by Pandora Pine
While Jude was mentally chastising himself over the fact that he would have just led this wonderful man into his den of iniquity, Cope pressed him against the wall and went for the button of his jeans. Their eyes locked together, Cope slid the zipper to the bottom before pushing Jude’s jeans down just past his ass. Cope licked his lips but didn’t make any further move.
Jude was sure his brain was going to explode at any moment now. He believed his next move should be pushing Cope’s track pants into the same position, but couldn’t will his hands into working. He was lost in Cope’s eyes.
“You know what to do,” Cope whispered.
His lips quirked into a brief smile. “You’re right I do, but I can’t stop staring at you.” Finally free of the paralysis that had taken over his body, Jude gripped Cope’s hips. He slid his hands under the material taking the twin globes of Cope’s ass in his. Giving them a gentle squeeze, he started working the pants down his hips and over his leaking erection.
Cope took half a step closer to Jude before wrapping his hand around both of their erections.
Jude moaned out loud. He needed to brace his left hand against the wall, otherwise he would have lost his balance. His dick had been handled by a lot of men over the years, but it felt like a bolt of lightning had struck when Cope touched him.
“Feels good when you’re connected to each other, doesn’t it, Jude?” Cope said, his eyes never leaving Jude’s.
All Jude could do was nod. He was past the point of speech. His free hand came up to hold the side of Cope’s face while his lover’s hand continued to work its magic over their cocks. He’d never felt anything so intense in his life. Whether it was the feel of Cope’s dick against his own or the magick spell he was weaving over them both, Jude didn’t know.
“I’m so close, Jude. Say you’ll come with me.” Cope pressed forward to kiss him.
Jude was right there with him. In the past, he would have been embarrassed to be ready to go off this quickly, but with Cope, he had no choice. He could no more stop what was about to happen than he could stop a runaway train with his bare hands.
“Cope,” Jude whispered. He didn’t know if the word was a prayer or a plea.
“I’ve got you.” Cope kissed him again as their cocks jerked in time in Cope’s hand.
Jude held on tighter, crying out for Cope as his cock emptied itself in a series of long bursts, each one more intense than the one before it. He could feel Cope’s release striping his stomach, landing hot and wet against his skin. It was as if he could feel it melting into him, becoming part of him.
Cope didn’t stop kissing Jude when their cocks were still. Jude didn’t mind one bit. He held on tighter and kissed him right back.
Neither man knew what tomorrow was going to bring, but Jude knew one thing for sure. He wasn’t going to let Copeland Forbes go until the first rays of sunlight streaked the sky pink.
33
Copeland
Waking up wrapped in Jude Byrne’s arms was something Cope would never forget as long as he lived. He just hoped that would be longer than today.
Last night had been full of surprises. Jude, playing the role of gentle lover, continued after they’d stood kissing each other gently for what had to be an hour after they’d both come. He’d repeated the favor this time, whispering gentle words in Cope’s ear while stroking them both to completion. Jude’s words of trust and praise had been almost as mind-blowing as the way he’d looked Cope in the eyes when they’d both started to erupt in his hand. Cope would bet Jude had never looked a lover in the eyes at zero hour before.
Once the fireworks were over, Jude had cleaned them both up and, in the biggest surprise of the night, tucked them both into Cope’s bed. He’d pulled Cope to lie across his chest and had stroked Cope’s hair until he’d been too tired to fight to stay awake.
He’d fully expected to wake up and find Jude gone. In a stunning turn of events, Jude was pressed against him from behind with his hand resting on Cope’s hip. It was almost as if a spell had been cast on the usually flighty Jude. A spell, or maybe the man had finally grown up enough to make an attempt at a real connection with another human being.
They’d gone their own separate ways to shower and get dressed but had been companionable enough over a quick breakfast of toast and leftover cookies.
As if by unspoken agreement, neither man brought up what had happened between them the night before. It was as if both knew that they couldn't afford to be distracted in the face of what was to come. “Are you ready to do this?” Jude asked, as he brushed stray cookie crumbs into his hand and walked into the kitchen.
