Air: Elementalist Book 1 by Rebecca Wolf (christmas read aloud .TXT) 📗

like to welcome everyone here today on this joyous occasion. I am thrilled to be the first to extend a warm welcome toast to Aiden’s intended, Zephyr. Zephyr, welcome into our little family. May we share many joyous occasions together as our family grows and strengthens with each new wonderful addition. Now, it is with great pleasure that I invite Aiden and Zephyr to each say a few words.’’

“Oh my God, they’re expecting me to speak?” I muttered to Penny, “if they make me get up, this arrangement is officially over. I would rather suffer in prison then speak in public.” Penny gripped my hand tightly in solidarity. “You just tell me who I need to kill sister, I’ve got you covered." Aiden winked at us conspiratorially before rising. “Zephyr thought it would be more time efficient if I spoke on her behalf as well. I hope nobody minds fewer speeches." Polite laughter tinkled throughout the hall. He covered for me? I thought in relieved disbelief. I was sure he would have relished the opportunity to make me squirm. “We would like to thank everyone for coming today. I know this may seem trite to some, but I was planning on making an alliance purely out of necessity instead of love. Imagine my shock when one night in the middle of nowhere this exquisite creature appeared on my property right beside me. If that isn’t divine intervention, I don’t know what is.”

“Bad karma,” I whispered, “that’s what it is.”

Penny snorted, trying to muffle her laughter. Aiden pulled me up to stand and wrapped me in his arms. “I hope all of you find the same happiness that Zephyr and I have found in each other.” Aiden gave me a gentle kiss on my temple and gazed at me adoringly. I gazed back at him with what I hoped was an equally loving expression.

“She looks disappointed with that kiss, Aiden’’ someone called out from the back of the room, “maybe she’s rethinking her choice.” Apparently my gaze hadn’t been as loving as I had hoped. Well, I had never claimed to be a good actress. Aiden gave a cocky grin around the room, “ I would hate to lose my lady now, Jonathan,” he said,  while giving me a pointed look,  “especially with rivals like you in the room. I guess I’ll have to re-convince her,” he smirked, and everybody laughed. He turned my face to his and cupped the back of my neck. One of his arms, a steel band around my waist, and lowered his mouth to mine. This was not the chaste pretense of a kiss. He kissed me as though tasting his favorite dessert, letting out a low growl of approval as my body automatically responded. He moved his fingers into my hair, giving a gentle tug to angle me more fully against him. I tried to hold back a moan as he licked at my bottom lip, and then bit lightly when I didn’t open for him. The bite didn’t hurt, but it startled me enough that I opened my mouth slightly and his tongue gained entry. There was a whoop of approval and he slowly pulled away. The two of us sat back down. Penny poured me some ice water, “here sweety, you look like you need this.”

“Oh, shut up Penny,” I said flustered.

“Don’t be so self-conscious, you’re not the only one who apparently almost combusted from lust at that kiss.” Penny made a gesture towards the crowd, and as I looked around I noticed several women fanning themselves, apparently overcome with arousal.

“We still hate him though, right?” Penny asked as though unsure.

“Yes.” I said emphatically.

“Love, Hate, both elicit such similar responses.” Aiden cut in, smirking. If I could, I would have shot flames out of my eyeballs and burnt him to a crisp. Unfortunately that was his talent, not mine.

“Careful sweetheart. If you keep looking at me like that, we might have to do another public display.”

“Drink your water Zephy, while I look into getting you a tranquilizer,” said Penny.

“Remember, manslaughter gets prison time,” added Brian looking anxiously between us. I took a deep breath and drank the water. One more hour and then I will go home, get into pajamas, and eat Ben and Jerrys, I thought to myself. I leaned over so that my mouth was close to Aiden's ear, and hissed softly.

"You  had me so fooled, acting just like a gentleman before your real nature was revealed and we signed that contract."

He turned to look at me, and his smile was wicked. "I obviously have no need to hide behind a gentlemanly facade now that you have signed it."

I stood, needing a break, and pulled Penny up after me.

“Where are you going?” asked Brian

“we need to visit the ladies’ room,” I said.

“Yes, we need to… powder our noses,” added Penny awkwardly.

“Really Penny? Powder our noses??” I asked exasperated, as we made our way to the bathroom. “I was caught off guard!” Penny exclaimed, defensively.

Thankfully, we found a private bathroom, and both of us quickly shuffled in before locking it behind us. I leaned back against the door and let out a huge sigh.

“So… intense day, huh?”Remarked Penny.

I slid down the door with a dark chuckle, “that’s one way of putting it.”

“You know what?” said Penny. “Let’s just go back out and dance the last hour away after we compose ourselves from that hot tamale of a kiss. My God girl, you didn’t tell me he kissed like THAT! Are we still sure we hate him?”

“Yes Penny. We hate him.” I enunciated slowly, “I know I contacted him to form an alliance, but I did so under major duress. The only reason he has the ability to protect me is because he’s one of them! And the only reason he’s motivated to protect me is because of my power."

“Ok, ok, just checking,” said Penny, putting up her hands in surrender.

“Look, just because he’s charming, and he kisses like a criminal doesn’t mean