Chapter 25

Twenty-Five

Gideon awoke a few hours later wrapped in Esau's arms. He reached for his phone and saw it had only been about five hours. He was still exhausted, so he curled in closer to Esau and attempted to go back to sleep. Sleep wasn't going to come for him, though, so he slid from Esau's arms and straightened up the apartment to keep from worrying about everything that could go wrong in his little world.

He grabbed the pile of Joaquin's clothing and folded them into neat piles. Joaquin's ring fell from the pocket of his jeans and rolled onto the floor, spinning in a circle on the hardwood. He reached for it, sensing Joaquin's presence in the ring.

I can do a locator spell and try to find him. He might not want to see us, but it might bring Esau some peace to know where he is.

Gideon moved about the apartment and picked through his belongings, taking the necessary items to the couch. After pushing the coffee table out of the way, he laid out a map of Salem and placed the ring on top of it. He arranged the crystals in order around the ring, lit incense, and sat down before the display, a crystal on a chain in one hand. Closing his eyes, he searched for the right spell in his memory, ensuring he had the words in the correct order before uttering them.

"Whatare you doing?"

He opened his eyes and noted Esau sitting up in bed, watching him closely. "A locator spell on Joaquin so you know where he is and that he's hopefully safe."

Esau scooted out of the bed and padded over barefoot. He gazed at the ring and back to Gideon. "Can I watch?"

"Of course." Gideon pointed to the spot across from him. "Sit there, facing me."

Esau got into position. Gideon held out one hand to Esau, who hesitantly took it.

"This isn't going to hurt him or anything, right?"

Gideon cocked his head to the side. "Really? Do you think I would hurt him?" He winced. "Knowingly, that is."

Esau smiled softly. "No." He squeezed Gideon's hand lightly. "Let's find him."

Gideon murmured the incantation, dangling the crystal on the chain just over the map. It whipped to a location within seconds, the point on the crystal aimed at Essex Street, just outside Enchanted Ink.

"Well, that didn't work," Esau muttered.

"Maybe it did," Gideon whispered. He rose, crossed the apartment to the windows facing Essex Street. Down below, Joaquin sat on a park bench facing Enchanted Ink. Gideon looked over his shoulder and nodded. "He's down there."

Esau frowned before hastily jumping to his feet. They both dragged on their boots, nearly tripping over one another, and raced out. The elevator wasn't fast enough for his taste. "I need to learn how to portal like Cassius."

"Under normal circumstances, I would say to calm down, but right now, I have to agree," Esau said, pressing the first-floor button again, as if it would help.

The doors slid open, and they ran outside. As soon as Gideon hit sidewalk, the realization that Joaquin might not be there for him hit and he halted, watching as Esau raced closer. Joaquin knew which apartment was his yet hadn't come up, so it made sense he'd been waiting outside for Esau to show.

Gideon leaned against the building, finding relief in the fact Joaquin was okay. His mates hugged tightly, their love for one another evident. Esau seemed to notice he hadn't followed. He turned to eye Gideon, confusion on his face.

Gideon offered a small smile, a wave, and then slipped back inside, giving them privacy. He scuffed toward the elevator and pressed the Up button. As soon as the doors opened, he swept inside and hit his floor's button. The doors closed.

Only a hand swept in and stopped them.

They reopened. Esau and Joaquin stood on the other side.

"Going up?" Esau asked, his tone quiet.

Gideon held back tears as he searched both their faces. "I don't know… are you?"

"If we're welcome to," Joaquin replied.

Gideon nodded, a tear escaping. "Yes, of course you are."

They stepped in and dragged him into their arms. He closed his eyes, reveling in the feel of them holding him, wrapped in their strength.

"I'm sorry," Joaquin whispered against his ear. "I hope you can forgive my pigheadedness."

Gideon turned to face Joaquin. "There's nothing to apologize for. Once I better understood why you were so angry, I knew how hard it was on you."

Joaquin's gaze flipped to Esau's.

"I told him my story. My family, only saying yours was similar. Your story is yours to share if you ever wish to," Esau told Joaquin.

"I won't ask you to relive that," Gideon said. "But I will listen if you need to share it one day."

Joaquin caressed his cheek. "Haman came to talk to me today."

Gideon frowned. "He did?"

"I attacked him. Slashed him over and over with my claws."

Gideon swallowed but feared asking for details. "Did that make you feel better?"

