Chapter Five

Lucifer

He didn’t want to say anything to his mates yet, but the clowder was in worse shape than either boy was aware of. The entire clowder had been conned into believing the teaching of a very evil man. Stan Fisher wasn’t the strongest feline shifter, so Lucifer already had questions about why he was running the clowder. The stink of black magic was the answer.

His powers gave Lucifer an insight into the hearts and souls of every individual he met and those close to them. Just by connecting with Elder Max, Lucifer had gained a lot of knowledge about the clowder and its leader. Elder Max was the youngest of the elders. His heart was pure even though he’d done some things that he questioned himself. Elder Max was pushing down his concerns about the clowder to protect his seven siblings. Lucifer wanted to dive further into Elder Max’s family, to see if he could help, but they did have more pressing matters. Like Stan Fisher.

The clowder leader stepped out of the church doors. He was old even by shifter standards. His black soul one of the darkest Lucifer had ever seen. Over the years Lucifer had met the worst of the worst. Serial killers, rapists, child predators. Stan Fisher knew what he was doing to his people and loved it.

“What is the meaning of all this?” Fisher demanded.

Lucifer dropped his glamour.

Gasps and shouts sounded around him, but Lucifer’s gaze remained on the clowder leader, who didn’t react. At least not outwardly. The spark of interest was easy to spot. Interesting. Fisher craved more power than he already had.

“Demons!” Gage’s mother, Mary, screamed. She grabbed Gage’s father, Bill’s arm, who remained frozen in place.

Elder Adams ran back into the church. Coward. Lucifer had pinpointed that right away. Elder Adams enjoyed hurting those weaker than him, including Lucifer’s mate. He would pay for that. Adams would never be able to run far or fast enough.

“Hush!” Stan Fisher held up his hand, silencing everyone. “I wasn’t aware there were demons invited to the rehearsal dinner.”

“He’s trying to claim my son as his mate,” Mary screeched.

“True mate,” Lucifer corrected. “Gage and Cary both.”

“Is that right?” Fisher rubbed his hands together. “True mates?”

“There are no such thing as true mates,” Mary argued.

“Silence now, Sister Mary,” Fisher snapped harshly. “I am willing to hear him out.”

She spluttered but Lucifer knew greed when he saw it. Greed was one of the seven deadliest sins after all. Bel hummed, confirming Lucifer’s take on the leader. Bel could pinpoint greed from miles away.

“They’re demons!” Mary shouted.

“I refuse to allow that creature to claim my son,” Bill stated firmly.

“You don’t get to decide for me,” Gage yelled. “They are my mates!”

“So it seems,” Fisher said.

“You can’t be serious,” Mary said. “You told us that true mates were a myth. Stories.”

“If anyone would get a true mate, it would be the king of hell,” Fisher decided.

“True mates are out there for everyone!” Cary spoke up. “True mates are being found again. Other shifters and paranormals have been finding their true mate for over a year.”

“The human is mistaken,” Fisher said.

“He is not,” Lucifer corrected. “Why does your clowder not have contact with outside shifters?”

“We protect our own here,” Fisher responded. “If Gage is indeed your true mate, we can negotiate the terms of your claiming. As the young human doesn’t have any family remaining, we can stand in for him as well.”

“No,” Gage and Cary said at the same time.

“I am willing to hear your proposal,” Lucifer agreed.

“What?” Gage demanded.

Lucifer turned to his mates. They huddled together and neither of them appeared happy. With a wave of his hand, Lucifer froze the others, leaving him privacy with his mates and princes.

“How… What did you do?” Cary asked.

“Ensured that we can discuss this development,” Lucifer answered.

“Development?” Gage questioned.

“Your clowder leader is into some dark shit. This isn’t just about isolating you all. He craves power and takes it from members of this clowder. I’m not sure how he is doing it, but I want to find out. In the meantime, you boys need to go back to the house. Bel and Asmos will accompany you.”

“And leave you on your own? I don’t think so,” Gage said.

“I agree,” Cary added.

