Page 4 of Elemental Hope (Warlocks #2)

Evrain stood in silence as Gregory continued to berate him.

He had the sense to realize it was worth putting up with the abuse.

Gregory was an excellent teacher and his help was worth every scolding.

The ferns around Evrain’s ankles unwound but he stayed where he was.

He met Gregory’s eyes and flinched. “I do listen, I promise. I’ll do better. ”

“I don’t enjoy being so hard on you, Evrain, but it is necessary.”

“I know.” Evrain had a strange urge to comfort his godfather. “I understand, even if I’m not very good at showing it. We’re men. We’re not supposed to get this touchy feely.”

“So true.” Gregory moved to position himself behind one of the standing stones.

“So let’s get on, shall we? I want you to draw water from the ground then draw it through the granite.

” He touched the top of the stone, which stood around four feet high.

“I want to see a pool of liquid in this indentation.”

Evrain stared at him in disbelief. It was the most difficult thing Gregory had ever asked him to do.

Evrain could turn a burbling stream into a raging torrent, change a smoldering fire into an inferno, bend the earth to his will, but all those things took raw power rather than control.

This meant manipulating earth and water together at a molecular level.

It would need all his strength and discipline.

He didn’t really believe he could do it, but he had to try.

Evrain closed his eyes and channeled, searching for the strength that came from his emotional connection to Dominic.

It was hard to explain how it affected him.

He could sense the beat of Dominic’s heart and every pulse sent a charge of energy through him.

His senses all seemed sharper, his mind clearer.

He could feel the power within him and the connection strengthened his ability to exert his will over something wild and unpredictable.

He let his senses explore, moving earth and rock aside to allow a tiny tributary of the stream at the end of the field to form.

He created the narrowest of passages for it, sending it underground.

He nudged aside earthworms and redirected a confused velvet-black mole.

The water seeped its way in increments across the field.

Time stood still as Evrain moved each root and burrowing insect.

He imposed his will on earth, air and water.

After a while, he dropped to his knees and concentrated on the particles of the rock in front of him, separating each tiny crystal in his mind, creating a channel for liquid to pass through.

He coaxed the liquid bead by bead until finally, moisture appeared on the top of the huge boulder, formed a small pool then trickled silver back to the earth as it overflowed.

Exhausted, Evrain fell forward onto his hands.

He focused on the blades of soft grass beneath his palms and looked on, bewildered as a dark red droplet splashed against the green.

He raised trembling fingers to his nose.

They came away stained red. He shivered.

Whilst completing his task he hadn’t noticed the temperature at all, but now the air felt cool against his bare skin.

A pile of white cloth landed in front of him.

It took him a few moments to work out that it was his discarded shirt.

He pulled it on, fumbling with the buttons.

Slowly he took in the dimming light and registered that the whole day had gone by.

Gregory lounged, cross-legged, in the grass, chewing on a single juicy stalk.

“Maybe you have learned a thing or two.” He climbed to his feet and turned toward the lane. “You’re pale as a ghost. Get inside and eat. I’ll see you again tomorrow and I’ll be bringing a guest.”

“Who?” Evrain wasn’t feeling in the least bit sociable. He wiped the back of his hand across his face, smearing it with blood.

“Nathaniel Alberich. I spoke to him yesterday and he’s very keen to meet you.”

“The fourth warlock?” Evrain’s curiosity sparked.

“Yes. He’s been sensing your power. He’s nothing like Symeon.

I consider him a friend and ally. I think you’ll like him.

” A trace of a smile crossed his lips. “Go home and give Dominic a hug. He’s going to need it.

” Gregory got to his feet. “Wait, I have something for you.” He dug in his pocket, pulling out a length of cord with a star-shaped pendant attached.

“Give this to Dominic to wear. He should never take it off. It will provide some protection for him outside the cottage wards. It’s identical to one that Coryn has.

It won’t stop physical harm but it will guard against spellcraft. ”

Evrain wound the cord around his fingers, wishing the pendant was attached to a chain he could padlock around Dominic’s neck. “I’ll make sure he wears it.”

