“You know your mum—she just wants to make a good impression on your young man. I’m afraid, Dominic, that you are the main attraction tonight. Much as we love having Evrain home, you’ve got novelty value.”
“Oh God.” Dominic took several sips of his wine. “I won’t know what to say.”
“Don’t worry, son, you can sit between me and Evrain. We’ll protect you from the coven.”
Evrain gripped Dominic’s free hand. “Don’t panic, not that kind of coven,” he whispered.
A large, hairy dog of indeterminate breed barreled into the room. His paws almost reached James’ shoulders when he jumped up, tongue lolling.
“Since when did you get a dog?” Evrain asked.
“Your mum started volunteering at the shelter. This guy had been there a while, probably because he eats as much as a small family, and of course she couldn’t resist him. His name is Bunsen and he’s… Actually I’m not sure what he is. I think there’s some St. Bernard in him, maybe Collie and perhaps a bit of German Shepherd. Who knows? He’s interesting and he loves everybody, even the postman. He also watches the History Channel with me without complaining.”
Dominic was already on his knees, petting Bunsen. “We’ve been thinking of getting a dog too,” he said. “I work from home most of the time now and there’s plenty of space for a dog to run around.” Bunsen put an enormous paw on Dominic’s thigh. “We have to find one that likes cats, though.”
“This one tries to make friends with anything that moves. Cats, squirrels, muntjac… Even the yappy little terrier that lives at the other end of the village. Bunsen is twenty times bigger than her but he thinks they’re soulmates.”
Dominic got to his feet, brushing hair from his pants.
“Sorry about that,” James said. “I should have said that he molts everywhere. We’re going to have to invest in an industrial vacuum cleaner.”
“Mum said we should go through to the dining room,” Evrain said.
“Then that’s what we must do.” His dad grinned, grabbing the half-empty wine bottle. “I’ve already put a couple more bottles on the table.”
“Don’t let me get too carried away,” Evrain said. “I’m driving.”
“You could always stay here, you know.”
“We have an early flight and our hotel’s right by the airport. Otherwise we would have done.”
“Then you’ll have to try the elderflower cordial your mother’s made this year. It’s much less poisonous than it usually is.” James rolled his eyes and Dominic laughed. Evrain was glad to see him relaxing.
Once the meal was served and everyone was eating and talking at once, Dominic was much more at ease. He answered questions with good humor, brushing off compliments from Jenna and Julia who seemed to think everything about him was perfect though they couldn’t understand how he had ended up with their reprobate of a brother.
Evrain was so full by the time they were done, he couldn’t have fit in another mouthful. They moved back to the lounge for coffee, positioning themselves to accommodate Bunsen, who had sprawled across the floor and seemed to have no intention of moving for anyone.
“He’s certainly made himself at home, hasn’t he?” Evrain said.
“Isn’t he gorgeous?” His mum leaned forward to pet Bunsen’s glossy head. “He ended up at the shelter because his elderly owner passed away. The old man left provision for him in his will, would you believe? We’ve donated the money to the shelter, of course.”
Bunsen opened one eye, as if understanding that he was the subject of the conversation.
“I’m intending to take semi-retirement from the university next year,” James said. “I’m going to get down to writing the book I’ve been talking about for years and lecture three days a week.”
“What’s the book about?” Dominic asked.
Everyone else in the room groaned. “Ignore them,” James said. “Bunch of Philistines, the lot of them. It’s a history of the ancient kings of Scotland. Absolutely fascinating but quite difficult to research.”
“Don’t get him started,” Lyssa said. “I’ve no doubt the book will eventually get written, but James has been talking about it for so long, and so often, that we’d all like him to lock himself in his study and get on with it.” She gave her husband’s knee an affectionate pat.
“And believe me, in a house full of women that is not going to be a problem.” James’ comical expression made Evrain snort into his wine as a chorus of indignant comments came from around the room.
