Forever Breathing (Just Breathe #3) Read Free Page B

certain people, they didn’t find him…”  I don’t add that they didn’t find Sara, Metea, or Mersa either. Jack knows and we decided to keep this one little tidbit from Ever. Knowing Sara might still be out there, might push her to lose it. I know that Sara won’t be back, even if she is still alive. She was always scared of Jaspen and he’s the man in charge now.
    I sigh, “I think I should go.”
    She reaches for my arm and pulls me into a hug. She whispers in my ear, “Go find yourself and heal. I love you.” I squeeze her lightly one last time and think about Gam-aw’s apartment in the heart of Chicago.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 4
    Ever
     
     
     
    My brother disappears from my arms as I hug him. I’ll miss that guy. I think the best place for him right now is home. He has to find himself and get over Sara. Maybe he’ll find a nice girl with no ties to the sea. I can only wish.
    James’ response to Alex’s whereabouts was not all bad. I was bracing myself for the worst. Since I’ve been awake from the injury, a large bit of guilt has settled over me. I can’t help but feel as if I led Alex on. Yes, I kept pushing him away but found myself a few times sucking face with him. Now he might be gone from this world. This thought pierces my heart, he is such a wonderful person and the world is worse off if he’s left it.
    Behind me the door opens and the water around me shifts. Strong hands find their way around my waist. I lean back pushing all thoughts of Alex away. I’ll wallow in that pity party later. Jack’s lips caress my neck and I angle my head to give him more access, as tingles spread from my neck down to my fin. I turn, in his arms, and meet his lips with mine. After a moment, I pull away with tears in my eyes.
    “Jack, I love you so much, with every single part of me. I am yours forever.”
    He frowns, “What brought this on?”
    I shrug, “I just want you to know.”
    He smiles as he devours my lips once more, leaving us both panting for air.
    ***
    And so the days go. We wake in each other’s arms, oh if my mom only knew, I squirm at the thought. We fall asleep in each other’s arms. I will never, not one day ever, tire of this amazing pe I rson who has chosen to spend forever with me.
    The in-between of our days consists of a lot of work. This is the least favorite part for me. Everyone is helping to put the city back together and now with the help of the Erebus, the population has almost doubled. It’s a rare sight if we see Jaspen. He stays pretty confined to the Erebus caves, doling out orders. This is fine with me, he still kind of creeps me out with his yellow, spooky eyes.
    Amber and Jack always make sure one of them is around to make sure I don’t exert too much energy. The arrow left a very small scar but I’m completely healed. I let them do the hover thing. I guess it makes them feel better.
    The one beef I have right now is Jaspen’s sudden interest in Jack. We rarely see him but he summons Jack a lot. I think it makes Jack feel like he’s doing something. This thing has completely turned my life upside down. I have to keep reminding myself how it’s done the same to Jack’s life. One minute he was a happy Lior, one of the most trusted, and the next he’s kicked out struggling to find his way back. Enter Ever Harding and the rest as they say is history. We are coping together and I think that is the best way to heal. 
    ***
    Ever, Ever, help! Only you can help. Where did you go? I can’t find you. I turn and meet the green eyes that have been missing for a long while. I do a double take to make sure. “Alex? I’m right here.”  He lets out a deep breath, “Ever, I’ve been looking for you. Why did you leave me?” I look down and look back up as he fades away. I reach out and shout, “Alex, no don’t go! I’m so sorry! Wait!”
    “Ever, Ever, hey, wake up.” I feel a hand running through my hair softly. It soothes my overbeating heart.