Chapter Three

 

 

 

Dominic had a gardening job to go to the following morning. His internal alarm clock woke him, though the dawn chorus was so loud he wondered how Evrain could possibly stay asleep. He gave him a fond glance while he dressed, pulling on black cargoes and a dark green polo shirt, which formed a uniform of sorts. Dominic was still exhausted, the fatigue that came from channeling for Evrain deep within his bones. He could only imagine how much worse it must be for his lover. Evrain seemed younger, more innocent in sleep but tiny frown lines marred his forehead as if his dreams disturbed him.

Crawling back into bed seemed like a very good idea, but Dominic didn’t want to let his customers down. He had to make a conscious effort to move, descending the stairs to the kitchen as quietly as possible. Mindful of Evrain’s advice to look after himself better, he went to the trouble of putting together a filling breakfast of oatmeal and sliced banana, the drizzle of honey on the top an illicit indulgence. After that, and a couple of slices of whole-wheat toast thickly spread with butter, he felt much better. A steaming mug of peppermint tea washed it all down and he was ready to go.

He sensed rather than heard Evrain’s approach, so didn’t jump when Evrain hugged him from behind. He hummed his pleasure as Evrain nuzzled his neck.

“Hey, you. I tried to be quiet so you could carry on sleeping,” Dominic said.

“You think I can sleep when you’re not there next to me?” Evrain sniffed the air. “Is there coffee?”

“Sorry, no.” Dominic lifted his mug. “I had tea.”

“That is not tea,” Evrain complained. “Tea is brown. You put milk in it. Not creamer. Milk. God, I miss decent tea. But now I need coffee.” He ambled toward the shiny chrome machine on the worktop. His shorts hugged his ass in a very appealing manner. Dominic only got a glimpse because Evrain had a baggy T-shirt on over the top.

“Well, I have to leave you to your love affair with caffeine. I have customers waiting. Lawns to mow.” He pushed his chair back.

“I have to work too, especially as we have visitors later today. You will be back, won’t you?”

“Of course,” Dominic said. “Where would I rather be than in a room full of warlocks?”

“Sarcasm equals spankings. Once I’ve had coffee.”

Dominic edged toward the door. There was no way he was letting Evrain near him or he’d never leave.

“Wait!” Evrain grinned. “Don’t worry, your ass is safe. For now. I have something for you. I meant to give it to you yesterday, but you distracted me.” He ran up the stairs.

Dominic waited by the door, listening to random thumps from above. Evrain thudded back down the stairs. He had something dangling from his fingers. He crossed the room then held out his hand so that Dominic could see what was in it. It was a pendant of sorts, a small black star hanging from a narrow cord. Dominic took it. He’d thought the star was fashioned from metal because it was shiny, but it was actually made from polished stone. It was tactile and strangely warm.

“What kind of material is this?” he asked.

“It’s called schorl.”

“I’ve never heard of it.”

“It’s more commonly known as black tourmaline. Gregory gave it to me. Coryn has one too.”

“Why? What’s it for?”

“Protection.”

Evrain took the pendant back then fastened the cord around Dominic’s neck. The star lay in the hollow at the base of his throat.

“I want you to wear this at all times. It will protect you outside the gates. Promise me that you won’t go out without it on.”

Dominic looked at him, saw the resolve in his eyes and nodded. “I promise.”

“You’re not going to argue with me?” Evrain blinked.

“No. I can recognize a stubborn, immoveable object when I see one.” Dominic touched the star. “It’s warm. It will make me think of you when I’m working.”

“You should be thinking of me anyway!” Evrain protested.

Dominic decided to make his escape while he still could, before Evrain got a caffeine boost and shrugged off the sleepiness that softened some of his hard edges. His work boots were just inside the door so he pulled them on, keeping one eye on Evrain, who was inhaling the aroma of fresh coffee beans.

“I’ll see you later.” Dominic had one hand on the door handle.

“Yes, you will.” The gold flecks in Evrain’s eyes glowed.

Dominic swallowed. There was a threat of punishment in that eerie gaze and his body responded to the idea of it with an enthusiasm he couldn’t control.

