Page 33 of Elemental Love (Warlocks #1)

Much as he hated to admit it, Evrain knew in his heart that Gregory’s words were true. The urge to channel was virtually irresistible. He would worry about that later, though—for now he had to think about how they could free Dominic and put Symeon back in his box once and for all.

He made a pile of toast and a huge pot of coffee.

The three of them sat around the kitchen table.

Evrain went back over everything he knew.

It seemed ridiculously domestic but the normality helped to relax Evrain.

Just having Coryn and Gregory with him helped him be more optimistic that things would come out in their favor.

For his own sanity he had to believe that it would not be long before Dominic was back in his arms.

The sun was well risen when the phone rang. Evrain answered the call and gave a slight nod to Gregory’s mouthed, “Stay calm.”

He was no longer alone—seeing Coryn and Gregory together gave him strength and the patience he would need to deal with Symeon.

“Yes?”

“Were you expecting someone else to call, whelp?”

“Charming as always, Symeon.” He kept his voice calm and controlled. “Why don’t you cut to the chase and tell me where you want to meet?”

“So eager to abase yourself. That pleases me. Do you not want to know how your troublesome boyfriend is this morning?”

“I would rather see him than talk about him.”

“Keeping him under control has proved to be something of a challenge. He is rather…spirited. I would have thought that you would prefer someone a little more compliant.”

“There is little satisfaction in a tame pet, Symeon. You should know that.”

Symeon laughed but the sound was harsh and bitter. “Damon serves his purpose, and he does have a remarkably talented mouth, when he isn’t using it for speech.”

Evrain winced at the image. “You said you wanted me. I will exchange myself for Dominic but I want your word as a warlock that you will allow him to go free.” Evrain gripped the edge of the table so tightly that his knuckles went white.

“My word as a warlock. How quaint.” Symeon paused. “Very well, I will bow to your antiquated sense of honor and give my word. Dominic will be freed if you come with me without resistance. Is this agreeable to you?”

“Where and when do we meet?” Evrain asked.

“Do you know the clearing in Belsevere Wood? It’s known as Inkcap Glade. It’s not far from you.”

“I know it.” Evrain had been there many times with Aggie—it was her favorite place for gathering unusual fungi. It was a damp, moss-covered clearing in the ancient oak woodland less than a mile from Hornbeam Cottage. “When?”

“Midnight. Don’t be late.” Symeon rang off before Evrain could say anything further.

For a moment no one spoke. Gregory and Coryn looked at Evrain expectantly.

“Midnight. Inkcap Glade.”

Gregory gave a small smile. “Symeon always did err toward the melodramatic. However, this time it works to our advantage. If you can stick to your role as nice, tasty bait, it will be easy for Coryn and I to get into position unseen.”

Evrain nodded and ran a hand through his hair with a tired sigh. “I just want this to be over. I want Dominic back so I can lock him up somewhere nice and safe.”

Coryn chuckled. He laid a comforting hand on Evrain’s shoulder. “You should get some rest. I don’t suppose you slept at all last night?”

“I couldn’t. Every time I closed my eyes I imagined the most terrible things.” Evrain blinked. He had to believe Dominic was okay or he’d lose his mind.

“This should help.” Gregory sprinkled a pinch of dark powder into the remains of Evrain’s drink. “Go to bed. You’re useless to us if you are too exhausted to think straight. We’ll wake you in plenty of time.”

“Okay.” Evrain swallowed the last of his tea with a grimace. “Ugh! That’s disgusting!”

Gregory laughed. “You’ve gotten too used to Aggie’s pampering, boy. Once this little problem is resolved, you and I are going to have a long discussion about your future and how best to continue your training. That’s my price for helping you out. Agreed?”

Evrain scowled as he headed toward the stairs. “Agreed.”

Coryn rolled his eyes. “Bribery, Gregory? Don’t you think the boy’s under enough pressure as it is?” His eyes twinkled with humor.

“He needs discipline. You can feel the power in him as well as I, my love. Aggie gave him a good start but he needs to be trained by a warlock.”

“Well, the lad has my sympathy.” Coryn turned back to the sink.

Evrain didn’t know what to make of that. He gave Gregory a suspicious glance but his godfather’s features betrayed nothing.

“Keep the bracelet on while you sleep, Evrain. You’re less likely to drop the place into a hole in the ground that way.”

“Got it. No dreaming about earthquakes or sink holes, much as I’d like to dump Symeon into a big chasm and close it slowly.

” Evrain climbed the stairs, muttering to himself.

He didn’t know what Gregory had put in his drink, but it was already taking effect.

His head was full of wool and the lure of sleep was strong.