Elemental Hope

by L. M. Somerton

  Dominic’s answer was to lean in for another kiss. “Stop talking, Evrain.”

  This time the joining of their lips was fierce. Dominic was just as demanding as Evrain, who found he had to battle for dominance. He nibbled Dominic’s plump lower lip and, at the same time, pushed the tip of a finger into his hole. The heat inside him was intense. Evrain pulled him closer, wanting Dominic to know how hard he was, how much he made him want him. He sank his finger a little deeper. Dominic rose on his toes.

  “Stop teasing me.” He reached behind his body, grabbed Evrain’s wrist then tried to force him deeper. He rubbed his rigid cock against Evrain’s cloth-covered bulge. “Need you.”

  “You’ll have me. When I decide.” Evrain withdrew his finger. He gave Dominic’s backside a light slap. “You are badly in need of discipline.” He sat on the chair, patting his thighs. “Over my lap.”

  Dominic stood there, flushed and gorgeous, his cock standing to attention.

  “Don’t pretend you don’t want it. Your body betrays you.” Evrain waited patiently for Dominic to submit. The war between need and resistance played itself out on Dominic’s face until he worried his swollen lip with his teeth and took a step forward. Evrain could not have found the words to describe his deep satisfaction when Dominic draped himself across his lap, but warmth filled him. He made an effort to control his emotions as flames leapt up the chimney.

  “Please don’t singe my ass,” Dominic muttered.

  Evrain just held back a snort of laughter. “It’s definitely going to get hotter, but no burns, I promise.” He brought his cupped palm down on Dominic’s unmarked skin.

  “Ow!” Dominic wriggled but pushed his ass up as if begging for more.

  “I know what you’re doing.” Evrain parted his thighs to prevent Dominic from gaining friction against his cock. “You get to come when I say so, not before.” He rained a few more hard smacks against Dominic’s exposed flesh, admiring the pink glow that resulted. He judged Dominic’s moan was more about frustration than pain. Using consistent force, he focused his efforts on the crease between ass and thigh for a while. Dominic’s breath hitched. His muscles tensed.

  “Oh no you don’t!” Evrain twisted his fingers, sending a coil of air around Dominic’s dick. He made it rotate at the base of Dominic’s balls, teasing and constricting at the same time. “So much more fun than a cock ring, don’t you think?”

  Dominic panted and groaned simultaneously. Evrain resumed the spanking until Dominic relaxed, his muscles becoming pliant. Evrain guessed he had reached that place where pain disappeared and became erotic pleasure. His breathing was slower and deeper. He no longer twitched beneath the blows.

  Evrain reached for the wooden plug and the jar of lubricant. He slathered the toy with a thick layer of the viscous substance then pressed it firmly against Dominic’s hole. Dominic was so relaxed that the plug slid home with little resistance. Evrain gave it a nudge or two and released the collar of air preventing Dominic’s ability to come. He encouraged Dominic to move so that he was sitting in his lap rather than splayed over it. He held him close, applying light strokes to his cock.

  “You’ve done so well, sweetheart. I can feel the heat from your ass against my thigh. So warm. You deserve a reward.”

  Dominic rocked a little, applying pressure to the plug. He sighed then his head fell forward onto Evrain’s shoulder as he came. Evrain took a deep breath as Dominic’s unique scent filled the air. Sticky warmth coated his palm. Dominic shuddered. He made the sweetest sounds while his body tensed through the aftershocks of orgasm. Evrain’s smile was one of pure satisfaction. Controlling Dominic’s pleasure made him feel more powerful than any use of his gift. His dick ached but that in itself was a turn-on. He could wait for his own release. After they ate and Dominic had had a chance to recover, Evrain had every intention of pounding his lover’s well-spanked ass until he screamed.

  “I need another shower.”

  Evrain smiled. Dominic was coming out of sub-space with a rumbling stomach and some attitude.

  “No, you don’t. I haven’t finished with you yet. Once we’ve eaten I intend to have my wicked way with you.”

  “You put something in my ass.”

  “I did.” Evrain chuckled. “Does it feel good?”