“I will stay with our king,” Bel volunteered. “Asmos can watch over the boys.”

“Okay,” Gage agreed.

How had Lucifer lost control? His mates wanted him protected? Did they forget that he was literally the Lucifer?

“I’m not saying that you couldn’t wipe out the entire clowder,” Gage told him. “But there are a lot of innocent shifters here. Let Bel watch your back, please.”

Damn it, his mate had a point. “I will keep Bel with me but that means that you don’t leave Asmos’s sight.” Lucifer turned to Asmos. “You will protect my mates with your life.”

Serious for once, Asmos bowed his head. “No one will touch them.”

Satisfied, he turned back to his mates. He pulled them into his arms, kissing Cary then Gage. It was hard to let them go but Lucifer’s magic was bubbling under the surface, wanting his mates away from the evil clowder leader. He pulled away reluctantly.

“Go!” Lucifer ordered.

“We’re going. Just be careful. Not just of my clowder leader. He has elders that have been with him for centuries.”

“We’ll be careful,” Lucifer promised.

He waited until Asmos had transported his boys away before he unfroze the others.

“What—” Mary looked around confused. “Where’s my son?”

“Shall we?” Lucifer offered. He motioned toward the doors of the church.

“Of course. Follow me to my office.” Fisher turned. Gage’s parents behind him. Lucifer paused next to Elder Max.

“Maybe you should go home to be with your family,” Lucifer advised the elder.

“Yeah.” Elder Max nodded. “I’ll…I’ll do that.”

As he scurried away, Lucifer caught Bel’s eyes. They needed to dig a little deeper into every member of the clowder. Save the ones not tainted by the evil of their leader’s deeds.

Stepping inside the church, a chill filled him. This was not a happy place. Lucifer understood why Gage avoided the place as much as possible. Stan Fisher’s evilness coated the walls like it was his own personal palace. Maybe it was.

* * * * *

Gage

He didn’t understand anything. What was supposed to be a simple trip to the church had turned into something else entirely. Stepping into the shower, he worried about his clowder, his parents, and his mate. Gage should have stayed away. Remained hidden in Lucifer’s realm and left all this clowder business to someone else.

Gage wished he’d been able to. Even though he didn’t have many friends in the clowder since he’d been tagged a rebel, he still cared about the other members. Especially the younger members who might have true mates out there.

Allowing the hot water to pound down on the back of his neck, Gage took several deep breaths. Cary was already worried about him and there was no telling what Lucifer was up to.

It had been an hour since Asmos had transported him and Cary back to Cary’s house. At least Lucifer hadn’t insisted they be taken to his personal realm. Gage could get to Lucifer if he needed to. He hoped. But how would they know if Lucifer needed him?

Gage was used to having to take care of him and Cary. Since they were kids, they’d been the odd ones out in the community. Junior high and high school had been rough, but they’d gotten through it together. He never realized how hard it would be allowing someone else to step in and take over.

For years he and Cary discussed having a third, a more dominant partner, to fulfill what they needed. Gage thought that was what he wanted. To be able to indulge in his own form of regression and his shifting into his feline form more often. Shifting was highly regulated inside the clowder. Now that Lucifer was with them, Gage had another person he needed to worry about. And the clowder. Gage had been angry at them for so long. He’d still put off his own happiness, so they’d find their own.

Knowing something more was going on upset him deep down. He should have spent more time asking questions. Gage knew there was something wrong with the clowder teachings, but he had been more worried about himself and Cary. Had that been wrong?

Too many questions and not enough answers and Gage’s head was starting to hurt. He grabbed the nearly empty bottle of body wash before squeezing some onto his palm. Cary loved the sweet-smelling scent even though Gage preferred no scent due to his heightened smelling ability.

Gage soaped up his body before turning and rinsing off. He had used the excuse of a shower to get a minute away from Cary and his hovering but now Gage missed his boyfriend. He turned off the water before pushing the shower curtain to the side. He jumped, surprised to see Cary lounging on the wide vanity, holding Gage’s towel. Cary held out the towel.

