Catalyst

Catalyst Belinda Richmond All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2005 by Belinda Richmond

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ISBN: 1-59596-122-4

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Editor: Katriena Knights Cover Artist: Sahara Kelly

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

Chapter One Wearing nothing but a pair of painted-on black satin trousers and a sheer silver shirt a size too small, Devin hoisted the heavy tray of drinks onto his shoulder and threaded his way into the smoke-filled back room of the Blue Tuna. He knew Keria would kick his ass if -- no, make that when -- she found out he’d not only wormed his way into the strictly off-limits area but was also slinging drinks while dressed up like some kind of man-whore. But she wasn’t here, and he decided the money to be made was worth the risk and would hopefully take the edge off his sister’s anger. It wasn’t like she had a lot of room to complain. When her friend at the docks called with the news that her boyfriend’s ship was on its way into port, she had saddled Devin with her floating shift and headed out to meet up with Joran. Of course, by the time he made it to the club, the front room slots were taken, but out of the blue Aldo had offered him a job in the back, explaining nervously that there had been a sudden request by some patrons for a male server, and, well, since Devin was male, he’d do until they found someone else. It was either take the back room gig or wash dishes again. And frankly, Devin was tired of washing dishes. Despite the darkness and the smoky haze, he could still make out some of the different activities going on around him, and he began to understand why Keria didn’t want him working back here. Devin had never thought of himself as inexperienced, but after tonight, he was forced to admit he had definitely missed a few lessons in his sexual education. He wasn’t a child, even if Keria had trouble remembering he was twenty-two years old. And it was evident as he tried to stay on his feet while his ass and cock were

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fondled, stroked and pinched by patrons of all sexes that the clients clearly found him to be adult enough for their tastes. While he waited on Aldo to mix up the next drink order, he took a deep breath and tried to shift his throbbing erection into a more comfortable position without bursting his suddenly way too tight pants. As he wrestled with his self-control, Devin felt a tingle on the back of his neck and glanced over his shoulder. Behind him, a dark figure sat alone in the corner. The man’s eyes were fixed on him, casually looking him up and down, not bothering to hide either his amusement or his clear interest. Something about the way the fellow looked at him piqued Devin’s curiosity, but he wasn’t about to let it show. It was obvious that a lot of other patrons appreciated his tall, lean looks as well. Tawny hair, tanned skin, dark blue eyes. Yeah. He was good enough for the likes of anyone in this place. Better than most. Impulsively, Devin decided if Mr. Mysterious in the corner wanted a show, he would damn well get one. He loaded the drinks onto his tray, lifted it above his head and sauntered over to the table next to Mr. Mysterious. He leaned over as he served the group of women, giving the corner dweller a nice view of his ass. He thought he heard a low chuckle, but was suddenly distracted by one of the women, who shoved a twenty down the front of his pants and decided that entitled her to take up residence. With a quick smile and some dancing around, he managed to free himself from the woman and her intrusive hand without ripping the trousers, but not before bumping into the mystery man’s table. Devin groaned to himself at the sound of glass breaking. So much for his brilliant idea of putting on a show. He turned to face the man, plastering on his most businesslike smile to hide his mortification. “Pardon me, sir. My fault. Were you splattered?” When the man shook his head, he rushed on. “No? I’ll just get this mess cleared up and then go fetch you a new drink on the house.” A hand reached out and grasped his wrist. Devin stared at the long, elegantly tapered fingers and gasped as his arm began to tingle. He looked up into a pair of

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silvery gray eyes and went still. Eyes that color weren’t normal. Devin knew that much, but he wasn’t sure exactly what it meant. No clue at all. He pulled his arm away, but continued to stare. Befuddled by the situation, he struggled to find something to say, but Mr. Mysterious spoke first. “No need for a refill. I’ve had enough for tonight,” he said quietly. His face was impassive, but his eyes sparkled with both gentle humor and attraction, and his voice was laced with warmth. Devin nodded, swallowing to hide his embarrassment. “Right. I’ll just get this mess cleaned up before someone slips and falls.” As he worked, first carefully picking up the shards of broken glass, then wiping the spill up with his rag, he could still feel those eyes fixed on him. Satisfied that the worst of the mess was cleaned up, Devin retreated to the bar, jaw clenched into a polite smile as he sidestepped several enthusiastic customers. He tipped the broken glass and rag into the trash and plopped the tray onto the bar. Aldo gave him a questioning look, and Devin snapped, “I know, I know… you can dock me for the broken glass. I’m taking my break.” He turned and slipped out the side door into the alley. Leaning up against the wall, he closed his eyes and rubbed his hand over his arm. Who and what was that guy? Devin sank down on his heels and tried to concentrate on the cool roughness of the brick against his back. But his senses were still thrumming from the stranger’s grasp and the connection that had seemed to flare between them. He tipped his head forward against his knees and groaned out loud. It had been one hell of a night.

*** Talis watched the young waiter maneuver his way through the crowds and disappear around the bar out of sight. Realizing he was staring a bit harder than was appropriate, he shook his head and slid out of his seat. He eased his way through the crowded rooms and slipped out of the club’s front door into the crisp night air. Once

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outside, he turned to the north, leaving the rowdy downtown area for the quiet squares of uptown. As he walked, Talis tried to clear his mind by focusing on each step, on each breath he took. But after three blocks, he gave up and admitted to himself that his best efforts were not working. His mind was too focused on the boy. Cocky. The boy, Devin or Dev, as the bawdy waitresses had taken to calling him, was certainly that. And definitely out of his league. The boy had done a good job of keeping his face neutral, but couldn’t quite command his eyes or his cock to do the same. Talis had noticed and found himself unable to look away. It had been a long time since a man -- hell, anyone -- had captivated his interest that way. The boy had looks. And even better, knew he had them. He liked that; he never bothered with anyone who played games. Not anymore. He preferred to be as up front as possible about what he wanted, and who he wanted. Or at least that was the new plan. Turning the corner, he pulled out a large key and unlocked the gate leading to one of the private squares dotting this area of town. He wondered, as he shut the gate behind him, what had possessed him to enter that dive in the first place. He sighed and tried to shut off the questions racing through his mind. He didn’t have an explanation. That’s what he told himself, anyway. The truth of the matter was, there was an explanation, a very simple one that he was doing his level best to ignore. Magic. Talis had been called. And while his mind might still be fighting, his body had instinctively responded to the Magic’s call, and he had found himself sitting in the back corner of a nasty club transfixed by the blue-eyed boy in the tight black pants. Talis climbed the stairs and unlocked the door of his house. Tossing the keys on the console table in the narrow hall, he went straight down the hall to the library, where he opened the curtains and looked at the garden for a long moment. He turned then, opened the small liquor cabinet and poured himself a large whiskey.

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Whiskey was probably not the best choice of drinks right now. Talis knew it played havoc with his self-control, but at this point, he just didn’t care. He was rattled. More than rattled. He threw back half the glass and sank wearily into a chair. The boy had been startled by his eyes, but Talis had been floored by the power that sparked when he touched him. Not since Alex… He’d managed to live quietly and comfortably on his own these last couple of years. Alone. Without the Magic. He didn’t want or need this kind of complication. He told himself this was a one-time incident; there was no reason for him to go back, to seek out the boy again. That was the biggest load of crap, Talis thought. Finishing the drink, he looked at the empty glass and set it down. He’d be out looking for that boy at the club tomorrow night. There was no way in hell he’d be able to stop himself. Upstairs, the bedroom was dark, but Talis didn’t bother with the lights. He headed straight to the bathroom and turned on the shower, then went back to the bedroom. He undressed quickly, kicking shoes and socks off, dropping his shirt on a chair, letting his pants and boxers fall where he stood. He ran a hand up the length of his erection and shivered, then walked back into the bathroom and stepped into the hot, steamy flow of water. The water felt good against his chest, stinging in just the right way. He noticed the skin on his arms reddening under the hot stream but didn’t adjust the temperature just yet. He wanted to scald himself, wash himself clean and ease the ache enough so he could sleep. A cold shower was supposed to be the remedy, but he knew from personal experience that cold water never worked. It didn’t do much to relieve or tone down his hard-on, and it left him blue and chattering. Better the warm water. At least then he could relax and relieve the worst of the need. Hand on his cock once again, Talis turned and leaned back against the shower wall. He continued to stroke himself as he reached out and adjusted the nozzles and the water temperature, then moved his hand out of the way to let the warm water flow over him. The heat and pressure of the water caused him to hiss and arch his back against the smooth glass tiles. Eyes closed, he reached for the soap and began rubbing the bar

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across his chest and down his stomach, lathering his hands well, releasing the gingery aroma into the stall. Setting the bar aside, he stroked his erection, moving up and down, his thumb pressing on his sensitive areas, teasing the slit at its tip. Talis tilted his head back to concentrate on the sensation. What it would be like if the boy was the one doing the touching? He could see that tawny head nestled between his legs, the wide mouth wrapped around him, dark blue eyes looking up now and then seeking out assurance and approval, Talis’s own hands gripping those smooth shoulders, power flowing between them in waves. A low, guttural moan erupted from his throat, and he climaxed, ropy strands of come shooting up over his hand, onto his stomach, quickly whisked away in a swirl of suds and warm water. He shuddered and took a ragged breath to steady himself, then rested against the wall and waited for his body to return to some semblance of normality. The coolness of the water jarred him into action at last. He washed his dark hair in a haphazard fashion then switched off the water and stepped onto the thick rug to dry off. After a perfunctory scrub, he dropped the towel on the floor and walked back into the bedroom. Talis yanked the bed linens back and dropped face down onto the soft surface. He curled an arm under his head and lay there for a very long time, thinking about the young man with dark blue eyes, then finally drifted into a light and restless sleep.

Chapter Two “Where in the hell did this money come from?” Jolted awake by the familiar feminine voice, Devin slowly opened his eyes and lifted his head to look at the furious form of his sister standing over him. He tried to focus on what Keria was saying, and decided the lecture would go down better with some coffee in his system. “Work,” he said, hoping to forestall the inevitable argument until he got the coffee brewing. “How’s Joran?” He stretched and got up from the sofa. Scratching his belly, Devin headed to the kitchen and began rummaging around the cabinets in search of some java. “He’s fine. Still asleep. And stop trying to change the subject.” Keria leaned against the door and waved the stack of cash he had tossed on the counter last night. Her eyes had lost some of their earlier fire, but her tone was just as insistent. “Do you have any idea how much money is here?” Devin looked over at his sister and sighed. He moved around the kitchen, filled the kettle and put it on to boil. Finding a jar of instant coffee in a cupboard, he dumped a spoonful into a relatively clean mug and faced his sister. “Around five hundred dollars,” he said. “Unless it managed to multiply itself overnight while I was asleep.” Keria walked over and poked him hard in the chest. “Funny. Very funny.” Her tone turned serious. “Devin. Where did you get it?” “Work,” he replied. “Told you that already.” She gave an incredulous snort. “I know how much Aldo pays. Don’t think I’m stupid. What in the hell did you do? Or maybe I should be asking who in the hell did you do?” The kettle began to whistle, and Devin stepped around her to retrieve it. “Keria. I didn’t do anyone. You should know me better than that.” He shot her an annoyed look.

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“And if I had, I sure as hell would have walked away with a bigger stack of cash than that.” Keria opened her mouth to launch into another line of attack, but he cut her off. “Look. By the time I got to the damn club, I had a choice between the dishes or slinging drinks in the back.” He poured the water into the mug and gave it a quick stir. Checking the refrigerator for milk and not finding it, he picked up the mug and took a long swig of the bitter brew. “You and I both know Aldo pays crap for washing dishes. I took the opportunity and ran with it. That’s all.” “Dev.” She dropped the money back on the counter. “You’re too young. You’ve no idea…” “Actually I’ve got a damn good idea, Ker.” Seeing her startled expression, he moved over and placed his hand on her shoulder. “I mean, I saw a lot of stuff last night. Sure got an eye opener. But nothing I couldn’t handle. I’m okay. Promise.” Keria gave him a doubtful look, worry etched on her face. “Dev, I just don’t know.” Setting the mug down, he pulled his sister into a fierce hug. “It’s okay, Ker. Just take the money and stop worrying. Let me do this for you. Please?” Keria returned his hug and tilted her head back to look at him, her worried expression fading slowly. “Fine. But don’t make a regular thing out of it.” Leaning forward, Devin kissed her cheek. “Yeah. Probably won’t last anyway. Aldo sort of implied I was a fill in. He’s sure to replace me as soon as he finds someone more suitable. I’ll be back washing dishes before you know it.” He took another long drink of his cooling coffee and gave her a big grin. “So, how long will Joran be here?” Keria answered with her first genuine smile of the morning. “A full week.” Reaching out, she snagged the mug from his hand and took a drink. “Why do you ask?” Devin gave her a knowing look. “Well, just trying to suss out how long I need to make myself scarce.” “That’s not necessary, you know. This is your home as well as mine, Devin.”

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“Yeah, I know. But I’m not interested in listening to you two go at it all the time.” He gave her a teasing grin. “I mean, I’m far too young and impressionable to hear all those words you scream out.” Keria laughed and smacked him playfully upside the head. “Don’t be so damn cheeky, Devin.” Rubbing his head, he laughed with her. “Being cheeky is part of my charm. I just thought you two would like a bit of time without little brother snoring away on the sofa. I mean, it’s been what… five months since he was here?” “Six months, nine days and twenty-one hours. Not that I was counting.” Devin snorted. “Not counting. Right. Keep telling yourself that one.” Keria gave him a very smug but happy smile. “Seriously, Dev…” “Hush, Ker. I’ll be around, just not all the time. I will need to shower and change clothes occasionally.” He ran his hand through his hair and looked down at her. “But I can find other things to do and places to be for the most part. Now I’ll take a bit of that cash and scram. I’ve got a hankering for some real coffee and maybe a new book.” Devin reached out, snagged a few bills from the stack and gave her a kiss. Whistling, he headed to the bathroom to clean up and get the hell out of there before she decided to quiz him more thoroughly about last night’s shift. Devin wasn’t ready to talk about last night. He knew Keria would zero in on the incident with the mysterious patron and start with the third degree. No, make that the tenth degree. He definitely wasn’t ready to talk about that. Not just yet. He needed to think about that on his own. But not until he had more coffee in his system. Deep thoughts on mysterious strangers would have to wait until later. Much later.