"No," Joaquin replied. "He refused to fight back, and that pissed me off even more." He leaned back against the elevator car and eyed Gideon. "I couldn't fight a man just lying there, not giving as good as he got."

"You mean a demon," Esau corrected.

"I don't know that I do," Joaquin said.

Gideon's gaze flipped to Joaquin's. When he looked to the side, he saw Esau's eyes had widened. The elevator pinged, and the doors opened. Gideon led them out, growing more curious. As soon as they were inside, he turned to Joaquin. "What do you mean, you don't know that you do?"

Joaquin sat on the coffee table. "Sorry, I ran forever and had to walk the whole way back. My legs are sore." He took a deep breath and eyed them both. "I sat down in the grass across from him, and we talked." He pinned Gideon with a stare. "And you were right. He's not like other demons."

Gideon released the breath he'd been holding on to.

"You and Haman made friends?" Esau asked, scoffing.

"Friend, no, but I better understand what Gideon saw in him and why he might've been worthy of saving. Am I happy Gideon and he were fucking? No, it makes my blood boil, but that was before he met us, and I'll work to get over that." He looked over at the display to his side, where his ring sat. He leaned over and picked it up. Opening his palm, he glared at it, quiet. Lifting his gaze to Esau, he smiled. "I've lived a half-life with you, and I'm sorry for that."

Esau frowned. "What are you talking about?"

"Instead of focusing on moving forward, my need for vengeance held us in the past."

Esau dragged a stool from the island and sat facing Joaquin. "You weren't alone in that need. I was at your side, killing those demons right along with you. I was just as angry as you were."

Gideon felt like an intruder, a third wheel in their discussion. He considered stepping out, yet also reveled in seeing their love for one another, hoping one day he'd have that same connection to them.

"Keyword, was. I knew the fight wasn't in you anymore, long before that night. I didn't want to admit it to myself because we'd bonded over our similarities and our pain. Letting it go was terrifying, because what if we lost the part of what made us right if we no longer had the fighting? I held on to it for far too long, and in the end, we had to leave behind everything because of it. That wasn't fair to you."

"Running is what led us to our destiny," Esau said. "We came here, where we belong, with Gideon, because of you."

Gideon smiled to himself at those words.

Joaquin grabbed Esau's hand. "It's not just that. It's me. My dysmorphia made it impossible for me to be fully yours. I always held a piece of myself back and didn't give you all." He lifted the ring. "It shouldn't have taken this for me to give you everything."

Esau caressed Joaquin's face. "No relationship is perfect. We all have broken edges and jagged bits. It's about finding someone," he paused looking at Gideon and back to Joaquin. "Or someones, whose damaged parts fit into yours. I know you struggled. I love you and was willing to be flexible and fill in the spaces you needed."

"You shouldn't have had to."

"You didn't ask, nor did you demand. It's just how we fit." Esau lifted Joaquin's chin. "I love you, and I will take all the parts of yourself you want to give me."

He kissed Joaquin's lips tenderly.

Joaquin smiled as he pulled back. Again, he lifted the ring. "I think that's why I wanted this so much. So, you wouldn't have to do that anymore. That we would finally be equals, nothing held back."

"If that's the only reason you want that, then don't. I accept you as you are, and don't need anything else from you."

Joaquin held back a sob. "But I want to give it to you. You deserve everything." Joaquin turned to Gideon. "As do you. All of me, not parts."

"Like Esau said, you don't have to give up your jaguar for us."

"But I do," Joaquin said. "I do." He slid on the ring, cringing in pain as the change took over and his body filled out. He panted when it was over, wiping the sweat from his brow. "This is who I want to be. No holding back anymore."

"As long as you're doing it for you and not us," Esau said.

Joaquin smiled. "Then I am doing it for me. So I can focus on loving you both. Not hiding away."

Esau nodded. "Do whatever it is you need. We will be here at your side, either way."

Joaquin leaned forward and pressed his lips to Esau's. "I do." He dug his fingers through Esau's hair and slid his hand to the back of their human's head, dragging the man back for another kiss. "Know what else I want?" He flipped his gaze to Gideon, grinning. Holding out a hand, he beckoned Gideon closer.

Gideon sauntered closer, unsure. Joaquin dragged him down. He slid his legs over Joaquin's broad lap, nuzzling into the man's warmth. Joaquin pressed a kiss onto Gideon's forehead, and another against his ear. "I want to love my mates."

