Breathing Air Read online

  “Relax for me, Adi. I feel you tensing up. I only want you to experience the good kind of pain.” Taking a breath, I try to relax as he presses his thumb slowly inside of me. It feels odd. His other hand finds my clit and he rubs it rhythmically as he slides his thumb fully into my ass. As I acclimate myself to the new sensations, Kevin lines his dick up with the entrance to my pussy. In a swift thrust, he seats his cock deep inside me. In tandem, his thumb and cock thrust in and out of both of my holes. Oh man, this is maddening.

  “You feel incredible,”he growls as he moves faster inside me. The pressure builds again and I fall closer to the edge. Kevin’s fingers pinch my clit as he thrusts faster and faster. My pussy and ass clench, chasing the pleasure I know is so close. Kevin shortens his thrusts, pulsing in and out of me in quick succession. A scream rips from my throat as pleasure blinds me. My orgasm pulses through me, leaving me weak. I collapse onto the bed, limp.

  Kevin pulls his thumb and cock from my body and roughly flips me over. He straddles my chest, holding his dick inches from my mouth. I open to let him in.

  “I’m going to be rough, Adi,” he warns me. I nod, telling him I’m ready for it. Kevin slides his hand under my head and leans towards me. I lick the tip of him, tasting myself on his hot skin. He loses control and his hips punch forward, shoving his cock into my mouth. He hits the back of my throat, causing me to gag. Pulling back, he thrusts forward just as quickly. Tears form in my eyes as he keeps up with the quick thrusts. I can barely breathe as he fucks my face relentlessly. My hands find his thighs as I try to hold my head up for him. Breathing through my nose, I swirl my tongue around him. The vein on the underside of his cock pulses rapidly. Kevin’s rhythm stutters and I flick my tongue rapidly. He’s close to his release so I relax and open my throat for him. His body tenses as he comes, coating my throat.

  Kevin pulls out of my mouth and we both fall back onto the bed. My breath comes in short, quick pants. Man, Kevin seriously just rocked my world. He told me he was a virgin, and if I didn’t trust him, I’d call him a liar. He was skilled and demanding, controlling me with ease. He knew exactly what to do to push my buttons. How did he even know? Either Nolan gave him some pointers or he’s watched a lot of porn.

  “Come, Adi. Let’s go wash up. I want to clean you,” His voice is warm and satisfied. Kevin places a sweet kiss on my lips then pulls me from the bed. I can’t help but smile at him. We both needed this, not just for a release, but to strengthen our bond.

  Taking in the clear moonlit deep green sky, I make my way back to the cottage. I tried to talk to Emmanuel, to convince him to think about us, to think about Adaline. “Look, what kind of leader would I be if I could abandon them just because I found my nucleus?” Why would we have a nucleus and partners meant for us if we could just chose to ignore them? But he wasn’t hearing it.

  I get it, I do. But maybe the fight for his people needs to be on how to get back to Earth, to have his people whole again, in completed groups. I just need to figure out a way to convince him, maybe I can send Adaline to see him alone tomorrow. Or maybe not. Emmanuel also told me he had someone who understood his responsibilities, even though that was over now that he knew about Adaline.

  Opening the door to the cabin, I scan the room as I walk inside. The house is silent, I hope that means Kevin and Adaline have settled things. There’s a bounce in my step as I make my way down the hall to the bedrooms. The door to the room with the huge bed is open, showing me my two favorite people passed out, entwined in each other’s arms. A sigh of relief escapes me at the sight.

  Kevin and Adaline lay facing each other, his arms wrapped tightly around her. As I pull off my clothes to join them, I realize that he’s going to want to go after his sister. I know he is. Hell, Adaline will probably be right behind him. But we’re going to need help. I’ll need to talk to Tobias tomorrow. maybe he’ll know where we can get people to help us. I can’t see a way to rescue Kevin’s sister and her partners without backup. I can’t put Adaline in the line of my father’s ire, nevermind Kevin. The only way I can support Kevin is with help. Damn, we’re going to need Tobias’ help for sure.