*** The Java Bean was still a busy place even this late in the morning. Devin took his coffee and found a small table partly shielded by a large bushy plant. It was a perfect place to sit and check out the scene. The Bean drew a wildly diverse crowd. Business people would wander in, order their lattes and head back out. The old timers would sit and nurse their coffee while the

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university students did their homework and argued with their friends. It was a great place to sit, people-watch and do a little thinking. Devin leaned back in his chair, pulled the new book out of his bag and settled in to read. He was engrossed in the first chapter when the hair on the back of his neck stood up. Looking up from the page, he spotted Mr. Mysterious in the order line. Startled and suddenly very curious, Devin leaned forward and stared at the man through the leaves of the potted plant. He was taller than he’d guessed. Dark brown hair. A bit broader through the shoulders too. Too bad his jacket is covering his ass. Damn it. Would you listen to me? I’m going on like, well… Mr. Mysterious turned around with his coffee and headed for the exit. Devin jerked back from the plant, nearly falling out of his seat. Catching himself before his ass hit the floor, he hurriedly buried his face in the book as Mr. Mysterious breezed by Devin’s table and headed out the door. Devin hesitated for a moment, shoved the book in his bag and followed him out of the café. Stepping out onto the sidewalk, Devin scanned the street for his quarry. He thought he had lost him, then he spied his mystery man heading north. Letting loose a breath he hadn’t realize he was holding, Devin trailed after, trying to stay far enough back to not be obvious, but close enough not to lose sight. After two blocks of following his stranger, Devin decided tailing someone was a much harder task than mystery books made it out to be. Of course, it would probably have been easier if he hadn’t been so damn distracted by the way the man walked. Mr. Mysterious had a fantastic way of moving. Easy and fluid. He was comfortable with his body and knew how it worked. Devin envied that; at times, he was positive that he was never going to grow out of his gawkiness. He watched his mysterious stranger head down the street, and found himself wondering if he moved as well doing things other than walking. While Devin stood there gaping like an idiot, his quarry suddenly opened a gate and disappeared into a private garden. “Shit,” Devin said under his breath. A talented stalker he was not.

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Muttering to himself, he stepped up his pace and headed for the gate. Devin turned the handle only to discover it was locked. He stood there for a moment, not quite believing his bad luck. “Who the hell locks a garden?” he said to himself as he peered through the foliage covering the gate and surrounding fence looking for a way in, or at least a clue where his mystery man might have gone. Devin stepped back, frustrated, and ran his hand through his hair. He probably should head back, drop into the club and see about persuading Aldo to give him another shift. But damn it, he was close. Something about giving up right now just didn’t sit well. Deciding to take a chance, Devin looked around, took a deep breath and climbed the fence. With the fence jumping done, Devin brushed off his jeans, adjusted his book bag and tried to get his bearings. Looking around, he found himself behind a large azalea in a private residential park with houses arranged around the perimeter. Most of the houses had gardens that were well maintained, but ultimately kind of boring. But one garden was a bit wilder than the others. Not overgrown or unkempt, but it had a bit more spirit to it than the rest of the highly tended yards and borders. Clambering from behind the plant, he stepped onto the sidewalk and headed for that garden. The residences in the square were large, imposing brick homes. Mini mansions. Except for the house with the interesting garden. It was smaller, much narrower than the others. Constructed from gray stone rather than the brick that covered the rest of the houses, it blended into its setting. “What the hell am I doing?” he mumbled to himself. “What was I thinking? Okay, clearly not thinking. Must start thinking before doing lame ass stuff like following a guy you’ve seen once around town.” Devin wandered along the sidewalk, looking here and there, trying to figure out where Mr. Mysterious might have gone. He found himself headed for the gray house, drawn to it for some reason. As he walked by it, he glanced up at its front porch and stopped in his tracks.

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There he was, leaning against the front door frame. Waiting and watching for him. With an amused glance, he stepped back into the house, leaving the front door wide open in invitation. An invitation made even more explicit when he called out, “And Devin? Be sure to close the door after yourself.”

Chapter Three Devin stood there rooted into place. A sensible person would turn and get the hell out of there; would have never followed a stranger around town in the first place; would have just done the usual and washed dishes that night at the club. Deciding he’d left sensible behind long ago, Devin slowly walked up the path to the porch and its open front door. Cautiously he stepped over the threshold and shut the door behind him. “How do you know my name?” he asked. “I heard the other staff calling you by name last night.” “Oh.” Devin thought for a moment, trying to gather his wildly racing thoughts. “Okay. What’s your name then? I mean, hardly seems fair for you to know my name when I don’t know yours.” “Yes, I see where that might be problematic.” His voice held a hint of amusement. “My name is Talis. Welcome to my home.” “Right. Talis. Thanks.” Devin looked around, taking in the details of the place. Rich red walls, slate tile floor, the small hallway table, and stairs probably leading to bedrooms. Dragging his mind back from that path, he gave Talis a curious look. “Don’t think I’ve ever seen you around the club before.” Talis raised an eyebrow at him. “And you hang around that club quite a bit, do you?” “Well. Yeah.” Devin bristled and stood up taller. “I mean, well, I work there. Not always as a server, but I’m around there a lot.” “I see.” Talis gave him a smile. “Shall we sit down? Or would you prefer to remain here in the hall?”

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“Um…” Devin nodded and slipped his bag over his shoulder. “Sitting is good. Thanks.” Talis nodded and led him down the hall. Devin dropped his book bag onto the floor next to the hall table and followed him, trying very hard to remain calm. The hall led to a small library. Comfy leather chairs by a fireplace. Overflowing bookcases. Talis moved straight to a set of French doors and opened them, revealing a small patio surrounded by the garden. He gestured for Devin to make himself comfortable, then disappeared into the kitchen. Devin sat down at the patio table and scanned the garden and back of the house as he fidgeted. Talis returned shortly with a pitcher of lemonade and a couple of glasses. He poured drinks for each of them and sat down in the other chair. “May I ask you a question, Devin?” he said. “Sure.” Devin took a drink of the lemonade. “Why were you following me?” Startled by Talis’s directness, Devin choked on the drink and coughed a bit before answering. “Well, I’m not exactly sure, to be honest.” He looked at Talis, who was regarding him silently, and went on. “It’s just, well, I was curious. You’re not human, are you?” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he winced. “It’s a bit more complicated than that.” Talis looked at Devin over the rim of his glass. “What do you mean it’s complicated? You are or you aren’t. Right?” Devin asked, confused. “As I said, it’s complicated.” Devin stared at him for a moment, then leaned back in his chair. “I don’t understand any of this.” “Any of what?” Talis asked quietly. “My complications? Or was there something else?”

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Devin played with his glass of lemonade, unsure of how to answer the question without looking any more stupid than he imagined he already did. “Well, when I looked at your eyes, when you touched me…” He ran his hand through his hair, frustrated, as he tried to explain himself. “I mean you seem a nice enough fellow. You know, but not quite normal. It just feels like I’m missing something, that’s all.” Talis was silent. Devin’s heart raced and he drummed his fingers on his glass as he waited for the other man to say something. He glanced around the sunny garden and wondered what to do next. “I’m still a human,” Talis finally said, “but I’m also a Mage. Happened a long time ago.” “Mage?” Devin blurted, jerking his attention back to the conversation. “You mean like a wizard?” “No. Not like a wizard,” Talis said. “I don’t cast spells and brew potions. I have this ability… I’ve been one for quite some time, though I don’t practice the Magic anymore.” “Okay.” Devin glanced up at the sky while he tried to make sense of this information. “That’s good to know. So you’re still human? Right? But your eyes, they’re not exactly…” “It’s hard to explain.” Talis gave Devin another tentative smile. “Being a Mage, it changes you…” He stopped, then started again. “It’s just part of who I am, like the dark hair, or my left-handedness. The hard part is keeping everything under control. The Magic calls me. It wants me to take it up and use it all the time.” “But you don’t, do you?” “No,” Talis said. “I mean, I’ve learned how to manage. Most of the time, that is.” “Most of the time,” Devin repeated. He looked over at Talis and wondered what the intense look he was receiving meant. “But not always.” “Not always. Magic is drawn to certain things…” His voice trailed off and he looked at his hands, lying flat on the table. “I don’t practice it anymore.” “What sorts of things?” Devin asked.

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“It craves the primal. Power. Magic. Sex.” He swallowed hard. “Oh.” Something flared between them. Devin found it hard to breathe. “Oh, indeed.” Talis sat there watching him, hardly moving. “Is that what this is? This connection or whatever it is? Primal?” Devin asked softly. For a long moment Talis just looked at Devin. Finally, he reached out to run a thumb over Devin’s lower lip. “I don’t know what it is.” Devin’s mouth fell open slightly at Talis’s touch. He could feel the tingling move through his lip down to his center. He gasped slightly and moved back, eyes firmly locked on the older man. “But you feel it too.” “Yes.” Talis lowered his hand. “I feel it. It calls me.” Devin sat there staring at him, trying to absorb the meaning of those words. He had the feeling something was happening, something important, and the only thing he was sure of was that he didn’t want to screw it up. “I feel it too. It’s like my whole body feels even more alive because I’m here with you,” he said, talking more to himself than to the other man. He reached out and picked up Talis’s hand. Turning it over, he brought it up to his mouth and pressed a gentle kiss into the palm. His simple gesture seemed to take Talis by surprise. Devin watched the emotions play across Talis’s face, saw him struggle to maintain his composure. His expression was still surprised, even when he leaned in and brushed his lips over Devin’s in a tentative kiss. His senses seemed to awaken to a new level. Skin was far more sensitive, every slight touch sent fireworks shooting into his brain. He could smell more than just Talis’s soap, could smell the very spicy essence of him. Moaning softly, he opened his mouth, encouraging Talis to deepen the kiss, wanting more, wanting everything.

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If Devin was startled when Talis hauled him to his feet and plunged his tongue into his mouth, he was more shocked at his own reaction; returning the kiss open mouthed, tasting him, reveling in the sensations roaring through him. He quickly wrapped his arms around Talis and held on for dear life. His mouth was on fire. His body was on fire. He felt more alive than he had ever felt. He wanted Talis. Wanted him now. Here. They moved closer together, touching each other; the contact inflamed his desire. Devin groaned as Talis wrenched himself back enough to look at him, searching for an answer. “Devin?” he asked hoarsely. “Yes. God, yes,” Devin said and leaned in for another kiss. Talis traced Devin’s mouth with his tongue, then broke off the kiss with a fierce grin and tugged him in the direction of the house. Barely inside, Devin stopped to push him up against the wall for another round of frantic kisses. Talis smiled at his eagerness and passion, then guided Devin back down the hall to the stairs. The journey up the stairs was a frenzied romp as they tried to undress each other while they touched and kissed. Devin felt the mattress bump against his legs before he tumbled back onto the bed. He laughed in delight and pulled Talis down on top of him. “I had no idea,” he murmured in wonder between kisses. “Is this part of the Magic?” “It must be,” Talis said. Devin lost himself in the sensations of the moment, his body responding as Talis deepened the kiss, thrusting his tongue into Devin’s mouth, tasting and teasing him. He loved the way he felt. The way his body was tingling all over. Talis’s weight pressing down on him. He wiggled and bucked as Talis pulsed his hips against him, grinding against the older man’s erection, delighting in the friction and thrill of it all. Suddenly Talis rolled off to the side, and Devin groaned out loud. “Shh…” Talis touched a finger to Devin’s lips and said with a shaky breath, “Hold on…”

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His initial frustration fled as Talis reached between them and began to touch him. Devin’s eyes widened and he struggled to relax when Talis first caressed then gently probed him with lube-slickened fingers. He closed his eyes and sank against the bed, trying to remember how to breathe normally. Not that this was normal. This was something so beyond normal, better than anything he could have imagined. While Talis paused for a moment to slip on a condom, Devin looked up into those silver eyes and saw that Talis was glowing. Startled, he stared at the older man and wondered whether he was glowing too, just because he was so near, but that thought fled from his mind as Talis lifted his leg and spread him open, then pressed the tip of his cock against the opening. “Relax,” Talis murmured while he slowly pushed forward into Devin. His breath caught in his throat. He struggled hard to maintain his control, wanting to move, but unsure of what to do. This felt too good, tight and hot, his body aflame with both pain and pleasure. He felt something stir in Talis and it began to flow into him as well, sending his already excited nerves over the edge. Once Talis was fully sheathed in his body, he began thrusting. Slowly at first, letting Devin’s body adjust and accept him. Only then did he pick up the pace, moving faster, letting his passion and need take over. Devin’s control broke and desire overwhelmed him. He gasped aloud, unsure of what to do, how to act, where to touch Talis, if he needed to beg to be fucked the way he wanted. Devin tried to get control of his racing thoughts, to slow them down; he tried to breathe but he had lost the battle with his body. “Oh, God…” he moaned as he reached up for another round of open-mouthed kisses. Devin couldn’t think. He wanted to, but his mind wasn’t functioning on a rational level. All he could feel was the pleasure of the moment. He began to move, rocking underneath Talis, not wanting to lie there and be fucked, but needing to share and participate in this experience to the utmost.

