Bewitched Souls (The Coven #1)

By Drako

The Coven is a special group of witches given charge of the manor on Genum Island, and Talis is considered the head and strongest of it. Joined by his sister, Teryn, and her husband, Cian, they protect their magic based home from the forces of darkness who seek the mysterious power of their home. It's all routine, until Talis' old crush shows up with a strong desire to take the head witch for himself.
Dion has come to terms with what he wants, and that's Talis. He has a lot to make up for, but with him comes trouble. Hot on his tail is his ex-girlfriend, and with her is a demon who has a craving for souls and a rise to her former glory.
The Coven has no choice but to stand against the greatest threat they've ever faced. How far will they go to save a soul?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Drako
• Release date: May 16, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310480430

Drako

Drako was born in 1987 in St. Louis, Missouri. He is mainly a fantasy writer, though he also writes some poetry and general fiction. He is very active on both twitter and facebook and has his own website at www.drakosden.com which is frequently updated with news on his books and fun extras. When he isn';t writing, he's busy helping take care of his nieces and sons, playing videogames, reading, promoting, and spending time with family. He also just recently started a podcast at https://anchor.fm/drako5 which goes to several other platforms, including spotify, google podcasts, and apple

Book preview

Bewitched Souls

Book One of the Coven Series

By Drako

Copyright 2015

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

One

Genum Island, off the coast of South Carolina, March 2014

Nightfall was a beautiful time on the island. It was quiet and most were in their homes, tucked in for the night. It almost seemed like a normal town. It wasn’t even close, at least to those who knew the truth. The island was a haven for witches. It was a source of power. And while normal humans stopped in occasionally and maybe even made their home there, this island was meant for magic. Power attracts all manner of beings on either end of the spectrum. Some understood this better than others.

Talis walked alone, a black leather jacket keeping him warm against the slight chill of the night. He was of average height, about 5’9" tall and slender in frame, but not outright skinny. Light brown skin glistened a bit under the light of the full moon. Hazel brown eyes scanned the area, alert and on guard. His long dark brown hair, which hung past his shoulders, was tied back so that nothing would escape his line of sight. He was on the hunt.

Talis was a witch, and no, that’s not a mistake in labels. A male witch is a witch, and he was quite proud of it. He was part of a coven of three. The other two were his younger sister, Teryn, and her husband, Cian. They were out as well but the three had separated on purpose. A demon was in their midst and they were going to get rid of it. It was a common occurrence on Genum Island. The forces of darkness would certainly love to gain control of the power of the island, specifically the power that resided in their home.

Talis spotted movement on the side of a nearby house. That was going to be a problem. Banishing a demon wasn’t easy and he wanted to avoid damage to anyone’s home. Fellow witches might understand but humans lived there too and weren’t so understanding, even if they knew of the magic that surrounded them. Talis could only hope Teryn and Cian spotted the movement.

As he thought this, he noticed a cloud come overhead. He felt the familiar energy of his younger sister as rain began to fall. He heard a high pitched squeal before a shadowy figure darted away from the house. Cian’s energy joined that of his sister and the ground quaked enough for the figure to stop. It looked like a large red lizard with black eyes searching frantically around it. Talis let his own energy flow to his fingertips, a warm sensation that he always enjoyed. Raising his hand, a bolt of lightning shot out and incinerated the demon. It gave a screech before it was reduced to ash and silence descended. As quickly as the rain started it stopped. Talis scanned the area as he sensed a familiar presence from his past that shouldn’t be there. His heart raced and he took a deep breath before he began to walk, trying to convince himself that he’d imagined the presence. Before long, he met up with his sister.

Teryn was several inches shorter than him with much lighter skin and lighter, sandy brown hair. Her eyes were the same as his, a trait passed down from their mother. She wore jeans and a long sleeved shirt, both fairly form fitting.

What’s wrong? she asked as she saw the frown on his face.

I thought I sensed someone from back home, but there’s no way he could be here, he answered.

You’re normally right about these things. Who is it?

Just an old friend.

One you’re really close to if you can sense his presence. Cian fell into step with them. His bright blue eyes were always piercing, as if he could see into your very soul. His dark hair was cut short and he wore square, thin framed glasses. He was an inch or two taller than Talis and quite a bit more level headed.

