CHAPTER THREE

"H e's here and as an added feature he happens to be Conrad's beloved." Nik spoke with Josef, keeping him informed and up to date regarding the Charmer.

"So, the Charmer is going to become a coven member." Josef chuckled.

"It would appear so our only problem at present is the fact that he is an untrained Charmer. He has no clue as to his powers and has never taken on the form of Charmer." Nik explained the conditions they found him in and the suppression and control he suffered from his family. "They have an enchanted bracelet on his left wrist that he cannot remove that quashes his abilities."

"Have you removed it?" Josef asked.

"Not yet, not until we have a better understanding of what it controls. Batiste says Evan can short-circuit magics in people and the atmosphere within a five-hundred-yard radius when not wearing the bracelet." Nik found the possibility quite exciting.

"That's amazing." Josef too found the news exciting. "If he's as powerful as we believe him to be, we will never have to worry about magics in our city again."

"It's a wonderful thought, but first he has to be trained, and then we have to see whether he is capable of cleansing the Center. That's a tall order for such a small man and fragile-looking man, and I can't imagine Conrad will be thrilled having his beloved take on such a forceful enemy."

"No, I can't imagine he would be feeling good about this." Josef concurred. "Who is going to train him?"

"I thought Batiste, but after seeing them together, I don't think he's the best choice. Evan plainly does not trust him, and we don't have time to try and develop a rapport, so I'm thinking of Marek. The man exudes confidence, trust, and strength. I'm sure Evan will be comfortable with him." Nik also didn't trust Batiste to follow through. His reliability was much better than it used to be, but he still had a tendency to wander off.

"I agree Marek is the better choice."

Evan remembered sitting on the sofa and Conrad covering him with a blanket and offering him milk and that was all he could recall. When he woke he was draped across Conrad cuddled up to the handsome, warm vampire. He should pull back and give the poor man some space, but he just couldn't convince himself to move.

When he looked up at his companion he noticed that Conrad was not asleep he was awake and watching him. "How long was I asleep?" He asked.

"Two hours and forty-five minutes." Evan made to move away and stop using the man as a body pillow but was stopped by the arm that Conrad held around him.

"Stay and relax you have a long day ahead of you so sleep while you can." Conrad tucked the blanket back around Evan and gathered him close.

"Why did you come for me? No one has explained what it is I'm supposed to do for you. Master Hadden is a powerful and very important person, and he wouldn't have shown up on my doorstep without good reason." Evan decided to seek some answers and clarification since they had the time, and it was just him and Conrad.

"This is not the home of the Hadden Coven. We outgrew the Imperial Club many years ago. The coven resides in the Hadden Center downtown in the financial district. It's forty floors of architectural glory, but several months ago, we had to leave and run to safety." Evan listened closely and could feel the tension in Conrad's tone.

"The young, the old, the weak, and the vulnerable were taken to the Mountain Lodge, a location in the Allegany Mountains, and they are protected by the second in command, Josef McQueen, along with soldiers and guards. The rest of us, with the leadership of Master Nikolas Hadden, remain in Pittsburgh fighting back the darkness that has infected the Hadden Center and threatens the city." He paused for a moment, and Evan just let the silence remain. He could see that Conrad had a lot more to say.

"A skilled witch or warlock, I'm not sure what he was apart from a traitor, infiltrated the Hadden Coven and set a curse upon the land and the structure. It was formed in a manner that once it was set, it would continue to grow, and its effects would be felt throughout the city." He paused again and turned so as to look Evan in the eyes. "It's an ancient hex, and the bastard who placed it was killed before he could be forced to remove it."

That answered most of Evan's questions he understood magic even though his family thought he was clueless. He kept to himself and didn't contribute so they assumed he knew nothing of what they were doing.

Sedric was a mid-level warlock with some power but nothing fancy or interesting. His brothers were similar although Wren had more ability than either Landon or Sedric, but his abilities were simple earth magic and nothing deadly.