Gideon turned to face Joaquin and the man captured his lips, hungry.

Joaquin pulled his lips away. "First, I want to wash Hell off of us. That place was fucking disgusting, and I never want to go back."

"Amen," Esau said.

Joaquin grinned, eyeing Gideon. "You think that shower's big enough for three?"

"Only one way to find out," Gideon murmured. He rose, grinning. "We've got great water pressure. Plenty of hot water. Come on."

Joaquin rose and reached for Esau's hand.

Gideon led them into the bathroom and helped Joaquin remove his sweater first. Piece by piece, they all worked together to remove every last piece of clothing. When they were bare, Gideon turned on the water. Joaquin captured his mouth when he was done, kissing hungrily.

Stepping under the spray, they washed one another's bodies, cleaning every inch. When the washcloths were finished, they used their tongues and fingers, exploring, teasing, and tempting. Each took turns sucking each other, bringing one another to the edge without falling over. It was less about rushing to the abyss, more driving one another to the edge and dragging them back for more.

When the water turned cold, they haphazardly dried off, stripped the sheets, and Gideon used his magic to remake it. They then took their study to the bed, once again pushing one another close to the edge without letting go. Finally, when they'd all been tormented enough, they came, one after the other, screaming their pleasures out to the world, before collapsing into one another's arms.

They fell asleep, a tangle of limbs. Gideon smiled before he was lost to his first deep, nightmare-free sleep of his new life with his triad.

By the morning, he knew they needed to get busy using his new power to banish the demons back to Hell. "I have nine demons to banish back to Hell. I need you both there to help me make it happen. Can I count on you?"

"Of course," Joaquin murmured.

"Where do we start?" Esau asked, grinning.

Joaquin helddown the last of Gideon's demons, the human encasing the beast screaming for his life. A part of him ached for the man, wanting to offer a hint of compassion. "Shh… It'll all be over soon."

Gideon moved closer, pooling magic into his hands. When he reached out and pressed his magic to the human, the man went limp. Silent. Gideon and the man rose into the air, enveloped by hot pink threads of the spell. The human opened his mouth and a black egg slid from his lips, just as the other eight before him.

The human collapsed to the floor, passed out, while Gideon hovered mid-air. The threads of the spell tightened around the egg… until a pop and it vanished into nothing. Gideon slowly floated to the floor, the magic fading.

Esau steadied Gideon as he came out of it.

A smile spread across their little witch's lips. "They're all gone." He drew in a deep breath and let it out. He smiled wider. "Oh, that feels so much better."

"Are we going to talk about the fact you did that without touching us?" Esau asked.

Joaquin had noticed but had feared saying anything until the spell was done.

"I did?" Gideon asked, looking from one to the other. "I did, didn't I? I just… did it."

"Maybe you're getting the hang of things," Joaquin murmured, in utter awe of their powerful witch.

"Or maybe…" Esau added. "You needed our hands to link us… until our bond was forged, and our triad fully accepted."

Gideon's smile softened as he stared at Esau. "Are you saying what I think you're saying?" He glanced at Joaquin. "Are you both fully mine now?"

"We have been from the start," Joaquin said. "We just needed our heads to catch up to our hearts."

Gideon fought a victorious smile.

It had taken them two weeks to reach all the demons and help Gideon banish each one back to Hell. In that time, they'd had a chance to see their witch in action, a demon hunter unlike any they'd met before. Watching him save humans and overpower their foe had been a delight. Loving him every night in between had been a taste of Heaven.

It hadn't taken long to see that Joaquin would have his cake and eat it. He could still fight demons, yet the rage within was already beginning to settle. Seeing the world in Gideon's colors made life easier. It also helped heal some of the pain.

Gideon lifted his face to Joaquin, clearly wanting a kiss. Who was he to deny their mate anything after seeing that display of power? After Gideon took it, as well as another from Esau, he glanced at his watch. "You have an appointment."

Joaquin's stomach knotted. The time had come.

Both he and Esau had already spent time in Eli's chair for a protective tattoo to be placed on their backs. It was time for Joaquin to sit in Nix's.

An hour later, Joaquin took a deep breath as he did just that, ready to make his change a permanent one. Nix readied his tools while both Gideon and Esau sat on either side, each holding one of his hands. When Nix was done, he sat down and gazed at the three of them.

