Page 17 of Elemental Hope (Warlocks #2)

“Nothing.” Gregory affected innocence. Both Nathaniel and Coryn gave snorts of disbelief. Dominic decided to leave it. He had other things on his mind, or rather another person.

“Evrain. He’s in trouble, isn’t he? I gave up listening to his voicemail.”

There was a metallic clatter as Nathaniel threw something onto the table. “We found his phone at the end of the lane along with his keys. His car is still there, untouched as far as I can see. Felix would be better able to tell if it has been tampered with.”

Dominic fought back nausea. “He’s not here?”

“No. We separated at the airport. He and Damon have another task to take care of.”

“So Evrain was taken before he even made it to the car?”

“Yes, it seems so,” Coryn replied. “There are signs that he ran from something. He headed north into the woods. Drawing whatever it was away from Hornbeam. Away from you.”

Dominic’s eyes burned. “So what can we do? It must have been Symeon that took him, working with the Octis Coven, I assume. But you don’t know where they’ve taken him?”

“Oh, I think we have a pretty good idea,” Gregory reassured him.

“Between us, Nathaniel and I have significant resources. We have traced all the buildings that Octis members either own or have an interest in. Felix and Damon are checking out a few addresses in Portland. We don’t think they’ll have gone any further than that. Portland is their stronghold.”

“Gregory, put that cat down. I’ll brew some coffee. We have plans to make.” Coryn winked at Dominic.

“Yes, my love.” Gregory rolled his eyes but took a seat at the table. He did keep Shadow on his lap. “We need to get our heads together and come up with some kind of a plan. Now that Nathaniel and I have removed your little witch problem we can start thinking logically about the bigger one.”

“Will they come back? The witches, I mean.” Dominic shivered.

“Almost definitely. In fact we’re relying on it.”

Dominic tried not to come across as bewildered as he felt.

“Stop talking in riddles, love,” Coryn said. “Dominic has enough on his mind without you getting all mysterious.”

Nathaniel chuckled. Gregory scowled at Coryn, but his eyes were soft with affection.

“Yes, dear.” Shadow heaved herself up, turned in a few circles then thumped down into Gregory’s lap again.

“Coryn and I were discussing the possible options for what we could do on the journey here and we’ve come up with an idea.

Nathaniel agrees as well. It’s not just a case of finding a way to rescue Evrain now.

We need to work out a longer-term solution.

Just getting him back isn’t enough—the Coven bitches will keep coming after him while his blood is of value to them.

We have to find a way to take the temptation away from them. ”

Dominic couldn’t imagine how that was ever going to happen. He just wanted Evrain back in one piece.

Coryn brought a tray laden with mugs across to the table. He distributed coffee then produced a package of cookies. “I brought these from home.”

Dominic’s stomach growled. He hadn’t eaten since breakfast so he took one of the cookies. He forced himself to eat even though it tasted like ashes in his mouth.

“What the Octis Coven values is Evrain’s blood, which is a potent ingredient in many spells used by those who have little genuine power,” Gregory explained. “We need to contaminate his blood in such a way that it does not harm him but becomes useless for their magical purposes.”

“Sounds logical,” Dominic said, “but how on earth do you contaminate someone’s blood? It must be dangerous.”

“Dominic.” Nathaniel drummed his fingers on the table. “What can you tell me about the herb agrimony?”

Dominic had no idea what that had to do with anything but Nathaniel’s expression was so intense he answered anyway.

“I’ve been reading about it recently.” He eyed Shadow with suspicion.

“It’s a deep green plant covered with soft hair and has a slightly aromatic scent a little like apricots.

It’s quite common and can be found in most parts of the U.S.

—I know there’s plenty of it in the fields around here because Agatha kept a supply.

It can be crushed for its oil or brewed as a tea and it has a reputation for… purifying the blood. Oh.”

