by Lisa Oliver
“Mr. Fireborn, Mr. de Marco.” Flashbulbs went off and cameras were rolling. “Is it true as this town’s newest power couple, you own interests in nearly every business in the affluent side of town?”
“Yes, I do, David.” Lucifer nodded at the reporter he knew quite well. “Unless my mate gets a formal apology from everyone who was in the restaurant tonight, I’ll be pulling my money out of those businesses first thing tomorrow.”
“Sounds like you’ve got a busy morning planned.” David swung his phone towards Stefan. “Mr. de Marco, could you tell our readers what you felt when you realized Mr. Fireborn was your fated one?”
“Honestly?” Stefan looked up at Lucifer and his heart swelled. “I was annoyed at first, and then we did have a case to solve so it’s not like we could do a lot about it at the time, but he’s slowly growing on me. There’s a good man under all that hair and he does scrub up nicely on a date.”
The reporters laughed and Lucifer grinned widely. But Stefan hadn’t finished. “Ladies, gentlemen, we really must get on our way, Lucifer has promised me dessert and I’m still hungry. But, seeing as you’re all standing here, and are going to say really nice things about us in the morning, how about my mate and I drum you up some of the treats from Goldies menu? It can’t be a lot of fun standing out here in the chill watching rich people eat.”
Lucifer’s eyes widened. The reporters whooped and cheered, their applause ringing through the night air. “Shall we?” Stefan held up his hand which Lucifer took. Waving his free hand, Stefan caused a long table to appear. But it wasn’t the sudden appearance of furniture that caused the gasps from the normally jaded reporters. It was the sheer mass of artfully crafted desserts, each one carrying the Goldies’ signature crest, that covered the table. There was even a pile of plates, and dessert cutlery along with a pile of neatly folded napkins.
“Enjoy your night, everyone,” Stefan tugged at Lucifer’s hand, heading towards the carpark.
“I did have valet parking,” Lucifer protested.
“That’s the guy in the black waistcoat and pants too big for him, right?” Stefan kept walking.
“Yes, I think so.” Lucifer was still blown away at how easy it was to break a dozen council rules and feel good about it.
“You can forget about getting your car from him anytime soon. The valet’s feeding his face with the journalists. I’m guessing staff don’t get a chance to eat at their place of work either.”
Lucifer glanced back. The food was definitely being appreciated. “Did that food actually come from the restaurant?” he asked.
“Yep.” Stefan chuckled. “And I know, I just broke all the council rules, but to hell with them. They’ve never given a shit about me, or my safety, and you notice I didn’t use our magic for personal gain. I saw all that food laid out when I went to the men’s room. I figured your credit card could afford to pay for it, and you do want those journalists on our side when the shit hits the fan. It’s not like anyone in the restaurant would appreciate all those delectable desserts anyway. They are sure to be watching their waistlines.”
And as usual, Stefan’s reasoning made perfect sense. “Have I mentioned you’re incredible lately?” Lucifer tucked his mate under his arm.
“Not in the last hour.” Stefan snuggled close. “Now, how about I find us a dessert place?”
“Lead on, darling. The night is still young, and I’d really like you to enjoy this date at some point.”
“The last ten minutes have been fabulous first date material.” Stefan looked up, his eyes warm for the first time since they left the house, Lucifer noticed. “Thank you for what you said in there. That meant the world to me. My father would’ve been so proud of you.”
“Every word was true.” Lucifer just had to bend over and snatch a kiss. “I’m nothing without you.”
“I’m fast coming to the same realization about you,” Stefan murmured as he took the kiss Lucifer was offering.
Chapter Thirty-Three
“Lucifer, my old friend, I can’t believe it. You’ve done more for the anchor movement in one night, than I’ve got done in months.”
“It’s so exciting… there are pictures of you two looking amazing…” Darwin sounded just as excited.
Stefan groaned, shoving his head under the pillow. He was having a lovely dream where he and Lucifer were sitting on chairs on the beach, sipping exotic cocktails and watching a sunset. If Lucifer’s grunt was any indication, he wasn’t happy at having his sleep disturbed either.
“What time is it? Damn it, we were sleeping.”
Stefan stifled a chuckle in the mattress. Lucifer wasn’t a morning person.
“We waited until ten. Lucy, wake up. Wake up.”
Gods, was Darwin bouncing on the mattress? Stefan peeked out from under the pillow and yep, Darwin was bouncing up and down, trying to wake Lucifer up. “We brought you breakfast. Come on. This is the most exciting thing to happen to the Fireborn family since Uncle Ian conjured a dragon out of Aunty’s pug dog. Wake up!”
“I’m up. I’m up.” Stefan heard a loud thump and guessed Lucifer pushed Darwin off the bed. “Now what’s all this shit about the anchor movement? Gods, you’d had better have coffee on that tray.”
Coffee? Stefan removed his head from under the pillow. Sure enough, Monty was carrying a huge tray, including a large pot of coffee. “Morning Stefan,” Monty said cheerily. “I heard you had a bit of a rough night, let’s get some coffee into you.”