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Catalyst

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So he moved, trying to learn the rhythm, similar yet different from what he was used to. He took his cues from the man above him, secretly thrilled that Talis seemed just as overwhelmed by all of this as he was. “Is this? Am I?” Devin tried to ask but was cut off by another searing kiss from Talis. Devin moaned out loud as Talis’s hand wrapped around his throbbing dick. Long fingers gripped him and explored while a tendril of energy seemed to wrap itself around him along with Talis’s hand. It was all too much. With a hoarse shout Devin climaxed, coming in spurts all over Talis and himself. Devin watched Talis with amazement as he lost his control, let loose and pumped wildly, coming deep inside with a loud moan of satisfaction. Breathing heavily, Talis collapsed on top of him and Devin idly stroked the other man’s back, marveling at the way their bodies continued to pulse and thrum with passion and energy. In that moment, Devin realized something had changed. But that thought was pushed aside as Talis pulled out of Devin and shifted to the side to look at him. “Everything okay?” he asked with a satisfied grin. “God,” Devin said with a drowsy, replete smile. “Better than okay.” “Good.” Talis leaned in and kissed him softly, settling him into his arms. “Get some rest.” Devin tried to stay in the moment; he hadn’t expected this to happen, but now that it had… he didn’t want to miss a thing. But he was drained and cozy and soon he was fast asleep in Talis’s sure embrace.

*** Talis left Devin sound asleep in the bed, slipped into his boxers and went downstairs to the library. He carefully closed and locked the still-open French doors and poured himself a large whiskey. Cupping the glass in his hands, he sat down in his favorite chair and stared at the amber liquid. His body still hummed with energy and sex and his mind was swirling. He took a long sip of the drink, letting it slide down his throat, the burn settling his jangled senses.

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Catalyst

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Everything had changed. He had regained some of the lost Magic. After all these years without, he’d never expected to have it back, not after giving it up the way he had. Leaning back in the chair, he closed his eyes and tried to make sense of it all. He might have guessed he’d end up in bed with Devin, but to have the rest… He’d simply had no idea Devin was a Catalyst, and the boy had no clue what he was either. Damn it. He should have known. Should have read the signs and realized. But he had given the Magic up; this wasn’t supposed to happen. The Magic was back in his life, but he wasn’t sure at all if he was ready to use it. He took another swig of the drink and rubbed his eyes. They’d find out about this. Not much he could do to hide his Magic, and truth be told, he wasn’t sure he wanted to. He might not have been able to shield it even if he’d known it would return. But right now, he didn’t want to hide it. He wanted to claim it, revel in it and unleash it once again. He abruptly pushed to his feet and walked back to the French doors that overlooked the garden. That was the last thing he should be considering. He didn’t need to rush headlong into a confrontation with them, nor did he need to drag Devin into the mix, endangering him more than he already had. Talis leaned against the doorframe and let out a weary breath. He’d been in worse spots before -- he’d figure out something. Draining the glass, he set it on the coffee table and made his way back upstairs to the young man sleeping soundly in his bed.

Chapter Four The sound of running water slowly brought Devin out of his deep sleep. He lifted his head, shifted slightly and looked around for Talis. When he didn’t see him, it finally registered that in all likelihood Talis was the one in the shower. He rolled over onto his back and savored the unfamiliar ache in his body. It was a tangible reminder that the afternoon’s activities had been real and not just some frenzied dream. He glanced over at the window, wondering how long he’d been asleep. It was dark now, the afternoon having long passed. Glancing at the clock on the nightstand, he was startled to find it was past nine. Shit. Keria would be worried. Devin sat up, wincing slightly as he untangled himself from the sheets. He reached toward the nightstand but stopped when he saw there wasn’t a phone on it. Glancing around the bedroom, he didn’t see a phone anywhere in plain sight. He wondered if he should go look for one, or if he should wait and ask Talis. The sound of the shower shutting off helped him make up his mind. Devin swung his legs off the bed and decided to wait. Raising his arms over his head, he stretched like a cat and yawned. He paused mid-stretch as Talis emerged from the bathroom, smiling and toweling his hair. Pleased by the smile, Devin looked at him and lowered his arms. “Hello.” He gripped the edge of the mattress lightly and smiled back. “Hello,” Talis said. “Sleep well?” “Yeah, very well, thanks,” Devin replied. “Where’s your phone? I should call my sister…” “I don’t have one.” Talis dropped the towel he was using on his hair on the floor and took a step closer to the bed. “What?”

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Talis looked nonplussed by Devin’s tone. “I don’t have one.” “But everyone has one. I mean, you’re joking, right?” “No. No joke.” Talis tilted his head and looked at Devin. “Is that a problem?” “No. I mean. Well. I need to call…” Devin’s voice trailed off in puzzlement. “Really? You don’t have one?” Talis smiled again and stepped closer, reaching out to cup Devin’s face. “No. I don’t have one. But if it bothers you, I’ll get one.” Devin laughed then, closed his eyes and tipped his head back at Talis’s touch. He could feel the connection click between them again, sending his heart racing in anticipation. Talis leaned over and kissed him softly then stepped back, leaving Devin breathless and hungry for more. “Talis?” Devin murmured as he watched him back away. “What is it?” Giving him a serious but reassuring look, Talis sat down on the bedroom chair. “We should talk.” “Talk?” Devin looked confused then sat up straight, drawing a protective layer of casualness around himself. “So,” he asked softly, “is this where you tell me it was a nice tumble, and not to take things seriously?” “No. Nothing like that,” said Talis. “Right.” Devin’s tone remained skeptical and defensive. “I mean, I’m not some kind of a cheap trick.” “Devin. Will you just listen for a moment?” He looked at Talis sitting there so still and nodded once. Feeling a bit exposed, Devin reached for the crumpled sheet at the foot of the bed and pulled it up over his lap. “I’m listening.” “Thank you.” Talis adjusted his own towel for coverage before he continued. “I want you to understand.” “Understand what?” “This. What you’ve stumbled into.”

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Catalyst

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“Okay.” Devin shifted a bit and gave him a confused look. “Do you mean the gay part of this?” “Not exactly,” Talis answered. He paused then asked, “Does it bother you that I’m a man?” Devin tilted his head slightly and smiled. “Honestly? No. Was more worried that you wouldn’t… that I wasn’t doing things right.” “You were perfect,” Talis said simply. The two of them sat watching each other, lost in the memory of last night, then Talis shook himself and returned to the subject at hand. “Devin. I need to talk to you about being a Mage… about the Magic. How it works.” “Oh.” Devin shifted on the bed and gave Talis a long, considering look. “I think I may want to be dressed for this.” Talis looked at him and at himself and nodded. “Yes. I think you’re right. Why don’t you take a quick shower? I’ll find you some clothes to wear.” He sent a glance at their clothes scattered across the floor. “See what is salvageable from earlier. Then we can talk.” Devin nodded and hesitated briefly before jettisoning the sheet and getting to his feet. Giving Talis a shy smile, he went straight into the bathroom and closed the door behind him. The room smelled like Talis, clean but spicy and just a tad exotic, but was far messier than Devin would have imagined. Towels were stacked haphazardly next to an overflowing hamper; toiletries were scattered across the surface of the countertop. Shaking his head in wonder, he turned on the shower, waiting a moment for the water to adjust before stepping under the spray. He quickly showered, preoccupied with trying to guess what Talis was going to say. Stepping out of the stall, he dried off, then rummaged around the mess for a comb. When he came back into the bedroom, he found the bed made, clothes laid out across the foot of it, but no sign of Talis.

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Devin picked up his jeans and the other items left for him -- a pair of plain white boxers and a blue cotton shirt. Smiling to himself, he slipped the clothes on and left the bedroom in search of Talis.

*** He found him downstairs in the kitchen making coffee. Devin waited, lounging against the doorframe, taking in the room. It was a small, old-fashioned kitchen with neatly painted white cabinetry, simple white and black tile on the counters and walls, and gray-patterned linoleum on the floor. No microwave, no fancy, high-end gourmet stove or refrigerator. Talis looked up from his task and nodded toward the table tucked into the corner. Devin made his way past, lightly touching the other man’s shoulder as he went. He sat down at the table and watched as Talis poured coffee for both of them and brought the mugs over. Talis sat down and took a long sip from his mug, hesitating before he spoke. “I want you to understand…” he started, then changed his mind and went in a different direction. “I told you earlier that I was a Mage. Do you have any idea what that means?” Devin played with his mug as he answered. “I know what you told me, but that’s all.” He looked up at Talis. “Okay.” Talis nodded, having guessed as much. “A Mage can create or shape, for lack of a better phrase, Magical spells from the natural energy all around us. But we can’t do this on our own, not anything of a substantial power anyway. We need a Catalyst to bring our innate abilities into focus, to make the Magic.” “Oh,” Devin said in a puzzled tone. “Okay. Go on.” Talis took a long breath, wishing he saw understanding rather than confusion on his face. “Some people have no Magical powers; some of us have these abilities.” He took another sip of his coffee and let his gaze wander around the kitchen, letting the familiar surroundings ground him, before speaking again. “It sounds glamorous, but once the power is awakened, used and accepted, well, it changes you forever.”

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Catalyst

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“Okay. It changes you. Got it,” Devin said. Talis quirked an eyebrow and shot him an exasperated look. “Devin, it’s just not that simple…” “Nothing ever is, Talis. You are what you are. That’s okay with me. The rest can be dealt with later, as it comes up.” Talis wavered, torn between making him understand his role in this development, and just letting it go for the moment. “Devin…” Devin smiled, reaching for Talis’s hand. “We’ll work it all out. You can talk to me until you’re blue in the face. Only later, because, trust me, I really need to track down my sister, otherwise I’ll be dead, and this talk of yours will become completely unnecessary.” Talis looked at their entwined fingers and felt the energy begin to pulse between them. Shaking his head in defeat, he brought Devin’s hand up to his lips and kissed it. “I’ll hold you to that. Now where do we find this sister of yours? I’m not interested in letting anything happen to you.” Devin glanced over at the kitchen wall clock. “She should be at the Blue Tuna. Let’s go look for her there. If we’re lucky, Joran will be with her, and she’ll be too occupied with him to give us the third degree.” Talis laughed. “Third degree? How bad can it be?” Devin gave a mock shudder. “You have no idea.” “Fine, we’ll go deal with your sister. Then we can finish this discussion.” “Sure thing. Lots more talking. Lots more other things as well.” Devin stood up and pulled Talis into a quick embrace. “First Keria, then the rest. All of it. Promise.” He flashed a grin and placed a light kiss on Talis’s mouth. “Come on. Let’s get going.” Talis pushed aside that nagging feeling that he should keep talking, keep explaining, make him understand, and instead allowed Devin to pull him out of the kitchen.

***

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Catalyst

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The Blue Tuna was fairly crowded, even at this early hour. The party crowd hadn’t shown up yet, but the regulars were there, already drinking and staking out their turf. Talis found himself dragged behind Devin as he navigated the noisy kitchen, nodding to coworkers who eyed them with undisguised interest. He took a small step back when he bumped up against Devin, who had stopped to scan the room for his sister. He could feel the power sparking to life and was unwilling to give it too much rein before they’d finished their talk. Devin shot him a look and started to say something, but stopped when he spotted his sister. He smiled at Talis and gave his hand a quick squeeze before letting go and walking over to her. Talis waited and continued to scan the room. He saw Devin bend his head to his sister’s ear, and caught her questioning look. He nodded when she glanced in his direction. Devin hadn’t exaggerated about his sister’s temperament. She was a small thing, but he’d be willing to bet she could take down the biggest jerk with ease. At least her affection for her brother was clearly evident as she gave him a piece of her mind. He straightened as they worked their way over to him through the crowd. Devin looked at his sister and then at Talis. “Talis. This is Ker. I mean Keria. My sister.” Keria rolled her eyes at Devin and gave Talis the once-over. He remained still, giving her ample time to make up her mind about him. Finally, she wiped her hand on her apron and stuck it out. “I don’t know exactly what’s going on here, but Devin tells me you’re good people. Prove him wrong, and trust me, you’ll regret it.” Talis took her hand and returned her look. “And I’ll do my best to keep that in mind. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Keria nodded and looked back at Devin. “He’s easy on the eyes and polite. Be sure to let some of those good manners rub off on you, Dev.” She smiled and headed back into the crowd. “Get out of my hair. I’ve got another two hours of my shift to finish before I can go home. Be sure to come for lunch tomorrow.” She stopped and fixed them with a look. “And I mean both of you.” Devin groaned. “Christ. We are so busted.”

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Catalyst

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Talis laughed and relaxed. “She’s not that bad.” “Yes, she is that bad,” Devin said. “Trust me, you’ll be giving up all the details about your first puppy and childhood crushes by the time she’s done with you.” Devin sighed and watched his sister work the room, expertly dealing with a group of rowdy drunks. “No one gives the third degree like Ker. In fact, she left the third degree long ago. Pretty sure she’s up to the eleventh degree by now.” Talis pulled Devin into his arms and looked into his eyes. “Well, we will deal with your sister and her questions at lunch. Let’s go back to the house. Get some sleep and finish our talk before we worry about her.” Devin laughed. “Very practical of you, but yeah, that sounds like a really good idea.” They stood for a moment, locked together, simply enjoying the contact, both of them feeling the pull of each other. Talis smiled and ran his hand through Devin’s hair. “All part of my plan, you know.” “Is that right?” Devin replied.

“Definitely. I’ve got plans for you.”

“Plans? What sort of plans?”

“The best kind. I’m very good with plans,” Talis said smugly.

Devin leaned in and brushed his lips against Talis’s mouth. “Can’t wait to find

out.” Talis stepped back and began to steer Devin toward the exit when a coolly amused feminine voice caught their attention. “Fancy running into you here, lover. So tell me, does the boy toy have a name?”

