Page 28 of Elemental Hope
Dominic looked anxiously from Nathaniel to Gregory then to Coryn. “One of you needs to tell me, for goodness sake. I’m not made of glass. I’m not going to break.” Thoughts swirled in his head, then it dawned on him. “Oh. Fuck.”
Gregory sighed. “The thing they most need in addition to Evrain himself is you, Dominic. His blood is only of use to them if they can extract it while he’s channeling and for that they need you.”
Dominic thought he might throw up the cookie he’d just eaten. As if sensing his emotions, Shadow jumped onto the table then padded across to him. Automatically he stroked her soft, midnight fur. “Could this day get any worse?”
“I’m afraid so.” Gregory frowned. “They need you to be close to him and they have to give him a reason to use his power. Evrain knows that the last thing he must do for them is channel—however, if you are being threatened or hurt there is little that anyone would be able to do to stop him. He certainly wouldn’t be able to stop himself. His instincts would take over.”
“But surely Octis will realize that we’re planning something if I just fall conveniently into their hands?” Dominic didn’t like the idea of being anywhere close to a bunch of witches but he would do anything to get Evrain back.
“Indeed, and that is why we must make it as difficult as we can for them to capture you, but not impossible.” Gregory steepled his fingers, looking thoughtful.
Dominic kept stroking Shadow, who seemed to know that her function as a stress reliever was required.
“It’s to our advantage that the Coven is making use of Symeon Malus because he’s driven by his need for the potion they must be supplying him with. Symeon is less likely to suspect that anything is wrong. He’d grab the opportunity to take you without even thinking about it. We just need to make it seem as if we have made a mistake and left you vulnerable.”
Gregory leaned forward. He pulled the star-shaped pendant from beneath Dominic’s shirt. He closed his eyes, running his fingers across the stone. When he opened his eyes again they glowed briefly.
“Evrain certainly didn’t mess around when he imbued the star with protective properties. He’s added significantly to what I could do and he put a lot of love into it. It’s an extremely powerful defense against witchcraft. If you were without it, Symeon would be able to sense the void left by its absence.” Gregory smiled. “I think I know how we can make this work. Symeon will expect us to move you somewhere where we can protect you better. We can make it seem as if we are doing just that, but when we leave, once we are a good way down the lane, you can make out that you have forgotten something important. He will be watching, that I can guarantee. I can ensure that your pendant becomes undone and falls to the ground before you reach the protection of the cottage wards. It will only give him a fraction of an instant to act but I think he will take his chance.”
“I’ll do what I have to,” Dominic said. “Of course I will, but it all sounds risky. How can you be sure Symeon will do what you think he will?”
“I know him, Dominic. He’s driven by his own lust for power.”
Dominic shrugged. He didn’t know enough to disagree. Nathaniel and Gregory had decades of experience in dealing with Symeon.
“When he takes you, you will have to fight him as much as you’re able. Shout and struggle as if you are in a panic, afraid. It’s a slim chance but I think that his addiction to power will override logical analysis of the situation.”
“I don’t think seeming afraid will be much of a problem,” Dominic stated, his tone wry. “The whole idea of this is terrifying. You know what Symeon did to me the last time he had me. He hates Evrain and he knows that the easiest way to hurt him is through me. I’m Evrain’s biggest vulnerability.”
“The Coven has too much control over Symeon for him to be able to do anything stupid. Octis will want you in one piece. It will be in his interest to get you to them undamaged.”
“And what about Damon?” Dominic asked.
“What about him?”
Dominic thought Nathaniel sounded a shade defensive. “I just mean… Well, won’t Symeon want him back? They were together a while. He might believe that Damon still loves him enough that he could channel through him.”
“The only feelings Damon has left for Symeon are hate and regret,” Nathaniel said with absolute certainty. “He suffered more than anyone at Symeon’s hands. It just took him a while to recognize the abuse for what it was.”
A glance passed between Gregory and Nathaniel. Dominic knew there was something he wasn’t being told but he didn’t have the energy to press for information he was unlikely to get.
“Dominic does have a point though,” Coryn commented. “Damon could be in danger. Symeon is the kind of man who wouldn’t want to lose what he considers to be his property. If he had any clue that Damon had turned to us for help, he’d want to kill him.”
Dominic shivered. He wouldn’t want to be in Damon’s shoes. “I hope he’s okay.” He meant it and that surprised him a bit. Coryn leaned across the table. He gave Dominic’s shoulder a gentle squeeze.
“At least we know he’ll be of little interest to the witches—he has no power of his own and Symeon uses him as a tool, nothing more. Felix will keep a very close eye on him, as will Nathaniel.”
“Okay.” Dominic didn’t miss the suggestion that Nathaniel had more than a passing interest in Damon. He chuckled. “I’m glad.” He fixed his gaze on Nathaniel, who blushed just a little. “We should invite him to join our club, Coryn.”
Coryn nodded. “He’d be an asset.”
“What club is this? And I know I’m going to regret the question,” Nathaniel asked.
“Support group for the long-suffering life partners of dommy warlocks,” Coryn replied with a chuckle. “Membership is very selective.”
Nathaniel shot a panicked look at Gregory. “They’re ganging up on us!”
“You want to try and stop them?” Gregory shrugged. “Best to just go with the flow. Your life will be a whole lot easier.” Gregory sipped his coffee reflectively. “I don’t deny this plan of ours is going to be unpleasant for you, Dominic. It’s a great deal to ask, but I can see no other way.”
