Page 12 of Elemental Hope (Warlocks #2)

“You fucking idiot!” He couldn’t believe how complacent and careless he’d been.

He spent so much time nagging Dominic about being careful to the point of paranoia yet had failed to even keep a cursory eye out for danger himself.

Self-flagellation was pointless. He needed to focus because Symeon Malus had to be close.

The question was, why was Evrain alone on the path when Symeon could easily have transported him somewhere while he was unconscious?

What kind of sadistic game was Symeon playing?

A rustling in the trees attracted Evrain’s attention.

Through the mist, which he now guessed might not be natural, he could make out two glowing red points of light.

He glanced around. There was no way he was leading anyone or any thing back to the cottage.

More red spots appeared through the gloom and he could make out the rough outlines of large doglike shapes.

There was a snarl. Leaves shivered. It seemed Symeon wasn’t satisfied with a straightforward victory.

All Evrain could think about was Dominic and how vulnerable he was back at the cottage.

Symeon had been there before. He knew where it was.

Evrain had to get as far away as possible.

He staggered to his feet, shaking his head in an attempt to clear his vision.

He pivoted then ran into the trees on the opposite side of the path.

He had no idea where he was going, just that it had to be in the opposite direction to the cottage.

He had to make sure that Dominic stayed safe.

His leg muscles ached as he twisted and turned amongst the trees, ducking the groping branches, leaping over knotted roots set to trip him.

The mist seemed to thicken but perhaps it was just his eyesight blurring.

Then he went down as a stabbing pain clawed at his thigh.

He ignored the hot wetness of his blood and ran again, as fast as he was able.

His feet sank into a thick layer of mulch.

Clumps of mud and sodden leaves kicked up from his heels at every step.

His lungs heaved with the effort of running.

Lurching to a halt, he placed a hand on the nearest, moss-clad trunk and tried to listen across the pounding thump of his heartbeat.

Nothing. He took a few desperate, ragged breaths.

He had no illusions that his pursuers had given up the chase.

A hungry howl in the distance confirmed what he already knew.

Evrain debated the point of running on. Symeon and his wolves, or whatever they were, would catch up to him sooner or later.

His legs were already burning and the warm stickiness of the wound in his thigh would provide a nicely scented trail.

Dominic’s face filled his mind. He had to keep running for as long as he could.

The mist dissipated and instead heavy rain came down in a deluge, adding to his misery.

“Just great.” Evrain pushed sweat-dampened hair out of his eyes.

“Perfect.” He ran. He could hear his pursuers closing in, howls splitting the air.

He stumbled to a halt again, catching the gleam of red eyes to one side and then the other.

There was nowhere left to go. He backed against a tree, though it afforded little protection.

He might be beaten but Symeon would not find him groveling on his knees in the mud.

He squared his shoulders and closed his eyes, picturing the beautiful face of his lover, dark red waves framing creamy skin, soft lips and bright blue eyes.

It was too late for regrets. He blinked.

Eyes burned malevolent crimson in the murk.

A hand grasped his shoulder, long black nails sinking into his flesh through the fabric of his saturated shirt.

It took all his courage not to cringe as a smooth, gloating voice whispered in his ear, “Finally, Evrain, we meet again. You cannot imagine how much I have looked forward to this moment.”

“Fuck you, Symeon.” Evrain shook off the other warlock’s hand. “What was this game of hide and seek all about?”

“You made things too easy for me. I didn’t want to deny myself the joy of the hunt. Especially with such…delicious prey.” Symeon raked a long nail down Evrain’s cheek, leaving a burning line in its wake.

“Only you could be so desperate as to sell your soul to the Octis Coven.” Symeon’s eyes narrowed. Evrain laughed. “Yes, we know what you’re up to.”

“And yet here you are with my collar around your neck, blocked from your power.”

“You’re impotent, Symeon—I saw to that, remember? Whatever those bitches are feeding you will wear off and when your power fades, I’ll be ready. You’re pathetic.”

Red lightning danced around Symeon’s hand. “Watch your tongue, boy, there’s no one here to help you this time. Be nice to me or I’m going to hurt you in ways your limited mind couldn’t even begin to imagine.”

“At least my mind isn’t clouded by hate, Symeon. You see no further than your own need for revenge. When the bitches have what they want they will discard you like the trash you are.”

“You arrogant little shit!”

Flashes of red light stabbed into Evrain’s body.

He convulsed with pain, falling to his knees.

Symeon grabbed his hair and pulled his head back.

“When Octis is done with you, you’re mine, Evrain, and I can’t wait to make you suffer.

And when you are all used up, I’ll be going after that sweet redhead of yours. He and I have unfinished business.”

“I let you off lightly last time, you psychopath. I won’t be so considerate again.”

Symeon raised his hand. Evrain could do nothing to avoid the blow and a brief flash of red was followed by darkness.