  “Full.” Dominic wriggled. “How did I get in your lap?”

  “Does it matter?” Stroking Dominic’s back had him purring with pleasure. “I’d put some balm on your ass, but I want you to feel everything all through dinner. I want you desperate and begging for me before we get to dessert.”

  “I’ll go dress.”

  “I don’t think so. I prefer you naked.”

  “S’not fair. You have clothes on.”

  “Mmm. Delicious, isn’t it?”

  “Want to see you.”

  “Later. You won’t appreciate my cooking if you’re distracted.”

  Dominic pouted. A lock of dark copper hair fell across his face. He shoved it away. “Why do I put up with you?”

  “Because you love me,” Evrain said with certainty. “And you get off on me telling you what to do.”

  Dominic wrinkled his nose but didn’t deny it.

  “So go sit at the table and I’ll feed you.”

  “Then fuck me?” There was an appeal in Dominic’s voice.

  “Definitely.”

  Dominic slipped from Evrain’s lap then ambled across to the table. He took a seat, sucking in his breath as his no doubt tender ass hit the chair. He sent Evrain a baleful glance.

  “What?” Evrain tried for innocence but came up short.

  “Sadist.” Dominic poured himself a glass of water.

  Evrain made his way to the stove. Once the salmon and vegetables were cooking he joined Dominic at the table.

  “The food won’t be long. I didn’t want to cook the fish until we were ready. Dry salmon is against the laws of nature.” He cut a couple of slices of nutty granary loaf then slathered them with butter. “Here, this will keep you going.” He put one slice on a plate then slid it across to Dominic, who devoured it before Evrain had even taken a bite from his own slice. He held that one out to Dominic. “Here, you need it more than I do.”

  “I‘m hungry.”

  “I can see that.” Evrain gave Dominic an indulgent smile.

  “Hey, I worked hard today then sat in a room full of warlocks and listened to all the bad things that people are planning to do to you. Then you…you…wore me out even more.” Dominic’s cheeks flushed with color.

  “I know. I guess we react differently to these situations.”

  “You thrive on it, don’t you?”

  Evrain couldn’t deny he did get something of a thrill out of the unusual and unexpected. He nodded. “While you prefer the certainty of things that grow.”

  “Plant a seed, it does what comes naturally. No surprises. No magic required.”

  “Aren’t we just like a seed? We’re growing together. Me into my power, you into a role that makes it possible.”

  “That’s very profound—and oddly surreal considering I’m sitting here naked.”

  “It’s a good look on you.” Evrain got up. He dished up the food then returned to the table with laden plates. He put his down then circled behind Dominic to put the other one in front of him. He placed his hands on Dominic’s bare shoulders, stroking him with light touches. “Eat. Build up your energy. I want to put that nakedness to good use.”

  Evrain was quite pleased with his culinary efforts. The fish was light and flaky, the vegetables firm and the potatoes fluffy inside. He also had Dominic to stare at across the table. All in all, it was a very satisfactory meal. Dominic glanced at him every now and again from beneath his thick copper lashes. The blush didn’t fade from his cheeks.

  Evrain finished his food first. He pushed his chair back a little to stretch out his legs. He thought about the smooth wooden plug nestled inside Dominic’s body.

  “What are you grinning about?” Dominic asked as
he finished his final forkful of broccoli. “You look like you’re about to do something I’m going to regret.”

  Evrain pinched his thumb and forefinger together. Visualizing what he wanted to achieve, he drew them slowly apart. Dominic’s eyes widened and his lips parted.

  “What are you…? Evrain! Stop that.”

  “Just making the plug a little bigger.” Evrain repeated the motion with his fingers.

  Dominic stood, the movement so abrupt his chair fell over, landing with a crash.

  “Oh God!” Dominic panted. He reached behind his back.

  “It won’t come out, love. Not until I remove it. I’d say it’s pushing on your prostate quite nicely.” Evrain admired the tensing of Dominic’s muscles and the light sheen of moisture making his skin shine. His erection was a thing of beauty. He grabbed the edge of the table, steadying himself.

  “Please!”

