Page 50 of Elemental Hope
“Okay. I hope he and Coryn slept better than we did.”
Evrain dialed Gregory’s number then put the phone on speaker so Dominic could hear. It rang quite a few times before Gregory picked up.
Evrain was still furious that Gregory had used Dominic in the way he had. He blamed his godfather for convincing Dominic to have the magical agrimony painted on his body. He knew how painful the magic must have been and was annoyed that Gregory had made no apologies for what he had done. He resolved to keep his thoughts to himself.
“Good morning, Evrain. Still angry with me?”
Evrain sighed. “Sometimes I think you’re a mind-reader, not a warlock. Yes, I’m still mad at you.” He rolled his eyes. Dominic grinned.
“Good. The emotion will keep you sharp. He agreed to it, Evrain. He loves you and he wanted to do it for you. Just accept it and move on. We need to focus on the future. How are you both?”
“A bit bruised and battered. We didn’t sleep that well. But we’re alive. That has to be a plus.” He paced up and down as he spoke. “How about you—everything okay at the hotel?”
“I own it. Everything is perfect. Coryn and I have just had a very pleasant breakfast with Nathaniel and Felix. I’ve also spoken to your boss. Well, the CEO of your company actually. I told him we have some urgent family issues to deal with and that you needed to take a few days’ vacation time.”
“Thank you. It hadn’t even occurred to me that my sudden absence might be noticed and I need my job. I don’t want to get fired.”
“I told him the circumstances were exceptional.”
“You could hardly tell him the truth. You didn’t mention Damon. Isn’t he with you?”
“Damon, I understand, is having some quiet time. Yesterday’s events left him a little…overexcited. Nathaniel felt the need to calm him down some.”
“Don’t be too hard on him.” Evrain could hardly believe he was sticking up for Damon. “Without him we’d probably be at Symeon’s mercy and I’d be a few pints short of a full quota.”
“Nathaniel is aware of that. Trust me, he understands what Damon needs.”
“Okay.” Evrain sighed. “So where do we go from here? Your plan worked to some extent because my blood is now useless to Octis, but they’re unaware of the taint. Imelda is not going to be happy we escaped. She’s not going to stop hunting me. I doubt Symeon will give up either once he’s recovered enough.”
“I agree and so does Nathaniel. You’re too much of a temptation.”
“That I agree with,” Dominic contributed.
Evrain pressed his lips together to prevent a laugh escaping.
“We need to put an end to this problem once and for all,” Gregory said. “I know we’d be taking a risk but the only way I can see to do that is to meet with Imelda face to face.”
“I don’t like it, but I think you’re right. It’s probably the only way to get her off my back.” Evrain avoided making eye contact with Dominic.
“But this time it will be on our terms. I could give her some of your blood myself, but she would never believe that it was yours. She needs to see it extracted personally. I will arrange a meeting. With Nathaniel and me there you will be well protected.”
“It’s not me that I’m worried about and you know it, Gregory. If we do this, Dominic will have to be there too. Putting him in danger again isn’t acceptable.”
Dominic tapped on the table to attract his attention then raised his eyebrows in question.
“Hold on, Gregory, I think Dominic has something to say.”
“Can you think of a better way to resolve this, Evrain, because I can’t?” Dominic looked so serious. “You have to let me help. It affects both of us, not just you. We need to end this situation and we need to end it decisively. It isn’t just your choice to make.”
“I can see that you still need a little more educating about who makes the decisions around here,” Evrain muttered. “It will be my pleasure to teach you, but much as I hate to admit it, this time you’re right. I think I’m just trying to find a reason not to go ahead.”
“If you two have quite finished?” Gregory sounded amused.
“Okay, Gregory, I don’t like it, but I can’t see any other way. Arrange the meeting. Let us know where we need to be and we’ll be there.”
“Stay at home, Evrain. No wandering. This probably won’t take long. Imelda will be very keen to meet. If she doesn’t pull this off she’ll lose her power base at Octis.”
“I’d prefer not to be a prisoner in my own home for too long. I want to get this over with.” Evrain realized he sounded a bit petulant. “I’m sorry, Gregory. I’m just worried.”