“Don’t frighten him too much, Evrain. We have many enemies but he doesn’t need to live in fear. It’s your job to look out for him as best you can.” Gregory strolled away with a brief wave and a smile.

Evrain watched him go, wishing he had the energy to ask more questions about the pendant, about Nathaniel Alberich or just to utter a few choice curses.

“Dominic.” Evrain was still on his knees so he hauled himself to his feet.

He had been channeling for something like eight hours and he felt like death, but he had been in control of his own actions.

He had used Dominic mercilessly and felt sick at the thought.

He managed a stumbling run to the cottage, where a cozy glow promised warmth and refuge.

Evrain shoved open the door. Dominic was sitting in one of the armchairs next to the fire, which had burned down to glowing embers.

He was reading one of Agatha’s old books on herbal lore, the green cover faded with age.

He looked up with a gentle smile, blue eyes sparkling in the glow of dying fire.

“You look terrible. Come and sit down and I’ll make you a drink and something to eat.”

Evrain leaned against the doorframe, resting his head against the wood. “You’re all right?” He was afraid to get any closer in case proximity allowed him to identify signs of pain on Dominic’s beautiful face.

“Shut the door, you’re letting in the cold.” Dominic laid his book to one side after marking his place with a stem of dried herbs. “Come and sit down before you fall over.”

Evrain was being cajoled like a child who knew he’d done something wrong and didn’t want to face the consequences.

“I’m fine. Really.” Dominic beckoned him over.

Evrain walked toward him, noting his pallor. “Don’t lie to me, Dominic. I need to know how you really feel.” He put every ounce of command he could manage into his words. Dominic sighed.

“Fine. As you’ll drive me nuts pestering me to tell you.

” He shifted in his seat. “It’s a kind of bone-deep ache that permeates every part of my body.

Something like when you have the flu. I worked on the garden until it became too much to ignore then moved inside.

Herbal tea and the warmth of the fire have helped, because for some reason I was cold despite the sunshine.

As long as I don’t try to move around too much, it’s manageable. ”

Evrain ran a hand through his hair. “I hate hurting you.”

“You know, it’s strange. I knew the instant you stopped channeling and I missed the intimacy of the connection.

Then there’s relief as the ache reduces.

I’m pretty sure that what I’m feeling now is the result of muscles strained by tension.

I’m going to have to teach myself some relaxation techniques.

Do you think Coryn would be able to help me with that? ”

“I’m sure he would. Gregory says he barely feels anything after all the years they’ve been together. He thinks it will get better over time for you too.”

Evrain sat in the other chair, enjoying the residual warmth of the fire. Dominic bent forward and placed a hand gently on his knee.

“Gregory was hard on you today.”

Evrain met Dominic’s questioning eyes. He nodded. “Unfortunately, he needs to be. I don’t have to like it. I do have to put up with it.”

Dominic got up and planted a soft kiss on Evrain’s lips, “Yes, you do. Anything that keeps you safe is fine with me.”

Evrain reached up and grabbed his hair, pulling him down for a much harder kiss, crushing Dominic’s lips with his own, raking his smooth cheek with rough stubble.

“You’re not completely exhausted then?” Dominic asked the question while backing toward the kitchen with a lazy, wicked smile.

Evrain raised his eyebrows. That slightly insolent expression was more usual on his face than Dominic’s.

It was a challenge—one Evrain’s cock was more than happy to rise to.

“You think you’re in control now, do you?” Evrain stood to follow his lover.

“I wouldn’t dare contemplate such a thing.” Dominic’s grin said otherwise.

“I was planning to pamper you this evening. Treat you to a bit of TLC after the day you’ve had.” Evrain stalked him, gaze fixed on Dominic’s obvious erection. “But I can see I need to take care of you another way.”

Evrain let Dominic reverse until the back of his thighs hit the heavy oak of the kitchen table, then he pounced.