We were close at one time, Talis admitted. I haven’t seen him in four years. I didn’t expect to ever see him again.

It sounds like he’s more than a friend. I’d wager you always have a sense of him and where he is. Cian smirked at him.

Talis scowled. Are you sure the goddess didn’t bless you with telepathy?

I’m positive, but I know you. I’d love to meet this person.

I don’t need you playing overprotective brother in law. It’s not that serious. He’s just a friend I’m linked to spiritually and even if he’s here, he’ll go away. It’s not a big deal.

It sounds like it is, Teryn replied. Maybe you should go see him.

No chance in hell, Talis said fiercely. With any luck, he’ll leave soon and doesn’t know I’m here.

You know it doesn’t work that way, Cian warned.

Yeah well a guy can dream.

Two

Dion sat in his hotel room, staring at the blank television. He looked over at the mirror attached to the dresser at his own reflection. Dark brown eyes gazed back at him. His dark brown skin glistened slightly as he’d just gotten out of the shower. He’d had his hair cut low again just before he came to the island and all his edges lined up. He shifted his gaze to his body. He’d toned up again after letting himself go over the past few years. The muscles in his arms, chest and abs were well defined. His name was tattooed across his chest. He was freshly shaved, his lips just a bit lighter than the rest of his skin were full and eye catching, a trait he used to his advantage. He had a dazzling smile and he knew when and on who to use it. He looked damn good. So why was he nervous?

Because this was Talis. He’d come to Genum Island to claim that man but he wasn’t sure how he would react. After all, Dion was supposed to be straight. He’d been drawn to Talis from the day they met, but he’d always maintained his heterosexuality. He’d never before allowed anything more between them but friendship. Sure, he’d had a few moments where all he could think of were Talis’ lips. He’d been close to trying things on more than one occasion, but he’d held himself back. And if he were honest with himself, he wasn’t a very good friend. Their last parting hadn’t been the best. Dion was a coward. He knew it and had accepted it, but he would not be again. He had a chance to make up for everything, or at least he hoped so.

First, he’d have to face the man and it’d be better to do it during daylight. He’d tried to approach him the previous night but he knew it wasn’t the right time. At least he knew he was in the right place. Sighing, he got up and began to get dressed. There was no point in putting it off. Talis owned a shop on the island so Dion would just have to go there to see him.

Talis’ store, the Dragon’s Den, was really meant for those studying the Craft, or witchcraft if one is outside of the path. Tools of all kinds were sold there, from books to stones, wands, athames, and herbs. It was very popular on Genum Island with all the witches in residence, and even among the humans, though they didn’t use them for magical purposes.

Talis was alone in the store, close to the end of his shift before Teryn would come to take over, when the door opened. He looked at the entrance and froze. Dion cautiously approached him at the counter and stopped in front of him.

Long time no see, he said as he flashed a smile, one that would normally bend anyone to his will.

You’re a long way from home, Talis said with obvious restraint in his voice.

So are you, Dion replied.

This is my home now. What are you doing here?

That’s a long story, Dion told him, trying to ignore the hostility in Talis’ voice. I’d like to tell you about it.

Talis studied him in silent speculation for several seconds. What’s your game, Dion?

Game? Dion gave him a puzzled look.

Yeah, game. I don’t get it. We haven’t spoken in four years. What do you want?

Dion sighed. Just to talk. That’s all. I know I wasn’t exactly a great friend but hear me out, please?

Talis rolled his eyes, but caved in. I get off in a half hour. Let’s go somewhere and get something to eat.

Dion flashed that dazzling smile, that unbeknownst to him had always had the same effect on Talis that it had on any of the women he’d charmed. Alright, I’ll wait here for you.

Talis watched him move around the tore, his heart feeling strained. He ignored the feeling. He was sure Dion wouldn’t stay around anyway and would be out of his hair shortly, so he could avoid what their connection really meant.

Forty five minutes later, Talis found himself sitting across from Dion in the corner of a local café. He was actually nervous in Dion’s presence and that irritated the hell out of him. Why was he nervous? It wasn’t like this was a date.

Dion broke the silence. Thanks for agreeing to this.

