WARLOCK_His Coven. His Magick. His Soulmate. Read online

  "Is that what you believe?"

  "It is. I think humans share the planet with forces both seen and unseen."

  "By the unseen I assume you mean ghosts, but when you say seen, what do you mean?"

  "Beings that appear to be human, but aren't."

  "Aliens?"

  "No, but possibly. I'm referring to vampires, witches, and werewolves."

  "Ooh, I just had a chill. I hardly ever talk about that stuff."

  "Does it scare you?"

  "It does and it doesn't. Just because something is different doesn't mean it's dangerous. Call me crazy, but I've always held a respect for other-worldly things. I don't talk about it much because most people joke about it, and I've never seen the supernatural as a joke—but you—you're different."

  "Thank you, yes, I am. I know you need to leave, but please, continue with your story."

  "I'd be happy to," she said with a warm smile. "It's very romantic. I've often thought I should write a book about it. An illustrious and powerful warlock, of course he had to be illustrious and powerful for the story, right?" she giggled. "Anyway, an illustrious and powerful warlock fell in love with a woman. I don't mean a witch, I mean a human, but there was a ban on warlocks and witches coupling with humans. Don't ask me why, I have no idea. I guess that detail must have been lost over the ages. He was the leader of all the covens, so he couldn't possibly defy the ban. Anyway, this woman and this warlock shared an eternal love, but were unable to be together."

  "That is romantic," he remarked, trying to keep his voice even.

  "There's more. Not much, but do you want to hear it?"

  "Of course I want to hear it."

  "Because he couldn't be with her and protect her, the warlock gave her a scarf. Allegedly the scarf you're holding. As long as she had it with her, no creature, vampire, werewolf, witch or warlock, would be able to harm her. Apparently it doesn't work on humans," she added with a grin, "or Mr. Al Smith wouldn't have been harassing me."

  Laszio's hands suddenly gripped the scarf, and as a surge of emotion swept through his heart, a ripple of heat blasted through his body. He knew it was the energy of his ancestor, the mighty Limner. The illustrious warlock whose name had been unscrambled, and became known as Merlin, the source of many myths and much folklore through the ages.

  Swallowing back the sweeping emotion, Laszio gazed across the table, scarcely able to believe it. Vanya, the beautiful young woman in front of him was—

  "Laszio? Are you feeling okay?" she asked, snapping him from his thoughts.

  "Okay and well I be," he managed, then realized he'd spoken in the old vernacular. "Sorry, it's the wine," he added hastily. "Yes, I'm fine."

  "But your face, it's all red."

  "It must be the chillies in the sauce. Is there more to the story?" he asked, trying not to sound eager, but hoping there was.

  "Just a bit. The warlock's mother, a woman named Minerva, seeing her powerful son aching for his eternal love, added her own spell to the scarf. When the time came for them to be reunited, the scarf would bring them together."

  As the words left her lips, their eyes touched, and a sparkling energy sizzled between them.

  "Would you like more decaf?" Sophia asked, breaking the moment as she arrived at the table.

  "Ah, no, thank you," Vanya replied, wishing the magic could have lasted forever.

  "Laszio?"

  "No, Sophia, but could you please find Elwyn and have him wait for me in the hall?"

  "Of course. It was nice to meet you Vanya."

  "You too, Sophia."

  "Here's your scarf," Laszio said, as Sophia walked away. "Sounds like you should never let it out of your sight."

  "I don't. This might sound crazy—"

  "You need to stop using that word. There's nothing crazy about you."

  "I think there are some who would disagree with that."

  "What were you going to say?"

  "I sleep with this scarf under my pillow, and it's always zipped up in my bag. The fact that it disappeared feels…"

  "Supernatural?"

  "Yes," she breathed, feeling her heart skip. "That's exactly how it feels."

  "Perhaps it was," he remarked softly, rising from the table and reaching for her hand. "One of my assistant managers will see you home. His name is Elwyn. You'll be safe with him."

  "It's very kind of you."