Chapter Five “Alex.” Talis turned to face the woman who had spoken and marveled at how unchanged she seemed. The hair was different, cut into a short spiky crop, instead of the long locks he remembered, but it was the same pale, straw blonde. Her amber eyes still glowed but instead of warmth they gave off a coldness that knotted the pit of his stomach. She seemed delicate and soft, her petite form masking the iron within. Carefully, he maneuvered his body between her and Devin. She smiled at his protective gesture and tilted her head to look up at him. “Still not much of a talker, I see.” “What do you want?” Talis asked quietly. “Why, Talis, you know the answer to that.” Alex’s smile turned icy. “And you know perfectly well why I’m here and what I want. You may be the most annoying man I know, but you’ve never been stupid.” Triumph glowed in her amber eyes. She had found him, and she still had the power to make him quake. He tried to hide it, but she could still make his pulse race, his body shift, and his hands want to reach out to her. She stood in front of him, head tilted, peering at Devin, clearly sorting everything out in her head. Suddenly, Talis realized he could still read her. He knew she was hell bent on causing some kind of stir. He felt Devin stiffen as she spoke, her voice clearly making him very nervous. Hell, Talis thought, it made him nervous too. It was crisp but dark, like the black ice that formed on the roads in the winter. Seemed perfectly normal, but once you encountered it you knew you were in deep trouble. Talis came out of his reverie when Devin stepped closer, laying a hand on the small of his back in a gesture of support. He felt the spark of Magic flare inside him,

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ready to strike. He gathered it in and clamped down on the instinctive urge to use it, to strike hard and fast at Alex before she could hurt him or Devin. Instead, he took a deep breath and smiled coldly at her, savoring the way the smirk on her face slowly faded to wariness. Eyes widening just a bit, Alex gave Talis an acknowledging nod. He watched the wheels spin in her head, watched her sort through the puzzle pieces and put them in order. She glanced at Devin again with more interest than before and Talis tensed again. She gave him her most winsome smile. “My father sends his regards,” she said smoothly. Talis laughed. “I just bet he does.” “Of course he does. You know he sets a great store on doing the polite thing,” Alex replied. “And speaking of being polite, I believe I asked you earlier who your companion was.” Not getting a reply from Talis, she turned and spoke directly to Devin. “Do you have a name, honey?” Devin started to speak, but Talis reached back and placed his hand on him. “He’s of no concern to you, Alex.” “Isn’t he? He’s taken my place. Of course he’s a concern for me, Talis.” She leaned toward him, her voice warming with the passion of her conviction. “We belong together. It’s destiny.” “No. It’s not. And we don’t. Leave the past buried, Alex.” Alex stepped very close to Talis before replying. “This isn’t over, even if I wanted it to be. And for the record, I don’t. My father has plans for us, for you. And he has waited far too long to allow you to walk away from them.” “Your father has no say what I do, or whom I’m with.” Smiling calmly, Alex turned to walk away and said over her shoulder, “Keep telling yourself that, Talis.” Then Alex paused and turned back to Devin. “Oh, you should know, once the power is awakened, sex seals the bond. You might want to think about that before you sleep with him.”

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Catalyst

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Talis froze, eyes locked on Alex as she continued. “Oh, you’ve done that already. Pity. Now he’ll be able to use you for his Magic any time he wants to. You really should have been more careful about that. It’s wickedly hard to break the bond between a Mage and his Catalyst.” “Alex.” Talis’s voice rang with repressed anger. “In fact, it’s only been done once.” She looked at Talis and reached up to pat his cheek. “Isn’t it nice to know our breakup is recorded in the annals of history?” Talis flinched at her touch. As she spun on her heels and melted back into the crowd, her voice rang out over the din. “I’ll be seeing you.”

*** Talis was silent on the walk back to his house. He knew Devin was confused. Angry as well. He could tell by the way the young man walked, but he also knew there wasn’t anything he could say at the moment that would help. They needed to finish that talk they’d started earlier, but Talis was afraid Devin was in no state to really listen to him or to grasp the complexities of the situation. Damn Alex, he thought. She had caused him nothing but trouble since the first day he’d laid eyes on her. Nothing had changed. She’d managed to drag him into trouble then, and now he was up to his ears in trouble again. Still, he should have been more careful. Should have known the reawakening of his power was like a homing beacon, and she was bound to show up. He should have been on the lookout for her, but the rush of power after so long had blinded him to those possibilities. And then there was Devin. The boy was in danger. Talis knew that by the way Alex had looked at him. He knew her well enough to realize she wouldn’t stop until Devin was destroyed; first because he was a threat to her power, but most importantly because hurting Devin would hurt him. Damn, damn, damn. He looked over at Devin, walking along next to him with his feet pounding hard into the pavement, his jaw clenched tightly, and his eyes fixed straight ahead. This was not turning out well at all.

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***

Focusing on everything but Talis, Devin walked along lost in his own thoughts. Alex. Talis’s ex. He didn’t like her. But she was the least of his worries. Talis had withheld some pretty damn important information from him. Oh, sure, he’d tried to explain things earlier, but sure as hell hadn’t mentioned anything about permanent bonding when he was mumbling on about Magic. Or about him being some sort of Catalyst. Whatever that was exactly. Talis should have said something before when they were all over each other. He could have said no; he could have turned around and walked away from it all right then and there. He sighed and waited while Talis unlocked the gate to the square. He told himself that the Magic had sucked him in, forced him to go along without knowing what he was really doing or giving up. It was a good story, but Devin knew it wasn’t true. He had simply wanted Talis too badly to think clearly about anything. And if he was honest, even if Talis had told him everything yesterday, he wasn’t sure he would have walked away. They were both silent as they entered Talis’s home. Devin hesitated in the doorway but Talis, heading for the kitchen, motioned for him to come in. “I’ll make some coffee. Meet you in the library.” Devin nodded, closed the door behind him and made his way down the hall. He sat down on the sofa. He’d barely glanced at the room the day before, but he looked at it with more interest today. It wasn’t a large room, but it didn’t feel crowded. Bookcases lined the walls. There was a small sofa and leather club chairs next to a small fireplace. Devin stood and scanned the bookshelves, lightly running his fingertips across the spines of the books. Rather than the heavy magic books he’d expected, he found histories and fiction. “Do you see anything you like?” he heard Talis ask from the doorway. Devin turned around and dropped his hand like a guilty child. “Not what I expected to find.”

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“I see.” Talis set the tray on the coffee table, then picked up his mug and looked at Devin. “What did you expect?” Devin blushed. “Spell books, occult books, something like that, I guess. I don’t really know.” Talis sipped his coffee in silence. “Is what she said true?” Devin asked bluntly. “Am I a Catalyst? Your Catalyst? Am I bound to you in some way?” Walking over to the fireplace, Talis set his mug on the mantel. He turned to look at Devin before speaking. “Yes, what she said is true, but it’s not the whole truth.” Devin spun away from him and stalked over to the French doors. He looked out into the garden, at the moonlight playing across the patio. “And when do I get the whole truth?” “Devin?” “Don’t,” Devin choked out. “Not yet.” Talis walked over and stepped up close behind him. “Let’s just talk. We can sort this out.” “Can we?” Devin asked, turning to face him. “Yes. I hope… I believe we can,” Talis answered. Devin searched Talis’s eyes. “God, don’t look at me like that…” He started to push past Talis but was halted by the older man’s hand on his arm. “Devin, we need to talk. Give me a chance…” “A chance for what? To tighten your hold on me? To make me some sort of slave?” “Devin. No. You know that’s not what I want.” “Do I? I don’t know anything anymore,” Devin snapped. His temper was rising and he fought to bring it under control, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. Then slowly, he opened his eyes and looked levelly at Talis. “What do you want?” “You,” Talis said. “I want you. Not the Magic, not the power. Just you.”

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Catalyst

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Devin gazed at him for a long time, wanting to believe it was true, but the anger still held him in its grip. He turned away. Talis reached out and slowly turned his head back to face him. “Don’t run from this. Stay.” Sparks shot through his body at the touch of Talis’s hand on his jaw. Devin swallowed hard and looked into those silvery eyes. He could feel Talis holding back, fighting hard to push the power away. He looked vulnerable. Vulnerable. He’d never thought of Talis that way before, and it surprised him. Confused and conflicted, but still undeniably drawn to the man before him, Devin kissed him. When Talis responded, deepening the kiss, Devin groaned and grabbed Talis’s shirt to steady himself. He yanked it open, needing to touch bare skin, pressed his palms flat against Talis’s chest, then pulled back a bit to look at him. Talis tilted his head to return the look. Slowly he reached forward and touched first Devin’s chest, then slowly moved his hands down to his cock. Devin’s breath caught in his throat as Talis deftly unbuttoned the fly of his jeans and slid his hand inside to fondle him with those long, elegant fingers. He stopped thinking when Talis freed his erection, then knelt and deliberately took Devin’s cock into his mouth. Devin closed his eyes and gave a half strangled moan. “God.” He clenched and unclenched his hands before finally reaching out and grabbing Talis’s hair in both hands. At a loss for words, and with very little rational thought still in his mind, Devin lost himself in the pleasure Talis was bringing to him. Talis sucked slowly, working his tongue and teeth along the sensitive ridge. He worked back to the head and probed the slit with the tip of his tongue, lapping the leaking pre-come before taking him deep into his throat. Devin’s hips twitched, and he fought the urge to thrust hard into Talis’s mouth. He let loose a guttural moan as Talis moved his hands around to push his jeans out of the way. He cupped Devin’s ass, then rimmed and teased his opening. Knotting

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his fists into Talis’s hair, he began to pump wildly into Talis’s mouth, lost to everything but the desire coursing through his body. Talis was playing him like a fine instrument, and he didn’t care. He was overwhelmed by the way Talis swallowed and sucked him, by the way he used his hands to both steady him and spur him on, by the feel of the Magic swirling between them. Talis slowly slid the tip of one finger into Devin’s passage, pulling out slightly then pushing more firmly in a deliberate rhythm, then slid a second in, fucking him with his fingers. It was all too much. Talis somehow knew just how to twist his fingers, how to hit that sweet spot over and over again. Devin was on fire, consumed by his lust. He felt his balls tighten as his climax built and then he bucked hard into Talis’s mouth, screaming as he came. Breathing raggedly, Devin slowly unclenched his grip on Talis’s hair as the other man swallowed his come. He rested his hands on Talis’s head then slowly opened his eyes and looked down at him. Talis’s lips were swollen, but his eyes shimmered, the repressed power and Magic clearly visible. Devin eyed Talis critically before dropping down to crouch unsteadily next to him. “I can see the power. The Magic. It’s shimmering in your eyes. Let it out.” Talis shook his head. “No, Devin. I don’t want it. I want…” “I said, let it out,” Devin said firmly. Talis shook his head again. “Devin.” Devin reached out and pushed Talis’s shirt off one shoulder, then raked his nails down his chest. “It’s a part of you. And it’s a part of me. I want to see what we can do together. Want to see what she was talking about.” Talis shivered, then closed his eyes, fighting for some sort of control. Aware of the struggle within Talis, Devin smiled, then leaned in to run the tip of his tongue along the edge of Talis’s earlobe and whisper the words he knew would push Talis over the edge. “Fuck me, lover.”

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Talis’s control shattered and he blindly turned to capture Devin’s mouth in a hard, demanding kiss. His hands reached for Devin’s shoulders, toppling him down to the floor. He rolled on top of Devin, pinning him to the carpet, grinding into him, not bothering to hide his desire or to deter the power flowing between them. Eyes locked on Devin, he undid his own pants and pushed them down out of the way. “Is this what you want, Devin? You want me to fuck you?” “Yes,” Devin whispered. Talis leaned over and pushed Devin’s jeans out of the way. “I won’t, I can’t be gentle. Not now.” Devin just looked at him, blue eyes darkening. “Talis…” Talis smiled bleakly. “You’ve never been fucked by the Magic. You have no idea.” “Talis…” He reached to grasp Devin’s cock, feeling it start to harden again under his touch. “You want to know? You want to really feel the Magic?” Talis deliberately fondled and teased him, playing Devin’s body expertly. Carefully watching Devin’s face, he dropped his shields and pulled the power from Devin’s body. He directed a stream of Magic to slowly wrap itself around Devin’s erection, then leaned in to plunder the boy’s mouth again. He felt Devin’s hips jerk as his body was enveloped by the Magic. The boy’s cock was suddenly rock hard, throbbing against his hand. Talis deepened the kiss, made it more demanding and probing. He used the Magic to sear Devin, flooding him with his power, making everything the boy felt more intense and pleasurable. Talis moved his hand from Devin’s cock to his thigh, roughly pushing it up to get better access. He maneuvered his fingers to Devin’s opening and rimmed the area first with his fingertip, then with a tendril of Magic. Talis looked closely at Devin. The boy was moaning and shaking, hands clutching wildly at the carpet. He tipped Devin’s thigh back and pushed roughly into

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him. Closing his eyes, he began to thrust, lost in the feel of Devin’s body tightly wrapped around him. He drove into him over and over again, oblivious to anything but the hardness of his cock and the Magical power coursing through him. He heard Devin’s strangled gasp of “God…” as the boy climaxed again, shooting a thick stream of semen between the two of them. Rooted deep inside Devin, Talis thrust one last time and came hard, making a loud, guttural moan of satisfaction. “Talis?” Devin murmured. Talis froze and looked down at the young man pinned beneath him. Suddenly mortified at what he’d done, he rolled off Devin and sprawled face down upon the floor. “God. I’m sorry.” “Sorry? No --” Devin started, but was cut off. “Yes. Sorry. I forgot. It wasn’t safe,” Talis blurted. Devin gave him a stunned look and reached down to touch the sticky come leaking onto his thigh. “Oh God. No condom.” “You should probably go.” Talis turned his head. “I think your sister was expecting you to go home.” “Shit. Keria…” Devin sat up. “She’ll be fine. I want to stay.” “And I want you to go.” Talis pushed himself to his feet and reached for his pants, quickly stepping into them. “Go?” Devin looked stunned. “I don’t understand.” Talis sighed and walked to the window, carefully keeping his back to Devin. “Go meet up with your sister. Make my apologies. There are things I need to do now.” “But…” Devin stopped short. He looked at Talis standing there rigid and remote, and reached for his jeans instead. “Fine. Is there some sort of special Magical disease that I need to be worried about?” With great effort, Talis forced himself not to look back at Devin. “Nothing special.” “Right. Should I bother to call later? Oh, wait. I can’t, now can I? No phone. That’s convenient.”