Talis forced his gaze to remain on Dion’s eyes, though those lips were what interested him most. We used to be really close, so it shouldn’t hurt to hear you out.

Dion sighed. Look, I’m sorry for the way I left things between us. It was cowardly and you deserved better.

Talis raised an eyebrow in question. It’s not like we were dating. We were just friends.

Yeah, and I wasn’t a very good one to just leave and never contact you again. It was a complicated situation.

Talis snorted at the obvious lie. You left for a woman. What’s so fucking complicated? You always thought with your dick anyway. How was I supposed to measure up to a woman when I’m just your gay friend?

Dion lowered his eyes. It really is more complicated than that. She wasn’t what I wanted. I spent these past few years with her and I was miserable. I missed having a real friend. I missed you.

Talis sighed. My phone number was the same for at least two years after you left. You could have called, or sent a message on Facebook. I’m not that hard to find.

I know. That’s how I found you now. I was trying to make things work with her and she didn’t want me to keep connection to old friends. You aren’t the only friend I lost. I just missed you the most.

Really? Why me? Talis asked, genuinely interested in the answer.

You’re different than the others, Dion said honestly. You’re painfully honest but you actually care. You make me feel as if I can be better than I was.

Talis smirked humorlessly. Careful. It almost sounds like you want more from me than friendship.

Dion looked directly into his eyes. What if I do?

The other man’s eyes narrowed, a warning sign of his temper. Don’t play games with me. It took forever to get over my crush on you.

Was it really just a crush? Dion asked.

It had to be. You’re straight.

You always knew that wasn’t true.

Talis scowled. No, I didn’t. I had a feeling when I met you and you told me I was wrong.

Yet you stayed around, Dion pressed on. You took care of me when I couldn’t take care of myself. You were around through whatever problems I had. Don’t you feel something else? Those dark brown eyes blazed with emotion. Don’t you get a feeling whenever I’m near? Do you feel my emotion even from a distance? Do you dream of me?

Talis was momentarily speechless. He was a witch and an empath. He could pick up and feel the emotions of anyone close to him, but Dion was different. They’d been apart for years, but at times, he could indeed get a sense of Dion’s emotions. Being what he was, he had an idea of why he experienced these things. It was unexpected for Dion to experience the same.

Yes, Dion, I feel all of that, he admitted finally. I knew that you were close to me last night. I’ve dreamed of you often. I talked to you in those dreams just like I used to, only I told you more than before. But I never read anything into it because you made our relationship clear.

Dion shook his head. No, I just insisted I was straight and acted like you were mine. I’m possessive and overprotective but you never got what you really needed from me.

I didn’t expect anything other than for you to be a friend.

But that’s not what you wanted or needed, is it?

Talis averted his eyes for the first time. That didn’t matter. I moved on.

Yes it did and it does matter. Or do you have someone else now?

Talis looked back at him with a smirk. If I did and you were serious, would it matter to you?

Yes, it would. If you’re happy with someone else, then who am I to come between that?

There’s no one else, Talis admitted. But do you really know what you’re getting into?

What do you mean? Dion asked.

You’ve never been with a man. Do you know what to expect?

Do you mean sexually?

Talis chuckled. There’s that, but there’s more to men in relationships than sex. There’s more to being in a relationship with me.

I have an idea, but I’m counting on you to teach me. I didn’t want to experiment with someone else for the sake of experience and I know a relationship with you is going to be different than any of my others.

Talis studied him for several moments, not just with his eyes but with his extra senses. He kept a leash on his empathic ability normally, but he needed to get a sense of what Dion really felt. He sensed only sincerity from the other male, and his resolve to resist the dissolved.

We can try to see where this goes, he said carefully. But you have to be honest with me on everything.

I’ve never lied to you before, Dion replied.

You operate differently when you’re in a relationship. I’ve seen that.

Dion didn’t argue the point. I’m not going to start off with you with bad habits. Mind if we go back to my room? I have a lot more to tell you.

Three

Kolby stepped off the ferry and onto the island, dark sunglasses hiding her brown eyes as she gazed over the scene. A mane of curly and obviously dyed blonde hair blew in the breeze. Brown skin was visible in several places, as she was dressed in a short, form fitting dark red dress