Elemental Hope

by L. M. Somerton

  Exhausted, Evrain fell forward onto his hands. He focused on the blades of soft grass beneath his palms and looked on, bewildered as a dark red droplet splashed against the green. He raised trembling fingers to his nose. They came away stained red. He shivered. Whilst completing his task he hadn’t noticed the temperature at all, but now the air felt cool against his bare skin.

  A pile of white cloth landed in front of him. It took him a few moments to work out that it was his discarded shirt. He pulled it on, fumbling with the buttons. Slowly he took in the dimming light and registered that the whole day had gone by. Gregory lounged, cross-legged, in the grass, chewing on a single juicy stalk.

  “Maybe you have learned a thing or two.” He climbed to his feet and turned toward the lane. “You’re pale as a ghost. Get inside and eat. I’ll see you again tomorrow and I’ll be bringing a guest.”

  “Who?” Evrain wasn’t feeling in the least bit sociable. He wiped the back of his hand across his face, smearing it with blood.

  “Nathaniel Alberich. I spoke to him yesterday and he’s very keen to meet you.”

  “The fourth warlock?” Evrain’s curiosity sparked.

  “Yes. He’s been sensing your power. He’s nothing like Symeon. I consider him a friend and ally. I think you’ll like him.” A trace of a smile crossed his lips. “Go home and give Dominic a hug. He’s going to need it.” Gregory got to his feet. “Wait, I have something for you.” He dug in his pocket, pulling out a length of cord with a star-shaped pendant attached. “Give this to Dominic to wear. He should never take it off. It will provide some protection for him outside the cottage wards. It’s identical to one that Coryn has. It won’t stop physical harm but it will guard against spellcraft.”

  Evrain wound the cord around his fingers, wishing the pendant was attached to a chain he could padlock around Dominic’s neck. “I’ll make sure he wears it.”

  “Don’t frighten him too much, Evrain. We have many enemies but he doesn’t need to live in fear. It’s your job to look out for him as best you can.” Gregory strolled away with a brief wave and a smile.

  Evrain watched him go, wishing he had the energy to ask more questions about the pendant, about Nathaniel Alberich or just to utter a few choice curses.

  “Dominic.” Evrain was still on his knees so he hauled himself to his feet. He had been channeling for something like eight hours and he felt like death, but he had been in control of his own actions. He had used Dominic mercilessly and felt sick at the thought. He managed a stumbling run to the cottage, where a cozy glow promised warmth and refuge.

  Evrain shoved open the door. Dominic was sitting in one of the armchairs next to the fire, which had burned down to glowing embers. He was reading one of Agatha’s old books on herbal lore, the green cover faded with age. He looked up with a gentle smile, blue eyes sparkling in the glow of dying fire.

  “You look terrible. Come and sit down and I’ll make you a drink and something to eat.”

  Evrain leaned against the doorframe, resting his head against the wood. “You’re all right?” He was afraid to get any closer in case proximity allowed him to identify signs of pain on Dominic’s beautiful face.

  “Shut the door, you’re letting in the cold.” Dominic laid his book to one side after marking his place with a stem of dried herbs. “Come and sit down before you fall over.”

  Evrain was being cajoled like a child who knew he’d done something wrong and didn’t want to face the consequences.

  “I’m fine. Really.” Dominic beckoned him over.

  Evrain walked toward him, noting his pallor. “Don’t lie to me, Dominic. I need to know how you really feel.” He put every ounce of command he could manage into his words. Dominic sighed.

  “Fine. As you’ll drive me nuts pestering me to tell you.” He shifted in his seat. “It’s a kind of bone-deep ache that permeates every part of my body. Something like when you have the flu. I worked on the garden until it became too much to ignore then moved inside. Herbal tea and the warmth of the fire have helped, because for some reason I was cold despite the sunshine. As long as I don’t try to move around too much, it’s manageable.”

  Evrain ran a hand through his hair. “I hate hurting you.”

