry I fell for your sweet guy routine, I’m sorry that I so easily gave you my heart, my body and soul. Most of all I’m sorry for trusting you, I knew deep down that you’d break my heart and I was right.” Andy brushes past me and into the house, I have to stop her, I can’t lose her. I follow her and grab her arm spinning her around until she faces me.

  “Andy, please don’t go, I love you. I won’t allow you to push me away. I would never hurt you or abandon you. We are meant to be together, you have to believe me.”

  She pulls her arm from my hold. “Don’t touch me. I don’t believe you. I don’t believe any of this.” She continues to back away from me causing my heart to break further. “I’m leaving. I don’t want anything to do with you anymore so please, don’t ever come near me again.”

  I watch as the only female I will ever love, my world, my one and only reason for living walks away from me and out the door. The pain I feel is so overwhelming I can barely breathe. How did this happen? A half an hour ago we were making love in my shower and now she’s gone. For the first time since I was a child tears fall from my eyes.

  “I’m so sorry, baby, I didn’t mean for this to happen.”

  I glance toward Grace and nod. This isn’t her fault it’s mine.

  “Give her some time, kid, she’ll come around.”

  I can’t help but laugh at Micah’s optimism as I wipe the wetness from my eyes. Gary had warned me that this would happen, but I ignored him and arrogantly believed that Andy loved me enough to stay. I did not take into account that she would publicly deem me unworthy.

  “You were right, Jamie, you’re always fucking right. I should’ve listened to you.” I move past my brothers and grab a bottle of SoCo from a kitchen cabinet. I crack open the bottle and take a huge swig. The amber liquid burns my throat, but I welcome the pain. I move back into the living room and face each of my brothers. The only people I can count on. The only one’s I’ll ever have.

  “She’ll be back, Adam, that female loves you.”

  I shake my head at Cass. “No, if she really loved me she wouldn’t have left. Take this as a lesson boys, remember this so you don’t make the same foolish mistake that I have.” I make my way toward the stairs. “Enforcers aren’t meant to have families, the only thing we’re meant to do is die.”

  Chapter 11

  “Can you believe this?” I glance over my breakfast and stare at the newspaper article Kelsey is reading. The bodies of five missing college students were found mutilated in the woods. “The cops say it was another animal attack.”

  I bite my tongue and continue to eat my cereal. This can’t be happening. None of what Adam had said can be real. Adam…It’s been a week since I walked out on him. For the first few days, he had tried everything to talk to me, but I had ignored his calls and text messages. I half expected him to show up at the hospital, but he never did. It’s been four days since I’ve heard from him. Now no matter what I do, I can’t get that man out of my head. Every time I close my eyes, his beautiful face haunts me. I’ve gone over every moment we spent together trying to figure out where it went wrong. I inwardly sigh. I know where it went wrong, it was the morning he tried to convince me that he’s a werewolf. I still don’t know how he made his eyes change color or how he did that trick with the wind. Maybe I was drugged. There could’ve been something in my food that caused me to hallucinate. It’s unlikely, but how else can I explain it?

  “You’re not even listening are you?”

  I shake my head. “Sorry, what were you saying? I watch as my best friend folds the newspaper while giving me a knowing look. Great, let the lecture begin.

  “Look, Andy, I don’t know what happened between you and the man who shall remain nameless, but this isn’t healthy. When you’re not at work, you’re sulking around the house in your pajamas.”

  I stare down at my Star Wars pajama set. Okay, maybe I have been walking around in pj’s, but their comfortable and I really have no reason to get dressed. “We broke up, Kelsey. I have the right to sulk.”

  Her response is cut off by the sound of our doorbell. Moments later, she reemerges with a bouquet of pink tulips and a black rectangular box.

  “It looks like someone is sorry for whatever he did.”

  I fight ba
ck tears as I reach for the card.

  “I will never stop loving you, angel.”

  I take a deep breath as I open the velvet box.

  “It’s beautiful, Andy.”

  Inside the box is a stunning hammered sterling silver moon pendant with the words, “Love you to the moon & back,” stamped into it. There are two charms dangling from the delicate silver chain. One is a round moonstone and the other is a heart made of rose quartz. I swallow the lump in my throat as my tears begin to free fall.

  “Oh, Andy, it’s obvious that Adam loves you and is sorry. You should talk to him.”