“Did you figure anything out?” Cary asked.

Gage took the offered towel and began drying himself. “Not really?”

“Want to talk it out?” Cary offered.

He really did love his boyfriend. Wrapping the towel around his waist, Gage strolled to the vanity, situating himself between Cary’s legs. “I love you.”

Cary grinned. “I love you too. Now tell me what’s going through your mind.”

“I’m worried. And I feel bad that I never tried to stand up to the clowder before. I thought it would be easier to turn over my concerns to someone else but now I question getting our other mate involved in what I wasn’t strong enough to fix.”

“You don’t really believe that, do you?” Cary asked. He tugged on Gage’s chin. “Lucifer is happy to help us. And you did something by bringing him in. Even if you had fought more against the clowder, they would just have punished you more than they already did.”

That was something he hadn’t considered.

“And Lucifer has powers that we hadn’t even dreamed about.”

“It was almost like this was meant to be,” Gage said. “Lucifer is our perfect mate in every way. Maybe he is supposed to help my clowder. The only one strong enough?” Was he reaching? Possibly. Still, the thought made him feel better.

“Exactly. This would have been too much for anyone that wasn’t trained in black magic. Blood magic.”

Gage wasn’t even surprised to hear Lucifer behind him. He looked up and into the mirror behind Cary’s back. Lucifer leaned against the doorframe. “You look like you’ve gone a few rounds.” His mate’s hair was mussed and there were dark circles under his eyes. Lucifer had only been away from them for an hour. What in the hell had happened?

“Are you okay?” Cary asked with the same obvious concern.

“I’m fine,” Lucifer assured them. He walked to them slowly. His chest resting against Gage’s back. Gage leaned, giving Lucifer his weight. “Just took a lot of energy to clean up the residual magic left behind by the clowder leader. That book you found—”

“With the summoning?” Cary asked.

“Yes, I think your grandma stole it from Fisher.”

“Why?” Gage asked.

“I’m not sure. I can only see his memories. The book belonged to him, and he has been looking for it for a very long time. The spells inside are how he took control of the clowder even though he isn’t the strongest feline.”

“What did you do with him?” Gage asked.

Lucifer shook his head. “I’m not sure you want to know.”

Maybe he didn’t. “My parents?”

“They are fine. Both your parents still believe in the teachings, so they have some healing to do.” Lucifer ran his hand down Gage’s back. “I’m sorry but they are defending Fisher’s actions.”

“What about the rest of the clowder?” Gage asked.

“The ones that helped Fisher or are true believers of the teachings are being dealt with by a few of my people. The others will need time and to remain in a cleansed environment. I have called in help for the clowder.”

“Demons?” The clowder would be terrified of the demons. Gage didn’t want to argue with his mate but that might be—

“Yes, and shifters. I also called in a feline Alpha who will be here later today to talk to every member of the clowder. To offer a home to those who want it.”

“So basically, the clowder is no more?” Why did that make him sad?

“There was too much dark magic to keep it intact,” Lucifer told him. “A group of mages that I trust will come and evaluate the spells being used. I’m not sure how the humans have been affected so we need to leave someone here to assess the situation further.”

“I don’t get it,” Cary said. “Why did my grandma have to hide her magic if the clowder was using magic as well?”

“They didn’t want anyone with knowledge to figure out that Stan Fisher was using blood magic to keep his hold over the clowder. Maybe the humans as well.”

Cary gasped. “Us?”

Gage froze. He was tainted? What did that mean? Was he evil? Gage didn’t feel evil. Sure, he had been deemed a rebel, but Gage cared about other people.

“Surprisingly, both of you are free of any magical taint. I believe we have Cary’s grandma to thank for that. I think she had some kind of protection over the two of you.”

Gage smiled at his boyfriend. “I always did love that woman.” That was a huge relief. He hadn’t worried about Cary—his boyfriend was totally good—but Gage, he did have negative thoughts sometimes.

Cary returned the look. “Me too.”