  Standing in my boxers, I come to the conclusion that this is going to hurt Kevin more than the betrayal of Nao’s partners already has. But there’s no other choice. If we go in alone, it’s a suicide mission. Adaline will be in my father’s clutches. For the first time in a long time, I have something to live for, to fight for. I’m not just going through the motions of life anymore. Adaline is my Heart’s Center and I’ll do everything in my power to keep her safe from harm. As I ponder all the thoughts swirling in my head, my fingers brush the boxers I’m wearing. They’re made of the softest fabric I’ve ever felt.

  Thankful for the distraction of a simple thought, I climb into bed behind Adaline and place my arm over her, resting it alongside Kevin’s. Adaline sighs, shifting in our protective cocoon.

  “You’re back,” she says, shifting her head to try to see me. Her voice is sleepy and my cock stirs.

  “Go back to sleep Adaline. Everything’s okay for tonight,” I answer her, shifting my hips away from her.

  On a sweet sigh, she lays her head back down, revealing Kevin’s sleeping face. My eyes trace his features and the scrunch up. Even in sleep, he can’t escape the worry of his sister. My hand slides forward and I wrap my arm more securely around him, trapping Adaline between us.

  “I got you, man,” I whisper. “I always will.” I close my eyes to try to find some sleep, but one thing is certain. I can’t lose him. We can’t lose him.

  Smiling to myself, I make my way into the open pavilion with Nolan and Kevin trailing behind me. Thoughts of waking up this morning in bed with both of my guys has pushed all worry about Naomi in trouble far away. When I opened my eyes, I realized at some point, Nolan left my back and moved behind Kevin, wrapping him in his strong arms. I stifled my giggles, thankful they didn’t wake up at the squeak that escaped me. I didn’t want Nolan to be embarrassed that he was cuddling Kevin, especially when he brushed away Kevin mentioning it a few days ago. I like that my manly guy can be there for his partner like that. Nolan’s whispered promise that he was there for Kevin was sweet, and honestly, really hot.

  After breakfast, we decided to find my dad and Emmanuel. Kevin still seems to be keeping a bit of a distance from me, withholding his usual touches, but I think he’s slowly coming around to his usual self. At least he’s talking and communicating with us.

  Stopping just under the pavilion roof, I spot Mrs. Georgie in the corner ordering some women around. It looks like they are still cleaning up from the party last night. I weave through the bustling women to the corner where she stands.

  “Hey, Mrs. Georgie,” I greet her, coming to a stop in front of her. “Have you seen my father around, or Emmanuel?”

  “Your father is in the market talking to everyone,” she answers with a warm smile. “Why don’t you send Kevin and Nolan that way and bring him back here? I actually wanted to talk to you about something.”

  I glance over my shoulder at the guys, Nolan gives me a wink and steers Kevin back out into the street.

  “What’s going on?” I ask after my guys depart.

  “I wanted to talk to you about Emmanuel.” Her face is serious so I pay attention. “I don’t want you to give up on him, we don’t need him to stay here and help us. We function pretty great and everyone already listens to me. Honestly, I think he’s scared.”

  “Why do you think that?” Something pulls at me to find out everything I can about Emmanuel.

  Mrs. Georgie sighs. “He idolized his father. He was an extremely exceptional man, and leader.” Her voice is quiet, for my ears only. Though I’m sure everyone around is finding any excuse to get close to us to hear what we’re talking about. “He wants to be like him and I think if he steps down, he thinks he’ll be letting his father down in a way. But I also think he’s scared of what he would do if he gets back to Earth. I can’t tell you everything that has hap
pened to him and why his father is no longer with us, that’s his story to tell. But if he goes with you, he’ll be able to do something he’s craved to do for a very long time. Maybe he’s scared now that the opportunity he’s needed is finally here.”

  “You can’t tell me anything else?” I try to keep my face neutral, but I think I fail.

  She pushes a couple strands of my brown curls behind my ear. “No dear, I think you need to go talk to him. Finding your nucleus, your center is amazing and life changing. He’s letting this opportunity slip from his grasp. I’m happy with my friend Theodore but if my partners were still alive, I wouldn’t be here anymore. Amazingly, Emmanuel won’t listen to me.” She laughs a little at herself. “Look over there, he just sat down at one of the tables, he must be done with his work. Go talk to him, dear.” She grips my shoulders and turns me around. Mrs. Georgie is a busy body, I conclude as she gently pushes me in Emmanuel’s direction. I put my hand to my forehead and shake my head. Maybe I should try. Straightening my spine, I walk towards him and tap him his shoulder.