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Devin pulled on his pants, picked up Talis’s ruined shirt and wiped his stomach. Tossing the used shirt onto the floor in anger, he stalked down the hall to find the rest of his things. He paused for a moment in the doorway, then slammed the door behind him.

*** Talis winced as the door slammed, turned to the cabinet and poured a glass of whiskey. He tossed it back, looked at the empty tumbler and then flung it across the room. He closed his eyes, and Talis could almost swear he heard Alex laughing. She had enjoyed pushing him over the edge that way. Sex with her had never been tender -it was clutch and grab, fuck and be fucked. She had the knack of shattering his control and temper faster than anyone he’d ever met. She’d played him then, and there was no doubt in his mind she had played him today with Devin. He hadn’t wanted to go down that path with Devin, but there he was, fucking like an animal, out of control, loving every damn moment of it. Pushing the thought of Devin out his mind for the moment, Talis stepped around the shards of glass, sank into his favorite chair and tried to focus on his first move. Alex would have to be dealt with. She never liked being second fiddle, but she was merely a beautiful, if deadly, distraction. Her father, Garrick, was the real threat. He had misjudged him once before and would not make that mistake again. He closed his eyes and thought back to when he had met Garrick. He’d been young, like Devin, probably even more naïve, and Garrick had been an almost mythical figure on campus. Witty, intelligent and very focused about his research. Talis had gravitated toward him along with many others in his class, but miraculously Garrick had picked him out of the crowd and begun to mentor him. He’d encouraged his studies, advised him on his classes and befriended him, and Talis had thrived under his attention.

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And then one fall night, he’d met Alex. She’d come home to visit her father and Talis had been blindsided. She was so beautiful and delicate, hair flowing in pale waves, those big amber eyes seeming to look into his very soul. Talis got up and walked back to the French doors. God, he’d been such a stupid boy, setting out to court her, taking it slow, making sure everything was perfect. How shocked he’d been in the morning. Alex was not the shy, virginal girl-woman he’d believed her to be. No, she was far more experienced than he was, and deeply in league with her father. And more importantly, she was a Catalyst, a powerful one in her own right. She’d played him, awakening the power within him, just as Garrick had planned, and binding them together in a violent mutual need-hate relationship. One he thought he’d never escape from. Talis closed his eyes and sighed. It was time to take action. He had managed to break away from Garrick and Alex once. He’d find a way to do it again if necessary. He could live without the Magic, but he wasn’t sure he could live if Devin was hurt, or worse. He turned away from the doors and started down the hall. It was time to track them down and put an end to this once and for all.

Chapter Six Devin avoided returning to his apartment. There was no way he felt up to facing Keria and her inquisition, and food was the last thing on his mind. Instead, he walked around town for hours before finding himself in the anonymity of Madison Park. He grabbed a coffee from a cart vendor, found a quiet spot off the main path and sank to the ground. Leaning against a large maple tree, he sipped the strong, bitter brew and tried to figure out what in the hell had gone wrong. Maybe he shouldn’t have pushed Talis the way he had, but Talis was not the only one the Magic called. He’d wanted to feel the power coursing through his body as much as Talis had -- maybe even more. He closed his eyes and shivered at the memory. It was incredible. And there was no way he was going to be able to turn his back on it or Talis. He was bound to him. Just like that bitch had said. He didn’t understand what had happened, Talis was right about that. Catalyst. Mage. Magic. He had no way of sorting it out in his head. He had questions… a million of them. But it had happened. And it had changed him. Talis had been right about that too. He drained the rest of his coffee and crumpled the paper cup in his hand. So many questions. Talis was spooked by the strength of the Magical bond between them. Why? And what exactly was Alex up to? Devin looked at the sun fading in the sky and stood up. He needed more information, and there was only one place in town to hear the lowdown on everything that was supposed to be under the radar. Hoping Aldo hadn’t found a replacement server, Devin tossed the crumpled cup into the trash and decided to head in and see if he could talk his way into a shift at the Blue Tuna.

***

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Just after midnight, Talis waited outside the doors of a private VIP suite on the upper floor of the Blue Tuna. He adjusted the cuffs of his silvery blue silk shirt and straightened his gray suit jacket. It hadn’t taken him long to track down the hotel where Alex and Garrick were staying. He’d sent a note along with a single blood-red rose from the lobby and soon was the recipient of a terse reply penned in Garrick’s elegant script. He had frowned when he saw the location of the meeting, sensing Alex’s hand at work, but had not objected. The door opened at last, and he stepped inside. The room was slightly less seedy than the club downstairs, but not by much. Talis hid his amusement, knowing the meeting place was as much a “fuck you” from Alex to her father as a slap at him. Garrick sat at a table in the corner of the room, leafing through a small book. His elegantly tailored Italian suit looked out of place in the dingy surroundings, but he seemed supremely unconcerned. He finished the page he was reading and looked up. “Talis.” “Garrick.” “It’s been quite a long time.” Garrick inclined his head and gave Talis a direct look. “I heard you were dead.” “A most unfortunate rumor.” Talis returned his look steadily. “Probably started by your daughter. She does hate to lose, you know.” “I’ve noticed.” He smiled coldly. “A pity, though. I suppose I’ll be forced to take care of the matter myself, once and for all.” Talis shrugged. “I thought perhaps we could do business.” “Business?” Garrick raised an eyebrow. “Why would I want to do business with you?” “Because I’m still the most powerful Mage you’ve ever met.” “Ah…” Garrick gave him a feral grin. “Only if you have a properly trained Catalyst, and from what Alex tells me, your new one is very inexperienced and definitely untrained.”

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Talis returned Garrick’s grin with one of his own. “Ah, but there is always Alex, now isn’t there? Surely she would meet your requirements…” “Somehow I don’t see you going willingly back to my daughter’s bed.” “Try me.” Garrick regarded Talis carefully for a long moment, then he laid his book on the table. “Well, well, well…” He steepled his fingers and brought them to his lips. “Perhaps we do have business to discuss, after all.” He motioned for one of his bulky bodyguards and spoke to him softly. The large man disappeared through a side door, and Garrick motioned for Talis to sit. Talis sat down in the chair indicated and looked at the older man critically. Garrick had aged considerably since Talis had last seen him. The lines around his eyes and mouth had deepened, making him look even more grave and serious than before. His hands were the same though -- finely boned with long, elegant, discreetly manicured fingers. “So am I to believe that you are willing, even eager, to return to our fold?” Garrick asked quietly. Talis smiled. “Well, that would depend on the terms of your proposal.” Garrick looked pleased. “I see. And if the terms of our proposal are mutually agreeable?” “Then I’m sure…” Talis trailed off as the bodyguard opened the door and Alex walked in, wearing a sheer gold top and a tight black miniskirt that left little to the imagination. She moved over to her father and gave him a kiss on the cheek, then leaned up against the table between her father and Talis. “Hello, lover. Are you and Daddy having a nice little chat?” “Alex.” Garrick’s voice held the barest hint of annoyance. “Talis and I are discussing business. Go find someone else to play with.”

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She gave her father a pouty look, but obediently moved out of the way, walking slowly behind Talis, letting her hand trail across his shoulders, her fingers brushing along the edge of his shirt collar. “Yes, Daddy.” Talis shivered briefly at her touch, feeling the familiar call of her power; he took a deep breath and refocused his attention on Garrick. With a triumphant grin, Alex moved over to the sofa across the room. She arranged herself on the cushions, then motioned for the bodyguard who disappeared through the side door after she spoke to him. Garrick looked from Talis to his daughter and back again. “I believe we were discussing the topic of mutual agreement?” “Yes. I believe that is correct.” “And your position would be?” The bodyguard returned, and Garrick spared him a glance. “If the proposal -- your proposal -- is agreeable,” Talis replied, “then I’m sure we can work out some sort of arrangement.” With a satisfied sneer, Garrick leaned back in his chair. “You will take my daughter back to your bed?” A familiar hand set a glass of Scotch in front of him, and Talis froze. He looked up to see Devin, dressed in his server’s attire, seeing to the drinks Alex had ordered. “Talis?” Garrick’s voice brought him out of his reverie. “I’m waiting.” “What?” Talis looked back over at Garrick. “Talis, darling,” Alex’s voice purred from the sofa behind him. “Daddy wants to know if you’ll fuck me to seal the deal.” Devin straightened and looked at Talis. Talis met Devin’s gaze and held it for a moment. Then, slowly, he answered, hoping Devin would hear the answer in his heart and not the one from his lips. “Yes, Garrick. If necessary, I’ll fuck her.” Alex gave a low, throaty chuckle and rose from the sofa. Walking across the room as if she were a queen, she moved past Devin and draped her arm possessively around Talis.

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“Sorry, honey, looks like Talis is ripe and ready for the real thing once again.” She slid her hands down Talis’s chest, across his thighs to fondle his cock while giving Devin a triumphant little smile. Talis focused on Devin’s pale face. The young man’s eyes were locked on him, waiting for some sort of explanation. Swallowing hard, Talis pushed Alex’s hands away and stood up. “Devin. You should go now.” “Ah… so this is the boy who has made the situation so interesting?” Garrick’s voice cut cleanly through the tension. “The new Catalyst, I believe?” He rose slowly and peered at Devin. “Yes, Father,” Alex said, glaring at Devin. She was clearly annoyed with Talis’s brush off. “Devin. Go,” Talis barked. “No,” Devin replied quietly. “Let the boy stay. I think his loyalty is quite admirable, if misplaced.” Garrick nodded at the bodyguard and walked toward the door. “It’s always so refreshing when the last bit of naiveté finally dies.” He followed the guard out of the room, leaving the three of them locked in a tense silence. Alex looked at the two of them, then slipped around to stand in front of Talis. “Shall we show him how real Magic is made?” She gave him her most alluring smile and slowly unbuttoned his shirt. Talis gasped softly as his traitorous body responded to her touch; she had always known just how to arouse him, and apparently still could. She slowly licked his chest, taking his nipple into her mouth and sucking gently, blowing bits of air across it, using her teeth to tug and twist it sharply. Even after all this time Alex still had a power over him, over his body, but his mind… that was another matter entirely. His mind could only think of one thing. Devin. He kept his gaze focused on Devin’s face, meeting those deep blue eyes and willed him to understand.

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Devin watched Talis, watched his eyes become unfocused when Alex touched him. Seeing Talis’s body respond to her efforts was almost more than Devin could bear. He wanted to reach out and touch him, to cup his face and fit his mouth to his… He wanted to push Alex out of the way, scream “He’s mine,” and prove to her, to Talis and to himself what the two of them had was more than ordinary. Instead he tore his gaze from Talis’s face and stared at Alex. He watched as she stroked Talis’s erection through the fabric of his pants. Her eagerness and excitement were obvious as she unbuckled the belt, unfastened his pants and grasped his cock in her small hand. She worked his erection expertly, unhurried in her efforts, eyes closed, perhaps letting her memory guide her actions. Devin gasped as she nibbled along Talis’s shaft, laving it with her tongue before drawing him deep into her mouth, sucking hard and releasing a soft moan of her own. Taking a deep breath, Devin closed his own eyes and tried to get his runaway emotions under control. He could feel the energy in the room shift and swirl around him. Magic. He knew without looking that the Magic was awake in Talis. His body tingled and ached for it and he started to reach out to Talis. Breathing hard, he forced his urges down and slowly refocused, only to see Talis’s anguished gaze. Desperate, glowing eyes locked on him and he couldn’t turn away. Devin let his hand drop, but not to his side. Instead he began to lightly rub his own hardening cock, fixing his eyes on Talis in a blatant challenge to Alex. Devin slowly unzipped his own pants and began to methodically fondle himself. He felt a surge of satisfaction when Talis’s eyes widened with surprise and desire. Locking his gaze on Talis, he nodded once, giving him the permission he needed. He watched as Talis groaned and began thrusting into Alex’s mouth, his hands moving to thread into her short hair and cradle her head while his eyes remained fixed on Devin. He smiled at Talis and ran his thumb over the tip of his cock, spreading the leaking fluid around before he started stroking harder. He looked into Talis’s face and pretended Talis was touching him. He moved his hand like Talis did, lingering on the

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slit, moving lower to cup and squeeze his balls, then back up to work the shaft in those long, sure strokes. He watched Talis fuck Alex’s mouth and imagined he was on the receiving end instead of her. Devin pumped and stroked himself, matching his pace to the thrust of Talis’s hips. He barely noticed Alex shifting her hands to probe Talis’s ass. Whatever she did sent Talis over the edge; Devin watched him grasp her head firmly, thrust one last time and let go, sending his semen spurting into her mouth and across her face. Devin pumped himself furiously as Talis climaxed. He closed his eyes for a moment, lost in his own fantasy, then groaned as he came, spilling ropy strands of come across his hand. He opened his eyes, looked at Talis and broke into a slow, possessive smile. Picking up a towel from his tray, he wiped his hand clean while Alex cleaned Talis, laving and sucking him before pulling back to wipe her face with the back of her hand and look up at him with a satisfied smirk. The sound of Devin’s zipper sliding back up shocked her, and she swiveled her head around to track the sound. He didn’t bother to button the top of his pants or hide what he’d been doing from her. Laughing softly, he walked over, kissed Talis, then picked up his tray and left the room. Talis wiped his face with the sleeve of his jacket and sank into the chair as his legs gave way at last. He looked at Alex, who was still kneeling, a shocked expression fixed on her face. Anger flared in her eyes as she rose with great dignity. She gave him a cold stare, then slapped his face. “You fucking bastard,” she hissed, then turned and walked out of the room, head held high, never looking back. He watched her leave and sighed with a mixture of regret and frustration. Haphazardly, he fastened his shirt, stood and quickly pulled up his pants. So much for his carefully laid plans, he thought as he slipped out of the private room. He needed to find Devin first, before sitting down to try to figure out another way to clean up this mess.