  "I'm just sorry I can't do the honors."

  As they started walking through the room Vanya glanced at the other diners. It struck her that they were nothing like the rowdy mob in the club. It was almost as if the intimate restaurant didn't belong there, but the thought slipped away as they entered the hall, and a handsome young man walked up. Like Laszio, his hair was long.

  "Elwyn, thanks for taking care of that errand."

  "Happy to do it."

  "This is Vanya Delaney She lives close by. Please see her there safely," Laszio said, and placing his hand on Elwyn's arm, he sent him a telepathic message. Don't be alarmed that you can't feel her energy. She has a protective talisman.

  "Of course," Elwyn replied, nodding his head and silently replying, Thank you for the warning. "Good to meet you, Vanya. My car's in the garage. I think some weather's coming in."

  "I'll say goodnight here," Laszio said, and casually leaning forward, he pecked her cheek.

  It had been a simple brush of his lips, but it had sent a warm buzz through her entire being, and she desperately wanted him to pull her against his muscled body and wrap her up in his powerful arms.

  "Thank you, Laszio," she managed. "It really has been a wonderful evening."

  "Please give Elwyn your number so I can call. Goodnight, Vanya."

  "Goodnight, Laszio."

  Striding away, he disappeared through a nearby door, and taking a deep breath, she willed her heart to stop leaping about in her chest.

  "Are you ready?" Elwyn asked.

  "Yes, and thanks for doing this."

  "Laszio would never let you leave the club at this hour by yourself. He even arranged for a cab company to have a stand across the street, so if women left late and were by themselves, they wouldn't have to wander around looking for a taxi."

  "That's so considerate."

  "It's one of the reasons Grigore's is so successful. Women feel safe here, and they know they'll get home in one piece. We'll be going down the back staircase into the employee parking garage."

  Falling into step beside him she glanced at her watch. Her mother lived in New York. It would be midnight there. Too late to call. She was anxious to talk to her, but it would have to wait until morning. She wasn't just eager to tell her about the extraordinary evening, she was longing to ask her a very important question.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Though Laszio was surrounded by the mess in his office, Vanya was consuming his thoughts. The need to pull her into his arms, sink his mouth on to hers and utterly possess her, had been overwhelming. When he'd brushed his lips against her cheek, a fire had burned through his loins, his cock had burst to life, and though he was unable to penetrate her energy, he could feel her pulsing, yearning need.

  He had found her.

  His memories of his former incarnations were dim, but his eternal love had always been there, floating in a murky fog. Now she had appeared in the flesh, alive, warm, soft and strong. The reality of her presence was almost too much to take in.

  He needed to consult The Book of Spells and Secrets.

  He needed her at his side and in his bed.

  Immediately.

  Now.

  This moment.

  She was his Queen.

  "Passed have the eons," he muttered in the ancient voice. "A single second separated is a single second wasted. With me you shall be soon."

  But for the moment he needed to restore his office and speak to his coven. Casting his eyes across the scattered chaos, he extended his arms.

  "Inanimate objects, do as I say, return to your places without delay."
>
  Pieces of paper began floating through the air, and once settled, the remainder of the strewn objects zipped quickly around the room, landing gently where they'd been before Anton's arrival. Dropping his arms, Laszio walked across to his desk and stared down at the shattered clay urn lying on the floor. It was very old and very precious.

  "Pieces of earth, once made into art, join back together, make happy my heart."

  Slowly they shifted on the carpet, each broken piece searching out where it belonged until the vase was whole. Picking it up, he gazed at it lovingly, then placed it back on his desk. It was time to visit Anton, but as he turned to leave his office his thoughts returned to Vanya.

  The legend she'd told him had been accurate, but she didn't know why a ban had been placed on warlocks and witches coupling with humans. Tragically the prohibition had come too late, and the darkest secret of the witches and warlocks remaining on Earth had been kept by both the evil and the good. It had to be, or the world would fall into chaos, and they would be hunted into extinction.

