Warlock Ch. 02

Chapter 2 – Spellbound

It was the kind of Dickensian office you might expect to see in the latest historical drama on the television. Heavy dark wood furniture, a massive desk topped with green leather and lots of brass fittings – all highly polished of course. Shelves stuffed with leather-bound volumes, their spines glinting with dull gold lettering, covered the walls.

Evrain's head was pounding with the persistent headache that had plagued him since his grandmother's death a week earlier. He wore a sober black suit over a black shirt but had not succumbed to his mother's telephoned pleading to find a tie. The office contained three green leather chairs. Angus Pitt-Worth, the skeletal family solicitor, who was looking suitably sombre, occupied the one behind the desk. Evrain slouched in the second, skin pale with dark circles underneath his eyes. Balancing nervously on the edge of the third was Dominic who looked like he wanted to bolt from the room. Neither young man looked at the other.

"Well gentlemen, shall we begin?" Angus cast shrewd eyes over the two boys sitting before him.

"We are here to listen to the last will and testament of Agatha Millicent Hornbeam."

He mumbled through a quantity of legal jargon that neither Evrain nor Dominic paid much attention to, then opened a small packet of vellum that sat on the desk in front of him. Inside were two small envelopes, each sealed with blood red wax. He pushed them to the edge of the desk and gestured, "There is a letter for each of you, to be opened together, before the sun sets."

Hooded eyes blinked slowly, "Her words, not mine."

He picked up the only remaining document and began to read out a series of small bequests, mainly to charities and old friends.

"These beneficiaries will be contacted and informed directly. The two of you are the main beneficiaries of the estate."

Dominic shifted uncomfortably; he had no idea why Aggie would have left him anything at all. He stole a nervous glance at Evrain and flushed as he discovered him returning the look, a hungry predatory gleam in his eyes.

A cough from in front of him brought his attention back to the proceedings.

"If I could have your attention? To Dominic Castine I leave the land at Hornbeam Cottage, to include the gardens and surrounding acreage. In addition, a sum of fifty thousand pounds to support the development of that land as part of his business."

Dominic took a deep breath, it was more than he could possibly have imagined.

"And to my beloved grandson, Evrain James Brookes, Hornbeam Cottage and the remainder of the estate amounting to a value of two hundred and fifty thousand pounds, on condition that he reside there with immediate effect."

Angus stood and gave a small bow, "I'll give you a few minutes privacy while I fetch some tea."

He left the room quietly. The click of the closing door seemed to resound through the silence like a thunderclap.

Dominic stood but kept his head bowed, "I'll give everything to you Evrain. It should be yours by rights. I never expected anything, she never said... I'm sorry this has happened. I'll sign what ever I need to sign and you won't have to see me again."

"Oh no you don't."

Evrain's voice was soft but commanding, "You don't escape me that easily. My grandmother had good reason for everything she did and I am certainly not going to question that now. I have no use for land. You do. I'm more than happy to let you commit yourself to hard labour in my stead."

"But all that money! I haven't earned it, any of it."

"And you think I have? She's left me enough to ensure that I don't have to work again unless I want to. Cunning old biddy – I thought she was as poor as a church mouse."

He stood and joined Dominic in front of the desk.

"Look at me."

Dominic shifted nervously but didn't meet his eyes.

"I said look at me Dominic."

Anxious blue eyes gradually met his own.

"Please believe that I'm happy for you. Accept that something good has to come out of such a horrific act."

Dominic gave a single nod and Evrain caught his breath as the movement caused the light to catch in his hair, reflecting the deep red tone warmly. He had a sudden urge to run his hands through it, wondering if it would feel as soft as it looked.

Dominic froze as he lifted his hand. His body was saying "touch me, please touch me", his mind was telling him to run but his feet were frozen to the floor. He couldn't move, only wait for contact to be made.

Evrain felt the electric tension in the air but sensed that Dominic's lack of movement gave him permission to continue. However, his planned exploration was abruptly curtailed as the office door clicked open to admit Angus and his secretary who was lugging a heavy tray of tea.

Evrain scowled his annoyance and frustration but moved away. Dominic let out his breath with a slight shudder, not knowing whether to cry or laugh with relief.

