Consciousness came slowly. Jean sighed in his sleep, stirring to the sound of a whispery voice. He slightly frowned. Steadily, his eyes opened. Celezar came into focus, smiling down at him.

"Celezar," he murmured. "What...happened?"

While he smiled, Celezar's brows furrowed. "You fell unconscious from exhaustion."

Softly groaning, Jean rubbed his forehead and looked around. He was atop his bed within his room in the Etheraven Hall. Celezar was the only one in the room with him. "And the town? Is everyone alright?"

"Yes." Celezar's expression smoothened. He exhaled, his shoulders relaxing, and laid down over Jean's chest.

Closing his eyes, Jean raised a hand to brush through the auburn locks tickling his chin. He also relaxed, seeming to sink just an inch deeper into the bed.

"I can't believe Caden did that..." Celezar murmured.

"I don't think...it was his idea."

A dismissive grunt emitted from the hybrid. He then sighed, "What now, love?"

Jean grumbled, "Well, I imagine it's past 1200 hours, now..."

"Almost."

"Then, we should get going for Isle Veni." He stopped combing Celezar's hair.

There was another grunt, then Celezar slowly moved onto his palms to look down at him. "You should keep resting. Summoning the Elevate took a lot out of you."

"I feel fine."

Celezar frowned. He briefly glanced away, then seemed to think of something that caused a deviously wicked look to form on his face. He leered down at Jean. "I've a way to make you rest. With justification."

Jean pursed his lips but said nothing. The expression boring into him—only amplified by a long black tongue licking tawny lips—was...arousing.

But to his great confusion, Celezar moved away and off the bed. He turned so his back was facing Jean and seemed to collapse to the floor, out of Jean's sight.

Snapping upright, Jean looked over the edge of the bed. "Seriously."

Basker's green eyes twinkled at him.

Sighing, Jean scooted forward so his legs were off the bottom of the bed and ruffled his hair a bit. He was tired, yes, but he wasn't about to tell his mate that much. In fact, it would be a good idea to leave before whatever twisted things Celezar had in mind came to fruition...

Speaking of the devil, Basker moved in front of him just as he moved to his feet.

He startled when the animal began to morph into a more humanoid form. But instead of transforming all the way, Celezar looked more like an anthropomorphic, pseudo-human with canine features. Like a werewolf, Jean thought, eyeing his mate's unusual form.

And then he noticed the large penile appendage emerging from a sheath. He swallowed, feeling himself grow warm.

Then it hit him as Celezar neared, licking his animal-like mouth with a clearly inhuman tongue. "Oh, no. Don't even think about it..." But he didn't move.

"Why not?" Celezar hummed, pressing Jean against the bedpost. He licked Jean's exposed neck.

"Because that's..." Jean shivered when the appendage poked his abdomen.

Why was this turning him on? His body was already and so abruptly hot, as if starved for sex. He groaned. It had to be because he was still changing into an inhuman. He exposed more of his neck for the tongue to lick. It had the texture more befitting of a cat's than a dog's.

He stifled another groan when a clawed hand caressed the bulge in his pants. "Celezar," he breathed, and his lips were licked as well. It still tasted like Celezar. Because it was Celezar. He shivered again, slightly thrusting into the large hand.

"Good," Celezar chuckled, closing his mouth over Jean's.

Cool air was blown down Jean's throat, causing him to shiver and for Celezar to softly laugh at his reaction. The hybrid gently pulled away, licking Jean's lips. Jean began softly panting, his erection strained in his pants.

Taking him by his chin, Celezar grinned. "Your eyes have slightly darkened, love...Let's get you taken care of, hmm?"

Jean was pulled from the bedpost and positioned so he was slightly prone, slightly off the side of the bed. Tendrils held his hands down while one of Celezar's hands slipped into his tight pants and unzipped them. He softly sighed as his erection was released, and he shivered at Celezar's second chuckle in his ear. Smaller tendrils unbuckled and unzipped his pants, then moved to turn Jean's head so Celezar could kiss him again.

Breathing heavily, Jean was all too willing to let what was happening to continue. This time around, Celezar moved him around like a ragdoll. It was enticing. He liked it. He wanted more.

As if reading his thoughts, which wasn't too much of a stretch, he felt his mate's cock rub against him, as did the warmer, larger body. He moaned into the kiss, feeling heat run through him like a wave, making him shiver again.