The banter continued late into the evening. The girls eventually disappeared to bed after insisting on pictures with Dominic so that they could show their friends. Evrain sat back in his chair, cradling a mug of cocoa.
“How have you really been?” Lyssa asked. “Gregory told us what he could a while after you were born, and with Mum being the way she was, we’re not completely ignorant about how different you are, sweetheart.”
Evrain guessed she made the statement to reassure Dominic. “Gregory’s looking after me,” Evrain said. “I miss Gran, though.”
“Her death was a shock to all of us,” Lyssa said. “I hate that whoever did it has never been officially caught. But Gregory has assured me that the person responsible paid an appropriate price.”
“He did and, if it’s any reassurance, she loved the life she’d built at Hornbeam Cottage.”
“She was right to give it to the two of you,” Lyssa said. “It’s clear as day that you were meant to be together.” She sipped her wine then gave a sly smile.
“Mum… Don’t.” Evrain put all the warning he could muster into his expression.
“So when am I going to be able to plan a wedding?”
“You had to go there, didn’t you? Couldn’t stop yourself.” James laughed, shrugging his shoulders when Evrain looked to him for help.
“Don’t look at me, son. When you’ve been married as long as we have, you’ll know which battles are worth fighting and those where it’s best to offer unconditional surrender.”
“We’re just enjoying being together at the moment,” Evrain said, reaching for Dominic’s hand. Dominic squeezed his fingers.
“Well, don’t make me wait too long. I know you don’t have much in the way of your own relations, Dominic, but we are your family now and we just want the two of you to be happy. And married.”
“Mum!” Evrain protested. “I swear if you don’t stop, we’ll run away to Vegas.”
“You’re not too old for a spanking, you know,” Lyssa said, wagging a finger at Evrain.
Dominic snorted with laughter. Evrain scowled and began to plot all the ways he would get his own back. His dad gave him a knowing look, but said nothing. Bunsen snuffled and rolled onto his back, inviting tummy rubs. Dominic obliged and Evrain was content to watch his lover lavish affection on another male.
“Next time, you must come for a longer visit,” James said.
“We will,” Evrain replied, meaning what he said. Recent events had made a lot of things clearer in his mind. Dominic’s and his family’s love would never be taken for granted. Life was far too short.
Chapter Nine
“Have you finished babying those plants yet?” Evrain, hands on hips, gave Dominic an impatient glare. “We’ve been away ten days, not ten weeks, and I think Coryn lavished more love and attention on them than he has on Gregory while they’ve been staying here.”
Dominic fingered the velvet leaves of a young sage. “Hush, they’ll hear you. Can you…you know?” He waggled his fingers. “Please.”
Evrain couldn’t resist the appeal in Dominic’s eyes. Sighing he extended his senses into the earth, channeling carefully. He detected warm fertile soil, vibrant life in tangled roots and a multitude of small creatures. He warmed some cold patches and encouraged moisture into a dry section of ground, sensing Dominic’s happiness through their bond as he worked. “Every earthworm in a five-mile radius is heading this way and you have the healthiest crop of plants in the sta
te and it has very little to do with me.”
“I missed them. That’s stupid isn’t it?” Dominic, on his knees, dug his fingers into the soil.
Evrain hated the word ‘adorable’ but that’s exactly what Dominic was. It was an unavoidable fact that his lover was cute, gorgeous and adorable.
Tail held aloft, Shadow sashayed through the rows of herbs, waggling her ass. She put her front paws on Dominic’s thigh then head-butted him until he stroked her.
“Hey, Shadow, bet you missed us, didn’t you?” She gave him a disdainful look but climbed onto his lap nonetheless. “I’m not staying here, you know.” Shadow kneaded Dominic’s thighs for a full minute before jumping off to disappear into the bushes at the side of the garden. “Do you think that means I’m forgiven?” Dominic asked.
