A/N: The big showdown is so close now. Only one more chapter after this one. I debated on continuing and making this extra long, but decided to update it instead. I didn't want to rush since I did want to make room for some serious smut at the end. I mean it wouldn't be me to end a Brian/Justin story without a large degree of m/m action, right! =) I hope you enjoy it. Thank you for reading. Comments are always greatly appreciated!
Chapter 7
"Where are we, Brian?" Justin asked as Brian pulled the rental car up in front of an old Victorian home.
"This is where I hope to begin making things right," Brian answered, looking towards the familiar home, hoping Jane would be able to help him with far more than transporting him a crystal. "Let's go inside. I need you to stay close to me at all times here, Justin. Charles isn't far behind us... and this must be resolved before he arrives."
Justin nodded, not understanding... yet remembering the cold fear and helplessness he had felt on the plane when Charles had been inside of his head. So much he didn't understand about any of this... but one thing was clear – he trusted Brian, and he was exactly where he wanted to be. Of course, why they were here he had no clue whatsoever. He did know that when Brian felt he could explain it he would. Until then, he would try to be patient; although patience was not something that came easily for him – most especially in regards to Brian Kinney.
Brian knocked on the door, a tense smile upon his face when he was greeted by Jane Blake, a witch of the highest order that he knew was the answer to his dilemma. Virtually, his only hope. Until he looked at her familiar face he hadn't been certain... but, now seeing the warmth and hope displayed in her eyes – he knew everything was going to be fine. "Jane, it's been a long time."
She reached out, hugging him tightly, her eyes closing for a long moment, before she kissed him lightly on the cheek, answering in return, "Far too long, Brian. Please, do come inside... along with your friend."
Justin smiled, hanging back just a bit, prepared to follow Brian's lead in this. His eyes widened in shocked amazement as Brian reached out to take his hand in his, pulling him inside the house.
"Jane Blake, this is Justin Taylor," he said in way of introduction. Going a step further than Justin had ever expected, when he said, "Justin is someone very special to me."
Jane smiled brightly, inviting them to be seated. "I had already deduced that." She frowned slightly, as she spoke directly to Brian. "He's very near, Brian. His plane is about to land. We don't have much time to act."
"Charles?" Justin asked, unable to shake the feeling of foreboding that rushed through him. "I keep hearing my name whispered, over and over. It keeps coming closer."
Brian looked at Jane knowingly, both of them realizing what that meant. Charles had already begun placing spells on Justin. The closer Charles got to Justin the stronger the voices would be heard. Soon, they would be so strong that Justin would be in physical pain if he failed to go to the source. "Jane, I am desperate for your help. Is there anything that can be done?"
Suddenly, Jane began an incantation that placed a bubble around Justin. He couldn't hear anything... nor did he notice the silence. He was in actuality merely in a state of limbo. "Okay, now we can speak freely. Until this is finished, Justin cannot know about Charles' power according to the exchange you made with him. Once that spell is broken, you can tell Justin – if you want."
"Okay. I guess my next question is simply this – can that spell be reversed that was cast so long ago? I willingly relinquished all my power to him. Perhaps not the wisest course of action I ever committed," Brian responded derisively.
"No, it wasn't... but, don't forget Charles Meade is not always steeped in mad evil – he can be quite charming and extremely cunning. In that is where he is his most dangerous," she told him. "And, yes the spell can be broken. But, you do realize the only way to stop Charles is to make you equal once more – you would have to reclaim your powers."
Brian nodded. "Yes, I know. Something I never thought to change." He looked over at Justin's still form on the couch, relaxed in his magic induced state. "He's worth it. I can't let Charles have him."
"You care very deeply for this boy... that is what makes him so vulnerable. Charles always wanted what you had. He is very intuitive. Knowing your deep attachment to Justin, more than sealed the boy's fate."
"I know. I tried to stay aloof... but the kid got past my walls in no time. When I realized how much I was exposing him I made events happen to push him away... but, Charles still came for him. I can't let that happen," Brian hissed vehemently. "Now, what do I need to do?"
Jane took in a deep breath, knowing Brian wouldn't like all of what she had to say, but realizing Brian would understand it was the only way. "I have already begun the process. The circle has been drawn on Charles' property. The same location in which you transferred your power to him. The both of you must be inside of that circle. Once you are, the incantation will fill the air and your powers will be returned. Once the chants begin, neither of you will be able to physically step out of the circle."
"Sounds simple enough... however, I know it never is so. A couple of questions. How do I get Charles into the circle... and how will he be prevented from seeing it? I understand the process, but I don't see Charles failing to be suspicious of happening to meet me in that particular spot – solely by chance," Brian said, finding himself skeptical of the success of this plan.