Smiling, Nathaniel nodded. “Ironically, witches often used agrimony in their spells and to ward off hexes. When placed in a sachet and hung in the home, it’s said to provide protection against goblins, evil spirits and poisoning.”

“And we can use this herb somehow, to help Evrain?” Dominic grabbed the small seed of hope with both hands.

“We believe that agrimony, whilst causing no harm to Evrain, will affect his blood in such a way that if the Coven attempts to use it, their spells will be corrupted and no longer work. If he then drinks it regularly, after a few months his blood will be tainted so much that he will not be worth the chase and they will switch their attention elsewhere.”

Dominic frowned. “That’s all very well, but how the hell are we going to get agrimony into him at all? We don’t even know where he is and if what you say about the Coven is true he will be well hidden and guarded. They are hardly going to allow us close enough to let him swallow something.”

Nathaniel’s eyes narrowed. “There is one thing they need which may allow us to get close enough.” He looked worried. “It’s a huge risk and Evrain won’t thank us for it, but we really can’t see another way.”

Dominic looked anxiously from Nathaniel to Gregory then to Coryn. “One of you needs to tell me, for goodness sake. I’m not made of glass. I’m not going to break.” Thoughts swirled in his head, then it dawned on him. “Oh. Fuck.”

Gregory sighed. “The thing they most need in addition to Evrain himself is you, Dominic. His blood is only of use to them if they can extract it while he’s channeling and for that they need you.”

Dominic thought he might throw up the cookie he’d just eaten. As if sensing his emotions, Shadow jumped onto the table then padded across to him. Automatically he stroked her soft, midnight fur. “Could this day get any worse?”

“I’m afraid so.” Gregory frowned. “They need you to be close to him and they have to give him a reason to use his power. Evrain knows that the last thing he must do for them is channel—however, if you are being threatened or hurt there is little that anyone would be able to do to stop him. He certainly wouldn’t be able to stop himself. His instincts would take over.”

“But surely Octis will realize that we’re planning something if I just fall conveniently into their hands?” Dominic didn’t like the idea of being anywhere close to a bunch of witches but he would do anything to get Evrain back.

“Indeed, and that is why we must make it as difficult as we can for them to capture you, but not impossible.” Gregory steepled his fingers, looking thoughtful.

Dominic kept stroking Shadow, who seemed to know that her function as a stress reliever was required.

“It’s to our advantage that the Coven is making use of Symeon Malus because he’s driven by his need for the potion they must be supplying him with.

Symeon is less likely to suspect that anything is wrong.

He’d grab the opportunity to take you without even thinking about it.

We just need to make it seem as if we have made a mistake and left you vulnerable. ”

Gregory leaned forward. He pulled the star-shaped pendant from beneath Dominic’s shirt. He closed his eyes, running his fingers across the stone. When he opened his eyes again they glowed briefly.

“Evrain certainly didn’t mess around when he imbued the star with protective properties.

He’s added significantly to what I could do and he put a lot of love into it.

It’s an extremely powerful defense against witchcraft.

If you were without it, Symeon would be able to sense the void left by its absence.

” Gregory smiled. “I think I know how we can make this work. Symeon will expect us to move you somewhere where we can protect you better. We can make it seem as if we are doing just that, but when we leave, once we are a good way down the lane, you can make out that you have forgotten something important. He will be watching, that I can guarantee. I can ensure that your pendant becomes undone and falls to the ground before you reach the protection of the cottage wards. It will only give him a fraction of an instant to act but I think he will take his chance.”

“I’ll do what I have to,” Dominic said. “Of course I will, but it all sounds risky. How can you be sure Symeon will do what you think he will?”

“I know him, Dominic. He’s driven by his own lust for power.”

Dominic shrugged. He didn’t know enough to disagree. Nathaniel and Gregory had decades of experience in dealing with Symeon.

“When he takes you, you will have to fight him as much as you’re able. Shout and struggle as if you are in a panic, afraid. It’s a slim chance but I think that his addiction to power will override logical analysis of the situation.”