  "Can I sit with you?” I ask, leaning down to him.

  “I won’t stop you.” He says it casually as he continues to watch the street. “Did Mrs. Georgie make you come over here?”

  “She pointed me in your direction but I was already looking for you,” I answer, sitting next to him.

  He finally turns his head to look at me. “What do you need?” Emmanuel’s eyes strike me and I take a breath to find my voice.

  “Look, I’m not going to sit here and try and change your mind about anything. I get that this place is important to you,” I say warmly. Nolan told me this morning that he wanted to find a backup to go get Kevin’s sister. Without help, he doesn’t think it’s smart to go. Hopefully, we can find help. I don’t want to continue to hurt Kevin. I shake my head and continue. “But I’m wondering if you can help us? You know that Kevin’s sister and some of her partners got arrested. Well, I’ve only known Naomi for a few weeks, but she really helped me adjust to this whole situation. My father never told me anything about this life. I know her partners screwed up trusting Thomas but we can’t leave them there. We need help getting in and getting her out. If we try it by ourselves, Nolan’s scared his father could stop us.”

  Emmanuel stares over my head, thinking. “You shouldn’t go anyways, he’s holding someone you care about. It’s obviously a trap to get you there.”

  “So, we shouldn’t try?” I ask him, feeling deflated.

  “Look,” he says, bringing his eyes back to mine. “I get you to want to help them but even if you succeed, you’re not taking care of the real problem. Thomas and everyone helping him is the problem.”

  “How are we supposed to take on Thomas? He’s too powerful.” Every word out of Emmanuel’s mouth makes the situation seem worse than I thought it was.

  “That’s the only way to get back up from us,” he informs me gravely, “I’m not asking anyone here to help unless it means we can take care of Thomas and Horus. They left Earth for sanctuary because of him; he killed their families all because they wouldn’t stand up to Osiris and their leader, Jerome Travis. Some left because they were afraid Jerome would do the same thing. Some even left partners who they miss every day because they wouldn’t change their stupid politics,” he places his hand on my shoulder. Shocks bolt up and down my body, raising goosebumps on my bare arms. His power buzzes beautifully, it feels in sync with mine. “I get that you want to help her, I really do. But she’s only been arrested and her parents are there. According to Tobias, she’s been groomed to be on the council in the future so they have no reason to put her in harms way. They only arrested her to get to you.”

  Damn. I’m stuck. He’s made some good points. For everyone to help us, they need a reason to. I’m asking them to risk their lives to help so I need to give them something in return. The chance to live on Earth again could help persuade them as well.

  Feeling like everything is about to fall apart, I can’t help but lean into his comforting touch. Emmanuel’s hand slides into my hair as I rest my head on his shoulder. Man, he feels so familiar, like I’ve known him my entire life. Overwhelmed, a single tear rolls down my cheek. A gentle finger swipes it away causing me to lift my eyes to Emmanuel.

  “I don’t want her to think we abandoned her,” I breathe. In response, he pulls me into a hug as I lose control of my emotions and more tears fall down my face.

  “It’s okay, Adaline.” Emmanuel's voice is sure and strong. Taking a deep breath, I try to control my tears. “You always come back in the end.”

  Confused, I sit up. He moves the curls that have fallen out of my bun away from my face. “You know when we were younger, we use to play here together. Mrs. Georgie watched you for your father. I can still picture you as a two-year-old. I was so sad when you left. I felt like I lost a part of my family. Who knew I really did for a while.”

  “We knew each other?” I ask, surprised by the news.

  “Yes,” he answers with a smile. “You’ve been here before. I think that’s why you were able to portal here, a part of you must have still remembered this place.”

  “I just wished for us to be somewhere safe.” I lean back into him, his strong arm around me. He laugh full and deep. The rumble of his chest vibrates through me.

  “Well, that’s why everyone comes here. Sanctuary. Peace. Safety. It makes sense.”

  “Would you really help us make a move against Thomas?” I inquire, taking a chance that he might shut down on me.

