Breathe Into Me

by Nikki Drost

  His expression turns dark. “She was marked to die along with her parents, and I couldn’t allow that to happen. When the killer came into her room I concealed her from his vision.”

  “I can’t believe you sacrificed your wings. How can I ever repay you?” I owe this man everything. What little time I had with her was only possible because of his selfless act.

  “I want you to remember everything I have taught you. Find joy in everyday things, laugh with your brothers and those you care about, and love Andrea and your children for the rest of your days. Hold them close, son, because this is the only freebie you’ll be able to get.”

  Before I can respond, I’m blinded by a bright white light. The mist has disappeared and I’m back in what’s left of my front yard. It looks like a bomb went off. Trees have been blasted apart while some have been completely burnt to ashes. Rain pours down as flashes of lightning brighten the sky. Several dead bodies lay strewn around the lawn. The Archangel Gabriel offers me a big smile.

  “This one is going to cost you, my brah.”

  Raphael nods his head. “It is worth it. Give me another minute with him.”

  Gabriel nods and tries to hide his smile. I take in the Archangel’s appearance and have to hide a smile of my own. With his long blonde curly hair and board shorts, he looks more like a surfer than a solider of heaven.

  I return my attention back to the sight of my brothers. Jamie is still holding my body in his arms. Micah has an arm wrapped around Cass while his free hand is placed on his little brother’s shoulder.

  “Do you see how they mourn you? You have taken each other for granted. You must tell them how much they mean to you.” He places his hands on my shoulders. “I want you to listen to me. You are strong, smart, and courageous. You can do this. Now go save your mate and your family.” He releases me and nods toward the Angel of resurrection.

  Gabriel shakes his head and walks over to my brothers. “Tell Casanova I said ‘Aloha’.”

  I nod my head in response.

  Gabriel leans over my lifeless body and glides his long fingers over my forehead.

  “Goodbye, my son.”

  My vision clouds and I feel as though I’m being turned inside out. The pain is so intense I can barely breathe. I open my eyes and suck in as much air as I can.

  “HOLY SHIT!” Jamie yells as he releases me and jumps back.

  I sit up and find myself back in my body. My newly healed body, holy shit is right.

  “I don’t fucking believe it. How the hell are you alive?”

  I smile and shake my head in disbelief. I’ve been given a second chance and there’s no way I’m going to waste it. I tilt my head back and let the rain hit my face. I send a silent thank you to Raphael and Gabriel, no doubt those two Angels are about to catch hell for their interference.

  “I fucking love you guys. Oh and Cass, Gabriel says ‘Aloha’.”

  Without warning, I’m tackled by my brothers.

  “Don’t ever fucking do that to me again you son of a bitch,” Jamie growls.

  “You scared the hell out of us, kid. Welcome back,” Micah sighs.

  “I love you too, brother, and thank God for my Angel,” Cass says.

  No kidding, I owe the both of them, someday I will have to figure out how to repay them, but right now there is only one thing I need to do.

  “Okay, everyone get the fuck off me, we have two females to save.”

  ***

  I watch as the sun begins to rise, for some reason its colorful rays appear brighter, more exquisite. I lean against the railing and light up a smoke. The last few hours have been hell. My imagination is running wild with thoughts of what Andy is being subjected too. If they have hurt her in any way, I will bring the wrath of god upon them. I’m sure Jamie is having similar thoughts. After that kiss he’d shared with Kelsey, there is no denying his feelings anymore. He’s been pacing the floor and chain-smoking all night. After my miraculous recovery, Micah sent out an email to every Enforcer informing him or her to meet us here instead of New Hampshire. The pack from Boston should be here any minute, no doubt Grace will be with them. The poor woman was frantic when she was told what had happened here tonight. Gary had been my first phone call. He had rushed over and after an hour of yelling, I had finally convinced him to stay here while we rescue the girls. So he decided to help Micah with strategy, knowing an ex-marine has its perks. The only problem is we have no idea where our enemies are. Since they fled in vehicles, the trail didn’t go very far. Once more back up arrives, we will be able to spread out and cover more area. I will not stop until I find my mate. The sound of motorcycles fills the quiet morning air and brings me out of my musings. I enter the living room, as the front door swings open. The bear enters first and pulls me in for a hug.

