Sunder (The Coven #2)

By Drako

The life of a witch is ever changing. After the greatest test the Coven has ever faced, Talis and Dion settle in happily married life. But Talis is the head of the Coven, and his life will never be simple. He has responsibilities far above and beyond what he had anticipated and ever increasing powers to master. With all this, there is the certainty that darkness never sleeps, and now comes a true test of more than just ability, but the strength of his will.As Teryn and Cian prepare to welcome a new addition to the family, Talis and Dion's work just begins as insecurity and outside forces come together to threaten their marriage. Beneath it all is a sinister force older and more powerful than any ever known, threatening not only to tear them all apart but the world as they know it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Drako
• Release date: May 20, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463285435

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

One

Genum Island, October 2016

All seemed calm on the island. A light breeze blew and the skies were clear. The simple magic of autumn heading into All Hollow’s Eve filled the air. Talis stood outside of his shop, the Dragon’s Den, and let the breeze wash over him. His long reddish-brown hair moved with the wind. His currently grey eyes scanned the street, watching people go about their day. It was peaceful in these early evening hours, so he took the moment to just enjoy. It wouldn’t be so peaceful after nightfall.

The breeze got a little cooler and Talis hugged his black leather jacket tighter before beginning to walk. His sister Teryn would run the shop for the rest of the evening and her husband Cian would probably join her. Talis had some free time to himself.

His phone rang, the song He Is by Brandy serenading his ears. He smiled and answered the phone.

Hello, Dion.

Are you on your way home yet? The deep and slightly raspy voice on the other end always made him feel better.

Yeah, but I’m walking, he answered. Did you need something.

Yeah, you, Dion answered.

Talis laughed. Are you feeling some type of way and aren’t you on duty?

I’m the sheriff and there’s nothing happening right now, Dion told him. So, if I want to curl up with my man, I will.

Good to hear, but I doubt we’re just going to curl up and watch a movie.

"We could," Dion argued.

"We won’t," Talis countered.

We can try.

Talis snorted. Dion, you’re an incubus. Going one day without sex is an issue of monumental proportions for you.

You’re exaggerating, Dion muttered.

I had the scratch marks to prove it.

"I do not leave scratch marks!" Dion growled.

Yeah you do, and it’s kind of hot, Talis replied.

Dion laughed. Hurry up and get home.

Talis hung up and continued his walk. It was still daylight so he wasn’t likely to run into any trouble, not that it was unheard of. Luckily, he was home in a matter of minutes. The large red brick manor they all lived in was the seat of a mystical power that many sought to control. The power there was familiar to him, as he knew the true nature of it. As he entered the main foyer, he listened for the sounds of his husband. There were two separate living rooms, one to the left and one to the right. To the right also had the dining room, then the kitchen and the back of the house where he and Dion lived. Teryn and Cian kept the upper level of the manor. Dion walked into the living room on the right, where the large flat screen television was set up, with a large bowl and two cups.

Oh my God you’re serious. Talis couldn’t hide his amusement as his eyes looked over his husband, a dark-skinned slim man with a body he lusted over and envied at the same time. Dion’s dark brown eyes held a warmth in them few noticed. He was wearing only a white wife beater and grey sweat pants, clearly wanting only to relax this evening. The shirt showed the muscles he worked so hard to keep up and the abs Talis so often ran his hands over.

Yep, I popped popcorn and there’s sodas on the table. Dion continued into the room, sitting the bowl on the coffee table in front of the television. I can at least do this for you. It’s a small thing and it’ll make you smile.

Talis did indeed smile. That’s sweet. What are we watching?

You pick. Dion dropped onto the couch. I’m happy as long as I get to hold you.

"I hope you like horror movies. We’re totally watching Halloween." Talis dropped on the couch and grabbed the remote.

Which one? Dion asked.

The first one, Talis answered. Let’s see how far we make it into it.

How about we watch all of them? Dion suggested.

Talis looked at him with a raised eyebrow. Even the weird third one that has nothing to do with Michael Myers?

Ok, maybe not that one, Dion conceded. But all the good ones.

Well get comfortable and let’s start. Talis curled up under him and started the movie.

By the time they got to the fourth movie, after skipping the third one, Talis had actually dozed off in Dion’s arms. Dion was awake and smiled as he smoothed Talis’ hair back from his face. He knew Talis was tired; he could feel the exhaustion when Talis walked in the door. The real reason he’d taken off early was to cater to Talis. It was in his husband’s nature to work harder than everyone else and to take on the heaviest burdens. He didn’t know how to slow down.

Talis’ arms were wrapped around Dion’s waist and tightened slightly, pulling himself closer. His head was on Dion’s chest and he sighed quietly but didn’t wake up. Dion returned his gaze to the movie. It was easy to let Talis sleep this way and reminded him how much he meant to him. Not that Dion needed the reminder. Talis had gone to hell and back for him, literally. If Talis needed a little cuddling instead of sex, who was Dion to argue?