After twenty minutes of polite small talk and cups of over-brewed tea, they left. Outside on the rain slicked pavement, some of the tension returned, the atmosphere shifting like the calm before a storm.

"Have you got your van?"

Evrain asked the question before Dominic could disappear.

He nodded, "It's just around the corner."

"Good. You can give me a lift back to the cottage. If I have to move in tonight I need to take a look around and decide what to pack at the flat."

Dominic didn't have the courage to question his right to tell him what to do. Somewhere deep inside he was secretly pleased that Evrain wanted to spend more time with him.

The small blue van was old but immaculately clean inside. It smelt vaguely of moss and earth – a comforting scent of the countryside.

"Do you want to go home first and change?"

Dominic looked dubiously at Evrain's smart shoes and clothes.

"Are you criticising the way I look?" Evrain's eyes flashed mischievously.

"No! I just..." Dominic stuttered into an unhappy silence.

"I'm sorry." Evrain leaned across and placed a hand on his thigh, "You're right. This outfit isn't very practical is it?"

He felt firm muscle clench beneath his touch and was sorely tempted to see what would happen if he moved his hand slightly higher. Wicked thoughts flashed through his mind and he grinned to himself before lifting his hand. There would be plenty of time for that. Grandmother dearest had done him a great favour by tying Dominic to him. He was going to enjoy reeling in those invisible cords, but he would take his time. Still, there was no harm in having a bit of fun in the meantime.

Dominic followed his directions in silence and pulled up outside the modern riverside complex that housed his small apartment. He turned off the engine, "I'll wait here."

"No you won't, you'll come up and wait."

His tone was challenging, daring Dominic to refuse him. A small sigh signalled defeat and the two of them headed upstairs.

"Make yourself at home, I won't be long."

Evrain took off his jacket and threw it across a chair before heading for his room. He stripped down to his underwear and rummaged in the wardrobe for an old pair of jeans. He was about to pull them on then smiled to himself and strolled back into the lounge, "I should have said – the kitchen's through there, make yourself a drink if you'd like something."

Dominic took in broad bare shoulders, well-defined chest and abs, narrow waist and flat stomach. He swallowed hard and blushed but didn't look away.

Evrain watched Dominic's reaction to his state of undress with amusement. That creamy freckled skin did look very pretty with a light flush of colour highlighting sharp cheekbones. He could feel himself becoming aroused and smirked as Dominic's discomfort increased. Those beautiful blue eyes couldn't resist being drawn to the growing bulge in his shorts. He waited a few more seconds then turned back into the bedroom, his hand slipping in to his underwear.

Dominic looked around for something to distract him from his own aching cock. Evrain had an amazing body; he hadn't been able to tear his eyes away from all that smooth skin and toned muscle. He spotted his drawing board in the corner of the room and wandered over. It was covered with story layouts from some kind of superhero comic, but peeking from beneath the sheets of paper was a hint of something else. He pulled the papers free and gasped. The storyline showed a naked young man bound helplessly to his bed by creeping ivy, tendrils of the plant curling around his cock and balls. The character looked remarkably like him.

"Does the story appeal to you?"

Dominic jumped as Evrain's deep voice sounded close to his ear.

"I had a dream – it was so real, it was like this..." he whispered the words, almost to himself.

"Maybe it wasn't a dream."

Evrain threw the words back at him.

"Come on, time to go."

Hornbeam Cottage seemed dark and cold as they walked down the path towards it.

"I still can't believe she's gone. Have the police told you anything about the investigation?"

That was as many words as Evrain had ever heard Dominic speak unprompted and a true indication of how much he had cared about the old lady.

"No. I doubt they will catch anyone."

Evrain's tone was sharper than he intended. This was his first visit to the cottage since he had discovered his grandmother's body. He'd thought that she was just sleeping, then when she hadn't stirred he had realised that she was gone. She was an old lady and at first he hadn't noticed the livid bruising around her neck. The shock when he realised that her death had not been natural was still with him. The coroner had still not released the body for burial so he still hadn't had the closure that a funeral might provide.

Inside everything was exactly the same as it had been a week earlier. He could almost picture her sitting in the chair, scolding him for some minor infraction. He wandered around touching things, letting his fingers absorb what was left of her presence and it provided a measure of comfort. Dominic lit the fire and they sat in two armchairs either side of the hearth.