  Stepping into the hallway he nodded towards Tannen, and silently told him it was time to deal with Anton. Though no humans were allowed in the VIP lounge, it was referred to as such for the benefit of the nightclub customers. It was too difficult to keep secret. If anyone asked about membership, they were told new applications were not being accepted.

  The lounge was where the coven would gather to relax. They could be who they were in complete safety, but it was used for more than socializing. During the day it was where Laszio would preside over meetings, hold court, hear complaints and listen to suggestions. Grigore's, pronounced, Gri-gore-ees, was the world headquarters for the witches and warlocks who followed the light.

  Pushing open the door, Laszio stepped inside the serene space. Couples were dancing to a three-piece band, others chatted in conversation pits, and through an unmarked door was an expansive and well-equipped room reserved for the pursuit of decadent pleasures. The warlocks were inherently dominant, and the witches submissive. Many nights he would settle into a comfortable easy chair to watch a naughty sorceress being spanked by her Master, or wander past the females tied up on padded benches. Naked, blindfolded and spread, they were there for the attention of anonymous mouths and fingers. He would nibble a naughty nipple or explore a wet pussy, perhaps even bring a gasping witch to the brink a few times. But he could feel his desire for casual interludes had been squelched by Vanya's miraculous arrival. Moving across to the stage, he waited until the band had finished their number, then caught the eye of the singer.

  "Can I have your attention, please?" the singer announced. "Laszio needs to speak with us."

  A hush fell across the room, and as Laszio stepped up, the sound man piped the microphone into the salacious playroom so their leader could be heard.

  "It saddens me to announce that my nephew, Anton, must be placed in the cage. While it is seen as a punishment, it is more for his safety. He broke into my office armed with a sword, but I have yet to learn why. Until I find out he will have to remain behind the secure bars. Does anyone here have any knowledge of this unprovoked attack? Have you heard any rumors?"

  "Sir," a young warlock said, nervously stepping forward. "I overheard something."

  "Thank you, Clarion. Anyone else? No? Then let the cage be brought in," he exclaimed, and stepping off the stage, he walked over to the young warlock who had spoken up. "Clarion, what do you know?"

  "I was at Maverick's, the underground gambling club."

  "You went to Maverick's?"

  "I like to go there to watch the humans. I don't gamble, not unless I need some extra money, and then I'm very careful. I am, Sir, honestly."

  "I believe you," Laszio said warmly, placing his hand on his shoulder. "What did you hear?"

  "Anton was there with two guys I didn't recognize. I don't know if they were human. I couldn't get close enough to sense their energy, but I've been gifted with exceptional hearing."

  "Yes, I remember," Laszio replied, "and I'm sure it's very handy."

  "It is. The coven forgets," he grinned. "Anyway, I heard Anton say something like, I don't want to do it, but then he sensed me and I felt him pushing me away. He's stronger than me and I got scared and left. You will protect me from him, won't you, sir?"

  "Of course I will."

  "The cage is arriving," Clarion declared, his eyes darting across to the door, and a moment later the huge domed cage was rolled into the room. "I hope Anton will tell you why he did what he did. I feel bad for him. I'm sure he didn't want to be involved."

  "We'll find out soon enough, and you've been a great help, Clarion. Tonight your drinks and food are on me. Have whatever you want."

  "Thank you, sir."

  "You were very brave to step forward. You deserve it," Laszio said with a warm smile, then walked quickly across to the cage. "Anton, you may drop the sword, but if you pick it up again your fingers will be stuck until you are released. Do you understand?"

  "Yes, uncle."

  "SIR."

  "Yes, sir."

  "If you were being punished I'd have you remove your clothes, but I believe you're more scared than defiant."

  "I am, sir. Truly."

  "You'll be safe behind the bars. No warlock or witch will be able to penetrate the field of protection, but until I know what's behind all this you'll have to stay there."

  "Uncle…"

  "It saddens me that you think I'm not powerful enough to defeat the evil controlling you. You need to think about that. Tannen, you may take him into the playroom."