“I am. I know the grave dirt spell by heart. I know them all by heart.” It was true. Cope had never studied harder in his life. Everything was on the line here.
Jude walked toward Copeland, stopping only inches in front of the psychic-witch. “Remember that no matter what happens, I’ve got your back.”
It meant the world to Cope to hear Jude say those words. He just hoped that Jude’s vow wouldn’t cost him any more than the words it took to make that promise. “The same goes for me.”
Closing the distance between them, Jude pulled Cope into his arms.
Cope took these last few precious moments to memorize a few last details about Jude. The cinnamon fresh scent of his toothpaste, the way his hands were dug in to Cope’s shoulders, and lastly, the way that’s Jude’s dick was completely disinterested in this hug. That meant more than anything to Cope in this moment.
“Let’s do this.” Jude pulled back, looking Cope in the eyes. “When this is over, we’re all going to Lobster Charlie’s for a kick ass celebration tonight.”
“Sounds good.”
“It sure the fuck does.” Jude patted the side of Cope’s face. “Especially since you’re the one paying for it.” Snorting, he headed toward the front door.
If they all managed to survive the day intact, it would be a bill Cope would be more than happy to foot.
The ride to West Side Magick was a silent one. Cope spent the seven-minute trip watching Salem pass him by. There was so much of this magnificent city he hadn’t gotten a chance to see yet. He was hoping that starting tomorrow he would be able to change that.
When Jude pulled up in front of the magick shop, Cope felt his heart start to hammer. He’d never once in his life been nervous about casting a spell. He supposed he was nervous now because another person’s soul was in the balance here.
“I believe in you, Copeland Forbes. There’s no one I trust more than you.” Jude reached over to squeeze his hand.
Cope nodded, knowing that if he tried to thank Jude, he’d end up blubbering. They’d already said everything that needed saying. Steeling his courage, Cope grabbed the knapsack he’d packed with the ingredients for the spell and climbed out of the car.
Carson and Cole were waiting for him at the front of the store. “Good morning.”
Both brothers sounded as nervous as Cope felt. “Good morning, guys.”
“The reading room is all set up for you. Everyone is gathered in the other part of the store. They don’t know what you’re going to do.” Carson flashed a guilty look at Cole.
“We decided it would be best to surprise them, rather than have to disappoint everyone in case…” Cole trailed off.
Jude opened his mouth looking like he was about to tell the Craig brothers exactly what he thought about their reasoning behind this move.
Cope held a hand up to stop Jude. “I understand that completely. If I were in your shoes, I would have done the same thing. There’s no guarantee this is going to work.”
“Oh, thank God,” Carson visibly sagged. “We were afraid you’d be upset with us.”
“Not at all.” Cope shot a look over his shoulder at Jude. “I’m ready to get started. Is Bertha here?”
“She’s waiting for you along with Ten, Dempsey and Onyx.”
Nodding, Copeland headed toward the reading room. He was never more scared in his life
than he was in this moment. Not even when he lay bleeding on the floor of Skullduggery after Deacon Boudreaux had attacked him had he been more afraid than he was now. At that time, only his life was on the line. Now, there was so much more at stake.
“Good morning, everyone.” Cope raised a hand as he came into the room.
“There’s the star of the show,” Bertha Craig greeted warmly.
Copeland grinned at Bertha. She was smiling so brightly at him that he almost needed sunglasses against the glare of it. “Bertha, I need to ask you one last time if this is what you want.”
“It is, Copeland. You’re a sweet boy to ask again. It’s my greatest wish to be reunited with my family and to meet my grandbabies, Ronan and Jude in person. If it means that I can also help you deal with the bastard who’s haunting you, then so be it.”
Cope closed his eyes. “Okay, Bertha. Make sure you-know-who gets the longest hug, okay?”
Bertha started to laugh. “You bet. Now let’s get cracking. Time’s a wasting. If you know what I mean.”
Carson and Cole looked up at him in alarm. Cope knew exactly what Bertha meant. The attacker was getting closer with every second his inner Jiminy Cricket wasted.