"I appreciate you want to be here to support him, but I'll need a little room to work."

"You can reach his thigh just fine," Gideon said, lifting Joaquin's loose gym shorts up to expose the recently shaved upper thigh.

"Whatever," Nix muttered. He glanced at Joaquin. "You're one-hundred on this, right? No going back once I put ink to skin."

"Well, technically there is going back. An enchanted tattoo can be removed. It's just not very easy to do," Gideon said, lifting a brow to Nix.

"I'd like to see you reverse one of my spells, witch," Nix snapped at Gideon.

"Don't make me weave you into a spell you can't get out of," Gideon snapped back.

Joaquin chuckled. After seeing Gideon in action, he wasn't sure Phoenix wanted to push. He'd seen it used against Lucifer, as well as the spell he'd done the week before to hide them from the Assassins—if they'd even had to worry about the demons any longer with Hell in chaos.

"Do you want me to tattoo your mate or not?" Phoenix asked, grinning sarcastically.

"Should we let you two have the room?" Joaquin asked.

Both of them blanched and gasped at Joaquin.

"Ew,"Gideon said.

Phoenix's look of disgust read the same.

"Just checking," Joaquin said. "That felt more like flirting than arguing to me."

"Gross," Gideon said, glaring at Nix.

"The feeling is mutual," Nix replied to Gideon before he glared at Joaquin. "Before I can begin, we have the matter of payment."

Gideon placed a chunk of gold on Nix's stand. "That should cover it."

"Appreciated," Nix said. "As I said before, that is my fee for the tattoo. The magic will require a price of its own." He lifted a pen and sketched freehand on Joaquin's thigh, a swirling, intricate design that had a Japanese style to it. When he was done, he lifted his head. "How's that?"

Joaquin eyed it. He slid out of the chair and stood before the mirror. "Looks good."

"You like the placement?" Nix asked.

"Yep," Joaquin said, nervousness creeping in around the edges. He slid off the ring, hissed in pain at the transformation, and eyed it again. "Everything looks good."

For the next few hours, he endured the pain of Nix's needles, imprinting on the tender spots of his upper thigh. His mates stayed through the whole thing, keeping his mind off the pain. When it was almost done, Nix lifted his head.

"Last area to fill in. When it's complete, you'll change. There might be some pain, like you had with the ring, but that's the last time you'll experience it."

Joaquin breathed deep and released it. "Let's go. Finish it up."

Nix hovered above and filled the area in. The minute he lifted his gun, a wave of magic washed over Joaquin. His body contorted, stretching. He'd become somewhat accustomed to the pain from the ring, but it was closer to what it had been like the first time. More painful than the others. He hissed, as his body filled out, clenching his teeth as sweat beaded his brow.

And then it was done.

He glanced down at the tattoo, the magic swirling and glistening around the lines. Rising, he looked at his leg in the mirror and smiled. He searched the rest of him, checking to see if anything was different than it had been with the ring, but if it was, he didn't notice. "Hello, himbo, goodbye big cat."

"You're too smart to be a himbo," Gideon said. "FYI." He walked closer, watching Joaquin in the mirror. "Looks good on you."

Joaquin leaned in and planted a kiss on Gideon's lips. He lifted the ring from his pocket and handed it to Nix. "Mind taking the spell off this so I can wear it. I don't need to become a girl."

Gideon snatched it from his palm. "Speak for yourself."

"I doubt that thing has much more magic left on it," Nix mentioned.

"A little is all I need," Gideon murmured.

Joaquin glanced to Esau who appeared as curious as him. Esau shrugged but grinned. Joaquin returned the same. After Nix had spread a salve over the skin and covered it with plastic—adding a slap for good measure—he kicked them out. Gideon hummed ahead of them as he led them toward home.

They exited a back door into the hallway a few feet away from their apartment, where an odd little man stood waiting.

"It's the architect," Gideon murmured over his shoulder with a smile.

"The what?"

"Hello," Gideon called to the man, opening the front door. "I'm so pleased to see you."

Esau and Joaquin shared a look of confusion.

"Who is that?" Esau asked before Gideon followed the man in.

"The architect," he repeated. "Come on. You'll see."

Joaquin followed Esau in and pulled the door closed.

"No, leave it open. The coven's on their way," Gideon said.

"What have you got planned?" Esau asked.