“I don’t think seeming afraid will be much of a problem,” Dominic stated, his tone wry. “The whole idea of this is terrifying. You know what Symeon did to me the last time he had me. He hates Evrain and he knows that the easiest way to hurt him is through me. I’m Evrain’s biggest vulnerability.”

“The Coven has too much control over Symeon for him to be able to do anything stupid. Octis will want you in one piece. It will be in his interest to get you to them undamaged.”

“And what about Damon?” Dominic asked.

“What about him?”

Dominic thought Nathaniel sounded a shade defensive. “I just mean… Well, won’t Symeon want him back? They were together a while. He might believe that Damon still loves him enough that he could channel through him.”

“The only feelings Damon has left for Symeon are hate and regret,” Nathaniel said with absolute certainty. “He suffered more than anyone at Symeon’s hands. It just took him a while to recognize the abuse for what it was.”

A glance passed between Gregory and Nathaniel. Dominic knew there was something he wasn’t being told but he didn’t have the energy to press for information he was unlikely to get.

“Dominic does have a point though,” Coryn commented. “Damon could be in danger. Symeon is the kind of man who wouldn’t want to lose what he considers to be his property. If he had any clue that Damon had turned to us for help, he’d want to kill him.”

Dominic shivered. He wouldn’t want to be in Damon’s shoes. “I hope he’s okay.” He meant it and that surprised him a bit. Coryn leaned across the table. He gave Dominic’s shoulder a gentle squeeze.

“At least we know he’ll be of little interest to the witches—he has no power of his own and Symeon uses him as a tool, nothing more. Felix will keep a very close eye on him, as will Nathaniel.”

“Okay.” Dominic didn’t miss the suggestion that Nathaniel had more than a passing interest in Damon. He chuckled. “I’m glad.” He fixed his gaze on Nathaniel, who blushed just a little. “We should invite him to join our club, Coryn.”

Coryn nodded. “He’d be an asset.”

“What club is this? And I know I’m going to regret the question,” Nathaniel asked.

“Support group for the long-suffering life partners of dommy warlocks,” Coryn replied with a chuckle. “Membership is very selective.”

Nathaniel shot a panicked look at Gregory. “They’re ganging up on us!”

“You want to try and stop them?” Gregory shrugged. “Best to just go with the flow. Your life will be a whole lot easier.” Gregory sipped his coffee reflectively. “I don’t deny this plan of ours is going to be unpleasant for you, Dominic. It’s a great deal to ask, but I can see no other way.”

“I don’t care what Symeon, or the Octis Coven, do to me if it means we can save Evrain. I just want him back, so tell me what I need to do.”

“Fine. It’s getting late.”

Shadow yowled her agreement then retreated to the armchair next to the fire with a green-eyed stare at Gregory. Gregory flicked his fingers, sparking the wood in the hearth into a renewed blaze. Dominic could have sworn the cat nodded before settling into the chair.

“Do you have what you need to brew some agrimony into a strong tea?” Gregory asked.

“Sure. I think there’s some dried leaves in the herb cupboard. I just need to steep it in boiling water for an hour or two. It’s a fairly potent herb so it won’t take too long. But even if I can get near Evrain, how will I be able to smuggle him a drink?”

“I think we’ll need to be a little more subtle than that.” Gregory smiled. “You go ahead and brew that tea. Let me worry about how to get it into Evrain. In the meantime, would you mind heading into town and finding some takeout, Nathaniel? Coryn can go with you.”

It told Dominic a lot that Gregory would entrust Nathaniel with Coryn’s safety.

“Sure.” Nathaniel pushed his chair back then stood. “We’ll do a bit of scouting around at the same time. Check to see if there’s anyone, or anything, lurking in the undergrowth.” He licked his lips as if relishing the idea of finding something. Or maybe it was just the anticipation of food.