***

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Talis found Devin in the alley behind the club. He let the door from the kitchen slam behind him and walked over to stand next to him. “Why?” Devin looked over at him. “Why what?” Talis gave him a look and raised his eyebrow. “Oh.” Devin broke into a wide smirk. “That why.” “Yes. You’ve really mucked things up.” “Have I? Looked to me like you were doing a good job of that on your own.” “I had a plan,” Talis said irritably. “Oh, is that what it was?” Devin snapped “And here I thought you just liked playing the whore for your ex.” “I was not…” Talis turned away from Devin and began pacing in the alley. “Devin, you have no idea how dangerous Garrick or Alex can be, even more now that we’ve managed to piss them off.” “Of course I don’t. You haven’t told me a bloody thing about them --” Devin stopped in mid rant. “We?” A ghost of a grin played at the corner of Talis’s mouth. “Yeah. We.” Closing the distance between them, he pulled Devin into a rough embrace. “Devin. I liked what you did way too much, but don’t ever pull a stunt like that without giving me a warning.” “Did you?” Devin wrapped his arms around Talis and gave him a serious look. “I know it’s too soon…” He hesitated. “But damn it, you’re mine. I couldn’t stand there and not do something.” “I noticed.” Talis smiled at him and gave him another kiss. “Good. Was starting to think you were a bit slow on the uptake.” Shaking his head, Talis looked at Devin and turned serious again. “We are in big trouble. You do realize that.” Devin met his serious look and nodded. “Yeah. I kind of figured that out. But we will face it together. Not apart. Got that?”

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“Yes.” Talis kissed him again. “I think I’ve got that. We have a lot of things to discuss… can you leave now?” Devin smiled. “Yeah.” He disentangled himself from Talis and took his hand. “Time to have that talk at long last?” “Yes.” Talis squeezed Devin’s hand and they headed out of the alley for home.

Chapter Seven Fuming, Alex stalked through the broken debris in the hotel suite. “Bastard. I swear when I get my hands on him the next time…” Garrick looked on, unperturbed by her ranting. He poured himself a glass of Scotch and stepped over a broken vase to move to his chair. “So the boy is more of a problem than you thought?” “The boy,” she spluttered, “will soon be history.” Nodding thoughtfully, he sipped his drink and watched unblinkingly as his daughter threw another expensive piece of bric-a-brac at the fireplace. “Talis won’t let him out of his sight now. He knows you well enough to realize you’ll go after his new lover.” Still livid, Alex turned to her father. “That might be the case, but he won’t expect me to send someone else after his boy.” Garrick set the glass down and smiled at his daughter. “Nice to see your brains still work after this setback.” “Not a setback, Father. I was generous and gave Talis one more chance to join us.” Alex walked across the suite and picked up the phone. “He’s the one that walked away. He’ll regret the day he threw that generosity back in my face.”

*** Devin woke alone in Talis’s bed. Sitting up slowly, he glanced around the room. There was no sign of Talis. He untangled himself from the sheets and got out of bed. Slipping on his boxers, he headed downstairs. Talis proved to be in the library, books spread out across the coffee table, deep in research. “Find anything?” Devin asked as he walked over and sat down beside Talis on the sofa.

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Talis looked up. “Unfortunately, no.” “How long have you been working?” Talis leaned back and rubbed his neck. “A few hours.” Devin reached over and began to rub Talis’s neck and shoulders. “God, you’re really knotted up. Did you get any rest?” Talis sighed and leaned back into the massage. “A bit.” “That’s not enough,” Devin said quietly. “You’ll need to be well rested for whatever they throw at you.” “I need to be prepared. I need a plan.” Smiling, Devin raised an eyebrow. “No offense, but Talis, your last ‘plan’ really sucked.” The quiet humor had its intended effect, and Talis laughed softly and relaxed a bit. “Are you ever going to let me live that down?” “Nope.” Devin kissed him on the mouth, gave him one last pat on the back, then stood up. “If you won’t sleep, you should at least have something more than coffee in your system. I’ll fix us some breakfast.” Snagging the empty mug from the coffee table, Devin walked into the kitchen and began rummaging around. In the pantry he found potatoes and onions, in the refrigerator eggs and cheese. Smiling to himself, he quickly set out to make some home fries and a cheese omelet for them to eat. Soon potatoes were sizzling in a skillet and the kettle heating for tea. He took in the cozy scene and laughed at himself, knowing his sister would be highly amused by his sudden domestic turn. Still chuckling, he set the table, put Talis’s dirty mug in the sink and started to wash the dirty dishes while he waited on everything to finish.

*** Calmer, almost relaxed after the impromptu massage, Talis turned back to the texts, glancing over to the kitchen now and then. Devin was good at this fussing business. Undoubtedly he’d learned it from his sister. Talis smiled a bit and turned the page. It felt good to be fussed over and watched out for. No one had done that for him

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in a very long time. Refocusing on the book in front of him, he tried to figure out why he felt like he was missing something important. He rubbed the back of his neck again and stared at the page. The lines of text began to blur and he rubbed his eyes and leaned back. Damn, he was tired. He wasn’t used to the research. Maybe Devin was right and a break was in order. Sighing, he turned back to the book. The print continued to waver unnaturally. Too unnaturally. Magic. “Devin! Get down!” He leapt to his feet and ran toward the kitchen. At Talis’s shout, Devin turned toward him, but was too late. Talis could only watch helplessly as the ball of energy came shattering through the kitchen window. It struck Devin hard, throwing him across the room and against the refrigerator. A stunned expression on his face faded into blankness as he slid slowly to the floor, unconscious and bleeding. “DEVIN!” Talis ran into the room, heedless of the broken glass and the Magical energy ball still hovering in the corner of the kitchen. He dropped down and pulled Devin into his lap. “Oh, God…” He ran his hands over him, checking for injuries. “Oh, God.” The Magic flared to life in him and he raised a hand. The energy ball faded, leaving him kneeling amid the broken glass with breakfast burning on the stove.

*** Talis paced restlessly in the waiting room. He checked the clock on the wall again and wondered if he should try to get ahold of Devin’s sister again. Glancing down the hall where Devin was being treated, he muttered under his breath. “Knew I shouldn’t have left a message at that bar. She probably didn’t get it. Damn it, what the hell am I supposed to do now?” Deciding to call again, he walked over to the nurse’s station and found himself nearly knocked over by Keria, who had entered the ER at a dead run. She skidded to a stop at the nurse’s station and demanded to know where her brother was. Before the nurse could answer, Talis placed his hand on her shoulder. “Keria?” She spun around and glared, clearly panicked. “Where is he?”

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Talis nodded down the hall. “X-ray. They’ll be moving him to a regular room shortly.” Nodding, she started down the hall, but was pulled up short by his hand on her arm. “Wait. I need to speak with you first.” “It can wait. I need to see Devin,” she said as she tried to shake him off. “No. It can’t wait.” He pulled her off to the side of the waiting room. “There are things you need to know and there’s not a lot of time.” Keria gave him a look of pure fury mixed with both confusion and curiosity. “Fine. Make it fast. Devin needs me.” Talis winced at her tone, but quickly gave her a rough idea of what had happened. “Attacked? Magic? Are you on drugs?” Staring at him, she took a step back. “No. I’m not.” He reached out and took her hand. “Look, you don’t have to believe everything I’ve told you. I just need you to stay with him.” “Of course, but…” Keria peered up at him. “What’s going on? You’re starting to wig me out.” “I’m sorry for that. I’ll go with you when they move him. The room needs to be warded.” He slowed down and tried to elaborate a bit more, willing her to understand. “We need a protection spell. Against Magical attacks.” “Right,” she said skeptically. “I know this is confusing, but please just trust me. I’ve got a plan. I can take care of this,” Talis reassured, then continued. “Do you know anyone who is handy with a weapon?” “Joran is, but…” She stopped and really looked at him. “You’re serious about all of this, aren’t you?” “Yes. Very serious,” he said wearily. He ran his hand through his hair and rubbed his eyes before continuing. “Call him. Have him bring a knife or a club, not a gun. Guns won’t work with the protection spell.”

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Keria gave him a frightened look. “Okay. Where are you going?” “I have things that have to be taken care of. They can’t wait. For his sake.” He gave her an imploring look. “I know it’s a lot to ask. But just trust me. I’ll be back. I promise.” She stared at him, and he held his breath, waiting for her to make up her mind. Finally, she nodded her agreement. “Fine. I’ll call you when he wakes up.” Talis shook his head. “I don’t have a phone.” “What?” He sighed. “I said I don’t have a phone.” “Really?” Keria gaped at him. “You don’t have a phone?” “That’s right. No phone.” Talis looked startled, then found himself nervously laughing. “God, you sounded just like Devin when I told him that.” “Yeah?” She smiled a bit then shook her head. “Actually, he sounds like me. Get that straight.” Keria rummaged in her purse and pulled out her cell phone. “Here, take mine. I’ll call you when he wakes up.” Talis looked at the phone. “Okay.” Looking back at Keria, he nodded. “Thank you.” The doors from X-ray opened and a nurse came out with an orderly who pushed Devin’s gurney toward the elevator. Keria left Talis standing there and rushed over to speak with the nurse. Satisfied with what the nurse had told her, Keria glanced at Talis’s blank face before turning her attention back to her brother. Talis remained a few feet away, staring at Devin’s still form. He looked so young. Lying there with dried blood still smeared across his face and chest, the stitches and bandages standing out starkly against his skin. He wanted to go over and touch the boy, cradle him in his arms again, but he was afraid to. He knew the Magic would explode then and there, and he couldn’t risk it. Instead he forced himself to swallow hard, and clench his fists at his side and keep everything bottled up for now. Until later. Keria leaned over and brushed Devin’s hair back and kissed his forehead. Standing up, she straightened the sheet across him and turned back to Talis while they

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waited for the elevator. “You know, Devin is never that still.” Her voice cracked and she blinked back tears. “You’ve got a lot of explaining to do. Both of you.” “Yes,” Talis agreed. “Let’s get him settled and the room warded first. I’ll wait until your friend arrives, but then I really need to go for a bit.” He gave her a bitter smile. “But remember, I’ll be back.” The elevator doors opened and the orderly pushed the gurney forward. Keria stepped onto the elevator with Talis following her. She gave him a hard poke in the chest. “You’d better come back. Or I’ll hunt you down and drag you back myself.” “Keria? I promise you can yell at me all you want, at both of us, once this is all over,” Talis said in all seriousness. Keria glanced up at him, anger and worry still etched across her face, and nodded. “You bet your sweet ass I will. Don’t think I won’t.” Talis smiled at her as the elevator doors closed. “Thought never crossed my mind.”

Chapter Eight Sunlight was fading as Talis walked through the empty grocery store. It had taken a bit of time to find a suitable place, but money had a way of working wonders. He checked the doors and windows one last time before moving on to the arrangement of the remaining shelves and boxes. Talis knew that Garrick and Alex expected him to ward the place, so he hadn’t bothered. He’d managed to stay under their radar for years by not using Magic. It wasn’t much of an advantage, but he’d use whatever edge he could find. He’d picked up a few tricks of his own along the way, and he damn well intended to use every last one to keep Devin from any more harm. Satisfied that his traps were in place and there was nothing else to be done, he headed for the door, flipped off the lights and went home to clean up.

*** The room was bright. Blindingly so. Devin could tell that even with his eyes closed. And his head hurt. A lot. He was debating whether he should even think about opening his eyes when a familiar voice spoke. “I can tell you’re awake.” Devin tentatively opened one eye and found Keria standing next to the bed, a mixture of worry and relief etched on her face. “What happened? What time is it?” he asked. Keria glanced at her watch. “Almost six.” “Evening?” “Yeah. You’ve been out of it most of the day, love.” She reached out and brushed his forehead in an oh-so-familiar gesture. “How are you feeling?” “Like warmed over crap.”

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Keria gave him a teary smile. “You look like that too.” “Oh, thanks. That’s reassuring.” He finally opened his other eye and winced. “Why is it so damn bright in here?” “Bright? You’re joking, right?” Keria got that ultra-concerned look on her face again. “There’s only the one light on, Dev.” “Really?” Devin squinted at her and covered his eyes with one hand. “Seems like you’ve got them all on, plus a couple of suns as well.” “Joran? Go get the doctor,” Keria said. Devin spared a glance at the door and could barely see his sister’s boyfriend slip out of the room. “Joran is here? Where’s Talis? What happened?” He struggled to sit up, one hand still shielding his eyes. “He’ll be back.” Keria pushed him firmly back onto the mattress. “You were attacked at his house. He brought you in, called me then left again. He said he had some plans to wrap up.” “Plans?” Devin groaned. “If that’s supposed to reassure me, trust me, it’s not working.” He peered out from under his hand again to try to pinpoint the source of the light, a shimmery glow that seemed to envelop the perimeter of the room. Sighing he turned back to his sister. “It’s really not that bright?” “No, Dev, it’s not. You took a good whack on the head; you could have a concussion --” “Did Talis explain what happened?” “He said a few things,” she said. “Stuff about Magic and renegade Mages and you being in the wrong place at the wrong time…” She shook her head. “It didn’t make a lot of sense to me. But he seemed to believe it.” “Was that all?” “For the most part. He did some sort of mumbling up here… something about a protection spell?” “Ah…” Devin nodded, then winced. “That might explain the brightness if this place is warded.”

