Page 11 of Elemental Hope
“No.” Nathaniel chuckled. “Though he would be amused to hear it.”
“So how do you control your power?” Evrain asked. “I could barely manage to light a candle before I was able to channel through Dominic.”
“No,” Gregory snorted. “He just blew things up.”
“I hope you don’t mind me asking?” Evrain scowled at his godfather.
“Not at all.” Nathaniel drummed his fingers against his thigh. “Over the years, I’ve learned to filter the energy through multiple people. Unless they are particularly sensitive, they feel nothing because the load is shared, the power spread thinly. It’s not perfect. A single channel would be much more effective but it allows me to manage the winds in the way I need.”
Evrain was impressed. It must have taken great self-discipline for Nathaniel to manage his power in the way he had.
“I have enough trouble channeling through one person,” he admitted.
“Because you love Dominic and you don’t want to hurt him?”
“Yes.” Small talk could only distract Evrain for so long, however interesting it was. “Where is he, damn it?”
“I’ll take a walk down the lane.” Coryn stood up. “I’ll meet Dominic and explain what’s happening. He won’t want to walk in on all this unprepared.”
“I should go!” Evrain moved toward the door.
“You will not.” Gregory banged the table. “Exposing yourself when you’re in this mood would be dangerous. You stay put.”
Evrain felt like stamping his foot but he caught Nathaniel’s knowing smirk. Some of his frustration dissolved as he realized how petulant he was being.
“One of these days I may just have to paddle your behind,” Gregory threatened.
Damon giggled. Nathaniel gave Damon’s ear a sharp flick. “Quiet, brat.”
Evrain shook his head and sighed. “Save your energy for Coryn. I’ll behave.”
Gregory grunted. “And I just spotted a pig flying past the window. I could use a drink. Show me where the mulling spices are and I’ll heat some wine. Agatha always did know how to magic up a good brew.”
“At least you didn’t suggest a pot of tea,” Evrain snarked.
“And I thought you British folk lived on the stuff,” Nathaniel said.
“Ninety-nine percent of the population probably couldn’t function without it. I’m an anomaly.”
“You can say that again,” Gregory chuckled.
Nathaniel burst out laughing. Evrain decided that he was outnumbered, outgunned and that silence was the better part of valor.
Chapter four
Dominic pulled up in his usual spot then put the van in park. He rested his forehead on the steering wheel and took a deep breath, relieved to be home. A tap on the window nearly scared him out of his wits. His heart pounded until he saw that it was Coryn. He opened the door, giving Coryn an embarrassed smile.
“You startled me. I’m afraid Evrain has me a bit spooked.”
“Sorry.” Coryn gave his shoulder a comforting pat. “I’ve been waiting for you.”
“Why? No, don’t tell me. I can imagine.” Dominic scrambled out of the van, relieved his legs held him without shaking.
“When he’s worrying about you, young Evrain is a major pain in the ass. Gregory almost had to chain him down to stop him driving to your last job to get you.”
“Gregory needs a gag spell to use on him.”
“Oh, he has one of those.” Coryn winked, making Dominic a little more at ease. Coryn had that effect. He exuded calm. “I might have to suggest it.”