  I place my bowl in the dishwasher and make my way to my bedroom.

  “I can’t, I just can’t, Kelsey.” Of course, she is right on my heels, I should know better than to try and have the last word.

  “Andy, why won’t you tell me what happened? Maybe I can help.”

  Even if she could, I wouldn’t know where to begin. “It doesn’t matter what happened. It’s over and I never want to see him again.” I only partly mean that. Despite Adam’s crazy story, he’s involved with something dangerous, and I just want to know that he’s all right.

  “Well that’s going to be hard to do. I mean there are like a hundred people in this town. The odds are against you my friend.”

  No kidding, it’s the reason that I haven’t left the house. I don’t trust myself not to run into his arms the moment I see him. I’d take one look at his soulful eyes and I’d fall right back into his bed. Yeah because that would be a horrible experience, I’ve never had so many orgasms in my life.

  “Andy!”

  Crap, I did it again. “Sorry,” I sigh.

  “Okay, I’ve had it. If you don’t want to tell me what happened that’s fine, but we are having a girl’s day. I’m going to blow off work and we are going to have a full day at the spa. Then we are going to spend insane amounts of money on shoes. Then we are going to The Boonies to have some fun.”

  She has to be joking.

  “You’re going to have to face Adam sooner or later. You can’t live your life in this house. Now get dressed.”

  I rub my temples and try to fight off a headache. “Kelsey I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but I don’t want to talk about it and I certainly don’t want to go to the spa or the bar.” I grab my TV remote and start flipping through the channels.

  “Andy, I love you like a sister and I’m proud of you for putting your heart out there, and I am sorry that this happened. Now that being said, we are going to go shopping and we are going out tonight and getting smashed.”

  I start to argue, but Kelsey always gets her way.

  “Fine I’ll go but I won’t be any fun.”

  Kelsey’s perfectly glossed lips twist with humor. “By the time I’m done you’ll be dancing on top of the bar.”

  ***

  “Evenin’, lassies. ‘Aven’t seen yer in awhile.”

  I ignore Finn’s devilish smile and scan the room. I didn’t see Adam’s motorcycle in the parking lot, but it’s still early. I absently play with my necklace, I had put it on after I sent Adam a text thanking him for my gifts. I hope he’s okay, he never sent me a reply.

  “Hello, handsome, how’d you like to get two single girls drunk tonight?”

  His laugh can only be described as wicked. That man is walking talking sin.

  “Well dat explains it. Sure wat can oi git yer two?” We order tequila shots and make ourselves comfy at the bar.

  I down my first shot and quickly ask for another.

  “So do yer want ter chat?” Finn asks as he pours.

  “Nope.” I down the clear liquid and point toward my glass for a refill.

  “Ah come nigh, darlin’, you’ll feel better if yer git it aff yer chest.”

  I down shot number three and shake my head.

  “Wud it ‘elp if oi towl yer ‘e’s miserable?”

  I consider telling Finn it doesn’t change anything, but that would be a lie. “Define miserable.” Part of me relishes the fact that Adam’s suffering just as I am, but the other part feels like a bitch for wishing him pain.

  “When yer man came in ‘ere last noight he sat at de bar an’ looked loike someone ran over ‘is puppy, den he draink a bottle av bourbon.”

  Sounds like he’s as depressed as I am. “Did he say anything?” I instantly regret asking. It’s none of my business.

  “Aye, but dat is between ‘imself, me, an’ god.”

  I take another shot before I ask anything else.

  “Do me a favor an’ talk ter Adam, if yer truly love ‘im den yer nade to swallow yer pride an’ tell the lad. Take it from me, darlin’, life is ter unpredictable ter be stubborn. Ignore yer noggin an’ follow yer ‘eart.” Finn leaves us the bottle and runs to fetch some drinks for some other patrons.

  If I followed my heart, I would be with Adam right now. As I continue to drink, I start to consider everything that Adam had told me. What if what he said was the truth? I can’t explain his eyes or his little magic trick. I scan the bar and wonder if any of its patrons are one of the species Adam mentioned. Ugh this is nuts, I can’t believe that I’m even considering this. For arguments sake, if he’s not lying, then it brings up tons of questions. Like he’s immortal, able to live for centuries, he’d stay the same while I aged. What about our kids, would they be a shifter like him or human like me? Are we even allowed to be together? He said I was his mate, but I have no idea what that entails.