  “You know, it’s strange. I knew the instant you stopped channeling and I missed the intimacy of the connection. Then there’s relief as the ache reduces. I’m pretty sure that what I’m feeling now is the result of muscles strained by tension. I’m going to have to teach myself some relaxation techniques. Do you think Coryn would be able to help me with that?”

  “I’m sure he would. Gregory says he barely feels anything after all the years they’ve been together. He thinks it will get better over time for you too.”

  Evrain sat in the other chair, enjoying the residual warmth of the fire. Dominic bent forward and placed a hand gently on his knee.

  “Gregory was hard on you today.”

  Evrain met Dominic’s questioning eyes. He nodded. “Unfortunately, he needs to be. I don’t have to like it. I do have to put up with it.”

  Dominic got up and planted a soft kiss on Evrain’s lips, “Yes, you do. Anything that keeps you safe is fine with me.”

  Evrain reached up and grabbed his hair, pulling him down for a much harder kiss, crushing Dominic’s lips with his own, raking his smooth cheek with rough stubble. “You’re not completely exhausted then?” Dominic asked the question while backing toward the kitchen with a lazy, wicked smile. Evrain raised his eyebrows. That slightly insolent expression was more usual on his face than Dominic’s. It was a challenge—one Evrain’s cock was more than happy to rise to.

  “You think you’re in control now, do you?” Evrain stood to follow his lover.

  “I wouldn’t dare contemplate such a thing.” Dominic’s grin said otherwise.

  “I was planning to pamper you this evening. Treat you to a bit of TLC after the day you’ve had.” Evrain stalked him, gaze fixed on Dominic’s obvious erection. “But I can see I need to take care of you another way.”

  Evrain let Dominic reverse until the back of his thighs hit the heavy oak of the kitchen table, then he pounced. He had him bent over the edge of the table, face pressed against the wood, his pants and underwear pooled around his ankles before he could draw breath to protest. Evrain didn’t think his grandmother, Agatha, would have been amused at the alternative use of her table but there was no stopping what was about to happen.

  He growled and kicked off his clothing until he was naked from the waist down. His dick was throbbing and hot, inspired by an inescapable need to claim what was his. To Evrain’s smug satisfaction, Dominic didn’t resist as his arms were pulled back behind him. Evrain circled his wrists with one hand and held them together with a firm grip. He used his bare foot to push Dominic’s spread legs even wider apart. Dominic moaned when Evrain teased his hole with the head of his shaft. As far as Dominic knew, Evrain had no lubrication. Spontaneity didn’t necessarily mean adequate preparation. Evrain loved that Dominic’s trust that he wouldn’t be hurt was so assured but he wouldn’t dream of taking him dry. He slathered his cock in something that would do the job then jerked his hips forward, sliding smoothly into Dominic’s receptive channel. Without stretching, Evrain knew that Dominic would feel the burn of such quick penetration. He also knew he liked it. His gasp wasn’t one of pain. Evrain couldn’t hold back. This was about driving need, about possession. It was wild and exciting.

  “I love you.” Evrain pistoned his hips back and forth, pushing Dominic against the table with every stroke. “So very much.” It was difficult to speak but Evrain needed Dominic to know how deep his feelings ran. “When I’m inside you, when we’re joined, there is nothing else. There will be no one else for me. Ever.”

  “Feels so good,” Dominic gasped. “Love you too!”

  “I’m the only man who will ever take you like this.” Evrain paused. “Say it!”

  “For pity’s sake, Evrain! I only want you. Only you.”

&n
bsp; “Always?”

  “Always.”

  The heat of victory filled Evrain. The whimpers and moans coming from beneath him spurred him on and he moved faster, gripping Dominic’s waist with one hand, squeezing his wrists together with the other. Dominic, his cock rubbing against the table, came first with a scream and Evrain’s name on his lips. Evrain followed as a last, violent thrust scattered stars in front of his eyes and forced a triumphant scream of release from his mouth.