Gage turned and cupped Lucifer’s face. “I didn’t thank you for coming here. For helping my clowder. You didn’t have to take this on.”

“I’m happy to assist my mates in any way possible.”

Gage kissed Lucifer, hoping to show his mate what he couldn’t say with words. To tell Lucifer that he was more than thankful. That he was falling in love.

Lucifer gripped his ass, yanking him forward. Gage was all too happy to give a little grinding action to his dick. Maybe if they could put this behind them, they could discuss claiming one another. What would it feel like to wear Lucifer’s mark?

Except Cary hadn’t had much time alone with Lucifer. Maybe they should get to know each other better. At least play around before they all mated for eternity.

He drew back from the kiss. “Thank you.”

Lucifer panted as he nodded.

“Cary would probably enjoy a kiss as well.”

“Yes! Kisses!”

Gage moved to the side as Cary beckoned Lucifer closer.

* * * * *

Cary

Cary clapped his hands. “Kisses and it looks like our mate needs a shower of his own. And we should probably think about food before Gage’s stomach starts growling.”

Lucifer ran his gaze down Gage’s body. Oh! Cary had forgotten that Gage was practically naked, standing in only a towel. And the towel was not hiding how much Gage had enjoyed Lucifer’s kisses. Cary was a little jealous.

“Seems like I missed having company,” Lucifer teased.

Cary knew his cheeks were turning red. Just the thought of being in the shower with his new mate had him hot. “Uh…” He wanted to volunteer but was that too forward?

“It’s fine, little one.” Lucifer grinned at him. “I’m just teasing. But I wouldn't mind a shower and to clean up.”

“I can order a pizza. Or two. I’m not sure how much demons eat. I’m assuming that Bel and Asmos are still here.”

“They are,” Lucifer confirmed. “I don’t want either of you alone until we are safely back in my realm. You should order six pizzas. Asmos does love to indulge in human food when in this realm.”

“Got it,” Gage said. “I’ll get dressed and order the food. Maybe Cary can help wash your back.” He winked at Cary.

Cary nearly choked on his own spit.

Gage nipped his bottom lip. “Let him see the real you. Remember he’s our mate. Our perfect match. He won’t judge you.”

“Thanks,” Cary whispered before Gage quickly left him alone with Lucifer in the bathroom. The snick of the door closing made Cary shudder.

“You don’t have to join me,” Lucifer said, replacing Gage’s position between Cary’s open legs. He gripped Cary’s waist. “I was merely teasing earlier.”

“I…I…” He wouldn’t mind joining his new mate. He did trust Lucifer and Gage was right, Cary could be himself.

“Go help Gage order food.”

“No!” Cary shouted. He slapped his hand over his mouth. Crap!

“Baby.” Lucifer removed Cary’s hand before kissing the back of it.

“I want to join you,” Cary admitted. “I’m just nervous. Gage is the only person that I’ve ever been with.”

“We won’t do more than you are comfortable with,” Lucifer told him. “You really can just wash my back. Or you can sit here and look your fill. Or help Gage order the pizzas.”

It was his turn to run his gaze up and down his mate’s body. Lucifer’s words helped calm him. “I’d like to wash your back. Maybe some other hard-to-reach places too?” He couldn’t believe he was being so bold!

Lucifer swallowed hard. “Th—” He cleared his throat. “Yes.”

Cary laughed as he pushed Lucifer away. “Need to get naked then.”

“Naked,” Lucifer repeated. “We have to get naked.”

“That’s usually how taking a shower works.” Cary was relieved that he wasn’t the only nervous one. It helped his resolve. Cary was already so close to Gage and he wanted that same connection with Lucifer. He turned the water back on in the shower before he turned to Lucifer. Who hadn’t moved.

Cary kept eye contact as he removed his shirt. In his heart he knew he didn’t have anything to be worried about. Lucifer had already changed his clothes when he had been asleep. Gage had even shared the picture he’d taken. Cary had saved that photo as his phone background. A photo of him and Gage was his lock screen. Now, he just needed one of all three of them.

