Read Online Just Breathe by Kendall Grey - Free Book Online Page A

didn’t get her taste in food from her dad. Disgusting.
    Jack returned a moment later, the half-eaten fruit tucked under his arm, and beer in hand. He popped the top on the can and slurped up the stream that shot out before it sprayed the carpet. A mini victory pose followed.
    Zoe covered her laugh behind a balled fist. Where had he been all her life? Growing up, she never missed having a dad. Now, after knowing him for only a short time, she’d be hard-pressed to make it through the day without at least talking to him on the phone.
    “Ah…” He wiped off his beer ’stache with the top of his arm. “Where were we? Oh, yeah. Elementals deal with things differently than we do. They’re very political, but it’s not like our version of politics. Some of these dudes have been around for thousands of years—”
    “That long? Really?”
    Jack nodded.
    “What about Sentinels? How old are you?” Zoe never thought about the possibility that her dad—or Gavin—might be pseudo immortal.
    “The incarnation before you is ninety-two. But other versions of me have been around a lot longer than that.”
    Zoe’s jaw dropped. “You’re serious.”
    “As a horny, drunk priest with a whorehouse gift card on the night before the apocalypse.”
    “Whoa.” Scratch that. Major whoa.
    “Back to what I was saying… Because Elementals have long life spans, they tend to take their time, think things through, and don’t like to be rushed. Wæters are wise. Let them work out their differences. You’re just the messenger.”
    Zoe nodded. “You’re right. I should handle it like a scientist. Keep my opinions to myself. Whatever happens, happens.”
    Jack pointed at her and winked. “Bingo.”
    He eased against the couch cushion, crossed an ankle over a knee, and snagged another bite of fruit. After chewing thoughtfully and swallowing, he washed it down with a long swig of beer. “Gavin misses you.”
    Oh God. She missed him, too. Despite how hurt she was, longing tugged at her heart harder than ever. It thrived like a parasite in his absence. “Tell him I said hi.”
    Jack wiped his hands down the front of his shorts. “Any other message? I’m going to see him when I leave here.”
    Yeah. A whole list: I wish things could be different. I’m lost without you. Can we pretend it never happened? I can’t live with this agony.
    Zoe shook her head. “Nope. No other message.”
    Jack’s expression never changed. He nodded and stood. “Okay. I’d better get out of here. You have calls to make, and I have a Sentinel to train.”
    “Did you guys make any progress with Whetu?” Zoe had been thinking about the girl since Jack and Gavin rescued her in Sydney. Though she hadn’t met Whetu, Zoe was worried about her. So young to have lost her father. And to have to go through the change to become an Elemental alone? That must be awful.
    Jack ambled over to the door. “I’ve got a friend trying to help her, but so far, nothing.”
    “Let me know if I can do anything.”
    “I’ll pop by tomorrow.”
    “Thanks for checking on me.”
    He lingered for a moment as if he wanted to say something else, then he turned the knob and left.
    Zoe sighed, picked up her phone, and took it to her bedroom. She dialed the number Jack had given her. A rich female voice answered.
    “My name’s Zoe Morgan. May I speak to Lana please?”
    “Ah, Gavin’s Wyldling. I was wondering when I’d hear from you.” The gruff words slid effortlessly together, smooth like aged whiskey. Reminded Zoe of a Southern belle, except the accent was Australian.
    Wait a minute. Gavin’s Wyldling? Hardly. She cleared her throat. “I’m calling on behalf of Lily. She’d like to talk with you. In person.”
    Silence.
    “Did you hear me?” Zoe asked.
    “I did.” Another long pause. “You’re the translator?”
    Zoe straightened. “Yes. I am. Is that a problem?”
    “Where does she want to meet?” Lana’s tone cooled.
    “I’d rather not say. Is it