Reaching for his knapsack, Cope started to unpack all of the ingredients he’d brought with him. Out came the grave dirt, sulphur, bone meal, ashes from the written spell, a candle, matches, and a small pocket knife. The last thing Copeland pulled out of his bag was a small, black cauldron.
He stepped back from all of the ingredients and took a few, deep, calming breaths. He could feel his heart slow. He rubbed the pads of his fingers against his thumbs and felt that old magick spark light deep within him. “Goddess fair and Goddess bright, watch over this spell I cast tonight. Guide my words, guide my hand, to bring Bertha Craig back from the hinterland.”
Cope lit the candle and began to work. He sprinkled the grave dirt into the cauldron, followed by the sulphur and bone meal. Next came the ashes from the spell, which were sprinkled over the mixture. With his left hand, he mixed the ingredients by turning them counterclockwise six times. Picking up the knife, he pulled out the blade and slid it across the baby finger of his left hand. Three drops of blood fell into the cauldron.
Summoning all of his strength, Copeland looked up at Bertha, who was watching the proceeding with awe in her blue eyes. “Spirits of old, dark and dim, let our sister walk this earth again. Bertha Craig, know I call to you, think of me, think of me. My breath to your breath. Spirits of darkness, so mote it be.” With that final word, Cope blew out the candle.
He was instantly dizzy and unable to draw breath. “Jude?” Cope managed to wheeze before everything went dark.
34
Jude
Jude saw Cope start to crumple toward the floor and thankfully had gotten to his side just in time to keep him from hitting the floor. He was able to gently set him down and give him the once over. Aside from his still bleeding finger and the fact that he was unconscious, Cope looked like he was going to be okay. His breathing was even and his pulse was strong, but the fact that Cope wasn’t coming around was scaring Jude. “Tennyson! Call Walker Harmon. Tell him to get over here now! Cope won’t wake up.”
“I think I can help you with that,” a soft voice said. It was followed by a hand landed on Jude’s shoulder.
It was a voice Jude had never heard before, but would recognize anywhere. Looking up, he was face to face with Bertha Craig. He blinked through the tears to make sure his eyes weren’t deceiving him. “Hello, Jude.” Bertha kissed his temple. “Let’s see if we can’t get Cope to wake up out of his swoon.”
He couldn’t believe his eyes. Bertha Craig was kneeling next to him, slapping her dainty hand against the side of Copeland’s face. He stood up, turning his attention toward the others. Carson and Cole were holding each other. Tears were tracking down each man’s face. Tennyson was in much the same condition. He had a hand resting on Carson’s shoulder. Dempsey and Onyx looked equally stunned. Jude knew it wasn’t that none of them thought Cope could pull this off, it was seeing Bertha, in the flesh, living and breathing and now pounding the hell out of Copeland.
“Jude?” Cope mumbled.
“Now if I can ever be confused for that hunk of a man, I’ll lay back down now.” Bertha cackled. Her grey hair was cut into a stylish bob and she was wearing aqua capri pants with a matching top. She looked like she was ready for a day at the beach, rather than a day fighting a powerful witch.
“Bertha?” Cope sat up, his hands going for her face. “You’re here.”
“Of course, I’m here. You’re one hell of a witch.” She turned back to Jude. “Help this boy to his feet, honey. I’ve got to hug my sons.” She patted Jude on the shoulder on her way past him.
Wasting no time, Jude reached down and pulled Copeland back to his feet. He could feel tears running down his face as Carson and Cole took turns hugging their mother. “Cope, I can’t believe it.” Jude pulled his eyes away from the mother-sons reunion. Jude smiled from ear to ear. “I mean, I believed you could do it, but she’s here hugging her sons. How can this possibly be black magick?”
Cope shook his head. “Not now. Later, I promise.”
“Tenny!” Bertha shrieked, pulling Tennyson into her arms. “It’s so good to hug you.”
“I don’t ever want to let go,” Ten sobbed.
“I have to make the rounds, Tenny.” Bertha patted the side of his face. “We’ll have some time later.” She turned to Dempsey. “You’re the one who helped my Hunter.”