“Not even close. We’re both going to need thigh protectors for the next few days at least.” Evrain extended a hand. “And you’re not being stupid, you’re being you. However, we now have the cottage to ourselves and I think we should take advantage, don’t you? I love Gregory and Coryn but between them, my family and traveling, I’m missing my alone time with you.” Dominic accepted the hand and Evrain hauled him to his feet.
“You’ve been even more possessive than usual the last few days. No one’s taking me away from you again, love.”
Evrain drew him close. “It’s a Neanderthal imperative. I have to claim you a few times to make sure all the surrounding cave dwellers know who you belong to.” He tugged Dominic toward the house.
“I’m sure our neighbors would be delighted to know you think of them as prehistoric rivals.”
“I’d rather not think of them at all. Biff Sawrey at The Gables gives me the evil eye every time I see him.”
“You’re imagining things. He has a bit of a squint, that’s all.” Dominic chuckled. “And he spends most of the year at his daughter’s place in the Hamptons, so you have nothing to worry about.”
“I’m not worried. Big bad warlock, remember?”
“Not so much at the moment.”
“No, that’s true.” Evrain pushed his way into the cottage, latching the door behind them.
“How are you feeling? Is it getting better?”
“I won’t be creating earthquakes any time soon.” Evrain sighed. “Sorry, I don’t mean to be glib.” He ran a hand through his hair, leaving it sticking up in random tufts. “I’m still weak. The test drained everything I have. Gregory said that’s deliberate, that I need to experience vulnerability. Once you understand the power and how to use it, there’s a tendency to assume that you can’t be hurt and that’s not the case. I can feel it inside me. It hasn’t gone away. It’s like the tide has gone out and I’m waiting for it to come back in again.” He pulled Dominic close so that they were pressed together, chest to groin. “The rest of me is in perfect working order though.” He made sure Dominic could feel his erection.
“Apparently.” Dominic’s smile lit his eyes.
Evrain attempted to maneuver Dominic toward the stairs but met with some resistance.
“Can we…I mean, I’d like to talk for a bit, if that’s okay?”
“Of course we can.” Evrain’s frustration was tempered by the appeal in Dominic’s tone. “Shall I light a fire? It’s getting a bit chilly.”
“That sounds nice.” Dominic chewed on his lower lip and Evrain wanted nothing more than to do violence to whatever was causing Dominic such anxiety. The grate was already laid with logs and kindling so it didn’t take Evrain long to get a blaze going, even though he did use boring human means to do it. He stacked some more logs to make sure it would burn for a good while then took the armchair to one side of the hearth, patting his lap.
“Come here, love.” To his relief, Dominic didn’t hesitate. He clambered onto Evrain’s lap and snuggled close.
“Sorry.”
“What for?”
“Being so…pathetic.”
“Honey, it’s a miracle you’re not a complete basket case after what you’ve been through. You’re the strongest person I know.”
“Do you think your family liked me? The warlock test was nothing compared to meeting them for the first time.”
“You’re kidding, right? If my mum had her way you’d never have been allowed out of the country. I think she was planning to confiscate your passport. You had her wound around your green little finger five minutes after walking through the door. Dad got out the photograph albums, for fuck’s sake. Now that was truly humiliating.”
“You were a very cute baby.”
“I was naked ninety percent of the time. There should be a law against baby bath pictures. Dad was calling you son…I seriously think I’ve been replaced in his affections.”
“That’s ‘cause I’m not a precocious brat. He told me so.”
“And my sisters. Jesus.”
“They were very sweet.”
“Saccharine has nothing on them, mooning over your hair, your eyes, how much of a gentleman you are, how you could have done so much better than me.”
“You’re their big brother. They have to tease you—it’s the law.”
“If I had a pound for every hint my mother dropped about wedding plans, I’d be a rich man. They threatened to come visit, too. I thought moving an entire continent away would earn me some peace but no. The whole clan will be showing up on the doorstep before we know it.”