A scream in the movie jolted Talis awake and he sat up, look around frantically until Dion laughed.

It’s just the movie, babe, he assured Talis.

Talis relaxed and lay down again. How long was I out?

Not long and if you’re tired you can go back to sleep, Dion told him.

I’m good but I want to lay here for a while. Are you ok with that? Talis asked.

Dion ran his fingers through Talis’ hair. Any time I have with you is great. You need rest, so rest.

I’m fine, really. I didn’t think I was that tired.

You never do but part of that is my fault.

Talis turned to look up at him. How so?

I know we’ve had a lot of sex. My drive is insanely high. It’s wearing you out.

Best form of being worn out ever. Talis smiled. You worry too much.

Dion’s mouth twitched, fighting back his own smile. I’m serious. I’m not completely blind, Talis.

I never said you were but I’m fine, Talis told him calmly.

Are you really? Dion asked. Or are you worried that my incubus nature will take over and lead me astray?

Talis frowned. I’ve never thought about it but I only have basic knowledge of your incubus nature. Are you worried?

Dion shook his head. I feed off of sexual energy but I don’t crave sex with anyone else. But I am worried that I’m hurting you.

Talis raised an eyebrow. You know I’m a half breed too. I’m not fragile.

Dion smiled. No, you’re too strong for your own good. You wouldn’t know how to show weakness. That worries me.

You’ve seen me in weakened moments and you’ve helped me through them, Talis reminded him. Stop worrying.

That’s not possible as long as you overwork yourself. Dion kept absently playing with his hair. I know it’s in your nature and it’s in mine to take care of you when you won’t take care of yourself. So keep resting.

Talis smiled again. I am resting. I’m content to lay here with you all night and watch movies.

So am I, babe. Dion returned his attention to movie again.

Two

Teryn and Cian walked in to a mostly dark house, except for the television in the living room. They stopped in the doorway to see Dion sitting up holding Talis, who had fallen asleep again. Dion was still awake and watching the movie but shifted to lay Talis on the couch without disturbing him and walked to join them in the foyer.

He really needs the rest, he told them.

Teryn smiled. Trust me, I know. It seems you’re the only one that can get him to do it.

Cian studied him from under his glasses. Something is bothering you.

Dion glanced back at Talis. Yeah. Let’s talk upstairs while he’s asleep.

Teryn and Cian led the way up to the attic. Dion marveled, not for the first time, at the differences between them. They were a mixed couple, with Teryn being black and Cian a white guy. Teryn had the same reddish-brown hair as her brother and light brown eyes. Her feminine figure and overall beauty could be deceptive, as she had an explosive temper and the power to back it up. Cian was actually taller than both Dion and Talis by at least two inches. He was slender and could be called nerdy, but was a warrior at heart and often the voice of reason in the house. His bright blue eyes were piercing and seemed to see far beyond what they were supposed to, even under the glasses.

So, what’s on your mind? Cian asked.

I need you to be honest with me because I don’t think Talis can. Dion waited for their nod of agreement before continuing. I need to know if I’m hurting him in the long run. He’s exhausted all the time now. He says he’s fine but I think otherwise.

Teryn and Cian exchanged a look before responding.

You seem to actually be draining him, Cian finally answered. You’re a half breed and while Teryn helped you learn your offensive powers, you are half incubus and we can’t teach you to control the need for sexual energy. Talis is a catering type so he has no problem giving you what you need and he won’t notice the effect on himself. That’s just who he is.

So what do I do? Dion asked. I can’t leave him.

We wouldn’t advise that, Teryn told him. But maybe we have to find one of your kind, perhaps even your father.

Dion frowned. I have no idea how to reach him. I don’t really know him.

We’ll figure out a way to find him, Teryn replied. We’re witches. Finding demons is what we do.

What do I do in the meantime? I can’t just stop having sex either.

This is such a weird conversation to have with my brother in law. Teryn sighed. Look, Talis needs sex too, so you can’t just stop doing it. He’ll probably just take it from you. Try to moderate it. What did you do tonight?

Watched movies until he fell asleep, Dion told her. He hinted that he’d like it and I thought it was the least I could do.

You could try taking him out on dates, Cian suggested.

Teryn looked at him out of the corner of her eye. How about you take your own advice there, buddy?

Cian’s face reddened. We used to go on dates all the time. You stopped them.

Teryn rolled her eyes. Nice try, dork. I’m a girl. You’re expected to pamper and spoil me forever.

Cian scowled. "Nice double standard there, Teryn. You can take me out on dates too. Why is that my job?"

Because I said so. Teryn refocused on Dion. It is a good idea though.