  He took a few gasping breaths and let his weight rest for a moment on Dominic’s back. He had to force his finger cuff to relax, releasing Dominic’s arms. Beneath him, Dominic trembled. Evrain stroked his flank.

  “Stay put, sweetheart.” Evrain withdrew carefully.

  “Can’t move anyway,” Dominic mumbled. He raised his head briefly then laid it back on his arms. He took a few deep breaths and closed his eyes. Evrain crossed to the sink. He ran the hot water for a while, waiting until it warmed, then soaked a cloth. Returning to Dominic, he took a moment to admire the shiny trails leaking from his lover’s ass.

  “I’d like to leave this on your skin.” He ran a finger across the back of Dominic’s thigh.

  “Too sticky.”

  “True.” Evrain cleaned semen from Dominic’s skin. “Okay, gorgeous, you can stand up now, though this view is delectable.”

  Dominic yanked up his underwear and pants. He sat on the edge of the table, swinging his legs. His face was flushed, his blue eyes even brighter than usual. He pushed his hair back from his face and met Evrain’s anxious gaze.

  “Did I hurt you?” Evrain asked. “I hardly knew what I was doing…but Christ, that was hot!”

  “I think I might need a cushion for a while.” Dominic blinked. “But you can do that any time you like.”

  “Oh, I will…” Evrain cupped a possessive hand around his neck and nipped at his lip before pushing his tongue forward to explore. He could feel Dominic shaking and pulled away. “You haven’t eaten, have you?”

  “I was waiting for you.” Dominic’s creamy skin was very pale.

  “Idiot. Channeling is hard work for you as well as me. You must look after yourself.” Evrain manhandled him into a chair then tousled his copper locks. “I’ll make sandwiches.” He paused, grinning. “Think I’d better get some new butter out, though.” Dominic twisted his head to see and laughed at the deep gouge marks in the softening pat. Evrain shrugged. “It was the closest thing to hand.”

  Chapter Three

  Dominic had a gardening job to go to the following morning. His internal alarm clock woke him, though the dawn chorus was so loud he wondered how Evrain could possibly stay asleep. He gave him a fond glance while he dressed, pulling on black cargoes and a dark green polo shirt, which formed a uniform of sorts. Dominic was still exhausted, the fatigue that came from channeling for Evrain deep within his bones. He could only imagine how much worse it must be for his lover. Evrain seemed younger, more innocent in sleep but tiny frown lines marred his forehead as if his dreams disturbed him.

  Crawling back into bed seemed like a very good idea, but Dominic didn’t want to let his customers down. He had to make a conscious effort to move, descending the stairs to the kitchen as quietly as possible. Mindful of Evrain’s advice to look after himself better, he went to the trouble of putting together a filling breakfast of oatmeal and sliced banana, the drizzle of honey on the top an illicit indulgence. After that, and a couple of slices of whole-wheat toast thickly spread with butter, he felt much better. A steaming mug of peppermint tea washed it all down and he was ready to go.

  He sensed rather than heard Evrain’s approach, so didn’t jump when Evrain hugged him from behind. He hummed his pleasure as Evrain nuzzled his neck.

  “Hey, you. I tried to be quiet so you could carry on sleeping,” Dominic said.

  “You think I can sleep when you’re not there next to me?” Evrain sniffed the air. “Is there coffee?”

  “Sorry, no.” Dominic lifted his mug. “I had tea.”

  “That is not tea,” Evrain complained. “Tea is brown. You put milk in it. Not creamer. Milk. God, I miss decent tea. But now I need coffee.” He ambled toward the shiny chrome machine on the worktop. His shorts hugged his ass in a very appealing manner. Dominic only got a glimpse because Evrain had a baggy T-shirt on over the top.

  “Well, I have to leave you to your love affair with caffeine. I have customers waiting. Lawns to mow.” He pushed his chair back.

  “I have to work too, especially as we have visitors later today. You will be back, won’t you?”