"It won't be by chance, Brian. This is where you need to trust me. Justin has to be there alone. In essence, lured into Charles' trap. When the moment is right, you will arrive inside the circle. You can use the crystal to block out Charles feeling your presence," she told him... waiting for the fight to commence.
His eyes flaring in angry denial, Brian spat out, "I refuse to use Justin. It's too risky. Justin is the entire reason I am returning to this world that I turned my back on so long ago. I won't place him at risk."
"Brian, he won't come to any real harm. It isn't Charles' intention to hurt him... at least not for now. He wants him – very badly. A trait the two of you seem to share. This is the only way to lure Charles to the precise spot we need him to be. They don't need to be alone together for long. Granted Charles will probably compel him or touch him in some way... but, you need to let go of your jealousy long enough to finish this. If you don't... Charles will have him, crystal or not – and we both know that to be true," she told him, not sparring any truths – knowing that was the only way to make Brian accept that this was the way it had to be.
"I am not jealous. I don't do jealousy. I am merely trying to keep the boy safe," Brian adamantly denied, knowing the lie for what it was the moment it slipped through his lips. He looked at Justin sitting there, grimly admitting to himself what he kept hidden from everyone; although, not as well as he liked to believe. He did love the little twat... and, the thoughts of Charles touching him in any way filled him with instant revulsion. Meeting Jane's knowing gaze, he ruefully acknowledged, "Okay, maybe a little jealous. Fine. I'll do this your way. But, I refuse to leave them alone for long."
"It doesn't have to be long, Brian. Once the two of you are inside the circle the spell will be cast. And, now we need to let Charles contact Justin. He will be compelling him to come to him. Dawn expressed that he commanded her to have Justin taken to his home... so this all falls in line with our plans. You are going to have to make Justin go to him. Charles must believe Justin is succumbing to his will."
"I am confused about one thing, Jane. Charles has my power in conjunction with his own. How can he not know what we are doing? He's been watching me for longer than I probably even know, waiting for his chance to strike," Brian told her, wondering if she had planned this out completely.
She smiled at him reassuringly. "I know all of this, Brian. He won't know a thing, because this has all been planned and spoken of in my home. I have so much more power now that I have Cassie here with me. Our powers in this home have elevated us above what resides in Charles. My granddaughter has such immense power. I'd really love for you to meet her... but, that's probably best done another time. Suffice it to say – I have a spell cast on my home, it is impenetrable inside. Once you leave these walls, you must block everything out. That's why I sent you the crystal. You can use that."
"And, what about the circle? Is it visible?" he asked, thinking this to be the only hole remaining.
"Not to him. I have made it so only you will see it as you step inside of it. Now, I believe Charles' plane has landed. It should take him about an hour to get home. You need to allow Justin to succumb to Charles' will... and then this will be finished," she told him firmly, yet kindly... knowing this part would be very difficult on Brian, but both of them knowing this was the only way. "Keep in mind, Brian – you will still need to be on the alert once this is done. Charles will not lose his powers, but you will be on an evil footing once again. And, once your powers are restored you can place a protective spell upon the ones you love."
Brian reached into his pocket for the crystal, looking intently at Justin. "I intend to do exactly that."
Charles gritted his teeth in fury as he began driving his car towards home. Fucking Brian. You think you're a step ahead of me, do you? We will see soon. I haven't even begun to impose my will on Justin. I know where you got the crystal. He knew he should have never made it so Cassie found her way to Chance Harbor. The teenager's power was immense. Used with her grandmother's they were a formidable force in which to reckon. However, they would not stop him. Now that he was so close to Justin the crystal would not block him out. His power far superseded that of the object.
He remembered the projections that Brian had sent him as they had been on the airplane. He had fucked Justin... his Justin. His cock hardened as he could feel what Brian felt sliding in and out of the blond in savage need. Much as he would be doing soon. He wanted that boy... and he would have him. Over and over until this need dissipated. Then, he would use him to totally destroy his brother. As he moved closer to home, Charles began the incantations that would lure Justin under his spell. By the time Brian came upon them, Justin would be begging for his possession... and his alone. "Justin..." he huskily whispered. He focused deeply, smiling as he sensed Justin was already at his home... alone, wandering around aimlessly. How wonderful, he purred to himself. Dawn had actually done something right. Now, it was just a matter of keeping the boy under his control and reaching his destination.
Knowing he couldn't let up, Charles continued chanting Justin's name, over and over again... willing the boy to feel his lust for him, manipulating Justin's mind to transfer his feelings of lust for Brian towards himself. Merging his mind with his prey, Charles could feel Justin's tormented desire for him. "Yes, that's it, my boy. I'm coming for you now. Mine to take, Justin. Mine to take."
TBC