“Yes, Ma’am. Dempsey McMillan at your service.”
“Make sure you keep an eye on Copeland today.” Bertha squeezed his hand before moving on to Onyx. “Good Lord, I don’t believe I’ve ever encountered a talent like you before, Onyx.”
“I’m one in a million, me.” Onyx bent to kiss Bertha’s hand.
“You can say that again.” Bertha started to laugh. “Carson, you get my grandbabies, Truman and Ronan for me, okay. I’m gonna love on my Jude for a minute now.”
Jude felt a lump form in his throat. This wasn’t good. He was going to completely lose it.
“There’s my boy.” Bertha pulled Jude into the tightest hug he’d ever felt in his life.
This little spitfire was going to break his ribs if she kept this up. Like Tennyson though, he never wanted to let her go. Never having the chance to hug his mother, this was as close as he was ever going to come. “Thank you, Bertha,” Jude whispered. “Save him. Please save him.”
She pulled back from Jude. “All this time you’ve been praying to meet me and those are the first words you say?” Tears sparkled in her eyes. “You’re one hell of a man, Jude Byrne.” Leaning up on tiptoe, Bertha pressed a kiss to his cheek. “You have my word I’ll do everything I can for Copeland.”
Jude was about to hug her close again when the door flew open and Truman’s little ones ran through. “Mimi!” They shouted together, all running toward her at once.
Bertha scooped them up easily, planting messy kisses on each of their heads.
Jude noticed Tennyson and Cole taking pictures and video of the once in a lifetime reunion.
The kids’ attention span only lasted so long and soon they were off to explore the room, all with the exception of Baby Bertha, who clung to her grandmother like a barnacle.
“Truman!” Bertha held out her free arm to her son-in-law who looked like he was the only one still managing to hold it together.
“I can’t believe you’re here.” Truman held on tight.
“I had to come thank you in person for being the perfect husband for my Carson and the best father to my grandbabies.”
That did it. Truman burst into tears. Baby Bertha starting patting her father’s head.
“This is one of the happiest days of my life,” Truman sobbed.
“Mine too!” Bertha chirped. “Now, where’s Handsome? I need me some Ronan.” She looked around the room, but Ronan wasn’t here.
Tennyson wa
s motioning with his hands out the door. Ronan walked through a minute later. His eyes were bloodshot and he looked like he hadn’t slept all night.
“Handsome!” Bertha shouted, running toward Ronan.
Ronan gasped when Bertha barreled into him. His eyes were as wide as dinner plates. “I can’t believe it. You’re here. I’m hugging you.” Ronan twirled her around the room. He started to laugh.
“Whoa, Ronan. Let’s not have all the big fun now. I’ve still got two more grandbabies and a daughter to meet.”
Ronan set her back on her feet. He took a deep breath and wiped away his happy tears “All those times I talk to you, do you hear me?”
“You bet I do. I send you pennies from heaven all the time, you stubborn man, but you’re always too busy looking for me up in the sky. Try looking down for a change.” Bertha planted a kiss on his cheek.
“Mom?” a woman called out, walking into the room carrying an infant in one arm, while a little girl held her other hand.
“Cassie!” Bertha pulled away from Ronan to turn to her daughter-in-law.
“Mimi!” Laurel shouted, running full out toward Bertha. “I knew it! I knew it!”
“You knew what, love bug?” Bertha hugged the little girl.
“That you’d get to come live with us.”
Jude watched as the joyful look on Cole’s face crumpled. “We’ll talk about that later, honey, okay?”
“Okay!” Laurel ran around to Ronan who was still having trouble pulling himself back together. She crawled into his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck.
“Cassie, it’s so good to meet you at long last.”
“I still can’t believe this is happening.” She shook her head. “This is Brady. Cole told me you knew his little soul before he was born.”
Bertha nodded. She took the baby from Cassie and pressed a kiss to his forehead. “Oh, that new baby smell.” A fresh wave of tears trickled down her cheeks. “What a precious day this is.”