The clock had yet to strike eight when he slipped outside, pulling the cottage door closed behind him. It was a cool morning but with the promise of warmth in the air. Dominic felt relaxed as he headed off down the lane to the pull-in where he parked his van. He knew that Evrain had a storyboard to finish this morning and was unlikely to be channeling until later when he would have to practice some of the exercises that Gregory always gave him. Hopefully that would give Dominic a pain-free day to deal with some of his regular clients.

Both his morning calls were local. His first call was to a widow who could no longer manage her extensive lawns. It was fortunate for him that she owned a ride-on mower. The job was routine but enhanced by homemade cookies and lemonade. He was at his second customer’s house by ten and spent the next couple of hours weeding, trimming shrubs and tidying up a garden belonging to an elderly couple who sat and watched him work. They chatted away about their family and told him all the local gossip. Most of the time he had no clue who they were talking about but he was glad of their company. By the time he’d finished and cleaned up at the outside tap his stomach was beginning to rumble. He said his goodbyes then drove to the single local store, where the owner made him up a sandwich. The hamlet he was working in was close to a small lake so he drove to the parking area then took his sandwich and sat on a wooden bench to enjoy the sunshine. A couple of birds landed near his feet, hopping closer in the hope of crumbs.

“Bread isn’t good for you, you know.” Dominic extracted some ham from his lunch, tore it into tiny pieces then threw them onto the grass near his feet. It didn’t take the birds long to pluck up the courage to grab the handout. Dominic chuckled and threw them a few more scraps. It was a beautiful day. He felt good after a morning’s hard work, stretching his muscles and getting his hands dirty. He still had the scent of fresh-mown grass in his nostrils. Best of all, he had his enigmatic, gorgeous boyfriend to go home to. He’d never imagined he could be so contented and at peace.

“Lunch break’s over. Time to get back to work. Sorry, guys.” Talking to the birds didn’t seem weird. He had a whole new perspective on nature since meeting Evrain. He stood, scattering a few crumbs, then downed the last of his juice. Making sure he had all his trash with him, he headed back to the van. On the road toward town, he noticed two women. Their presence wouldn’t have attracted his attention but they weren’t moving or talking, just staring in his direction, which seemed strange. A few months before and he wouldn’t have given it a second thought, but Evrain had taught him to be suspicious and to trust no one. Dominic fingered his pendant. He put his trash in the van, giving the women a chance to move on. When he turned to see if they were still there, they hadn’t moved. He stared back at them, then started to walk toward them with purposeful strides. As one, they turned and moved away, taking the first side street they came to. When he got there, there was no sign of them. The scattered houses and array of mature trees provided plenty of cover. They could be hiding anywhere and he didn’t have time to go searching for them.

Walking back to his van, Dominic pulled out his cell phone. He called Evrain, giving him a quick description of what had happened.

“I want you to come home, Dominic. Right now.”

Dominic rolled his eyes. “Calm down, Evrain. I can’t do that. I’ve got two more clients to see this afternoon and I won’t let them down.”

Evrain cursed under his breath, just loud enough for Dominic to catch. “What have I told you about obedience?”

Dominic’s dick twitched at Evrain’s tone. He sighed. “They’ve gone, Evrain. I’m wearing the star and I’ll be careful. Please don’t make me come back.”

“If I insist, will you do as you’re told?”

Dominic shifted his feet. He wanted to say no, that he was a grown man and quite capable of making his own decisions. Deep down, though, he knew he couldn’t disobey Evrain. There was silence for a moment then Dominic whispered, “Yes.” He could picture the smirk on Evrain’s handsome face and shook his head in wry admission of defeat. He pulled his keys from his pocket, expecting to be ordered home, and carried on walking to the van.

“Very well. You can stay.” Evrain didn’t sound happy. “Ring me after your next job and keep your eyes open.” He disconnected without waiting for Dominic’s response.

“Wow, I’m being trusted to be a grown-up.” Dominic smiled. He knew how hard it must have been for Evrain to grant this concession. He understood his protectiveness. Evrain inhabited a scary world that he was still new to, and Dominic knew he felt guilty about dragging him along. He’d already suffered at the hands of Symeon Malus. Evrain just wanted to make sure he never had to experience anything like that again. Dominic touched his collar-length hair. He’d been physically altered by an evil warlock. No wonder his lover was paranoid about his safety.