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“You understand this stuff, Dev? Magic?” Keria asked skeptically. “’Cause I gotta say, it doesn’t make a hell of a lot of sense to me.” “Some of it,” Devin said simply. “I’m learning fast, Ker.” “I’ve heard stories. Stuff whispered here and there at the club. Didn’t really believe any of it.” Keria gave him a long look, which he met. “I’m not sure I like all this, Devin. It worries me.” “I know. It worries Talis too.” Devin tried again to sit up. “Yeah. I noticed.” Keria laid her hand gently on his shoulder. “Stay still, until the doctor looks you over. Okay?” “Fine, but he’d better hurry. I need to go find Talis.” Keria smiled. “No need for that. I told him I’d call him when you woke up.” Devin rolled his eyes. “He doesn’t have a phone.” Keria laughed. “Today he does. Gave him my cell phone.” She ruffled his hair carefully and moved out of the way as the doctor came in. Picking up the phone on the nightstand, Keria placed her call. “He’s awake and asking for you.” Devin tried to listen to what Keria was saying to Talis, but was thwarted by the doctor’s questions and exam. Watching his sister talk to Talis on the phone, he wondered what Keria really thought about all of this. About Talis. About him with Talis. About this whole absurdly confusing situation they suddenly found themselves in. He could read her well enough to know her easy acceptance of everything was a bit of a sham. Knew the hard questions would come when she was assured he was okay. He frowned when she hung up the phone and waited for the doctor to leave before telling him what was going on. Meeting Devin’s questioning gaze, she smiled and simply said, “He’s on his way.”

*** Talis pushed open the door to Devin’s room and stopped just shy of entering. Keria’s boyfriend, Joran, sat sprawled in a chair, his tall, bulky frame blocking access to the patient. His hand casually drifted to his pocket before he recognized Talis and

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nodded. Pushing to his feet, he coughed to get Keria’s attention, then he gave Talis a kindly smile and shouldered past him to wait in the hall. Keria looked up from her chair next to Devin and smiled. She also rose, leaned in to kiss Devin and then walked over to Talis. “I’ll go get some coffee.” She laid her hand on his arm and gave it a squeeze before slipping out of the room to join Joran. Talis looked over at Devin, who was regarding him with a serious expression, and closed the door behind him. He gave him a small smile and stepped closer. “How do you feel?” “Just peachy,” Devin replied. “How about you?” “Scared shitless, actually.” Devin broke into a grin and held out his hand for Talis to take. “Keria said you were out planning.” “Trying. And I don’t want to hear any comments regarding my suspect planning abilities.” He took Devin’s hand and perched awkwardly on the edge of the bed. “You look pale.” “I have a slight concussion. Nothing serious. The doctor said I was lucky.” He paused. “What did you tell the doctors when you brought me in?” Talis looked down at the hand entwined in his. “Told them a large bird dive bombed into the window, breaking it and knocking you down.” “A bird?” Devin gave him an incredulous look. “A bird?” “What? Yes, a bird. Why?” Shaking his head, he laughed, then winced “God, I thought your planning abilities sucked. You lie even worse.” “Hey, give me a break. I was a bit too worried about you to make it sound really snazzy.” “Okay. I’ll let it slide.” Devin squeezed his hand. “Just this once, though.” “Just this once.” Talis smiled, then turned serious. He had to own up now, and tell Devin what he’d planned. “I’ll have to go in a bit. I sent a message to them.”

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“Where?”

“An old abandoned grocery store on Market Street.”

Devin nodded and sat up. “Where are my clothes?”

“Clothes?” Talis frowned and shook his head. “No, Devin. You’re staying here.”

“Like hell I am.”

“You’re not going with me,” Talis repeated stubbornly.

“Fine. Go on your own. I’ll just turn up later, you know.” He swung out of bed,

looking shaky but determined. He yanked off the monitor wires and tugged at the IV. “Give it up, Talis. I’m going with you and that’s that. You need me. I’m your juice, after all.” Talis spluttered. “You’re staying here, out of harm’s way. And you’re more than ‘juice,’ whatever the hell that means.” “Juice, Catalyst, your power source -- whatever you call it.” Devin ignored him and headed for the closet. “And I’m going. So get over your guilt and get used to it.” Cocking his head, he gestured at Talis. “You’re starting to do that veiny thing in your neck. That’s not good, is it?” “GOD. You are the most infuriating --” Talis’s rant was cut off when Devin’s lips touched his. “I know.” Devin smiled at him. “Don’t forget stubborn.” He kissed him again. “Yes. Stubborn. Very.” He sighed and leaned his head against Devin’s shoulder. There had to be some way to make the boy understand. “I don’t want you hurt anymore. I’ve known you what… three days? And I’ve managed to get you attacked and hospitalized.” “I’ll be fine.”

“No. You won’t. Not if they get a bead on you again.”

Devin snagged a shirt off a hanger. “If I don’t go with you, they’ll still come after

me. Right?” “No.” If he made his voice firm enough, maybe Devin would believe him, but Devin just tilted his head, lips pressed together.

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“You really are a terrible liar.” Talis sighed. Even after such a short acquaintance, Devin knew him too well. “Devin.” “Don’t ‘Devin’ me. You need me. I’m going. End of discussion.” With a shake of his head, Talis took the shirt out of Devin’s hands and steered him back to the bed. “No. I’ll tell your sister to keep you here. She’ll listen to me.” Devin raised an eyebrow. “Is that right?” “Yes,” Talis said confidently. Sitting back down, Devin laughed. “You don’t know Keria at all.” “What do you mean?” “He means we’re all going with you,” Keria said as she pushed open the door, Joran trailing behind her. “WHAT? No.” Desperate, Talis looked at Keria then back at Devin. “You have no idea. It’s not safe. You can’t.” Keria took a cardboard cup carrier laden with coffee from Joran and set it on the nightstand. Turning to Talis, she patted his cheek and smiled at him. “Suck it up, gorgeous. He says you need him and he’s going. I’m not letting him go by himself. So you’re stuck with all of us.” Talis looked from Keria to Devin to Joran, who nodded along with Keria and shook his head in disbelief. “Does everyone here but me have some sort of death wish?” “Nonsense,” Keria said, handing him a coffee. “You’re being overly dramatic. Now be a good boy and tell us all about this grand plan of yours. I hope I get to kick someone’s ass.” Devin smothered a laugh and gave Talis a sympathetic look. “I did try to warn you about her.” “Yes, you did.” With a sigh, Talis sat down. “They’ll never expect this. That’s for sure. I know I didn’t see it coming.” He opened his coffee, took a long sip and took in their waiting expressions. “Fine. I give up.” With a smile, he began to fill them in on his latest plan.

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***

Alex drummed her fingers against the armrest as the limousine pulled up in front of the empty store. She glanced at her watch. It was just after ten o’clock. “Well?” Garrick gave her a dismissive glare. “Aaron? Your hand…” Closing his eyes, Garrick firmly grasped the hand of the slender, middle-aged Mage sitting next to his daughter. “Hush. I’m trying to read the place.” Rolling her eyes, she stilled her drumming fingers and waited. And waited. Finally, after what seemed an eternity to Alex, Garrick released the Mage’s hand and nodded. “The place is clear. No Magic. No warding.” He gave her a chilly smile. “His stupidity is quite amazing.” “Never was the brightest bulb in the box,” Alex said, bored. “Can we go kill him now?” “Alex, do try to curb your impatience.” “Yeah. Whatever. I took out the boy. Now I want Talis hurt, bleeding and begging for my nonexistent mercy.” “Predictable. But it should prove to be entertaining.” Garrick nodded and the driver jumped out to open their door. Alex stepped out of the limo and arranged her long coat. She examined the building while her father spoke to his fighters. Nondescript, abandoned but not destroyed. A good location for a fight. Not too many chances for collateral damage. She shook her head in regret. Talis was always a softie -- that hadn’t changed. But she knew how to deal with him -- that hadn’t changed either. “Alex?” Garrick asked. “All is in readiness.” “About fucking time…” Alex said under her breath as she strode for the door.

Chapter Nine Devin peered around an empty bread rack strategically placed near the former express check out counter. Talis yanked him back into place by his shirt. “Stop that.” Annoyed at Talis’s overprotectiveness, Devin made a face at him, but retreated behind the shelves. “What’s going on? I can’t see.” “You’re not supposed to see or be seen. Remember?” “Have I mentioned your plan stinks?” Devin hissed back. “Yes. Repeatedly. Now shut up.” Talis glanced around the store, making sure everyone was in their place. Keria waved from a manager’s office on the upper floor, and Joran nodded from the back of the store, near the storage area. Devin knew several of Joran’s shipmates were stationed around the perimeter of the room. Talis had objected when Joran suggested bringing them into the mix, but Keria argued long, hard and vociferously for the additional manpower. Realizing the futility in arguing with her, and assured by Joran that the men were handy in a dirty fight, Talis had given in. Devin sat quietly, his mind and curiosity racing along. He could tell Talis was worried and tense and so highly strung. But he was also strong and determined. Talis’s fierce protective streak where he and his family were concerned had surprised Devin. He hadn’t really expected it, and it kind of made him ashamed that he had not thought Talis would have felt that way. Noticing Talis was fidgeting, he reached out and laid his hand on the back of the older man’s calf and squeezed it in silent reassurance and trust. The contact seemed to soothe Talis, and he looked down at Devin with a smile of thanks.

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One of Joran’s men gave a quick signal, and Talis went still. Devin tried to give him a reassuring smile while memorizing his face. Talis looked back at the others and nodded once. He stepped out away from the counter and turned to face the door. The door opened with a sliding whoosh and Alex strode into the store, followed by her father and his men. “Nice place you have here.” Talis smiled coldly at her. “Alex. Thought you’d like it.” Alex’s gaze flitted over the dusty, empty shelves, then returned to Talis, giving him a suggestive once-over. “Unfortunately, I don’t see anything I want to buy.” “I’m not for sale, Alex.” “Ah, but Talis, the thing is, I don’t want you.” Alex’s voice was low and scathing, her eyes narrowed in disdain. “You’re just used, returned merchandise. And I’m not interested in second- or third-hand material.” She moved further into the store and stopped behind one of Garrick’s minions, drawing her hand across his shoulder and down his chest in a familiarly possessive way. “You had your opportunity and tossed it. I’ve moved on.” “Alex.” Garrick stepped forward, his body taut, anger and impatience flickering in his eyes. “Stop boring us with the commentary and just kill him.” Surprised, Talis raised his eyebrow at Garrick. “That’s not like you at all, Garrick.” “I no longer choose to waste my time and energy on you.” Garrick spun on his heels, heading back to the door. “You’ve outlived your usefulness to me and my plans.” Alex looked at her father as he turned away, then refocused her attention on Talis. She smiled sweetly. “Well, you heard Daddy. Sorry, Talis.” She cocked her head, her smile growing frosty. “Actually, I’m not sorry at all. Not one little bit.” “Yeah, well, that’s a shocker,” Talis replied dryly. “I suppose you’ll be cutting to the chase now?” Alex didn’t respond. Instead she stepped forward, pulled a small handgun from the pocket of her jacket and pulled the trigger. “I believe that qualifies as a yes.”

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Talis’s eyes widened as the bullet ripped through his shoulder. Shit. That wasn’t a part of his plan. He raised his hand to press against the gaping wound; he noticed the blood seeping between his fingers and wondered why everything suddenly felt so numb. Shouldn’t this hurt more? And why were his legs suddenly so wobbly? Talis swayed and sank to his knees. Stunned, he looked up at Alex. A satisfied smile curved over her mouth. “On your knees and bleeding. That’s straight out of my fantasies. How delightful.” She pointed the gun at his head and began to squeeze the trigger again. Talis turned away from Alex and her gun and toward Devin. He reached out his blood-covered hand and said softly, “Now.” With cold fear pooling in the pit of his stomach, Devin had stood frozen, staring at the gun pointed at Talis’s head. But when Talis reached out and called to him, his instincts finally took over and he moved forward, grabbing Talis’s hand and sliding behind him to provide support. The Magic flared between them. Talis smiled as the power flowed into him from Devin, warming him, giving him strength, grounding him. Raising his free hand with a grimace, Talis pointed at Alex. He murmured in Latin and a bright ball of white light went crashing into her, knocking the gun from her hand and sending her toppling backward into a stack of boxes. All hell broke loose. Joran’s shipmates swarmed forward, attacking and grappling with Garrick’s men. Talis shifted against Devin, trying to see what was happening. Power thrummed in Devin’s ears, pressing into him from all sides, as the Magic surged through him. He did his best to ignore it and slid his free hand around to cover the gaping wound in Talis’s shoulder, pressing his fingers hard, trying to stanch the flow of blood. “Keria!” he screamed, then turned back to Talis. “Damn it… where is that first aid kit… God… she shot you. Hold still, damn it.” “Where is she? Do you see Garrick?” Talis’s voice was barely above a whisper.

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Devin nodded toward the pile of boxes where Alex was struggling to get free. “She’s there.” He looked around the room again, trying to track Garrick’s location amid the chaos. “I don’t see her father though…” A noise from the other side of the room caught his attention, and he turned to see Alex clambering from underneath the boxes. “Bastard. Knew you’d play dirty…” She scrambled to her feet, then made her way over to the slender middle-aged man she’d been feeling up earlier. “Aaron. Hit him hard.” Her hand closed on his and their Magic roared to life. “Shit,” Talis moaned. “She’s got a Mage? Didn’t plan on that.” Devin groaned and pulled Talis back behind the counter, out of harm’s way, as Alex’s Mage unleashed his own ball of energy at them. “That’s it. No more planning. You suck at it.” “You think?” Talis said irritably. “Help me stand up. I need to see them.” “Yeah. You blow at the planning stuff, Tal.” Keria slid in behind them with their first aid kit. “And hold on a sec, that bitch isn’t going anywhere. We’re locked in. I saw to that.” She moved Devin’s hand out of the way and slapped an absorbent pad on the wound. “How bad is he?” “Bad.” Content for the moment to let his sister tend to Talis, Devin popped his head over the counter and looked around. He ducked as another blue ball of energy came flying in their direction. “Incoming…” The counter rocked and smoke flared. “What about Garrick?” Talis asked. Keria peeked at the wound and gave Talis a concerned look. “He’s stuck in here too. No one is getting out. I shut the exits down. How are you doing?” “I’m fine.” His expression changed, turning inward, and Devin knew he was gathering in his power. “No you’re not,” Devin barked, holding Talis back. The absorbent pad had gone crimson; no way was he letting Talis exert himself.