He had him bent over the edge of the table, face pressed against the wood, his pants and underwear pooled around his ankles before he could draw breath to protest. Evrain didn’t think his grandmother, Agatha, would have been amused at the alternative use of her table but there was no stopping what was about to happen.

He growled and kicked off his clothing until he was naked from the waist down.

His dick was throbbing and hot, inspired by an inescapable need to claim what was his.

To Evrain’s smug satisfaction, Dominic didn’t resist as his arms were pulled back behind him.

Evrain circled his wrists with one hand and held them together with a firm grip.

He used his bare foot to push Dominic’s spread legs even wider apart.

Dominic moaned when Evrain teased his hole with the head of his shaft.

As far as Dominic knew, Evrain had no lubrication.

Spontaneity didn’t necessarily mean adequate preparation.

Evrain loved that Dominic’s trust that he wouldn’t be hurt was so assured but he wouldn’t dream of taking him dry.

He slathered his cock in something that would do the job then jerked his hips forward, sliding smoothly into Dominic’s receptive channel.

Without stretching, Evrain knew that Dominic would feel the burn of such quick penetration.

He also knew he liked it. His gasp wasn’t one of pain.

Evrain couldn’t hold back. This was about driving need, about possession. It was wild and exciting.

“I love you.” Evrain pistoned his hips back and forth, pushing Dominic against the table with every stroke.

“So very much.” It was difficult to speak but Evrain needed Dominic to know how deep his feelings ran.

“When I’m inside you, when we’re joined, there is nothing else.

There will be no one else for me. Ever.”

“Feels so good,” Dominic gasped. “Love you too!”

“I’m the only man who will ever take you like this.” Evrain paused. “Say it!”

“For pity’s sake, Evrain! I only want you. Only you.”

“Always?”

“Always.”

The heat of victory filled Evrain. The whimpers and moans coming from beneath him spurred him on and he moved faster, gripping Dominic’s waist with one hand, squeezing his wrists together with the other.

Dominic, his cock rubbing against the table, came first with a scream and Evrain’s name on his lips.

Evrain followed as a last, violent thrust scattered stars in front of his eyes and forced a triumphant scream of release from his mouth.

He took a few gasping breaths and let his weight rest for a moment on Dominic’s back. He had to force his finger cuff to relax, releasing Dominic’s arms. Beneath him, Dominic trembled. Evrain stroked his flank.

“Stay put, sweetheart.” Evrain withdrew carefully.

“Can’t move anyway,” Dominic mumbled. He raised his head briefly then laid it back on his arms. He took a few deep breaths and closed his eyes.

Evrain crossed to the sink. He ran the hot water for a while, waiting until it warmed, then soaked a cloth.

Returning to Dominic, he took a moment to admire the shiny trails leaking from his lover’s ass.

“I’d like to leave this on your skin.” He ran a finger across the back of Dominic’s thigh.

“Too sticky.”

“True.” Evrain cleaned semen from Dominic’s skin. “Okay, gorgeous, you can stand up now, though this view is delectable.”

Dominic yanked up his underwear and pants. He sat on the edge of the table, swinging his legs. His face was flushed, his blue eyes even brighter than usual. He pushed his hair back from his face and met Evrain’s anxious gaze.

“Did I hurt you?” Evrain asked. “I hardly knew what I was doing…but Christ, that was hot!”

“I think I might need a cushion for a while.” Dominic blinked. “But you can do that any time you like.”

“Oh, I will…” Evrain cupped a possessive hand around his neck and nipped at his lip before pushing his tongue forward to explore. He could feel Dominic shaking and pulled away. “You haven’t eaten, have you?”

“I was waiting for you.” Dominic’s creamy skin was very pale.

“Idiot. Channeling is hard work for you as well as me. You must look after yourself.” Evrain manhandled him into a chair then tousled his copper locks.

“I’ll make sandwiches.” He paused, grinning.

“Think I’d better get some new butter out, though.

” Dominic twisted his head to see and laughed at the deep gouge marks in the softening pat.

Evrain shrugged. “It was the closest thing to hand.”