Page 30 of Elemental Love (Warlocks #1)

“Yes, I’m in one piece, more or less. I was on my way back. They ran me off the road. I managed to get out of the truck but they knocked me out. I don’t know where I am.” His voice shook slightly, and Evrain knew that he wasn’t telling the truth about being okay.

“It’s going to be fine. I love you. That lizard Symeon is going to pay for this.” There was a bit of scuffling and a curse.

“That’s not very polite, Evrain.” Symeon had wrestled the phone back. “Please consider your words more carefully.”

In the background there was the sound of a vicious slap and a gasp of pain. Evrain’s fist clenched around the phone, and he swallowed the profanity he was about to utter. Lightning split the sky.

“What do you want, Symeon?”

“Ah, the million-dollar question. Perhaps I should just ask what you are prepared to give me in order to save your sweet lover’s life?”

“How about my promise to tear you and your boyfriend into tiny pieces?” The urge to do serious damage had Evrain’s fingers twitching. He clenched his fist.

“Damon, you can take our guest back to his room. You may have one hour to do whatever you want to him. No permanent marks, though.”

Bile rose in Evrain’s throat. “No! Call him off, Symeon. Just tell me what you want.” Evrain couldn’t bear the idea of Dominic left helpless with Symeon’s deranged boyfriend.

It was possible that Damon had killed Aggie, though Evrain had no proof.

Symeon wouldn’t dirty his own hands. Thunder began to rumble in the clouds, mirroring Evrain’s black mood.

“Haven’t you worked it out yet?” Symeon crowed. “I thought you were supposed to be intelligent?”

“Stop playing games, Symeon.” Evrain fought to keep his voice calm even as he seethed inside at his own helplessness.

“Fine, you precocious little brat. There’s only one thing that will secure your redheaded angel’s freedom. You. I want you. But I’m going to make you wait to find out how you can make the heroic sacrifice. I’ll call you in the morning. Sweet dreams.” The loathing in his voice was chilling.

Forked lightning split the sky and thunder cracked the heavens as Evrain screamed his fury into the night.

He would willingly give himself up to save Dominic but Symeon would have no intention of letting him go.

Now he had Evrain’s greatest weakness in his clutches, he’d want to keep him, at least until Evrain was no longer a threat.

Evrain wasn’t too proud to admit he needed help and he knew exactly where he could find it.

He marched back into the cabin, slamming the door behind him.

Evrain’s mind was in turmoil. He couldn’t remember Gregory’s number.

He swapped Aggie’s handset for his mobile and thanked the Lord for speed dial.

The call connected. Evrain tapped his foot impatiently as he waited for Gregory or Coryn to answer.

He didn’t give any room to the thought that they might be out or away from home.

He started muttering curses at the receiver and nearly didn’t hear when someone finally answered.

“What?” Gregory did not sound impressed.

“Gregory, it’s Evrain.”

“Oh! Hi, Evrain. Sorry I snapped. Coryn and I were…kind of in the middle of something.”

Evrain could guess what that meant, but felt no remorse. “Your hanky-panky will have to wait. I’m in serious trouble. Symeon Malus took Dominic.”

“What the fuck! I’m putting you on loudspeaker. Tell us everything.”

Evrain recounted what he knew, which wasn’t much. “What do I do, Gregory? Symeon said he’ll call again in the morning but I can’t sit around on my backside doing nothing all night.” He threw himself into one of the armchairs by the fire. The dying embers spat and hissed angrily.

“Coryn is already packing. We’ll get the first available flight, charter a plane if we have to, and we’ll be with you in the morning.

In the meantime, I suggest you go and see if you can find Dominic’s truck.

If Symeon ran him off the road, he had another vehicle.

He would have wanted to get away as quickly as possible so the truck is likely still there. Do you think you can find it?”

“Dominic was coming back from an appointment with a client at a derelict property somewhere outside of town. I know which road he was taking. He can’t have made it back to town or people would have heard the accident.

If he didn’t go too far off the road, I should be able to find the spot. ” It was good to have something to do.

“Even if the truck’s not visible from the road, there should be obvious damage to the verge, trees, that kind of thing. Use your senses. The earth will tell you what you need to know.” Gregory paused. “Are you in control, Evrain?”

“I vented earlier but it’s a bit stormy around here. I haven’t flooded anything or set anything alight yet. It’s so good to hear your voice, Gregory.”

“If he’s close, Symeon will be able to feel your agitation. Don’t give him that pleasure,” Gregory said. “Do you have anything to use as a damper?”

“I don’t understand.” Evrain had no idea what Gregory was talking about.

“Certain metals will damp down your power a bit. If you can find a bracelet—something of Aggie’s perhaps—in pure silver or gold, that should do the trick. Put it around your wrist. You’ll probably get a headache but it won’t do you any harm.”

“Okay. I’ll go and have a poke around in Grandma’s jewelry box. Then I’ll go check on Dominic’s truck.” Tears welled in Evrain’s eyes. He blinked them away. “Thanks, Gregory. I don’t know what I’d do without you. I’m not ready for this.”

“Nonsense, boy. What are godparents for if not to pull you out of scrapes? Be careful on the road and we’ll see you soon. I’ll be looking forward to giving Symeon Malus exactly what he deserves.”

Evrain had not yet arranged to send his grandmother’s jewelry to England for his younger sisters, as stipulated in Aggie’s will.

The carved wooden chest she used as a jewelry box still stood on the dresser in the master bedroom.

He placed it on the bed and opened the lid.

The top tray contained brooches and rings, so he lifted it out.

Underneath he found a gold watch, various pendants and a string of pearls.

There was a charm bracelet, laden with miniature models and a small, square envelope with his name inscribed on it.

He lifted it from the box, his curiosity piqued.

“What’s this?” Evrain tore open the envelope and tipped the contents out onto the bed.

There was a note, in Aggie’s hand, and a solid gold bracelet forged from heavy links with a sturdy clasp.

He slipped it on, snapping the clasp shut.

It fitted perfectly, laying close to his skin.

He took a few deep breaths. He felt a bit calmer, or at least a bit less likely to cause mass destruction. The note was very short.

Evrain read it out loud, “Evrain, in some circumstances the power is not easily mastered. This will help. Grandma.”

He fiddled with the bracelet, which was strangely warm to the touch. “She knew something bad was coming. She knew!” He tossed the paper down on the bed and went to find his car keys.