Page 21 of Elemental Hope
Flashes of red light stabbed into Evrain’s body. He convulsed with pain, falling to his knees. Symeon grabbed his hair and pulled his head back. “When Octis is done with you, you’re mine, Evrain, and I can’t wait to make you suffer. And when you are all used up, I’ll be going after that sweet redhead of yours. He and I have unfinished business.”
“I let you off lightly last time, you psychopath. I won’t be so considerate again.”
Symeon raised his hand. Evrain could do nothing to avoid the blow and a brief flash of red was followed by darkness.
Chapter seven
Felix leaned against the counter in Nathaniel’s kitchen, the solid Italian marble pressing into his lower back. Nathaniel watched him, waiting for him to speak.
“Come on. I know you can’t wait to tell me what an idiot I am.” He scrubbed a hand through his hair.
“Seems like you already know.” Felix raised his glass of iced water in a mocking toast.
Nathaniel fixated on the slice of lemon floating in his own glass. “There’s something about him. I don’t know what it is.”
“He’s a brat.”
“Probably.”
“Definitely. You’re not seeing that side of him yet because Symeon Malus no doubt beat the spirit out of him. A few weeks knowing that he’s not going to be smacked around or used for what his body can provide and he’ll revert to type. Class A brat.”
“How do you get over six years of abuse?” Nathaniel twirled the ice in his glass with his finger.
“You have to remember that Damon was a willing participant—at least to start with. He loved Symeon. Well…he was infatuated with him. He’s only realized recently that the way Symeon treated him wasn’t normal for a Dom-sub relationship.”
“Symeon is a piece of shit. As warlocks we have even more responsibility to take care of those we love. The power takes control to a whole new level. Damon did not consent to be used like he was.”
“And yet Symeon was able to channel through him. There had to be love involved.”
“I think Damon genuinely cared for Symeon. He was too young and naïve to recognize Symeon for the sadist he is. That man wouldn’t know love if it smacked him on the nose with a rolled up newspaper.”
Felix snorted. “If Symeon can get what he needs from the Octis Coven, he won’t be bothered about hunting Damon down.”
“He’ll be safe with us.” Nathaniel rolled his shoulders, listening to his joints pop. “I’m more concerned about convincing him to stay.”
“You want him.”
It wasn’t a question and Nathaniel couldn’t deny it. Damon was exactly his type. “Yes.”
Felix shook his head. “That boy has trouble written all over him. I suggest you invest in some sturdy handcuffs and a leash.”
Nathaniel blinked.
“Ah, you already have them, I suppose?”
“It’s always good to be prepared.” Nathaniel grinned. “Damon’s been moping around the house for two weeks now. He’s drifting. Time to take him in hand.”
“Good luck with that.” Felix’s expression was dubious. “If you want him productively employed, I’m intending to clean out the garage this afternoon. I could use some help.”
“You could eat off the floor in there,” Nathaniel commented.
“Which is why it needs scrubbing to keep it that way.”
Nathaniel wasn’t going to argue. The cars and garages were Felix’s domain. It was more than his life was worth to interfere with either. Felix gave him a brief wave before disappearing to his world of crankshafts and carburetors. Nathaniel set his glass next to the sink then set off to find his house guest.
He had installed Damon in one of several large guestrooms, one with its own attached bathroom. Damon hadn’t ventured out very much. He showed up on time to eat. He seemed clean and tidy—helped by the few clothes and toiletries Felix had supplied—but there was an air of melancholy about him. Nathaniel tapped on Damon’s door but didn’t wait for a response before entering. Damon was lying on his bed wearing a pair of faded jeans and a snug black T-shirt. His feet were bare and his dark hair needed combing. He scrambled from the bed, face bleaching white.
“I…I’m sorry, Sir.” Damon’s voice shook.