Lucifer’s gaze followed Cary’s shirt as it fell to the ground.

Cary cleared his throat. “Your turn.”

Lucifer moved so quickly that Cary didn’t even realize what was happening until he saw the red silk shirt hit the floor on top of his plain cotton tee.

Cary grinned. “Pants next.”

“I should remove my shoes,” Lucifer told him.

“Yes, that’s probably a good idea.” Cary blinked rapidly as Lucifer’s shoes and socks were instantly gone. He barked out a laugh. “Magic.”

“It really is convenient,” Lucifer quipped.

“I don’t know.” Cary strolled forward until he was standing right in front of Lucifer. “There’s something to be said about doing things the old-fashioned way.” He grabbed the front of Lucifer’s belt before yanking him forward. “Like your partner helping undress you.”

Lucifer gulped. “Ye…yeah.”

Cary slipped the end of the belt through the enclosure. This was empowering. Knowing that his new mate was practically speechless with him. He removed Lucifer’s belt, letting it drop to the floor.

The clink echoed around the bathroom.

“I think I was promised kisses,” Cary reminded his mate.

“Yes. That was what I was supposed to do.” He leaned forward.

Cary had to rise to his tiptoes to reach Lucifer’s mouth, but he didn’t mind. It was incredibly arousing being smaller than his lovers. Their strength and power a turn-on when they chose to be gentle with him.

Their lips brushed. Once. Twice. Before Lucifer cupped the back of his head and really kissed him. Cary opened for his mate and the dominant kiss he received. Hmm. Cary wrapped his arms around Lucifer’s neck as he was lifted off his feet.

Wrapping his legs around Lucifer’s waist as he ground his cock against Lucifer’s stomach. He should have taken his pants off. And Lucifer’s pants off. They should be naked.

Lucifer deepened the kiss and Cary stopped caring as long as Lucifer kept sucking on his tongue like that.

* * * * *

Gage

Gage laughed as he walked down the steps and into the living room. He wasn’t worried about impressing anyone, so he’d dressed in a pair of cut-off sweatpants and an old basketball jersey. From what he’d overheard in the bathroom as he ordered the pizzas, Cary was taking very good care of their new mate.

It had surprised Gage the first time that Cary had taken control during one of their make-out sessions. Cary was not normally dominant in his everyday life but there were times when he felt the need to control things. Gage loved when Cary indulged as it allowed Gage to give in to his own needs. He could let Cary take care of him. They always took care of each other.

Now they would take care of Lucifer too.

He felt good about the decision to give Cary a few alone moments with Lucifer. He was going to bring up completing the mating once they went to bed. Maybe their demon guards wouldn’t mind taking a long walk later. A very long walk.

Gage would think about how to best broach the subject. And get rid of their protection.

He didn’t want anyone in the house when they finally claimed one another. They were mates and that was a very intimate time. Now that he knew that mating didn’t need to be witnessed, Gage was really looking forward to completing the bond.

Gage was sure that Cary would feel the same way.

They were true mates, so Gage didn’t feel any need to put off the mating. A ceremony could happen later. Much later. Gage wanted a few days privately with his mates. Gage still couldn't believe that the fates had blessed him when there were so many other paranormal creatures and humans who deserved the honor.

It still hurt that his clowder had lied to him for so many years. Tried to keep him away from Cary. How many arranged marriages came between true mates? His heart ached just thinking about the pain the leader and elders caused.

Gage stopped in the threshold of the living room to find Bel and Asmos going through his and Cary’s DVD collection. Two of the princes from hell were in Cary’s living room. He wondered what Cary’s grandma would think. She’d probably love all of this.

“I think we should watch Star Wars ,” Asmos said, waving a disc in his hand.

“We watch those movies every time we come to this realm,” Bel argued. “We should watch something new.”

Asmos grunted. “I want to watch Star Wars !”

“You always want to watch Star Wars !” Bel threw his hands up in the air. “I have no idea why you are so obsessed with that movie.”