Manfred on the other hand was dark and he feared Evan, but he refused to let Sedric send him away. It was a strange situation that he called keeping his enemy close. He hated Evan but he needed to watch him and humiliate him knocking him down at every opportunity. Manfred would have to be dealt with at some point, just as Killian predicted.

"I think I understand what you need from me." He approached the conversation carefully still not completely trusting of this vampire but definitely leaning in that direction. He seemed genuine and Evan was a good judge of people. "You want me to enter the Center building and cancel the magics existing there."

"The magics in that building are not minor or basic, and you will need training and preparation before entering. Are you aware that you are what is called a Charmer?" Evan had heard the word tossed around this evening, but he was not familiar with the word.

"No, I don't know what it is."

"We were told, after the death of the magic, that no one but a Charmer would be able to remove the curse that he laid. We were also informed that there hadn't been a Charmer in existence since the Middle Ages. The curse that was used was ancient by design; it was assumed that the magic that set it planned to die or disappear and leave this cancer to take over the coven, the city, and perhaps beyond." Evan felt Conrad's grip on his upper arm and felt it flex as his emotions responded to his memories.

"I'm sorry that happened to you." Evan didn't know what else to say to something so terrible. "I can feel the trouble in the air. Everyone seems to be experiencing a heaviness of spirit. Even your Master, who is solid and strong, has a shadow of pain that hangs over him."

"You have a way of reading people," Conrad stated, but it sounded more like a question.

"Yes, I can't read minds or intents, but I get a vibe, so to speak, whenever I meet someone. It has helped me tremendously in guiding my steps with Sedric and the others."

"They didn't know?"

"No, you're the first one that I've shared it with."

"Thank you."

"I can't read you I only get feelings from you like, tension, anger, irritation." Evan turned to look up at him with a teasing smile. "Most of those feelings were tied to me I'm afraid."

"I'm never angry or irritated with you my love only with the situation we find ourselves in." Conrad dropped a kiss to Evan's forehead, and it felt so good. "You warm and fill my heart with hope and joy and all things lovely." He kissed him again and Evan began to feel this man deep in his heart and in his soul it was a sensation of purpose, belonging and dare he say it, love. It scared him but also excited him.

"I can feel that the things you are telling me are all true." Evan shared and Conrad kissed him again only this time it was on the lips. It was soft and brief but sent a thrilling sensation through him.

"You can trust me, Evan. Fate has brought us together, and our connection goes deep."

"I can feel that too." Evan whispered and stared into Conrad's burning gaze. The moment was only seconds and yet it seemed to go on forever and then suddenly Conrad took his lips in a kiss that was neither brief nor gentle.

His hold tightened and his fingers dug into Evan's upper arms as he pressed him close and devoured him. Something broke, something tipped over the edge and Conrad was taking what he wanted, and Evan was enjoying every taste and every touch. He reached up and threaded his fingers through Conrad's hair pulling him closer as he opened freely welcoming Conrad's aggressive exploration.

The kiss went on and on, and the sexual tension skyrocketed. Conrad bent him backward onto the couch and followed him down. Evan felt the cushions against his back and Conrad over him. He held onto Conrad and continued to press him closer, and Conrad continued to go deep, tasting and devouring.

Evan was losing his mind with the wild sensations and the desperate need that was roaring through him. He felt himself becoming so hard it was painful, and all he wanted was for this beautiful man to give him relief. His wish came true when he felt Conrad's hand slipping into the waistband of his pants, taking hold of his hard, heated cock. The touch was explosive, and he tried to suppress the tight cry that escaped into Conrad's mouth.

Conrad's lips moved to trail hot kisses along Evan's jaw, allowing him to pant and cry out in ecstasy at the amazing spectacle of feelings being fed by Conrad's talented hand. He stroked and squeezed and bathed Evan's throat in lovely wet kisses. Evan felt his balls pull tight and knew he wasn't going to last. His body was absolutely humming.

"I'm not going to last." He panted, his voice strained as he held his breath.

"Come," Conrad stated, but Evan lost it. He cried out and arched his back and came, covering Conrad's hand in his hot release. Conrad continued to stroke him, and then there was a sharp bite, which was followed by another wave of arousal, and Evan found himself climaxing once again, just as hard and sharp as the first. He thought he would pass out from the sheer pleasure flooding his senses.