  Evrain couldn’t resist the plea. He maneuvered Dominic away from the table and into his arms. He ran his fingers down Dominic’s spine and over the curve of his ass until he found the base of the plug. Just the slightest pressure elicited a half-scream from his lover. “I’ve got you.” He turned Dominic around so that he could press against his back. He gave his cock a couple of tugs, spreading the warm bead of pre-cum over its head until it glistened. Dominic whimpered and begged, his words barely coherent. Evrain held him steady with an arm around his waist then used his free hand to undo his own pants. He released his aching cock with relief then eased the plug from Dominic’s channel. As it was pulled free, Dominic moaned.

  “Just making room for me, sweetheart.” Evrain tested Dominic’s readiness with a finger. “Still nice and slick.” He pushed into him with a single smooth thrust. Much as he would have liked to demonstrate the kind of control it took to hold off, he couldn’t. A bit of graceless, not quite gentle, shoving and Dominic was able to brace himself against the wall. “That’s better. More resistance.” Evrain jerked his hips. “You were made just for me. You know that?”

  “Less conversation, more action, witch-boy.” Dominic pushed his ass back.

  “If you can still talk, I’m not doing this right.” Evrain proceeded to render Dominic speechless. Close to the edge, he managed to get one hand around Dominic’s cock, the other around his throat. The soft heat surrounding his dick needed no magical enhancement. Dominic used his inner muscles to squeeze him hard.

  “Pushy bottom.” Evrain responded with a few punishing thrusts. He twisted his fingers around Dominic’s straining shaft. “You can…”

  Dominic didn’t wait for him to complete the sentence. His spine arched. He pressed his butt against Evrain’s groin, sealing them together. His orgasm sent tremors through his body and he moaned in ecstasy. Feeling the intensity of Dominic’s release ignited Evrain’s body. His fingers closed around Dominic’s throat. Dominic pushed against his touch as if inviting him to grip harder. The sense of absolute power over another human being gave Evrain such a head rush that he lost all coordination. His gliding thrusts faltered and he came in a series of awkward jerks.

  As the euphoria faded he regained enough awareness to loosen his grip. He slipped from Dominic’s body then turned him around, drawing him into a close embrace.

  “I love you.” His voice trembled. He traced the finger-shaped marks on Dominic’s neck. “I crave you.”

  Dominic pushed him away a few inches.

  “And you bewitch me.”

  Evrain stared at him. “I can’t believe you said that with a straight face.”

  Dominic dissolved into laughter. “You crave me? Really? Have you been reading trashy romance novels?”

  Evrain tumbled into one of the armchairs next to the fire, pulling Dominic with him.

  “I’m serious! You’re an addiction. You’re in my blood. In my bones.” He fingered the cord around Dominic’s neck. The stone star was warm where it had been in contact with Dominic’s skin. “I should fit this to a leather collar.”

  “In your dreams!” Dominic squirmed, trying to escape. Evrain just held him tighter.

  “Indeed. That kind of thing features in my dreams almost every night.” He leered, making Dominic laugh even more.

  “Then take me to bed. It’s about time I got you naked.”

  Evrain didn’t have to consider that suggestion for long.

  Chapter Six

  It had been almost three weeks since the gathering at the cottage. Returning a couple of days after the initial get together, Nathaniel and Gregory had declared their decision to let matters lie for a while. They needed to draw Symeon out. Give him enough rope to hang himself, or at least to trip over and fall on his face.

  Evrain mulled this over as he lay in bed resisting the need to get up. He still wasn’t comfortable being used as bait. If it had just been him he’d have been all for it, but Dominic was a different matter. He wanted Dominic safe. He sighed. He had to travel to the office so abandoning the soft warmth of his bed was mandatory.

  “Stop thinking so much and get up,” Dominic mumbled.

  Evrain gave him a quick smack on the behind but swung his legs out of bed. He dressed quickly then headed downstairs. Dominic, clad in just his jeans, padded after him.

  “The warm weather does have some advantages.” Evrain leered at his boyfriend. “Shame I don’t have time to take full advantage.” He glanced toward the door from his seat at the kitchen table. He frowned then shook his head. “Must be imagining things.” He went back to reading the detailed brief spread in front of him on the table.