"It's tradition," Gideon said. Joaquin's gaze followed the little man as he lifted a wand to the outer wall. "Every time someone finds their mate, he?—"

"What the fuck?"Joaquin asked, interrupting Gideon as the wall stretched outward a good twenty feet.

"If you'd let me finish," Gideon chided as a woman with long, graying hair that Joaquin didn't recognize marched in the front door, a basket over one wrist. "When a witch meets his mate, the architect comes to provide additional space, and the coven comes to bless the new home." The woman leaned in to press a kiss to Gideon's cheek, and he then returned the affection. "Hi, Dee." Gideon turned to Esau and Joaquin. "This is Delilah. If Cassius is the father of the coven, you can consider Dee the mother."

"You're Cassius' wife?" Esau asked.

"Oh, no," Dee murmured. "I have a wife of my own, thank you. Though we call one another mates." Dee lowered the basket to the island and eyed Joaquin and Esau. "Let me have a look at these mates of yours."

More witches, shifters, mates, and a few children entered the apartment, some faces he recognized and most he didn't. Before long, the apartment was packed full—even with the additional space. Graham showed up and waved a hand, filling the new kitchen island with a mountain of food that smelled amazing.

"You're welcome anytime, Graham," Esau announced before grabbing a plate and loading it with tamales.

"Good to know," Graham said with a grin.

Joaquin and Esau were introduced to dozens of witches, a few familiars, and some human mates. He'd never remember all of their names, but he had to start somewhere. It was also clear to him that the little gathering was two-fold. It wasn't just the coven blessing a newly enlarged apartment. It was the coven getting a good eyeful, likely giving their blessing on Gideon's mates, as well. As such, Joaquin attempted to be his best self. As an introvert, it wasn't easy, but it was Gideon's family.

They needed to make a good impression, especially since he and Cassius had been a bit confrontational the last time round. Esau struck up a conversation with Ash, and the two ended up in a corner for a good hour discussing their roles in policing and its impact on the paranormal world. A pretty man with long black hair offered his hand. "Switch. Nice to meet you, Joaquin."

"A pleasure," Joaquin murmured.

"So, you're the shifter. A big cat, I hear?"

"I am." Joaquin winced, running his palm over the new tattoo. "I was."

"Was?"

"Not anymore," Joaquin murmured.

Switch cocked his head to the side, narrowing his eyes. "I still sense shifter in you."

"It's caged," Joaquin said, clenching his jaw. "It was the price I recently paid."

Switch narrowed his eyes, gaze running up and down Joaquin's body. Cassius appeared immediately behind Switch and laid a kiss on the man's neck. Switch closed his eyes and leaned into Cassius with a smile. "Cas, do you get shifter off this one or not?"

Cassius lifted his gaze to Joaquin, his gaze narrowing with curiosity. He gave Joaquin the once over before he turned to Switch. "He's a jaguar."

"I gave it up," Joaquin said, lifting the leg of his shorts. "The price was my jaguar. I'm a shifter no more."

"What was that fo—" Cassius stopped speaking, gave another once over, and nodded. "Question rescinded."

"I know I was a bit—of an asshole—the first time we met. I hope you understand I was losing my mind with worry," Joaquin said. "I'm sorry."

Cassius chuckled. "I was a bit of an asshole, too." He grinned. "Some prick walked into my shop and demanded we go to Hell."

Joaquin grinned. He offered a hand. "Friends?"

Cassius nodded and took his hand. "Friends."

Switch tapped his shoulder. "I still feel your shifter. Don't you?"

He attempted to whip his claws out to prove to Switch that he couldn't shift…

And a full set of claws extended.

He stared at them, confused. Retracting them, he tried again with both hands. Both sets of claws shot out. "Oh, shit."

Joaquin searched the room until his gaze landed on Gideon. He lifted his clawed hands and watched as Gideon's eyes widened. Gideon moved a few steps to shake Esau's shoulder. Esau looked up at Gideon, and then followed the direction of their mate's gaze to Joaquin and his claws. Esau rose to his feet, mouth falling open.

"What are we missing here?" Cassius asked.

"Nix first put the spell on a ring I wore, so I could test drive the transformation. I couldn't shift with it on, so I assumed that was the price I was paying for the magic," Joaquin said. "My ability to shift."

"An enchanted piece of jewelry works differently than one on the skin. It's why it's our preferred form," Cassius said. "You'll pay a price, but clearly not that."

