Page 13 of Beloved Charmer

Nik held him with a stare that begged for this to be true. “He is the one?”

"He is absolutely the one," Marek assured.

He let out a long, drawn out breath and then threw his head back laughing softly. “I hoped for this so hard I thought it would never happen.” He leaned forward in his seat with Marek seated across from him and reached out his hand to him. Marek took his hand and held it. “Thank you.” He told him and Marek shook his head.

"I need no thanks. All I did was connect him to his inner being. He would have done it on his own in time with the removal of that god-awful bracelet. This was all Evan. He is more by far than just that scrawny young man you met."

Marek described their time together and the insights he gleaned working with him. He also let him know that the connection between Evan and Conrad made his power even more potent and directed. “Fate smiled on Conrad, but Fate also did well by you, my friend. You didn't just get a Charmer. You got a Charmer in love, and that man is unstoppable."

Evan finished eating not realizing how hungry he was and also polished off two slices of pie along with three glasses of milk and a cup of coffee. “Training has given me quite an appetite.” He commented as he downed the last of his milk.

“Shifting has given you the appetite.” Conrad corrected.

“I’m a shifter?”

"In a way, yes, but a magnificent shifter." That made Evan smile, loving the easy rapport they now had. "When you've finished, we need to meet with Master Hadden."

"Could I get some fresh air first? I'm feeling lightheaded, and I think I need fresh air." Marek had mentioned that he might suffer some lightheadedness, but it was nothing to be concerned about. It was just a reaction to the physical changes he was going through, and he shared this with Conrad.

“Sure, we can go out on the back terrace it’s a pretty space with trees and plants. It’s not large but it’s outside and private.” Conrad suggested and Evan thought it sounded great.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Manfred found his way to Pittsburgh easily enough, but gaining entry to the Imperial Club was impossible. He'd used several different cloaks and spells, but nothing was breaking through their sophisticated security and the magical interference Hadden had in place.

Evan was inside he could feel his energy he could also feel that the bracelet had been removed. If he got too close, he started to feel the burn of Evan’s effect. He had to find a way. The evil saturating parts of town was refreshing and rejuvenating and perhaps he could find assistance from those who had emersed themselves in that dark energy.

All he needed was to be able to get close enough to Evan to slap on another amber cuff. He brought another one with him, and this one was larger and stronger than the last. It would hobble his power long enough for Manfred to take control.

He was standing in his hotel room, pulling his hair out, desperately trying to come up with an idea when the perfect plan hit him. If he couldn't get close to Evan, then he would have to influence him from afar, and the most expedient method was to use a gun. Evan's effect was lessened when he was asleep orunconscious, so he needed to render him unconscious. He could achieve this with a properly placed dart or bullet that has been treated to knock him out.

The plan started forming itself fast and furiously and Manfred felt success within reach. Those vampires believe they have control, but they don’t know Evan the way Manfred knows Evan. He would fall back in line once his options were removed, the thought brought a smile to Manfred’s face and he quickly jotted down what he would need and went in search of the items.

After speaking with Marek, Nik put in a call to Josef to keep him abreast of the developments. They’d spent many months fighting this evil and keeping their people safe and now it appeared that deliverance was right around the corner.

"The expectations are high around here, and everyone is anxious to return home," Josef told him.

“I haven’t witnessed the Charmer in his glory yet, but Marek tells me he is magnificent. I’ll admit I had my doubts when Killian came walking into the house from the back garden with that skinny kid in tow.” Nik spoke of his misgivings.

"The universe operates in its own way, and it is rarely what you'd expect," Josef commented.

"Marek tells me that he's ready, and I am to meet with him and Conrad later so I will be able to see for myself. I trust Marek's judgment, but still, I need to lay eyes on the kid before I decide when we're going in."

“I’ll keep my fingers crossed.”

“And a few prayers wouldn’t hurt.”

“You got it.”

Conrad took Evan to the terrace to get some fresh air. Evan’s stress was obvious as the reality of facing the evil at the Center drew closer. “Would you like to sit?” he asked but Evan shook his head and walked to the edge of the terrace alongside one of the manicured shrubs and closed his eyes. Conrad came up behind him and wrapped his arms around him. Evan kept his eyes closed and leaned his head back against Conrad’s chest.

"This feels so good. I wish we could just stay like this forever." Evan whispered as the soft breeze lifted the hair away from his sweet face. "My life is changing so much and so fast."

"I know, my love, and I'm sorry," Conrad responded thoughtfully.

"No, don't be sorry. I'm not sad about it. I love my new life; I'm just a little exhausted. I wish we had more time for you and me. I want to lay back like this and just be with you."

“You are with me Evan and you will always be with me.” Conrad was pleased with his beloved’s desires and the fact he was comfortable in voicing those desires. He too wished they could simply take the next few days to themselves and in normal circumstances that would be happening.

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