  “I am so sorry I wasn’t here, brother.”

  I pat him on his massive back. “What’s important is that you’re here now, all of you. Thank you for your help.”

  Lincoln releases me and I’m embraced by, Gunnar.

  “I have prayed to Hlin for your mate’s protection and safe return.”

  “Thank you, brother, the gesture means a lot to me.”

  He pulls a necklace from his pocket and hands it to me. “It is a protection rune. Its elemental power is air just like you. My ancestors believed in the power of rune stones. They are said to bring powers, desires, and protection to the wearer’s life.”

  I check out the detailing of the pendant, in the center of the silver pendent is the symbol for air. The two black beads on either side have intricate white designs.

  “It’s beautiful, thank you, brother.” I place the corded string around my neck.

  “It is not as good as having your own personal Archangel, but it will aid you in your quest,” he chuckles.

  I doubt this will be the last I hear about my resurrection. Apparently, that coyote made good on his promise and spread the word around that he had successfully killed me. The phones have been ringing all night from enraged Enforcers. I quickly greet Hannah and Dallas who both offer words of encouragement and promise to do everything they can to help. Grace falls into my open arms and begins to sob against my chest.

  “I have been praying all morning and thanking the heavens for bringing you back to us.”

  I kiss the top of her head and release her. “Thank you, Grace, but right now we need to pray for the girls.”

  ***

  The last few hours have been complete chaos. Our once large home seems exceedingly small now that we have around sixty Enforcers here, and around forty more are expected by dinnertime. Grace has been busy in the kitchen, the woman insists on feeding each and every one of us. I have made the rounds and greeted each one of my brothers and sisters. Their presence here touches me and restores my faith in family, because at the end of the day that is what we are.

  The doorbell rings and Cass jogs to the door to no doubt greet another group.

  “Where is my son?” A commanding British voice asks. It can’t be, surely I’m imagining things. I enter the living room to see my father and three uncles standing in the doorway. The room falls silent as heads are bowed in a sign of respect.

  “Thank you, god,” my father sighs as I’m hauled against his chest.

  “Dad, Lazarus, Isaiah, Zachariah what are you doing here?” Don’t get me wrong I’m thrilled to see them all, I’m just surprised.

  “I was told that you were dead, son, I had to see it with my own bloody eyes.”

  Zach slaps me on my back in greeting. “I should kick your arse for scaring us like that. Although, it caused your father here to go on a bloody rampage, Liza is dead and Tavish and his son are in the wind, but the town is now safe.”

  “You took out an entire army of Omegas in one night?” I knew my dad and uncles were brilliant fighters, but that’s impossible.

  “Of course we did, nephew, blimey it was just like old times.” My uncle Lazarus sighs dreamily.

  I try and hide my amusement
. Nobody enjoys a good fight more than my uncle Laz does, well maybe Jamie. I suddenly notice two people are missing.

  “Did you find Landon and where’s, Izzy?”

  Several emotions wash over my father’s rugged face.

  “Your sister is in a safe house and Farron has your brother,” Isaiah offers.

  “I’ll find him, Dad, one way or another I will bring him home,” I promised my father years ago that I’d keep Landon safe. I will not fail again.

  “WE will find him and the two missing females. I understand one of them is your mate. I can’t wait to meet the woman who has captured my son’s heart.”

  With that statement, my father and uncles make their way into my home, shifters scramble to get out of their way and the first person to catch my father’s attention is, Gunnar.

  “Chieftain, it’s been awhile,” My father says has he sizes up the Viking.