Stefan waved his thanks and then ran his hand through his unruly hair as Monty poured out two cups. Darwin handed one to Lucifer. “Now, do you want to hear the news. You were incredible last night, Lucy.”
“Oh, gods, please tell me you can’t hear us from your room,” Stefan mumbled as he sniffed the coffee he was handed and took a cautious sip.
“I meant before you got home.” Darwin roared with laughter. “And no, I wouldn’t have heard anything because Monty was busy moaning my name.”
“The anchor movement,” Lucifer cut in quickly as Monty protested. “I do not need to hear about my brother’s love life.”
“Quite right, my friend. Some things should remain private.” Monty’s cheeks were bright red. “But the anchor movement, something I’ve been working on for years. In a word, you did it, Lucifer. Your little speech at Goldies last night has got the town and the magic council in an uproar.”
“Magic users and non-magic businesspeople have called for a boycott of Goldies because of their outdated attitudes,” Darwin added excitedly. “You should see the news shows on the television. Powerful magic users up and down the country are coming out in support of their anchors, claiming that if their anchors are being discriminated against, then they’ll strike until better conditions are put in place for anchors.”
“The council claim they’re horrified that people and businesses are discriminating against anchors, throwing out heaps of assertions that now it’s been brought to their attention, they are proposing a whole raft of changes designed to better protect anchors, in active employment or not.” Monty shook his head. “This is stuff I’ve been trying to get in place for years, with no success. You and Stefan make one speech…”
“Lucifer was the one making the speeches,” Stefan said quickly. “I just broke council rules and got the journalists some desserts because I felt sorry for them.”
“But you didn’t break any rules.” Darwin perched himself on the edge of the bed. “You fed others with your magic – you didn’t have any of it yourself which was an absolutely brilliant thing to do. All the council’s rules are based on the individual magic user not being allowed to personally gain from their powers. Council members are being interviewed and they’re applauding what you did as an amazing example of how empathetic and kind anchors can be.”
“All bullshit in other words,” Lucifer said gruffly, holding out his cup to be filled. “The council will say the right things and then in a week everything will be back the same as it always wa
s.”
“Not this time.” Monty pulled a sheaf of papers from thin air. “New legislation went into effect from last night’s emergency council meeting. It seemed a lot of council members were contacted by the press for their comments on your speech Lucifer, and they had to scramble for a response. They’ve voted overwhelmingly to set up a division explicitly related to anchor rights – their right to housing, fair contracts, rates of pay indicative to their level of experience and magic levels, which will be fully tested from now on, private health care and a specific division to work with anchors who’ve been abused in their positions.” Monty clasped the papers to his chest. “I’ve been fighting to get something like this for so long. Thank you, Lucifer.”
“It’s a shame something like that wasn’t around when my mate was abused,” Lucifer growled into his coffee mug.
But Stefan had another concern. “This testing, Monty. Not that I don’t think it’s a good idea and all that, but…”
“I’m sorry, Stefan, it will only apply to anchors who are being tested from today onwards.” Monty’s eyes twinkled. “Anchors already experienced in their positions are welcome to be retested, of course, and they won’t be turned away, but they’d have to apply to the division specifically for it to happen.”
“They’d actually have to apply,” Stefan repeated slowly.
“Exactly, but I imagine there’re a lot of anchors who are more than happy in their positions, and don’t see the need to be retested, don’t you?”
Stefan slumped back among the pillows, relieved. Lucifer winked at him, and then said to Monty, “So I imagine you’re heading the new division for anchor rights?”
“He got the call this morning.” Darwin bounced up and down. “A new title, pay rise, a brand-new office and the right to choose his own staff. So, Lucy…”
“Stop calling me that.” Stefan chuckled. Lucifer was glaring at his brother hard enough to strip paint. “And if you think I’m going to spend my days sitting in an office listening to anchor complaints, think again, because I’m not doing it.”
“What I was hoping Lucifer, is that you’d be part of our crime fighting division – you and Stefan, of course,” Monty said. “The council offices have been inundated since eight o’clock this morning with calls from anchors all over the country who’ve been abused, made homeless, or are being treated badly by the people they anchor. I wanted to make you head of the criminal division, but Darwin said you’d hate the paperwork and would far rather be out in the field, chasing these scumbags yourself.”
Stefan frowned. “I thought, as a steward, that’s what Lucifer does anyway.”
“And I resigned from that position last night,” Lucifer reminded gently.
“Meaning you’re free to take the position with us.” Darwin reached over his brother, touching Stefan’s hand. “It won’t always be easy and if you say no, me and Monty will understand. This division will be solely dealing with crimes against anchors, which will mean going up against magic users of all power levels.”
Putting his cup down on the bedside table, Lucifer leaned over, resting his arm behind Stefan’s head. Predictably, Stefan’s marks begun to glow. “We could make a real difference for anchors,” he said in a low voice.
“I know…” Stefan already knew he would say yes. But Monty’s gasp prevented him from saying so.
“Oh, my goodness, look at your marks. Are they like that all over your body, Stefan?”
“Yes, they are, and no, you’re not looking.” Lucifer yanked the covers up, so they blanketed every part of Stefan from the neck down. “Stefan’s not being retested and you’re not getting your hands on him.”