His next job, in the neighboring town, was uneventful. Once he was done, Dominic dutifully made the call Evrain had requested even though nothing had happened. He was beginning to think Evrain’s caution was unwarranted. But later, as he was clearing up at the end of his final job mowing a massive lawn the size of a football field, he saw the two women again. They were a little farther away and he had to squint into the sun to see them, but it was definitely the same two people. They just stood and stared at him, not moving.

“Fuck, it’s like a scene from Stepford,” Dominic muttered. As he went to press the speed-dial button on his phone, it started playing Witch’s Promise by Jethro Tull.

“Evrain.” Dominic answered the call.

“They’re there again, aren’t they?” Evrain’s voice was cold and calm, but Dominic caught a hint of something else in his tone—fear.

“How did you know?”

“I felt your anxiety.”

Dominic didn’t ask how that was possible. “They aren’t doing anything, just standing there watching me. I’m coming home now.”

“No detours, Dominic. I’ll expect you shortly.”

“I’m fine, Evrain. I’ll be back soon.” Dominic disconnected the call. He loaded a few tools into the van, looking nervously over his shoulder. The two women were still there, unmoving but managing to exude an aura of malevolence. He didn’t know why he felt that way—they were completely nondescript and had done nothing to suggest they meant him harm—but somehow he knew they did.

 

* * * *

 

Evrain gripped the phone so hard the keys pressed indentations into his fingers. He wanted nothing more than to go after Dominic, find him and bring him home. He hated being apart from him but now, when he was in danger once again, the separation was unbearable. Channeling had created an emotional link between them and it was becoming stronger all the time. He could feel when Dominic was happy, when he was sad and most strongly when he was scared. The last made Evrain sick to his stomach but he had a house full of people, one of whom had not been invited.

He’d gone outside to make his call in private but now returned to the cottage kitchen. The room that seemed cozy when it was just him and Dominic became overcrowded with four people around the table. Gregory and Coryn sat at one end. Nathaniel Alberich lounged on one side, his hand clamped around the neck of the unwelcome guest seated next to him.

“Dominic is on his way home. Perhaps now, Damon, you could explain what the hell you’re doing here?” Evrain snapped. “Or do you have some kind of death wish?”

Damon cowered in his seat. “Do you think I’d be here if I had any other choice?”

Nathaniel gave him a light cuff to the head, ruffling his hair. “Mind your manners. You’re lucky I didn’t blast you out of existence.”

“I wasn’t doing nothing.”

“Anything. I wasn’t doing anything.”

“What are you, the grammar cop?”

“No. I’m the warlock who’s going to tan your hide if you don’t start explaining yourself. I came here for a sociable visit with friends. I didn’t expect to have to drag your sorry ass out of the woods, ruining my best pair of Ferragamos in the process.” Nathaniel scowled in the direction of his muddy boots.

“Where’s your boyfriend gone?” Damon hunched his shoulders.

“Felix is my driver. He’s waiting in the car, probably listening to dire country music and snacking on the knucklebones of boys who can’t control their mouths.”

“Not a boy. Your gorilla hurt me.”

“No, he didn’t. If he’d wanted to do that, we’d be looking for supplies of O Negative about now. You fell over your own feet then landed face down in a nice soft layer of rotting vegetation. Now, stop avoiding the subject. What are you doing here?”

Evrain listened with interest. A connection already seemed to be developing between Nathaniel and Damon and their interplay was intriguing. He tried to examine Damon objectively. He was slight with dark hair that curled at the ends. His grey eyes were so shadowed they were almost black. There were traces of half-healed bruises on his face and from the stiff way he held himself, Evrain guessed there were more beneath his clothing. He was pretty, in a haunted, waifish kind of way. It was difficult to imagine what Symeon might have done to him.

“How old were you?” Evrain asked. “When…”

“When Symeon sank his claws into me?” Damon dug his teeth into his already-abused lower lip.

Evrain nodded.

“Sixteen. I was with him six years.” He shivered. “I’m not here to make excuses but I would like to make up for what I did if I can.”

“No one here will hurt you.” Evrain gestured for him to continue. “Tempting though it is.” He didn’t think Damon deserved to be let off too easily. Not yet.

Damon took a deep breath. “Have any of you heard of Imelda Krenick?”