  “Templar, it has been far too long.” He extends his hand and my father firmly shakes it.

  I had forgotten these two have a long history together. Micah steps forward and welcomes the men of my family to our home.

  “It’s good to see all of you again,” Micah says has he shakes their hands.

  “Ah just the bloke I wanted to see, just so you know, I secured more back up than just my brothers. Edward has gathered around seventy vampires from his line to aide us today.”

  Edward Bennett is one of the many illegitimate sons of the Black Prince of Wales. My father has been friends with him since before he was changed into a vampire.

  “Thank you, we will take all the help we can get.”

  My father greets the rest of my brothers before facing me once again. “I want to know everything that’s happened here, son.”

  I nod and start retelling him the events of the last few weeks leaving nothing out.

  “I received the same text message you did. I know for a fact your brother is still alive and so are the two females.”

  I start to argue, but my father gives me a stern look and I quickly bite my tongue. I swear no matter how old I am I will always feel like a pup around this man.

  “I received a phone call this morning. The sodding bastard who shot you wants ten million dollars in exchange for their lives. I had agreed, but only after, I had spoken with your brother. Landon assured me the females are safe and unharmed. The coyote is supposed to text message me with a drop off location within the next few hours.” My father’s expression turns serious. “I want you to know that even after he finished informing me of how much he enjoyed killing my eldest son, I had planned on coming here to aid your brothers in arms anyway that I could. Your mate would have been saved either way, son, I promise you that, but now we have a secret weapon.”

  I give my father a puzzling look.

  “It’s you, son. Your enemies think you’re dead and they believe your brothers are too severely wounded to fight. I say we show them what happens when you mess with an Enforcer and their family.”

  ***

  The sun has finally set and we are still waiting for info on the drop location. This waiting around is killing me. Patience has never been my strong suit especially when a loved one is involved.

  “Here, I thought you could use a drink.” Jamie joins me on the deck and passes me a tumbler full of Southern Comfort.

  “Thanks.” I eagerly take a huge gulp, my throat burns, but I welcome the sensation.

  “When this is over you know I’m going to kick your ass right.”

  I turn to face my brother. “You can try, you attempted that once before remember. It didn’t work out for you as I recall.”

  I had met the Trudeau brothers in Boston in 1782, at a bare-knuckle boxing match. Jamie and I had taken one look at each other and decided the best way to test our skills was to beat each other to a bloody pulp, needless to say the match ended in a tie and we have been best friends ever since.

  “Yeah I remember,” he sighs as he lights up a smoke. “After what you put me through last night…well let’s just say I’ve never felt that kind of agony before, and after everything I’ve lived through, losing you even for those few moments changed something inside of me and for that I could kick your ass from here to hell and back,” he growls.

  “It’s not like I intended on dying, James, you weren’t the only one who was pissed off, but I am sorry for causing you pain.”

  The image of my brothers huddled over my dead body will stay with me for eternity.

  “Just don’t ever fucking do that to me again, I don’t know how to handle all of these new emotions.”

  I nod in understanding. Jamie has never been one to talk about his feelings let alone deal with them.

  “I’ll do my best.” I can’t promise him I’ll never die because that is the nature of our job, but I will make sure I never hurt him intentionally.

  “I’m still going to kick your ass,” he jokes as he punches me in the arm.

  “I look forward to it,” I chuckle.

  Jamie takes a long drag of his smoke at stares up at the stars. “Do you really think the females are safe?”

  “Landon would’ve told my father if they had been hurt.” I can only hope the situation hasn’t changed in the last few hours. Andy must be so scared right now.

  “I’m telling you right fucking now, if anyone has touched Kelsey or even looked at her the wrong way I will unleash the fires of hell down upon them.”

  I have no doubt that he means it too. Once Jamie decides to protect someone, he will stop at nothing to keep that person safe. “I’m trying to stay calm, but the thought of Andy being hurt or even scared makes my blood boil.”