"You bit me." Evan's voice was barely there as he slowly came down from that pleasure high.

"I did." Conrad stated with a sly smile. He kissed him and then began cleaning him up. It was something he did not expect but found the process extremely erotic. He took a warm wet cloth and cleaned Evan thoroughly and then straightened his clothing. He then sat back down next to him and pulled him back into his arms allowing Evan to rest his head on his shoulder.

"Relax my love." He said and although Evan thought it an impossibility considering, he fell into a deep sleep.

"I'm worried for this young man, and I'm worried for Conrad." Nik voiced his concerns to his beloved Walker as they sat together in the early morning in their quarters having breakfast. Walker was the one person with whom he could be completely open and honest and share his fears; he was the love of his life and the center of his world.

"Marek will see that he is prepared, and the fact that magic cannot exist around him will weaken whatever power has taken over the Hadden Center. Evan McCormick will not enter that building until you are satisfied that he is safe, and I know for a fact that Conrad trusts you emphatically."

"Marek and I and Conrad, of course, will go with him, but that young man is the one who will be doing the heavy lifting, and there are so many variables to consider." Nik poured himself another cup of coffee and also refilled Walker's cup.

"He will be prepared, my love, and you and Marek and Conrad will protect him. There is no variable on earth that you cannot handle." Walker's confidence in Nik's abilities calmed his uncertainties. He reached across the table, took Walker's hand, and held it tight before raising it to his lips and placing a kiss upon it.

"You soothe me in a way no other can or ever will. I thank God for you, my love."

"We are one and I will always be here for you." Walker responded. Nik stood and rounded the table picking Walker up in his arms. He held him drinking in the sweetness, the energy and the love of his beloved.

"It's still early let us investigate the comforts of our bedroom for an hour or two." Nik suggested.

"Sounds wonderful." Walker nestled his face against Nik's throat as he was carried away.

Sedric was just going to let Evan go and not pursue it, but Manfred had other ideas and plans. He'd spent too much time and energy grooming that young man to simply let him walk away. Evan was an untapped source of power that Manfred intended to use for his own purpose, and he wasn't going to let a group of vampires from Pittsburgh get in his way and ruin everything.

Manfred spent years breaking that boy's spirit in preparation for taking control and although he was still stubborn the fear he'd instilled would work in his favor. Evan would knuckle under he always did. He was experiencing his own power at the moment, but Manfred would knock that out of him. He wouldn't get away Manfred would make sure of that.

Sedric never understood Evan and would have allowed him to simply exist in his own time and space. He spoke of sending him away and washing his hands of the strange boy, but there were greater things ahead for young Evan, and Manfred planned to be the one calling the shots.

"Forget about him Manfred he will not return after the vampires release him if indeed they do release him. I don't care about him, never have and neither should you." Sedric droned. "Leave him to find his own way. He has always hated us and we're better off with him gone and besides the vampires paid us handsomely for him." Manfred was aghast at Sedric's lack of awareness.

"He belongs to me, Sedric, and I plan to have him back, and I don't care what they paid." Manfred's words were harsh and biting. "With a weapon like Evan, there is little I won't be able to achieve. No one understands him and his potential the way I do."

"He's simply a disruptor, and he will do you as much damage as he will do anyone else. I should have gotten rid of him away years ago." Sedric countered Manfred's claims, not aware that Manfred had made these plans for Evan long ago and had, for years, been working toward their completion. Every punishment, every put down, every humiliation, and every demeaning chore was designed to make the boy subservient.

"He is so much more than that, Sedric." Manfred nailed him with a deadly stare. "He has an ability buried deep within him that no one has tapped into. The vampires will pull it out of him and give him the training to use it just as I had planned to do."

"What power? All he can do is fuck up the magics, which is not beneficial to us or our kindred. Let the vampires deal with him. I would have preferred Landon or Wren getting the recognition for saving the coven, but that is not to be the case." Sedric and Manfred were not seeing eye to eye.