  “And I’ve lost you again,” Kelsey chuckles.

  “Sorry, but I warned you.”

  Kelsey downs her shot and slaps the bar. “Your right I promised you fun and it starts now.”

  ***

  Two hours later I’m buzzed and having a blast. Kelsey had talked Finn into letting us listen to dance music. He agreed, but only if we promised some girl on girl grinding, the pig. Of course, she found that totally acceptable.

  “Turn it up, Finn!” Kelsey yells from the dance floor and promptly begins shaking her ass to “Thrift Shop”. I can’t help, but join her. Two songs later, we take a break at the bar.

  “More tequila shots, ladies?”

  We nod as Finn fills our glasses. The room begins to spin as the doors open behind me. I glance over to see Micah, Jamie, and Lincoln. They stop in their tracks when they see me and exchange a glance before making their way around the bar. I brace myself and wait for Adam to walk through the door, but as the seconds tick by, I realize it’s just the three of them.

  “Finn what the fuck is up with the music?”

  Finn hands the men their beers and tilts his head in our direction.

  “Ladies choice, Jamie, oi cud ‘ardly say naw,” he chuckles.

  “Whatever,” Jamie slaps some money on the bar. “When Adam comes in just hand him the bottle, don’t bother with a glass.” With one last look in our direction, they make their way to the billiard room. That’s when it hits me. Adam said his friends were like him. He didn’t say Lincoln had any powers, but if I go by their tattoos then I’ve pissed off three wolves and a bear.

  “Maybe we should leave.” I can only hope that Kelsey has had enough fun.

  “No way, we were here first, and besides, the view in this room has just gotten a hellava lot better.” I really should warn her that Jamie’s either crazy or dangerous. Memories of the last time that I had seen these men flood my mind. They had made me feel welcomed in their home. I had been completely relaxed around them. I never would’ve suspected that they weren’t human. Oh god, I’m actually starting to believe this nonsense. It must be the tequila.

  “God I want to lick each and every one of Jamie’s tattoos. Do you think that he has them all over his body?”

  I roll my eyes at my best friend, a single Kelsey is a dangerous Kelsey, it’s no wonder she’s eyeing Jamie like a piece of meat. She’s on the prowl.

  “What happened to, Nate?” I ask before downing another shot.

  “We had sex.”

  I gasp in disbelief, bu
t encourage her to continue when she falls silent.

  “It wasn’t my fault. I was drunk and horny beyond all belief. Unfortunately, it was the worst sex of my life. I didn’t even bother to fake my way through it. Thank god it only lasted a few minutes.”

  I immediately begin to choke on the clear liquid.

  “I just hope he’s a better attorney than he is a lover.”

  I take a few deep breaths while I stare at my best friend. My lungs hurt from all of the coughing. “I can’t believe you slept with him.” I never understood why she went out with Nate in the first place. He’s a major jerk and to be honest he is the type of man her parents would love. Nathan Hayes is young, good-looking, and successful. He’s perfect husband material.

  “Again, it wasn’t my fault. Besides, I took care of things when I got home and thanks to Mr. Tall dark and sexy over there, I had plenty of material to work with.”

  Oh my god. “Jesus, Kelsey, you’re such a perv.” I laugh as she waves my insult away with a flick of her wrist.

  “What? I’ve got needs. Ugh, I swear I’m one bad relationship away from getting thirty cats and calling it a day.” She takes her shot and focuses her attention on the men playing pool.

  “I just want to find a nice, sexy guy who will love me for who I am and not for my looks or because of who my father is.”

  My heart aches for my best friend. I had no idea that she was so unhappy.

  “And maybe one that will occasionally handcuff me to a bed.”

  And she’s back ladies and gentlemen. Before I can comment further the bar door opens. My hand covers my mouth as I take in Cass’s appearance. His t-shirt is ripped and covered in dried blood and dirt. He has bruises forming on his rugged face while blood slowly trickles down his cheek from a small cut near his hairline.

  “Hey Finn I need a bottle of Southern Comfort, some towels and a first aid kit with a needle and thread.” He nods a hello like this is an everyday occurrence, as if his bloody beaten appearance is normal.