“It’s good!” Asmos growled.

“It’s Cary’s favorite as well,” Gage added. The two demons argued like brothers. It was funny to watch.

Both demons turned toward him. And they were back in their full demon forms. Their glamour gone. Gage preferred their natural forms even if most people would be terrified of the demons.

“See!” Asmos pointed at Gage. “The human would like it.”

Bel rolled his eyes. “The human has a name. You are going to push Lucifer into punishing you.”

Asmos’s smile grew. “Am I?”

“I’d watch it. He is not going to allow you to tease his mates like you do everyone else,” Bel told him.

Gage nodded. “Neither am I. I might be small, but I’ll protect my boyfriend. Boyfriends.” He had two now. Wow.

“Understood,” Asmos replied. “As long as we get to watch these movies.”

Gage laughed. “Whatever. I ordered pizza.”

“Yes!” Asmos danced in place. A little butt shimmy. Damn, he reminded Gage of Cary when he was little. Did demons regress or was this how Asmos always acted?

“Beer,” Bel said. “We need beer.”

“And popcorn. Candy,” Asmos added. “Nuts. Chips. The cheesy ones. You know what I mean.”

Bel sighed. “I’ll run to the store.”

“I’ll get the movies ready!”

Gage walked Bel to the door as Asmos hummed happily to himself. “Is he always like that?”

Bel nodded. “Yes. Asmos can be a little much but he’s a good demon to have at your back. That’s why Luci called him in. And me. We’ll do anything to protect you and Cary.”

“I appreciate it,” Gage said. “And I know that Cary does as well.”

“I’ll be quick. Don’t leave the house,” Bel ordered.

“I won’t.”

Bel took off running down the sidewalk. Should Gage had offered him the keys to Cary’s grandfather’s truck? The town was small enough that he and Cary mostly walked everywhere they needed to go. The closest store was only a few blocks away.

Gage liked the town even with all the problems that they’d had. The clowder’s hold on the town had been strong and now Gage wondered what would happen with the other residents. Would they thrive now that the clowder didn’t control everything, or would the town suffer?

An old white car pulled in front of the house and Gage waved. Josh, the guy that delivered pizza. His parents had lived there and raised all their kids along with Gage and Cary. Josh was a few years older than them, but they’d gone to school with Josh’s younger brother. What would happen to them?

“I’ll get plates!” Asmos told him as he passed behind Gage.

“Thanks,” Gage responded as Josh hurried up the walkway.

“Hey, man,” Gage greeted.

“This is a lot of pizza,” Josh said with a smile. “Having a party?”

“No party,” Gage replied. He took the six large boxes from Josh. “Just some friends in town.”

“I’ll take those.” Asmos appeared behind Gage’s shoulder.

Gage quickly looked over his shoulder, but Asmos had his glamour back on. He relaxed before handing the pizza over to the demon.

“Oh dang! I forgot the credit card receipt in the car. Sorry, man, I need you to sign it.”

“No problem.” Gage stepped out of the house. “I’ll come with you.”

“Cool, man, appreciate it,” Josh said. “Friends from out of town?”

“Yeah.” Josh was human so Gage couldn’t tell him it was another realm Asmos came from. “They’ll be here for a couple of days.”

A couple of days and they would all be gone. Gage hoped that they could at least come back occasionally. He did love the home that Cary’s family had built. It would be nice to be with Lucifer all the time, but Gage didn’t know what he’d do all day in another realm.

“Here. On the seat.” Josh opened the passenger door and leaned into the old car. Gage leaned against the back door to wait.

“Gage!” Asmos called from the door.

“I’m just signing the receipt,” Gage called back. He smiled to let Asmos know that everything was fine.

“I’m really sorry about this, man,” Josh said.

Gage looked over as Josh just as Josh shoved something into his side. Electricity burned through his body as he fell into Josh’s arms.

He couldn’t move!

It hurt!

“Gage!” Asmos bellowed his name as Josh shoved Gage into the passenger side of the car.