"Fuck you and the kindred." Manfred snarled and started pacing the room. "The vampires knew about Evan; they knew he was special, and they came and took him. He's mine, Sedric, and I don't give a shit that he hates me. Actually, that makes it all the better because I thrive on hate. He's going to answer to me and no one else. I am his lord and Master, and he knows it."

"You're delusional, Manfred," Sedric shouted.

"And you're blind, Sedric." He spat the words and left, slamming the door behind him. He was on his way to Pittsburgh.

Conrad received a call from Master Hadden asking him to bring Evan to the club's main ballroom. The room was large and open, with plenty of space to practice whatever Evan needed to learn. The thought of Evan going into the Hadden Center was still a very sore spot for Conrad. It didn't seem fair that someone as delicate and innocent as his beloved should be tasked with such a responsibility. He understood that Evan had the ability, but looking at his sweet beloved, it seemed impossible that he could perform such a dangerous task.

He managed to convince Evan to eat a little, but the man had very little appetite, and Conrad couldn't blame him. He had a lot on his mind, as did everyone else, but Evan needed to keep up his strength and be well-rested for what lay ahead.

Evan was washing up and changing into some fresh clothing before meeting with Master Hadden and Marek who would be completing his training. Conrad had sent for some things for him since he was taken from his home with just the clothes on his back. When Evan exited the guestroom and entered the living room where Conrad was seated he looked refreshed and ready but still held an uneasiness in his eyes.

"You look great." Conrad commented, feeling the need to praise his beautiful beloved. Conrad went for comfort for his beloved and chose dark blue track pants and a crisp white tee along with top of the line running shoes. "Is everything to your liking?" Conrad asked, and Evan nodded.

Conrad stood, walked across the room, and placed his hand on Evan's upper arm. He needed the contact, and Evan seemed to need it too, for he stepped very willingly into Conrad's embrace. He was seeking reassurance and grounding from Conrad, which was natural between Fated pairs.

"You give me comfort," Evan stated and leaned in to press himself to Conrad's chest. "I can read people, but I can't read you; instead, I feel you in my heart." Evan took a deep breath and then another. "Your scent calms me, and I don't know why."

"What are you asking me?" Conrad wanted to know where his thoughts were before making any comments or disclosures. Evan continued to lean into him but looked up to capture his gaze.

"It seemed like I knew you the second that you entered the room." He began. "I was there with all those strangers, and I was worried. I didn't know what was happening and I didn't know what they wanted from me but as soon as I saw you I relaxed. The fear drained away, and I knew I was going to be alright. Then you came up behind me and put your hand on my shoulder a calm stillness washed over me."

"I knew you too," Conrad told him softly and reached up to cup the side of his face. "I thought you were beautiful, and I feared for your safety even though I knew all the men surrounding you and knew they would not hurt you. I had to get closer in case you needed me, and the urge to touch you was too much to ignore."

"Am I your beloved, Conrad? Everything would make sense if I were."

"Yes." Conrad didn't elaborate but rather pulled him flush against his chest and tucked Evan's head under his chin. They stood like that for several minutes as each let the reality of the situation sink in. He could sense that Evan was struggling with the revelation, and it wasn't long before he told him why.

"I can't stay here with you Conrad I can't live in a coven. My energy is not conducive to the supernatural and to vampires. I'll bother your people, and you won't want me here. I upset everyone that I meet." The quiet intensity of his words was upsetting.

That was not what Conrad wanted to hear. He was pleased when Evan figured out their connection and thought his knowledge of the paranormal would work in their favor. But now he realized his knowledge was stilted and curated by his hateful family. They kept him afraid to reach out or expect help and amplified his differences as being unacceptable.

"The only people you upset are those that deserve to be upset," Conrad stated emphatically. "You are no danger to my people. Vampires are not that delicate. Who told you that your presence is uncomfortable to others? Whoever it was, they are full of shit." He wanted to drive home the truth as forcefully as possible since Evan had probably been fed this garbage for years.