"I suppose we should open these letters."

Evrain ripped his open and began to read then laughed, "It seems you have to hear this too."

He cleared his throat and began to read aloud, "Dearest Evrain, that you are reading this means that I am gone earlier than I hoped and the challenges ahead of you have consequently increased. Read your letter aloud in Dominic's presence, he should then do the same.

I hope you will follow my instructions and move to the cottage immediately. It is warded and will provide a measure of protection for you both while you learn your craft. Be diligent in continuing your training. Self-discipline is vital – I have shown you how to proceed; now it is up to you.

My dear, you have enormous talent, but it will only truly mature once you can channel through a life partner. I have done what I can to set you on the right path in this but you can only follow your heart. You will never be an easy person to love, recognise that in yourself and it will help because I know you have it in you to love the right man deeply.

There are those that would seek to harm you or to use your gifts for evil. Be vigilant. Protect yourself and the one you will come to love. I know that you will fulfil my expectations and be all that you can be. My spirit will be watching over you."

Evrain looked up and met Dominic's questioning gaze. Tiny flashes of orange reflected in his blue eyes as the fire blazed in response to his own emotional state.

"Why don't you read yours, then everything might become clearer?"

Fingers trembling, Dominic broke the seal and unfolded his own letter. It began in a similar way to Evrain's instructing him to read it aloud.

"I'm sure that you have known for some time that I am, or should I say was, a witch. I could see the knowledge in those beautiful eyes, but you were always too shy to ask. I am glad that you accepted what I was and hope that you have learned from me. The talent runs deep in my family, my grandson possesses more power than I could ever have dreamed of. Evrain is the first warlock to be born to my family line in several hundred years. For his own protection, he only gained full access to his abilities on his twenty-first birthday.

The two of you are close in age so I'm sure you can understand a little of what he is feeling. Powerful warlocks control their power by channelling some of their emotional energy through a life partner. This can only be achieved consensually and through a bond of love. I will not deceive you Dominic, channelling is very painful. A relationship with a warlock is not to be taken lightly.

You are bright enough to realise by now that I saw you as a potential partner for Evrain and that I planned to bring you together. Your quiet strength would provide the perfect counterpoint to his assertive confidence. Forgive me for putting you in this position, just promise me that you will think about my words before you make any decisions.

However the future unfolds I know that you will make good use of the land I have willed you. Do with it as you see fit, with my blessing."

Dominic looked up slowly, "You have got to be kidding me. Did you slip something in my tea?"

Evrain just sat and looked at him implacably.

"It can't be true. This is the real world, warlocks don't exist."

He stood up and ran agitated fingers through his thick hair. Evrain twisted his fingers into a weird shape, made a gesture and the fire flared brightly next to them.

"No... I don't believe it."

Dominic backed to the door and opened it. Another gesture from Evrain and a gust of wind slammed it closed again.

"It's true Dominic. I can't help what I am but I am sorry if that scares you. Leave if you wish, I won't try to stop you."

He sighed as Dominic reopened the door and edged out into the cold.

"It's a lot to take in, believe me I know."

He whispered the words at the dancing flames and settled back to wait.

Outside Dominic grabbed a spade from the shed and changed into an old pair of boots that he kept there. He walked to the vegetable patch and methodically began to dig. He let the contents of the two letters drift through his mind as the spade cut through the soft earth. Deep down he knew that Aggie wouldn't lie. It was just so hard to accept. And she thought that he and Evrain could be together? That was even more unbelievable. Evrain was charismatic, beautiful and talented. What possible use could he have for a lowly gardener?

Dominic dug until his muscles screamed at him to stop and then dug some more. He could lose himself in the repetitive action of push, stamp and turn, ignoring the aches in arms and back. He didn't notice when it started to rain and was soaked to the skin before he finally paused. His thin shirt was plastered to his body, clinging uncomfortably to his skin. Rivulets of water ran down his face from strands of sodden hair. Absently he noticed the blisters on his hands where he had neglected to wear any gloves and shivered as his body temperature cooled. He abandoned the spade and walked slowly back to the house, kicking off soaked boots before pushing the door open. He stood inside on the mat and shook as a puddle gathered around his bare feet.