Joaquin stiffened. "How long until we find out?"

Cassius shrugged. "Might be an hour. Might be ten years. Wait and see."

"Wonderful,"Joaquin griped. Gideon had said much the same, but he was hoping for a better answer. Yet he soon smiled, glancing down at his claws, glad to have them back. When he lifted his gaze, Esau and Gideon were at his side, beaming. "I guess I didn't have to give this part of me up after all." He pegged Gideon with a gaze. "But what's the real price going to be?"

"Be a good person. Do good things. That might be enough," Gideon murmured. "But if not, it often lessens the cost."

He speared his hand into Gideon's hair and tugged their witch closer. "I think I can do that, mi amor." He leaned in for a kiss. When they parted, he dragged Esau over for another.

They both turned to Gideon and surrounded him on either side and kissed him, one after the other. Joaquin rested his forehead on the top of Gideon's head, knowing his heart belonged to both of them.

"Giddy!"

They all turned to greet Daniel and Colby, the late arrivals.

"I wondered when you two would get here!" Gideon said, giving Daniel a huge hug. He leaned in and hugged Colby, too. "Welcome to our new home."

Joaquin smiled at the use of our.

"Are those… tamales?" Daniel asked, pointing to the huge chafing dish filled to the brim with tamales. No matter how many were taken, it appeared never empty. "I love tamales."

"When have you had tamales?" Colby asked.

"At work," Daniel replied, rolling his eyes for good measure.

"Let's get Daniel some tamales," Esau called, reaching for a plate. He helped Daniel pick out the best ones along with a few other items.

Joaquin glanced around the room and smiled, the sense of family strong in the room. He hadn't experienced it in a long, long time, particularly in that magnitude, and had to admit, it felt good. Introverted loner or not.

Esau sidled up beside him. "Ash has invited us to a bar called No Witches Allowed tomorrow night."

"No Witches Allowed. Cute."

"He says it's a familiar bar. No witches can enter, so it's a place where shifters can hang out and bitch about their mates in peace," Esau said a bit loudly, grinning in Gideon's general direction.

Joaquin laughed when Gideon cast an evil glare their way.

"He says while it's mainly shifters, human mates are welcome, too. Even if we have witch blood, we can enter." Esau leaned over the island and tugged on Gideon's arm. "Is that okay, honey? Can we go out with the boys tomorrow night and have a beer or two?"

Gideon turned to face them. "Are you seriously asking my permission to go out with the boys?"

"Well," Esau said, shrugging. "Isn't that what we're supposed to do with our wife?"

Gideon lifted a brow. "Wife?"

"Well, you snatched that ring pretty quickly," Esau said before he lifted a drink to his lips. "Who knows where the night might lead?"

Gideon grinned. "Guess you'll find out soon enough."

Joaquin's cock thickened at the look Gideon gave them—and he was not in the best place for that. He adjusted himself, his cock free to grow in his loose shorts. Casting a look to the side, he noticed Esau's grin. "What?"

"Inopportune hard-ons. I warned you."

Joaquin lightly punched Esau in the shoulder. "Fuck… they need to go so we can play with that ring. I mean, I'm not telling a bunch of witches to get the fuck out, but, damn."

Another hour and he got his wish. The apartment slowly emptied, and the food disappeared, along with the messes left behind.

"No leftovers, Graham?" Esau asked, pouting.

Graham chuckled, waved his hand, and a foil container, likely containing tamales, appeared on the island.

"You're my favorite here. Just so you know," Esau said to Graham before the man left, all smiles.

When the apartment was empty, save the three of them, Joaquin and Esau stalked closer to Gideon. Gideon eyed them, all smiles, too.

"Are we going to tour our new place?" Gideon asked.

"As long as the plan is to christen every room," Esau murmured.

"Soon," Gideon replied, grinning. "Let's check it out."

The living room was doubled, with a massive sectional and even larger television—along with several gaming systems, some of which he'd never seen before. There was a huge dining room to the right of it, and a long hallway with multiple doors. The first was what appeared a guest bedroom. The second was large guest bathroom. The next, a home office. Joaquin walked deeper inside and checked out the setup—which was absolutely perfect for him. He turned to Gideon. "Did the architect read my mind?"

"Short answer? Yes."

"Oh," Joaquin murmured before looking back at the desk setup and new computers. "Well, it's exactly what I need and more, so I'll just ignore your answer and pretend that didn't happen."