  “I would. He is the reason I’m even here. My father…” Emmanuel’s words trail off as footsteps approach us.

  “Hey, guys,” a familiar, male voice greets us. “It’s nice to see my daughter getting close to each of her connections.” What a great time to be interrupted. I pull out of Emmanuel’s arms and look over my shoulder. Nolan wears a smirk on his face, either he thinks I got through to Emmanuel or he’s thinking that Emmanuel might be joining our quint. Kevin still has the same uncaring look he’s had all morning and my father is acting too giddy. “Nolan just asked me if I knew of anybody who could back you guys up to rescue Kevin’s sister. Are you going to send people their way, Emmanuel?”

  Emmanuel looks at me, gauging what he should say. With a small shake of my head, I stop him before he starts.

  “Look, he brought up a good point.” Hopefully, Kevin won’t freak out. Who am I kidding? He will. “It’s probably just a trap for us, I don’t see Hadley letting anything happen to Naomi. We need to find more Alchemists. We need backup to take out Horus and Thomas as a whole. That way we won’t have to worry about this in the future. We need to change the whole system. Its time every Alchemist gets involved, we need to not leave it up to two warring political parties. Dad, do you know of anyone who can help us with that?” It’s amazing how fast Emmanuel convinced me that something needs to be done. But he’s right. It is time for a change.

  “Are you fucking kidding me?” Kevin’s jaw is clenched tight, the muscle in his temple is ticking wildly. Even though I agree with Emmanuel, I still hate myself for it. “I thought she was your friend, Adaline? Why would you just leave her and Lincoln there? They’ve helped you.” He slams his fist on the table and gets up to leave. Every word, every accusation flays my heart like a whip.

  “Kevin, I want to help her.” I grab his hand, pleading with my eyes for him to understand. “I hate myself for even thinking of leaving her there, but this is what we need to do. Naomi needs a future that’s better than what’s offered to her. Do you really think she wants to be a part of the council now? After everything that’s happened? I want Naomi to lead one day and this will help her get her chance.” He rips his hand from under mine and I stand up, ready to go after him if he leaves.

  “Who are you? I can’t believe the universe stuck me with someone as selfish as you.” I suck in a breath at his harsh words. “You don’t want to help Naomi. You just want to change things so you can lead, so you can be the one in power.”r />
  “What?” I ask in shock, devastated that he thinks so low of me. He rolls his eyes and turns back towards the table. He seriously just fucking rolled his eyes at me.

  “Who do you think everyone’s going to get behind to go after Thomas is taken out? You. You’re the next hope for everyone, another powerful Aether who can replace Thomas. They’re going to change you Adaline and I don’t want any part of this.” He looks over to Nolan, maybe hoping Nolan will back him up.

  “Kev, come on man,” Nolan begs him. “We can’t risk getting caught. That puts Adaline near my father and we’d probably end up arrested too. If the only way to get the help we need for a rescue is to go after Horus then we do it so we can get Naomi back.” Before Nolan even finishes, Kevin slams his fist on the table again and stomps away from us. As I start after him, Nolan’s arms wrap around me.

  “Let me go,” I demand, fighting against his hold.

  “You stay here and figure out where we need to start.” He gives my hand a squeeze than jogs after Kevin. Guess I get to be the one who figures out what we need to get Naomi out of Horus.

  I run my hands over my face and through my hair, taking a deep breath as I do it. We need a lot of help to save Naomi, and this is the only way to get it. But what’s so wrong in wanting to change this society? Its led some Alchemists to run away to this planet for an escape. I return to the table and squeeze Emmanuel’s shoulder, the familiar shocks going up my arm is comforting at this point. His buzzing seems stronger when we touch and I don’t feel any heat coming off of him. As I focus and take a calming breath, a breeze flows through my hair. He’s an Air Alchemist. Great, I have thing I need to work out, issues to resolve, and instead all I do is I figure out what element he is.

  “Okay, Dad, we need to talk. why don’t we take a walk?”

  Shit! What am I doing? So much for not letting her get to me. Within a few minutes of talking to her, I cracked. How am I going to ask everyone to finally go up against Horus? These people will say yes in a heartbeat just because I asked. Am I really willing to let them risk their lives?