  I never wanted anything like this to happen to her, I had really hoped my job would never touch her. But this is the reality of my life, my world. One she openly accepted, I just hope it doesn’t cost her the ultimate price, her life. The second I get her back I’m making her immortal whether she wants it or not.

  “Andy is a strong woman, I have no doubt she’ll make it through this.”

  Normally I’d agree, but she thinks I’m dead, god only knows what’s going through her head right now. If the roles were reversed, I’d avenge her death then most likely join her.

  “I’m sure Kelsey will be fine as well. That female might be small, but she’s tough,” I try to offer him some comfort, but it seems to be having little effect.

  “You forgot to add stubborn, mouthy, and defiant.” Jamie runs a hand over his Mohawk. “Did you see her face when we shifted? She was terrified, no female should ever be that afraid. I’ve never wanted to kill someone more than I did in that fucking moment.”

  That was an awful way for her to learn the truth about what we are. I can only hope that Andy will be able to help her understand all of this.

  “Then I guess there is only one thing you can do about it, son, you find that bloody bastard and make him pay.”

  We both turn to see my father standing in the doorway.

  “I have every intention of doing so, Dom,” Jamie says as he shakes hands with my father.

  “You’re a good male, James. I have no doubt in my mind you’ll save your mate.”

  Jamie becomes noticeably uncomfortable. “I’m just doing my job, Dominick.” His smile turns wicked. “If anything I’m just a sucker for a beautiful woman in need of assistance.”

  He pats my father on the shoulder and struts back into the crowded cabin.

  “That lad has all the qualities of a true warrior. He also reminds me a lot of your uncle, Lazarus. I can see why you like him.”

  I ignore my father’s praise of my best friend.

  “Has there been any word yet?” I don’t know how much more of this waiting around I can take.

  “I just received the location and time. Micah is getting everyone organized and ready to go.”

  It’s about fucking time. I light up a smoke and try to prepare myself for battle.

  “Are you ready for this, son?”

  I stare at the man I’ve
aspired to be my whole life. “You do realize this isn’t the first time I’ve done this.”

  My father lights up a smoke of his own. “Yes and I’m sure it won’t be the last, but this time is different. You can’t let your emotions get in the way, son. You died last night and the only reason you were spared was because God’s plan for you isn’t finished.”

  “I hate to break this to you father, but I’m not like you. I’m not some great knight who can set aside his feelings for a cause. I can wield any weapon you put in front of me. I will put myself in danger to save an innocent life. I will do everything within my power to bring peace to our people, but do not ask me to stop feeling. That is the one thing I cannot do.”

  My father grips my shoulders, his expression is filled with pride. “Being a great warrior means more than picking up a sword or spilling your own blood for another. It means living your life by a code of honor and you have done that my boy. I am not questioning your courage or your capacity to show mercy. It is your inability to let go of your self-doubt. Ever since you were young, that was your one and only weakness. Let go of your fear, son. You are a skilled fighter, Adam, and an even better male. You have no idea how proud I am of the man you have become. You need to trust in your abilities, you must have faith that you can keep your family safe. Believe in yourself, son, just as I do, just like everyone here does.”

  The truth in my father’s words cut me like a knife. He’s right, I’ve never believed in myself. I always second-guess every decision I make.

  “Come with me, son.”

  I follow my father into the cabin. It’s filled to the rafters with fellow Enforcers. All eyes are on my father as he takes his place in the middle of the room.

  “I want all of you to take a look around this room. You all come from different walks of life. Most of you do not share blood, but you ARE family. Your cultures, your religions, your ancestors may be different. But you do have things in common, your sense of honor, loyalty to those you call family, and your determination to bring peace to this world. Today we all come together to fight a common enemy, one who has declared war on us all. An enemy who loathes what we all stand for. They believe themselves to be superior to us in every way. They no longer fear us, so I say we give them new reasons to do so.