Evrain took one look and swore, "Oh for fuck's sake, what have you done to yourself? Get over here by the fire."

Dominic complied without resistance and steam began to hiss from his jeans as intense heat penetrated the cold, wet denim.

"Strip."

Dominic raised startled blue eyes at the perfunctory command.

"You need to get out of those wet clothes Dominic, so strip or I'll do it for you."

Unfortunately, Dominic's fingers were shaking so much from the cold that he was unable to undo his own buttons. Evrain stepped towards him with an exasperated hiss and deftly undid them all. He peeled the fabric away from clammy skin and hung it on the arm of the chair closest to the fire. Next he tackled his belt and waistband, pulling his jeans down to reveal snug black underwear that was also soaked through.

"They need to come off too. I'll fetch a towel."

He was gone barely two minutes, returning with a couple of thick towels.

"You know, this isn't what I had in mind when I imagined undressing you for the first time."

He gave himself one self-indulgent moment to admire Dominic's lean, muscular frame before throwing the towel around his shoulders.

"Take off your underwear."

He would have been quite happy to assist but realised what a delicate state Dominic was already in. He did watch as he shakily slid his trunks down and stepped out of them, clutching the towel around himself defensively.

Evrain took the second towel and began to rub Dominic's limbs roughly, "need to get your circulation going, you must be virtually hypothermic. What the hell did you think you were doing out there?"

"I'm sorry." Dominic apologised through chattering teeth, "I just needed to think,"

"And you had to do that in the cold and rain? Idiot!"

Dominic hung his head and shook miserably, there wasn't much he could say and he didn't have the strength to defend himself.

"You'll have to stay here tonight. Do you think you can manage the stairs?"

Evrain took lack of response for agreement and manhandled him in the right direction. The guest room was small but cosy and the double bed was covered in a heavy patchwork quilt. Evrain pulled it back and gestured, "Get in before you freeze to death. I'm going to see if I can find a hot water bottle."

He turned away just as Dominic dropped the towel to climb under the covers. The dressing table mirror gave him the perfect view of a firm creamy ass and he had to force himself to look away.

By the time he had rummaged in the bathroom, dragged out an ancient rubber bottle and heated the water for it, Dominic had fallen asleep. Evrain lifted the covers just enough to shove the bottle near to his feet then pulled them up to cover bare shoulders. His damp hair was curling a little at the ends and his lips were slightly parted, his breathing steady.

Evrain felt incredibly protective. It would be so easy to lift the covers and have a really good look at Dominic's body. If the promise of that ass was anything to go by, he knew he wouldn't be disappointed. He couldn't do it though. He wanted Dominic to be fully aware of what he was doing when he did eventually get to touch.

He left him sleeping and had a good look around the cottage. Tomorrow he would bring a few things from home and set up his workstation in the third bedroom. For tonight, he would manage with what was at the cottage. Aggie's freezer was still well stocked and there were plenty of tins in the cupboard. He put clean linen on the bed in the master bedroom and put a pan of frozen stew on the stove to heat.

It was about nine o'clock when he heard the sounds of stirring from above. He loaded up a tray with bowls of stew and mugs of tea and headed for the guest room. As he went inside he nearly dropped the tray. Dominic was sitting up in bed, bare-chested, hair tousled from sleep, blue eyes blinking in confusion. To Evrain he looked young, vulnerable and incredibly desirable. His heart beat just a little faster as he was rewarded with a shy, tentative smile and he bent to put the tray on the edge of the bed.

"This is stew. It's not poisoned. Eye of newt and tongue of bat were not involved in its construction. So eat it while it's hot."

He thrust a bowl at him and scowled.

Dominic took the bowl and obediently spooned some of the savoury dish into his mouth.

"It's great. Thank you."

Evrain grunted, began to eat and Dominic took the opportunity to steal a glance at him. Black hair flickered blue in the light of the one, small lamp and his eyes seemed to glean from within, like a cat's. Dark stubble shadowed his jaw and upper lip and he wondered what it would feel like grazing his own sensitive skin. He had a sharp, aquiline nose and a tiny birthmark, shaped like a star, high on one cheekbone. He could see Aggie in him, though her eyes had been a warm hazel rather than dark green and he realised that she must have been a great beauty at Evrain's age.