"I know that I'm here to clear out the Hadden Center, but I don't expect to continue to remain here, and that's okay, I understand." Evan continued in the same vein as if he hadn't heard a word that Conrad said.

"You're not going home; it's not safe there for you, and you're not leaving me. I don't know how much you know about being a beloved, but the connection is considered sacred among my people. Our bond was Fated destiny, and you are welcome here." Conrad was irate at the lies that Evan had been fed by his family and by that one called Manfred, no doubt.

"This is bullshit. You are not a bad influence, and no one with a proper heart and spirit is bothered by you." Conrad could see in his expression that he wasn't completely accepting what Conrad was trying to get across to him, but he was trying.

"Manfred showed me." He tried to explain himself. "He removed my bracelet and demonstrated to me what would happen. There were several vampires in the living room, and as soon as the bracelet was gone, they started reacting. It wasn't anything much, not like when I rid an area of magics, but they were clearly uncomfortable and needed to leave. Manfred said I have that effect on all paranormal beings, not just those with magics." Evan was beginning to look unsure of the information he'd been given, which was a good sign.

"Did he remove the bracelet himself?"

"No, he's a magic so he had the maid remove it."

"Why is it that you believe the problem was because they were paranormal and not because they were magics?" Conrad asked the obvious question.

"Manfred said they were affiliated with the bank and were meeting with Sedric in regard to the renovations he was planning. He said they were not magics, just vampires." Evan began to figure it out.

"You believed him, a man like Manfred?" Evan continued to hold eye contact, but he stepped away slightly, with Conrad still holding Evan's upper arms.

"They didn't act like the others who were magics. They didn't show pain. They just seemed low-key uncomfortable, like a bad vibe was felt. They didn't act like magics, so I believed Manfred's explanation." Evan was justifying his belief but appeared to be questioning as well.

"Magic is a spectrum. Not all are steeped in darkness, but all have touched the darkness." He decided to go with the basics and be as clear as possible. "Magics, unlike sorcerers or mystics, have to barter for their power, and that is done through contact with the lower realms. Such contact always leaves a mark no matter how slight, and the power that you possess picks up on all darkness no matter how slight." He didn't completely grasp Evan's ability, but he had a good idea of how it worked.

"The worst of the bunch, the hard cases like the casters, I assume, react intensely, whereas someone not deep into the practice may simply be uncomfortable. You scrub out all darkness and evil, all magics, no matter how small. The vampires obviously were involved with magics, and you tore it away." Evan listened and thought for a moment before responding.

"I don't know Conrad." He said finally and was obviously agitated so Conrad gently pulled him back into a loose embrace just channeling warmth and peace.

"We'll work it out, so don't stress over something that may not be a problem. I'll take care of it, and I'll take care of you."

"Where did you come from, Conrad? How is it that you're here with me saying everything I need to hear, and I believe you?" He was relaxed now but still unsure.

"Fate sent me, my love. Couples come together when they need each other the most." Conrad wanted to kiss him so badly, but the time wasn't right, and he wouldn't push for more than Evan could handle. The poor man was overwhelmed as it was, and he didn't need to put more upon him.

"I hope you're genuine, and I hope your theories are correct. Thank you for helping me out and staying close. I know a little about the supernatural bond between a vampire and their beloved, but I don't know everything." Evan shifted the subject back to their connection. "I like the together forever idea."

"I like it too, and we have time, my love," Conrad assured. "I will teach you everything you need to know."

Evan chuckled. "I'm a bit slow, so it may take me a while to catch on." That sounded like something Manfred had told him, and Conrad was freshly infuriated.

"There is no rush, my love, and you are as smart and quick as anyone I know."

"Thank you, Conrad." Evan pressed his face onto Conrad's chest once again and began breathing deeply. He was finding there was a benefit to being close to his beloved and being covered in his scent. It was instinctual and as their time together grew longer the need for more contact and a deeper connection would grow.

Their time together on the couch earlier allowed Conrad to taste his beloved and pushed their bond further. The draw was getting stronger, and he could see Evan's need and desire shining in his eyes, and it was beautiful.