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“Will you both just shut the fuck up for a moment?” Keria slapped another pad on top of the wound and ripped a length of tape with her teeth. “Hold still so I can get this bandage on. Where are they, Dev?” Devin looked over the top of the counter again. “They’re backing toward the door. Looks like Daddy wants them to open the door for him.” Keria snorted. “More like cover his ass. He tried to bolt, leave all of them behind. That’s why I hit the lockdown button. There.” She adjusted the makeshift bandage and nodded at Talis. “Go. Try not to get hit. Just take that bitch and her father out fast, so we can get the hell out of here and get you both patched up.” Talis grinned at her and looked at Devin. “Help me stand up.” Realizing it was futile to protest, Devin nodded and slipped his arm around Talis’s waist. With a shove from Keria, both of them lurched to their feet. “Garrick,” Talis called out. “I believe we have unfinished business.” Garrick glanced over at Talis, taking in both his and Devin’s shaky conditions before turning back to Alex and her Mage. “Open the door, Aaron.” He looked at Alex. “Finish the job. Kill them.” Talis swayed slightly, but Devin held him up, pressed up against him, steadying him. Kissing the back of Talis’s neck, he whispered, “I’m here. Do what you need to do.” With a tired but determined smile, Talis turned his attention to Alex. “Alex. We don’t have to go down this path.” “Like hell we don’t,” she snarled at him. “Your father was going to leave you behind.” “Alex,” Garrick snapped. “Kill them.” “He was only interested in saving his own ass,” Keria yelled out from behind the counter. Alex paused and looked at her father with a confused expression on her face. “Daddy?” “Aaron. The door, now.”

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Clearly frightened to be stuck between Alex and her father, Aaron hesitated. Impatiently, Garrick grabbed Aaron’s free hand. Magic of a different color flared, sending Aaron writhing in pain as he was wrenched from Alex’s grip. Thrown backwards once again, Alex screamed in agony. “I said open the door, Aaron,” Garrick snarled. Shaking, a look of shock and pain on her face, Alex tried to sit up. “Daddy!” Garrick pointed his and Aaron’s enjoined hands at his daughter. “Stay down.” He looked at Aaron’s pain-ravaged face. “Open the damn door.” Aaron shook his head and focused a free hand at the door. As a bolt of green light flared out, shattering the glass panels, he slumped to the floor, drained and exhausted by the effort. Garrick dropped Aaron’s hand and ran for the opening. “Aaron!” Alex’s voice rang out. “Shit, Garrick’s a Catalyst too?” Devin asked. “Did you mention that earlier and I missed it?” Grimacing in pain, Talis muttered, “Yeah. Not as strong as Alex.” “Don’t let him get away,” Devin hissed in his ear, reminding him of the fleeing Garrick. Talis nodded. He raised his hand once more and said, “Obstructio.” Magic flared from his hand and a sheer, shimmering barrier filled the open door panels. Slamming into it, Garrick screamed in frustration. He smashed his hands into it again, trying to break it, and was knocked to his knees. In a rage, he picked up a large shard of glass and hurled it at Talis. With Devin’s help, he managed to just dodge the flying glass and tried to refocus his Magic to bind Garrick into place. Before he could, Garrick was knocked off his feet by a bolt of blue energy. Searching out Alex, he found her crouched next to the semiconscious Mage, cradling him against her. “You stupid bitch,” Garrick snarled at her. “What the hell are you doing?” “Daddy.” Her voice wavered a bit before steadying and continuing. “What were you doing? You weren’t leaving us behind, were you?”

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“You can’t get the job done, Alex. You never have been able to finish a simple assignment. I’m sick of it and you.” Garrick scrambled to his feet. Talis was shocked by the venom in Garrick’s words. Judging by the pause in the fighting, the others were as shocked as he was. Alex looked completely stunned by her father’s vitriol. Instinctively, Talis started to move toward her, but was stopped by Devin’s quiet voice in his ear. “No. Best to let them settle this on their own. Let’s keep you clear and safe.” Talis allowed Devin to pull him out of the way and settle him back against the counter. On the other side of the room, Alex had somehow managed to stand up. She faced her father and said in a clear, proud voice, “I’ve always done what you asked me to, Daddy. Always.” “Then kill them and get us out of here.” Alex shook her head slowly. “No. I don’t think so. Talis is right. We don’t have to do this.” Garrick’s face contorted with rage as he faced his daughter. “If that’s your choice.” He pulled a gun out of his jacket pocket and emptied the clip into her body. She looked at her chest, at the red stain slowly spreading across it, and sank to the floor. Her expression confused, her eyes fading, she looked up at her father. “Daddy?” “God…” Devin couldn’t believe what he had just seen. He felt his stomach lurch and he swallowed back bitter bile. Keria moved up behind them and tucked her head behind her brother’s shoulder, hiding from what had just happened. “God, Dev…” Talis couldn’t speak. Couldn’t move. He thought he should do something. Go to her. Lash out. Do something instead of just sitting there watching while the blood, the life, flowed out of her. The other Mage, Aaron, moved toward her, fell to his knees next to her. Talis could only stare while the other man cradled her dying body.

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Suddenly Aaron lifted a hand and pointed it at Garrick. A bolt of energy blasted from his fingers and lifted Garrick off his feet. Rage ravaged Aaron’s plain face and he screamed in an unrecognizable language. Hovering above the ground, Garrick opened and closed his mouth in shock. The empty gun dropped from his hand and clattered loudly to the floor. The light intensified until his skin glowed with an eerie blue light. Smoke began to pour from his skin and an agonizing wail tore from his throat. Talis could feel Devin shake next to him, could hear Keria’s sobbed oath, could understand why the sounds of the other fighting had stopped; he knew everyone was looking on in horror at the scene unfolding before their eyes. And still he could do nothing but watch her. Blood pooled underneath Alex; her eyes were barely open, but fixed on the burning form of her father. She gripped Aaron’s hand, holding onto him tightly. It was a futile gesture; her power, her life, was slowly seeping away. Smiling grimly, she stared at her father, and the light shooting from Aaron’s hand changed from blue to blood red. Garrick screamed one last time before he finally burst into flame. His body hovered in midair for a moment before dissolving into a smoldering pile of ashes. And suddenly Talis could move. He crawled slowly over to Alex. “Alex?” Talis said when he reached her, but she was gone. He reached out and smoothed her short hair off her forehead, gently pressed her open eyelids closed. He looked over at Aaron, who still held onto her with a fierce grip, tears flowing down his blood-streaked face, and laid a gentle hand on the man’s arm. “Let go. She’s gone.” “No,” the other Mage said, his voice shivering with grief. “I’m sorry.” Talis reached out and carefully disentangled Aaron’s hand from hers. “So very sorry.” He looked over at Devin, who was steadying Keria as she vomited. He left the weeping Mage behind and went back to their side. Murmuring softly, he placed his hand on Keria’s back. “Shhh… It’s all over.”

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Devin turned toward Talis, his expression wavering between anger and despair. Talis tried to think of something to say that would reassure him. “This wasn’t in my plan, you know.” Satisfied that explained it all, he began to sway, then toppled over and slipped into unconsciousness.

Epilogue Talis woke to the sound of a monitor beeping. Loudly. He winced and tried to turn over but found he couldn’t move the way he wanted to. Shifting again he realized Devin was sprawled next to him, hogging all the extra space in the tiny, uncomfortable bed. Smiling a bit, he tried to ignore the noise, relax and drift back to sleep. Keria’s fierce whisper rang out. “Wake up and move, you big oaf. You’re laying on his IV and it’s making a hell of a racket. Probably woke him up.” She reached out and smacked Devin’s head, then leaned over to look closely at Talis. “Hey, there.” She reached out to brush her hand across his forehead. “Glad to see you back with us.” He smiled at her, wincing first as Devin obediently moved around, and then sighing in relief as the noise stopped. “Where am I?” “Hospital,” she said and busied herself straightening his covers. “Lost a lot of blood, had to have some surgery on that bullet wound. You had me worried.” “Ah.” He closed his eyes again, but reached out for Devin’s hand. Feeling Devin grasp it firmly and settle back in next to him, more carefully this time, he relaxed. “Am I in trouble for that, then?” “You bet your ass you are.” She laughed and patted his covers before she moved away from the bed. “I’ll go let the nurse know you’re awake.” Devin smiled as Keria quietly left the room, shutting the door firmly behind her, then he turned his attention to Talis. He kissed him on the forehead and rested his head against his. “How do you feel?” Talis turned his head toward Devin. “I think I’ve been trampled by a large, angry animal.” Laughing quietly, Devin kissed him again. “You gave us all quite a scare. I think Keria invented a few new curse words for you.”

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“Guess I’m a lucky man then.” “You are. You have no idea.” Shivering a bit, Devin slipped his arm carefully around Talis’s waist. “The doctor said the bullet managed to miss a number of important blood vessels. Had you been hit a little bit to the right, well… you would have bled to death.” “Like Alex did,” Talis said quietly. “Yeah.” Devin raised his head and peered at Talis’s face. “I’m sorry about that, Talis.” He opened his eyes to look at Devin. “Not your fault.” “No, it’s not, but you still cared for her, deep down inside.” Devin stroked Talis’s chest gently with a finger. “I know the loss must be hard.” Looking deep into those blue eyes, Talis accepted the comfort offered. “Yes. Not as hard as when I first left her. Seems like it should be, though. How’s Aaron?” “Asleep. He’s out of the woods, according to the report Ker badgered from the doctor. But it will take some time for him to heal.” He hesitated. “Physically, he seems okay. Mentally… I think it will be a long road for him.” “Not many Mages survive the loss of their Catalysts,” Talis said reflectively. “You managed,” Devin pointed out. “Yes. I wondered though… if I’d make it through.” He’d never spoken of this to anyone before. It was surprisingly easy with Devin. “The pain was unlike anything I’d ever experienced.” Talis was silent for a moment. “He’ll need our help.” Devin smiled. “That’s exactly what Keria said.” “Is that right?” Closing his eyes, Talis turned toward Devin. “Yep. You’re in deep now. Keria’s got her mind focused on taking care of you and me and Aaron.” He chuckled. “We could make a run for it, while she’s out of the room.” Talis laughed along with Devin, then coughed and winced against the pain in his chest. “Not sure I could run very far.” “I could carry you.”

Belinda Richmond

Catalyst

- 74 -

“I suspect you’re not in that great shape yourself.” “Well, yeah, but let’s not go there.” Devin smiled. “I really want to give you a proper kiss.” “Do you, now?” Talis opened his eyes again and grinned at Devin. “I think I like that idea.” “Good.” Looking into Talis’s eyes, Devin reached up to cup his face. “I was afraid.” “I know,” Talis said simply. “So was I. Now, about that kiss…” Devin leaned in and lightly brushed his lips against Talis’s mouth, barely making contact, just letting his own shallow breath caress him, then gently deepened the kiss. Opening his mouth, he ran his tongue across Talis’s lower lip and nipped it gently. Talis groaned and Devin pressed harder, kissing him with an open-mouthed neediness that took him by surprise. Talis pulled back a bit and smiled. “God, you’re good at that.” “Am I?” Devin asked smugly. “Yes. Most definitely.” Suddenly needy in spite of his injuries, Talis placed a hand on Devin’s hip and tried to shift closer. “Good to know.” Devin dipped in for another long, slow kiss, letting his hands gently slide down Talis’s back. Talis moaned softly into Devin’s mouth, pulling back with a soft sigh. “Watch it, it’s getting breezy back there.” Devin laughed and slipped his hand down to cup Talis’s ass. “Yeah, kind of like these gowns, makes it easy to have my way with you.” “You can have your way with me anytime you’d like, Devin. Well, except maybe not today. I think, no I’m sure, pretty sure that would kill me.” He was quiet a moment, gazing into Devin’s face. “Oh, well, what the hell, I’ll give it a go.” Devin shook his head and laughed. “No, I’ll stop. One, don’t want you to die. And most importantly, Keria would kick my ass if I tried to pull that sort of stunt here.” Talis smiled, a hint of regret in his eyes. “Soon.”

Belinda Richmond

Catalyst

- 75 -

“Yes. Very soon.” Devin gave him a quick kiss and slid carefully off the bed. “I promise.” He walked over to the window. Removing himself from temptation, Talis guessed. “You know, Devin, I didn’t expect this… what we have,” Talis ventured after a moment. “Wasn’t in your plan?” Devin glanced over with a raised eyebrow and a mischievous smile. “It most certainly was not,” he replied. “But I’m not complaining. Not one little bit.” Devin nodded and looked back out the window. “Keria should be back with the doctor any time now.” “Good.” Talis rolled onto his back and looked at Devin. “Then we can find out when I can go home.” He paused a moment, then smiled an invitation. “When we can go home.” Devin turned to look back at Talis. “Home. That sounds really good.” Talis smiled at him, then closed his eyes to rest. “Yes, Devin, it really does.”

Belinda Richmond A self-described voracious reader, foodie, trivia buff and Google Goddess, Belinda Richmond is thrilled to be a part of Changeling’s family. You’ll usually find her camped out on her chaise lounge in the flat land of Illinois where she lives with her husband, two giggling daughters and one old grumpy mutt.