“The self-proclaimed leader of the Octis Coven,” Gregory announced. “Nasty bunch.”

“Octis Coven?” Evrain had never heard of it, or them.

“Group of power-crazy bitches who give witchcraft a bad name. The worst kind of self-serving sorority, interested in nothing but furthering their own interests, whether that be wealth, power or influence. All three if they can manage it.”

“They sound like a charming bunch,” Evrain said.

“And Symeon is working with them.” Damon stared, unblinking, at Evrain.

“There can only be one reason for that.” Gregory frowned.

“Agreed,” Nathaniel narrowed his eyes.

“Perhaps one of you would like to enlighten the rest of us?” Evrain’s voice was tinged with sarcasm. That earned him hard looks from both Nathaniel and Gregory. He sighed. “I don’t need both of you treating me like a child. I get enough of that already.”

“It would be better if we waited for Dominic,” said Gregory. “Then we won’t have to go through the whole sordid tale twice. I’m sure Damon would prefer not to have to explain himself more than once.”

“How do we even know if he’s telling the truth?” Evrain glared in Damon’s direction. “He’s hardly proved himself trustworthy so far.”

“I’ll know if he lies,” Nathaniel stated with certainty. “If he does, he’ll regret it.”

Damon gulped. He edged his chair a few inches away from Nathaniel, who grinned. Evrain was reminded of a wolf he’d seen at a wildlife park back in Scotland—one who’d just been presented with a bloody carcass. He checked his watch, then his phone in case there were any more messages from Dominic, but there was nothing. His skin itched. He shoved his chair back because pacing had to be better than sitting. The window panes rattled in a sudden squall.

“Control your emotions, Evrain. Dominic will get here as quickly as he can.” Gregory tried to soothe him but Evrain didn’t want to be pacified. He wanted Dominic in his arms where he belonged.

“You’re very fortunate to have found your soulmate, Evrain,” Nathaniel said. “I haven’t been so lucky yet.”

“Oh, I’d assumed that Felix…”

“No.” Nathaniel chuckled. “Though he would be amused to hear it.”

“So how do you control your power?” Evrain asked. “I could barely manage to light a candle before I was able to channel through Dominic.”

“No,” Gregory snorted. “He just blew things up.”

“I hope you don’t mind me asking?” Evrain scowled at his godfather.

“Not at all.” Nathaniel drummed his fingers against his thigh. “Over the years, I’ve learned to filter the energy through multiple people. Unless they are particularly sensitive, they feel nothing because the load is shared, the power spread thinly. It’s not perfect. A single channel would be much more effective but it allows me to manage the winds in the way I need.”

Evrain was impressed. It must have taken great self-discipline for Nathaniel to manage his power in the way he had.

“I have enough trouble channeling through one person,” he admitted.

“Because you love Dominic and you don’t want to hurt him?”

“Yes.” Small talk could only distract Evrain for so long, however interesting it was. “Where is he, damn it?”

“I’ll take a walk down the lane.” Coryn stood up. “I’ll meet Dominic and explain what’s happening. He won’t want to walk in on all this unprepared.”

“I should go!” Evrain moved toward the door.

“You will not.” Gregory banged the table. “Exposing yourself when you’re in this mood would be dangerous. You stay put.”

Evrain felt like stamping his foot but he caught Nathaniel’s knowing smirk. Some of his frustration dissolved as he realized how petulant he was being.

“One of these days I may just have to paddle your behind,” Gregory threatened.

Damon giggled. Nathaniel gave Damon’s ear a sharp flick. “Quiet, brat.”

Evrain shook his head and sighed. “Save your energy for Coryn. I’ll behave.”

Gregory grunted. “And I just spotted a pig flying past the window. I could use a drink. Show me where the mulling spices are and I’ll heat some wine. Agatha always did know how to magic up a good brew.”

“At least you didn’t suggest a pot of tea,” Evrain snarked.

“And I thought you British folk lived on the stuff,” Nathaniel said.

“Ninety-nine percent of the population probably couldn’t function without it. I’m an anomaly.”

“You can say that again,” Gregory chuckled.

Nathaniel burst out laughing. Evrain decided that he was outnumbered, outgunned and that silence was the better part of valor.