"Let's see what else is in store," Gideon said.

The next door they opened appeared to be a playroom of sorts. The adult type. A large rubber bed and a plethora of sex toys and furniture filled the space. "Whose mind wanted this?" Joaquin asked. "I mean, I don't mind. At all."

"That might've been me," Esau whispered.

Joaquin's gaze flipped to Esau. "Really? You've never mentioned it before."

Esau's face warmed.

Gideon chuckled. "I think you could blame me for it, too."

"I don't know if I like that the architect knows how freaky my mates are," Joaquin said. "Especially when I'm the last to know."

"Just appreciate the knowledge," Gideon said, tugging him out of the room. "And let's see what else we've got."

Esau had moved ahead of them and into the final door. Joaquin trailed in last. Their bedroom. In the middle was a massive bed, larger than a king, and plenty of space around it. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered an incredible display.

Of the Eiffel Tower?

He crossed the space and opened a window, the sound of a French police siren tearing past. "Why is it Paris outside our bedroom window?"

"Paris!" Gideon squealed and raced closer. "I thought I recognized that siren." Gideon stuck his head out and inhaled deep. "And a view of Tower d'Eiffel? J'adore le Paris."

"Are we actually in Paris?" Esau asked.

"Yep," Gideon said. "We'll have to check that other door I noticed on the far wall where my bedroom used to be. I wonder if we can go into the city from there?" Gideon ran out, his footfalls echoing down the hall.

Joaquin and Esau followed him out and found him opening a set of curtains in the living room.

"A terrace!" Gideon slid open the sliding door and stepped outside. "Come on, you two!"

Joaquin and Esau came outside to stand on either side of him. He glanced down and below them were a row of bistros, boulangeries, and shops with French names. The street signs were also all in French. "I guess we better learn some French."

"Oui,"Gideon said before leaving them on the terrace. He returned a few minutes later. "The door where my bedroom used to be exits out into a hallway of our new Paris apartment building." He squealed. "I wish I wasn't stuffed. I'd go eat my body weight in croissants and crepes." He sighed. "Oh, and apricots and wine…" His eyes widened. "There was this little bistro in Port Maillot that had the most amazing mushroom risotto. Oh, we need to go there. And Laudurée on the Champs-élysées. They have such amazing patisseries." Gideon gasped. "Oh my, there was another bistro near here with an incredible beef bourguignon."

Esau looked at Joaquin. "Do you notice that all of this revolves around food? No mention of the Louvre or the Arc de Triomphe or Notre Dame…"

Gideon patted his belly. "Marvin's happiness comes first, thank you very much. Happy tapeworm, happy life."

Joaquin barked with laughter. He eyed Esau. "You know, you're pretty rich mentioning our mate's love of food considering we might lose you to Graham and his tamales."

"Don't judge me," Esau snapped before grinning.

"Well, I'm all for pigging out on good food, as long as we use up all those calories productively," Joaquin murmured.

"Should we work out right now?" Esau asked before hooking a thumb over his shoulder. "Or are we going to the city to explore?"

Gideon lifted one hand to the side. "Go visit Paris?" He lifted the other hand out. "Go fuck my mates' head off?" He weighed both hands. "Fuck tonight. Explore tomorrow."

"Tomorrow… until it's time we go hang out with the guys," Esau said.

"Aww,"Gideon cooed. "Are you and Ash besties now?"

"I like him," Esau said, his face pinkening a bit. "It's nice to talk to someone who knows this world and the world we work in." Esau leaned back against the railing. "He's considering leaving the force and going private. It's an interesting idea."

"Really?"Gideon asked, searching Esau's face. "You considering going with him?"

Esau crossed his arms over his chest. "Maybe part-time at first. See how it would work between the two of us. If it's enough to keep us both occupied and we jell well, then… maybe more."

"But he protects shifters and witches at the precinct," Gideon murmured.

"He mentioned that as a concern, but he thinks with his connections at the station, he could still do that to some degree. Plus he says the department has a couple of new hires that aren't human, so there would be folks there to keep an eye on things. He just wants to ensure they're trustworthy."

"I've never liked you being where you are, especially as more issues in policing arise," Joaquin said. "And you've never been truly happy since leaving the military. The CSI shit is better, but I know you've felt like you were spinning your wheels at this new gig."