  The playroom was soundproof, it had no windows, and only one way in and one way out. Except for Laszio's private sanctuary, the location of which was known only by Tannen and Elwyn, it was the safest room in the three-story building. Tannen guided the cage through the door, and as the band picked up their instruments and the music resumed, Laszio left to return to his office.

  Stepping into the hallway, he saw Elwyn guarding the door that led down to the club and public restaurant. At first glance the job appeared to be menial, but it was one of the most important in the coven. The safety of the clan's inner sanctum, their dining room, and most especially Laszio's office, was imperative. Elwyn needed the power to sense if a warlock or witch carried any menace in their heart, and be strong enough to intimidate them if they did. Anton had entered through the fire escape undetected, a matter of grave concern, and though Laszio wanted the investigation to begin immediately, he had a burning question and he needed an answer.

  Entering his office, he locked the door and moved to a large oval mirror mounted on the wall. Lightly pressing a secret spot on the right side of the wooden frame, it swung away to reveal what appeared to be a solid wall. Closing his eyes, he laid his palms against it.

  "Guardian of The Book of Spells and Secrets, I beg thee open, allow me entry. Guardian of The Book of Spells and Secrets, I must know, I must see."

  A large area began to emit a pulsing purple glow, and appeared to ripple. Stepping through it, Laszio entered his private sanctuary, and heard the mirror click into place as the wall returned to its solid state.

  The room was where Laszio studied, created spells, and sought his intimate connection with the ancient ones and the blessed light. Decorated in burgundy and gold, it offered easy chairs, a large comfortable couch, a writing desk, and an ancient carved bookcase against one wall. Upon its shelves sat many jars and bottles, each unmarked, their contents known only to Laszio, though with no heir, Laszio was duty bound to impart his knowledge to Tannen.

  But in the center of the room, a round table held a massive book with an intricately carved wooden cover. Pulling out the only chair, Laszio sat down, and with great reverence he placed his hands upon it.

  "Book of Spells and Secrets, look into my heart. Book of Spells and Secrets, I beg your magic to impart."

  The familiar warmth seeped through his fingers, and he slowly slid his palms away. Without aid, the cover opened, the pages began to fl
ip as if blown by a fan, then stopped.

  Before him, wedged into the seam, was an envelope.

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  Just a few blocks away, lying in the dark, Vanya's fingers were urgently massaging her clit. Laszio's image was dancing in her mind's eye, and though she often fantasized about spanking and bondage, the scene materializing was new.

  She was blindfolded, naked and kneeling. The floor was soft and forgiving, and she was cloaked in a gentle warmth from a flickering fire. Her bottom was stinging, and though she couldn't see, she knew the fingers sharply pinching her nipples belonged to Laszio. He was her Master and her King.

  "Elbows."

  She understood the command, and leaning forward she rested on her forearms and arched her back. She sensed him behind her, and as his hands moved over her glowing cheeks, his cock slid inside her. A hot delicious tingling suddenly pulsated through her pussy, and before he even began to stroke, she exploded into a powerful orgasm.

  The shuddering spasms began to wane, but the vision refused to release her. He was pumping with strong, forceful thrusts, pins and needles sizzled through her sex, and his hard hand was spanking her.

  Again she erupted.

  Sparkling convulsions cascaded through her body, and she couldn't stop herself from crying out, but this time, when the climax waned, so did the imagery.

  Sinking into the mattress, breathless and serene, the tingles still moving through her limbs, she surrendered to sleep with Laszio's handsome face floating in her head.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Vanya was underpaid and overworked, but she absolutely loved the job, and her boss, Lenny Griswold. He was insightful and clever, and in his world he was famous, but when she woke up work was the last thing on her mind. She needed to talk to her mother. Still yawning, she reached across to her nightstand and placed the call.

  "Hello, Vanya. This is a surprise. It's early there," her mother said happily, then quickly added. "Is everything okay?"

  "Hi, Mom. Yes and no. I'm not sure how to tell you this."