“I never got to see you in your kilt, though.” Dominic stroked Evrain’s cheek.
“If you tell me what’s really bothering you, I might oblige and put it on.”
“It’s just…well…do you think we’ll have the chance to live normal lives for a while?”
“That would be nice. I could handle a bit of domestic bliss and God knows I need to put some time in at my job. They must think I’m a complete flake.”
“You’re the most talented artist they have working there. They’re lucky to have you.”
“Even so, I don’t like letting them down by disappearing all the time. I know Gregory has influence and covers my behind, but my boss must be mightily pissed off. I shouldn’t be hiding behind the fact that my godfather owns shares in the company.”
“It’s not like you haven’t had good reasons for the time off you’ve taken. You weren’t sunning yourself on a tropical beach. Between dealing with Symeon Malus, fighting off a coven of witches and facing the test, you should be taking a longer break, not worrying about how much time you spend at the office.” Dominic’s voice got more strident. “I just want to grow my herbs.”
“And I want that for you. Very much.” Evrain wrapped his arms around Dominic’s shaking body.
“I sense a ‘but’ coming.”
“What’s the saying…with great power comes great responsibility. Where does that come from?”
“From some utter idiot.”
“Maybe, but I have to admit that I like knowing there’s a purpose behind us being the way we are. Warlocks I mean. Things kind of fell into place in my head when Gregory told me about our history. The test was horrific but I get why it’s necessary. There’s no way of knowing whether we’ll ever be needed to help avert some great catastrophe, but we need to be ready. I have to train and do what Gregory tells me to, much as that gives me a migraine to think about, and that means you have to train too. Coryn hardly feels any pain when Gregory channels through him. I want it to be the same for us. I hate knowing I hurt you every time I focus my power.”
“I accept it, you know I do. Coryn said it was time that helped ease things for him and he and Gregory have been together a very long time.”
“But we have an exceptionally strong bond. When you were taken in Scotland, being apart was unbearable, a physical pain. I need to know where you are all the time and if that makes me a possessive, controlling bastard, so be it.”
Dominic chuckled. He fiddled with the pendant resting against his chest. “You’re always with me, taking care of me. It’s selfish, but I don’t want you being a hero too
soon. I want to redecorate the bathroom, shop for new bedding, eat out every now and again. Get a dog.”
“Oh, Shadow is going to love you.”
“That wasn’t a no.”
“When have I ever been able to say no to you? And besides, I love dogs. What kind do you want?”
“Something dumb and loveable. A mutt. There’s a rescue shelter not too far away.”
“You’ve been putting some thought into this.” Evrain wasn’t sure whether he should be upset that Dominic hadn’t confided in him sooner, but when had there been time? Their life together so far had been a whirlwind of drama and adventure. “We should get a dog with big teeth. Something that can protect you when I’m not there.”
“I want a pet, not a guard dog! Wait, you’re yanking my chain, aren’t you?”
Evrain shrugged. “Maybe, maybe not.”
“Sometimes I think I should be the one spanking you.”
“Gregory might agree but that’s never going to happen.” Evrain could feel the beat of Dominic’s heart against his chest, strong and true. “I love you, you know.”
“I know.” Dominic sighed. “I like this. When it’s quiet and just the two of us with nothing to worry about. No monsters at the door.”
Evrain gave the fire a mental nudge and the flames climbed a little higher.
“Shouldn’t you be conserving your strength?”
“Apparently not. According to Gregory I’ll recover quicker if I keep in practice, within reason. I shouldn’t need to vent for a while, or wear the gold bracelet. Though he thinks I might need another one once I’m back to full power. I should get you cuffs to match, ones that can be linked together.”
“The kink runs deep in this one.” Dominic attempted a Yoda impression.
“It does and you love it.” Evrain lifted Dominic onto his feet. “And on that note, enough with the talking. I feel the need for physical activity. The exercise will do us both good after being cramped in cars and planes.”
Elemental Faith Page 9