"Yeah, but Eric's supposed to leave soon, and things will hopefully improve. Still, not a bad idea to keep my options open in case it doesn't. My crime scene and investigative knowledge might still be put to good work with Ash. He also mentioned Raymond, who we haven't met yet, who's on that Council." Esau added.

"He was a witch hunter for the Celestial Council," Gideon murmured. "He tendered his resignation not too long ago."

Joaquin growled.

"Was that for the council or him being a witch hunter?" Esau asked. He frowned. "Wait, a witch hunter mated to a witch? I thought Ash said Raymond was mated to Eli and the skunk?"

"Pierre, not the skunk," Gideon corrected.

"The growl was for the council, but wait, there's a skunk shifter in your coven?" Joaquin asked, frowning. "Was he here?"

"Pierre,"Gideon continued. "And yes, he was here. He was also with everyone who came down into Hell."

"Oh," Joaquin said. "Do you realize just how many people I've met? I can't keep track of everyone." He'd sure as hell remember that Pierre was a skunk.

"Well, for your info, Pierre has a spell on his… stinkier parts that gives him full control. Don't cross him and you won't have to see him lose it." Gideon smiled. "He's mated to Eli, one of the seven tattooists, and Raymond, who was a witch hunter, but is working with Cassius on some council business." He eyed Joaquin. "Why was your growl for the Council?"

"One council, made up of witches, ruling over all paranormals?" Joaquin asked. "It's not right. We have no shifters or others on the council, but we have to follow their rules? This country fought a revolution with England over that shit, for good reason. Fuck that council." He glanced around at the Paris skyline. "Well, maybe not this country, although they did have a revolution of their own against their aristocracy, which isn't all that much different, so my point stands."

"Well, as you heard after we got back to Earth, there's something amiss at the Council. Cassius has been digging into it for a while now," Gideon said.

"Well, if he needs a good hacker, I'll help in any way I can—though not sure if they have much use for computers in a magical agency."

Gideon shrugged. "You never know. I can let Cassius know you're up to the challenge, if he has need." He narrowed his eyes at Joaquin. "I thought you were a programmer?"

"For the day job," Joaquin smiled. "I occasionally do a little ethical hacking for companies, too."

"Can we return to the whole, fuck my mates part that you mentioned earlier?" Esau asked. "We can chat about councils and hackers and witch hunters later."

Gideon leaned against Esau and pressed a kiss to his shoulder. "I like the way you think."

Joaquin looked between them, his curiosity already getting the better of him. "Are we trying out that new bedroom?"

"Not tonight." Gideon slipped Joaquin's ring from his pocket. "I thought we might use up whatever's left in here, unless you two have any objections?"

Joaquin's cock thickened immediately, tenting his shorts.

"Well, that's one yes," Gideon grinned before turning to Esau.

Esau stood up straight, sporting a boner of his own.

"Curious for play, or interested in testing the waters?" Joaquin asked, tugging Gideon closer. Was Gideon considering a change of his own? He did have a very feminine appearance, so it wasn't much of a stretch.

Gideon eyed him. "I've always played with gender, walking a fine line between male and female. I know how it feels to fuck as a man. I'm simply curious how it would feel to be fucked as a woman." He slid a hand up Joaquin's chest. "Is that okay?"

Joaquin pointed to his hard-on. "Clearly."

Gideon bit his lower lip and moved the ring to the tip of his forefinger. "I might have to put it on my thumb as little as my fingers are compared to yours." He paused before lowering it. "Is it going to really hurt?"

"Yeah,"Joaquin replied honestly. "But it's over fast."

Gideon cringed, whimpering. He moved the ring to his thumb and slid it on. He yelped in pain, doubling over. He trembled all over, and Joaquin wished he could take some of the pain away. A few gasps later, he rose to full height—a few inches shorter.

"Fuck,"Gideon said, his voice now female. "That hurt." He giggled. "My voice sounds funny."

"Shall we continue to use he, or shall we go with she to complete tonight's illusion?" Joaquin asked, running a hand over the swell of one of Gideon's small breasts.

"She,"Gideon murmured. "Until the magic fades."

Joaquin grinned, lifting her from her feet. Gideon wrapped her legs around his waist and rubbed herself against his hardness. He glanced over at Esau, who stroked his cock through his jeans.

"Let's go christen our bedroom," Joaquin murmured before capturing her mouth, warring with her tongue.