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After a horrific time with their first case together, it was understandable that Lucifer and Stefan wanted to take some down time and get to learn more about each other. But on their first day officially back at work, with Monty and Darwin's new anchor division this time, an ex-friend of Lucifer's turns up and things quickly go from bad to worse for the fated pair.
Borrowed magic, hateful hexes, and even a bomb all quickly culminate to strain Lucifer's and Stefan's relationship, especially when Lucifer defaults to his typical arrogant behavior. It doesn't help that Stefan knows Lucifer is hiding something from him, but he's not sure if it's to do with their issues around them or something more personal.
When Gaston visits his dreamscape, telling him to get out of bed, Stefan has yet something else to deal with he wasn't sure would ever happen to him - a new familiar. Maybe Creed can help Stefan and Lucifer decide if the problems they are having are a direct attack on Lucifer, or more efforts by the Brethren to stop them promoting the rights of anchors.
This story takes place over the space of a week from the Epilogue of Illuminate. It is not a standalone - you will need to read Illuminate to understand the impact of where Stefan was born, the Technic case, Lucifer's issues with the twins and the importance of anchors to high magic users.
This is the second book in the Magic Users of Greenford Trilogy and unlike most of my books, this story follows the two main characters across all three titles.
Cover Artists:
Genres:
Pairings: M-M
Heat Level: 4
Romantic Content: 5
Ending: Click here to reveal
Character Identities: Gay
Protagonist 1 Age: Ageless/Immortal
Protagonist 2 Age: Ageless/Immortal
Tropes: Fated Mates / Soul Mates
Series Type: Continuous / Same Characters
“Well then, stop trying to make me, convince me, or coerce me into separating from my fated mate because it’s not going to happen. You might want to ponder one other thing while you’re grumbling to yourself after this call, too Ben.”COLLAPSE“What now. I’ve still got to find another steward to run a job for me out in the Arizona desert.”
Good luck with that one. “If I truly missed going to dinner at Goldies, I could start going again.” Lucifer winked as Stefan’s eyes widened.
“Madam said your anchor wasn’t welcome there. You’d truly go on your own?”
“I don’t need to go on my own. Stefan would be welcomed with open arms at Goldies if I called in Madam’s loan and kicked her out. Fireborns are very good at managing the money they loan to businesses, and I don
READ MOREt have an issue with buying Madam out, putting in my own staff and continuing to run the place for all people, not just those that come from a certain list of family names, or respected positions.”
“You wouldn’t,” Ben gasped.
“Wouldn’t I? I can. I’m a Fireborn. Just the same as I can speak to the council, on my own behalf because of my family standing, and see someone else put in your job and get you replaced. Again, because I’m a Fireborn. Council laws allow me to do this shit. I just chose not to up until today.”
“Now, come on, Lucifer. We’ve been friends for decades. Is it wrong for me to want to see you with a man by your side you can be proud of?”
“I am proud of Stefan,” Lucifer said simply. “You seriously don’t get that, but you should. Go and check his scores – Stefan de Marco is the highest-ranking anchor in the land. And now we’ve claimed each other, we make each other stronger. But at the heart of things, that’s got nothing to do with why I want him with me. Stefan is one of the smartest, most intelligent, caring, and honest people I know. He and I would’ve made an excellent team for your office if you had spent one second and looked past my name and into who I truly am.” Lucifer heard the plane engines slow. “We’re about to land. If you do decide to call me with another offer, make sure it includes Stefan too. Later.”
“Lucifer, wait. Land? Where are you?”