Dion bit back a laugh. Ok, well I’d better head back down before he wakes up. Let’s not tell him yet what we’re working on. He gets irritable when we do things to help him.

We know, Cian replied as he left.

Now, about this date thing. Teryn turned back to her husband.

We’re seriously doing this now? Cian asked in relative disbelief.

Yes, we’re doing this now. So, when do I get one? she demanded.

Dion came downstairs and slipped back onto the couch. Talis nestled up to him again, laying his head on his chest.

Where’d you go? he asked groggily.

I was just talking to Teryn and Cian, Dion answered. How long have you been awake?

A couple of minutes, Talis replied. I missed the sound of your heart.

Dion chuckled. That sounds so weird.

We’re all weird, Talis told him. I’m just comfortable with my weirdness.

Dion laughed. I love you.

Of course you do, and I love you too.

"Seriously, I do love you. I want to be sure you know that." Dion wrapped an arm around him.

Talis looked up at him. I haven’t doubted that since we got together. What’s wrong?

Dion sighed. It’s just that knowing what I am, I don’t want you to think that what we have is ever just sex to me.

Dion, you came out of the closet for me, moved across the country to get me. You sprung a wedding on me and put up with my asshole ex-boyfriend. You didn’t even complain about us having his funeral here. And those are just the bigger things you’ve done for me. Talis forced Dion to tip his head down to look him in the eyes. I know you love me.

Dion smiled. It can’t be easy being married to an incubus. I feel like I should do more.

Like what? Talis asked.

I don’t know, Dion admitted. But there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. You went to hell and back for me. How many guys can say their husband has done that?

Talis smiled. You’d do the same for me.

You wouldn’t get stuck there in the first place, Dion reminded him.

Probably not, but I’ve never been in the situation you were in either, Talis agreed.

Yeah, you weren’t in denial. I was.

Talis shrugged. That’s water under the bridge for me, Dion. As long as we’re together now, I’m happy.

Would you tell me if you weren’t happy? Dion asked.

Talis growled in frustration. Dion, babe, you’re killing me here. Have I done something to make you think I’m unhappy?

No, I’m just worried, Dion assured him. You’re so tired all the time and I feel like I’m hurting you.

Seriously, I hate repeating myself. Talis got up and straddled him to look him in the eyes. You’ve done nothing wrong. I know how much you love me. I love our sex life. I’m tired because I’m a workaholic. I’m the head of a coven that’s actually bigger than just the four of us. Not sure why I’m the head of it but I am. It’s tiring work. I do a lot when you’re at work during the day and I don’t know how to slow down. Please stop blaming yourself.

I really wish you’d share your burdens with me, Dion told him. I know I’m just a half demon, not a witch, but I can help with some things.

Talis frowned. Dion, babe, I love you and this lack of confidence thing so isn’t you. You take care of me. Didn’t you just get me to stop and sleep here this evening? It’s been a great evening.

Sorry, even with the time we’ve been together I still get nervous. Dion pulled him into an embrace. Sometimes I think I don’t deserve you but I’m selfish and refuse to let you go.

Talis pulled away. You’re full of crap. You deserve to be happy and you deserve me. One could argue that one of those things doesn’t depend on the other but I’m vain and I think it does.

Dion laughed. It does. I was miserable without you.

Then stop worrying now. You’re pretty much stuck with me.

Dion kissed him quickly on the lips. I can live with that. Now maybe we should actually go to bed.

Well, that’s going to require more effort on your part. Talis grinned.

So, I’m carrying you to bed. Dion rose up, lifting Talis with him.

Talis wrapped his legs around Dion’s waist and his arms around his neck. I love that you can do that.

I love doing it. Dion began to walk towards their room. And I’m going to hold you for the rest of the night until we go to sleep.

Fine with me. Talis smiled contentedly.

Three

Talis awoke later that night when his dream shifted to one far too sexual. The reason for the shift became clear as he looked down to find Dion’s mouth wrapped around his dick. Dion’s were inhumanly bright, a sign of his incubus nature. It had taken over and he’d initiated a sexual act in order to feed his hunger. The irony of that thought wasn’t lost on Talis.

Dion worked him masterfully, every so often taking his entire length down his throat but focusing on the head. Talis simply laid back and enjoyed, his hand resting behind Dion’s head. He let out a moan but Dion didn’t slow down. The more turned on Talis got, the more it fed Dion. Talis spread his legs wider and Dion released him only to lick down his shaft, around his balls and towards his entrance. Dion pushed Talis’ legs up, revealing the entrance completely and dove in with his tongue. Talis cried out, surprised but pleased as Dion’s long tongue worked its way in and out of him. Dion circled around his hole while reaching up to grab his erection, working it in time with his tongue.

Talis felt the pressure building. Dion had always been good but when he was like this all Talis could do was hold on and enjoy. Dion was aggressive