  “Imagining what?” Dominic strolled over carrying two glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice. He put one in front of Evrain.

  “Thought I heard scratching at the door. We probably have mice.”

  Dominic sipped his juice. He cocked his head to one side. “Can’t hear anything.”

  As if to give the lie to his words, there was a loud scrabbling at the door.

  “I heard that.”

  “Can’t be dangerous, the wards haven’t been disturbed.”

  “So you want me to take a look?” Dominic fiddled with the star pendant nestled in the hollow of his throat.

  “I suppose so. I don’t sense any danger.” Evrain continued reading. “I have to get through all this before I head in to the office. Should have done it last night but you distracted me.” Evrain grinned at Dominic’s affronted stare.

  “You know, I’ll be glad when Gregory’s back to resume your training. I seem to recall reminding you last night about that brief. I ended up gagged and tied to the bed.”

  “You were talking too much,” Evrain said. He closed his eyes, picturing the image of Dominic, lean limbs spread, strapped down for his pleasure.

  “You… You… Oh, I give up.” Dominic marched over to the door. He yanked it open, then stood there for a moment.

  Curious, Evrain craned to see. “What is it?”

  Dominic took a step back. “It’s for you.”

  Holding back a sigh, Evrain shoved his chair back then walked over to the door. Sitting front and center on the step was a fat, long-haired black cat. He stared at the animal. The cat stared back, bright green eyes unblinking.

  “I thought witch’s cats were supposed to be lean and slinky,” Dominic commented. “This one has been scoffing too many mice. And it has more fluff than a woolly mammoth.”

  The cat turned its gaze on Dominic, managing to come across as mortally wounded.

  “I’m a warlock, not a witch,” Evrain muttered. “And how do you know it’s here for me? Probably just wandered away from its owners.”

  “You don’t believe that for a minute. How many cats show up at a front door then scratch to be let in?”

  “So why is it just sitting there?”

  “Perhaps it’s waiting to be invited inside and I can’t believe I just said that.” Dominic went back to the kitchen table. He sat then sipped his juice.

  “Do you want to come in?” Evrain asked the cat, which sashayed past him into the
cottage. “Fuck, I’m talking to an animal as if it’s human. I’m losing it.” He shut the door. The cat paused, licked a paw then leapt into one of the armchairs next to the fireplace, curled up then closed its eyes. Purring, loud enough to shake the foundations, started up.

  At a loss, Evrain turned to Dominic.

  “Don’t look at me. Seems like we’ve acquired a new housemate.” Dominic shrugged.

  “But where did it come from? I grew up with dogs. I have no idea how to take care of a cat.”

  “I imagine it’s fairly self-sufficient. Can’t say I’ve much experience with supernatural animals either—and I’m assuming that this one isn’t anywhere close to being normal. I like cats, though.”

  He might have imagined it but Evrain thought the purring grew even louder. “She might not stay.”

  “How do you know she’s a she?” Dominic asked.

  “Oh…I don’t. She feels like a female.”

  Dominic gave him a quizzical look.

  Exasperated, Evrain shrugged. “I can sense it. She’s…content.”

  “You’re vacuuming up her fluff when she sheds everywhere.”

  “You’re being very accommodating,” Evrain said.

  “Why fight it? Even I get the feeling she’s going nowhere. There must be a reason for her being here and she wouldn’t have made it across your wards if she presented any danger. She’s cute.”

  Evrain examined the pile of dark fur ensconced in his favorite chair. “Then I suppose we’d better give her a name.” The cat opened one eye. An ear twitched.

  “What do warlocks’ cats normally get called?”

  Evrain could tell that Dominic was holding back a laugh. “How the hell should I know?” He tried to get a sense of identity from the cat. “I don’t think she has a name yet.”

  “Well, she’s black—how about Sooty?” An indignant yowl came from the chair. “Maybe not.”

  “Hmm, what about Shadow?” Evrain approached the cat. He stroked its soft head. “What do you think about that? Suitably mysterious?” The cat butted his hand. “Seems like that meets with approval.” More loud purrs answered him.