  “Of course,” Dominic said. “Where would I rather be than in a room full of warlocks?”

  “Sarcasm equals spankings. Once I’ve had coffee.”

  Dominic edged toward the door. There was no way he was letting Evrain near him or he’d never leave.

  “Wait!” Evrain grinned. “Don’t worry, your ass is safe. For now. I have something for you. I meant to give it to you yesterday, but you distracted me.” He ran up the stairs.

  Dominic waited by the door, listening to random thumps from above. Evrain thudded back down the stairs. He had something dangling from his fingers. He crossed the room then held out his hand so that Dominic could see what was in it. It was a pendant of sorts, a small black star hanging from a narrow cord. Dominic took it. He’d thought the star was fashioned from metal because it was shiny, but it was actually made from polished stone. It was tactile and strangely warm.

  “What kind of material is this?” he asked.

  “It’s called schorl.”

  “I’ve never heard of it.”

  “It’s more commonly known as black tourmaline. Gregory gave it to me. Coryn has one too.”

  “Why? What’s it for?”

  “Protection.”

  Evrain took the pendant back then fastened the cord around Dominic’s neck. The star lay in the hollow at the base of his throat.

  “I want you to wear this at all times. It will protect you outside the gates. Promise me that you won’t go out without it on.”

  Dominic looked at him, saw the resolve in his eyes and nodded. “I promise.”

  “You’re not going to argue with me?” Evrain blinked.

  “No. I can recognize a stubborn, immoveable object when I see one.” Dominic touched the star. “It’s warm. It will make me think of you when I’m working.”

  “You should be thinking of me anyway!” Evrain protested.

  Dominic decided to make his escape while he still could, before Evrain got a caffeine boost and shrugged off the sleepiness that softened some of his hard edges. His work boots were just inside the door so he pulled them on, keeping one eye on Evrain, who was inhaling the aroma of fresh coffee beans.

  “I’ll see you later.” Dominic had one hand on the door handle.

  “Yes, you will.” The gold flecks in Evrain’s eyes glowed.

  Dominic swallowed. There was a threat of punishment in that eerie gaze and his body responded to the idea of it with an enthusiasm he couldn’t control.

  The clock had yet to strike eight when he slipped outside, pulling the cottage door closed behind him. It was a cool morning but with the promise of warmth in the air. Dominic felt relaxed as he headed off down the lane to the pull-in where he parked his van. He knew that Evrain had a storyboard to finish this morning and was unlikely to be channeling until later when he would have to practice some of the exercises that Gregory always gave him. Hopefully that would give Dominic a pain-free day to deal with some of his regular clients.

  Both his morning calls were local. His first call was to a widow who could no longer manage her extensive lawns. It was fortunate for him that she owned a ride-on mower. The job was routine but enhanced by homemade cookies and lemonade. He was at his second customer’s house by ten and spent the next couple of hours weeding, trimming shrubs and tidying up a garden belonging to an elderly couple who sat and watched him work. They chatted away about their family and told him all the local gossip. Most o
f the time he had no clue who they were talking about but he was glad of their company. By the time he’d finished and cleaned up at the outside tap his stomach was beginning to rumble. He said his goodbyes then drove to the single local store, where the owner made him up a sandwich. The hamlet he was working in was close to a small lake so he drove to the parking area then took his sandwich and sat on a wooden bench to enjoy the sunshine. A couple of birds landed near his feet, hopping closer in the hope of crumbs.

  “Bread isn’t good for you, you know.” Dominic extracted some ham from his lunch, tore it into tiny pieces then threw them onto the grass near his feet. It didn’t take the birds long to pluck up the courage to grab the handout. Dominic chuckled and threw them a few more scraps. It was a beautiful day. He felt good after a morning’s hard work, stretching his muscles and getting his hands dirty. He still had the scent of fresh-mown grass in his nostrils. Best of all, he had his enigmatic, gorgeous boyfriend to go home to. He’d never imagined he could be so contented and at peace.