“But…” Monty’s eyes shone with academic passion and Stefan realized he couldn’t help himself, any more than Lucifer could help being a grumpy sod most of the time.
“You could improve the anchor testing for future anchors, Monty,” he said hesitantly, “I can’t be the only one born with marks like mine. Think of what an achievement it would be, and how it would improve the standings of anchors everywhere, if other anchors were found with some of the markings from old. The research papers, studies…” He trailed off as Darwin gave him a discreet thumbs up.
“Oh my, yes.” Monty beamed, but then he gave himself a shake. “But first things first. Anchors need stable housing, access to food and benefits when they’re not working… a new anchor contract needs to be drawn up for anchors not mated to their magic user. There’s so much to do.”
“And maybe,” Stefan took comfort from Lucifer’s closeness and his unspoken support. “Maybe anchors could be given a choice, or the right to go into other professions. I know how important anchors are, I’ve always known that. But if I’d had a chance, I would’ve far rather continued my father’s watchmaking business. Perhaps anchors could still be tested during puberty, but maybe they might go into a contract for something like five years, or even ten, with the option to walk away if they haven’t found their mate by then. Don’t you think that’s fair. Think of all the older anchors there are out there really unhappy in their positions, who’ve never had a chance to realize their personal dreams.”
“That’s a great idea.” Darwin got up, glancing at his mate who was staring at the wall with a faraway look in his eye. “We’re heading back to our place, now the danger’s passed, and then we’ll be down at the council offices, getting set up. Consider the job Lucy, talk it over with Stefan and let us know later today. Oh,” he added as he took Monty’s arm. “You’ve also got a flood of gifts waiting for you in the main hallway, Stefan. I know they’re likely because there’s a host of businesses that don’t want to lose Lucy’s favor, but I’d still accept them anyway. And Lucy, your answerphone is full. Later.”
“Gifts?” Stefan tilted his head, looking at his smirking mate. “Why on earth would anyone buy me gifts? All you said last night was that you wanted those people in the restaurant to apologize to me.”
“Rich people apologize with gifts, my precious mate.” Lucifer’s arm slipped down to Stefan’s shoulders and he found himself confronting Lucifer’s impressive looking pecs. “We can worry about them later.”
“Hmm,” Stefan let his hands do some wandering. “Are you going to take the job with Monty?”
“If you want to,” Lucifer said, his voice deepening. “I think we can do some good and you’ve faced your own personal monster and won.” Stefan moaned as he felt Lucifer’s hand caressing his butt. “Can we talk about it later?”
“We do have a lot to do,” Stefan murmured already raising his face for the kiss he knew was coming.
“Later.” Lucifer didn’t disappoint.
Epilogue
Three weeks later
“Don’t worry about packing too much,” Lucifer yelled as he went to answer a knock at the front door. “I’ve got an apartment in New York and we can always send out for more clothes if we need them.”
“Why spend money when we don’t have to?” Stefan headed up the stairs. “I’ll only be five minutes.”
Lucifer shook his head with a smile as he opened the door. A month into their mating, and he was learning more and more about his feisty mate every day. Like how Stefan genuinely loved pizza and a quiet night in, and how he hated spending money on what he considered unnecessary things. But Lucifer’s smile quickly turned into a glower when he saw who was shivering on the doorstep.
“Jasmine, what are you doing here?” Lucifer peered out, scanning the driveway and grounds. “I thought I made it clear I didn’t want anything to do with you or your twin brothers after you left me and Darwin to fight for our lives by ourselves because you were too busy partying.”
“Lucifer,” Jasmine hiccupped and Lucifer noticed her arms and feet were bare. “I’m so sorry. I had to come. You’re with them, aren’t you? With the new division that’s giving rights to anchors.”
“That’s Monty’s division,” Lucifer said shortly. “He’s my brother-in-law. You’ll find him down at the council offices.�
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“Please, you’ve got to help me.” Jasmine looked anxiously over her shoulder. “Someone’s taken my brothers – Alexi and Levi. They’ve been gone four days. No one will help. No one will listen to me.”
“You need a steward.” Lucifer wasn’t going to admit he was worried. Magic users quite literally couldn’t be without an anchor, and after four days, Alexi and Levi would be sparking up all over the place.
“We were friends once, Lucifer.” Jasmine reached out, grabbing his arm. “Please. What we did was wrong, and we’ve tried a dozen times to apologize, but you just wouldn’t listen to us.”
“And what about this business with Abdullah and Technic – trying to get me and my mate killed?”
“We didn’t know. I promise you we didn’t. Levi just asked Abdullah to talk to you, get you to speak to us so we could explain.”
“Explain what?” Lucifer huffed his frustration. “Look Jasmine, my mate and I are heading to New York. We have a case that needs looking into. You’re not telling me giving me any details. You must have some idea who took your brothers, and how the hell did you get separated from them anyway?”
“They didn’t want me. They just left me on the side of the road.” Reaching into the pocket on the front of her dress, Jasmine pulled out a tattered card. “They said to give you this.”
“They? Who the hell are they?” Lucifer’s glower deepened as he read the single word on the card.
Brethren