The kiss was broken, and saliva trailed between their mouths. His pants were lowered, and he arched his back against the immediate feel of the cock against his entrance. He licked his lips, just before a tendril snaked into his mouth. He eagerly lathered it with saliva, and then it moved out, only to be replaced by another, larger one. He sucked on it, his eyes flickering when the smaller, wet one moved to and slid past his opening.

After having this done so many times, he wasn't at all tight, and it slid inside very easily. It immediately began to prepare him, and while that was happening, Celezar clawed his fingers up his back, running them gently over his skin, sending heat down his spine and causing him to arch even more. More tendrils roamed up his chest, caressing his scar and playing with his navel and nipples. Warm breath tickled his neck, followed by loving kisses and tender licks.

He continued sucking on the tendril in a rhythm, noticing Celezar was panting harder and harder as he did. With a low growl, the tendril inside of him pulled out. Feeling empty, he glanced back, catching glimpse of his mate's blackened eyes. He was distracted, and his head snapped back when he was entered at last by his mate's heated cock, his mouth open and eyelids fluttering. His eyes briefly rolled into his head, and saliva began to trail down his neck. No longer did his mate have to be gentle with him. He was long used to this now.

Letting out a pleased rumble, Celezar began to thrust. Jean was pressed down into the sheets, but he was too far gone to care, arms and legs trembling, eyes darkened and hands grasping the tendrils for dear life. Pressure built within him, and he was so close to release already. He sucked harder on the tendril, earning him harder, faster thrusts that rammed his prostate each time. Maddeningly. The tendril began spasming. Thickening. He felt the pressure building. Impossibly.

The warmth began to burn with a pleasurable, provoking edge. A hand ghosted over his cock before finally giving it attention with a teasing caress to his glans. And then the tide of pleasure enveloped him, and he locked up, practically choking from bliss.

Celezar grasped his cock with his hand, catching the semen as it spurted free. He growled lowly into Jean's ear, continuing to thrust into him. Jean gave the tentacle in his mouth another suck, and Celezar groaned loudly before finally ejaculating into his warm confines.

Celezar had waited until every drop had emptied into Jean before gently pulling away. His tendril slowly emerged from Jean's mouth. Panting loudly, Jean was completely limp, nearly unconscious. Gently, he was scooped into hairy arms and brought further onto the bed. Celezar moved to lie down with him, transforming back into his human form

Jean immediately wrapped his arms around him, pulling him close. He smiled, inhaling the scent of his mate's hair as he was also embraced. Nothing was said between them. Merely enjoying his mate's presence, Jean fell into a well-deserved, induced slumber in Celezar's arms.

*    *    *

Roughly an hour later, Jean awoke from his rest. Celezar wasn't with him, but through their connection, he knew his mate was relatively close. He considered it, the way it felt, the distant presence in his mind. He should be at least halfway inhuman, by now...

The thought was, truthfully, exciting, if not somewhat staggering.

He stood from the bed and showered. It was quick, and after exiting and dressing, he packed his bag. He wasn't entirely sure when he was going to leave from Etheraven anymore but it would be best to be prepared.

Afterwards, he left his room and peeked down the staircase when he heard the voices of his uncle and mate. He took his time down the staircase, looking back to watch them interact. Once he hit the ground floor, he slipped a hand into his pocket and walked over to them.

His uncle and mate sat in the alcove seating space at the end of the foyer. Celezar said something to Nicholae with a smile and the man grinned in response. There wasn't so much of a hint of nervousness in Nicholae's posture or expression. He and Celezar sat on opposite sides of a couch, though Nicholae had a leg resting across another and Celezar sat with his legs stretched out.

Jean couldn't believe he was watching them converse, respectfully, cordially. It was like the old days. He wasn't listening on what they were talking about, caught up in the moment of watching them act like sane people to one another.

Asking for the rest of his men to do the same was a pipe dream. And he knew it.

So, his ogling was justified.

He smiled to himself as he watched two of the most important men in his life conversate.

"What's that look for, Jean?"

He blinked, looking into Celezar's eyes, then shook his head. "Nothing. I'm just going to miss this."

Nicholae nodded shortly in understanding, as did Celezar. The hybrid beckoned to the man beside him. "Well, you have the most interesting uncle in the world."

Scoffing, Nicholae disregarded the compliment. "As if we don't know each other."

Jean's smile widened. That was exactly what he was hoping for when Celezar returned to the isle. This wasn't just some random inhuman that could take years to so much as look at without contempt. This was Celezar, an inhuman who they treated as one of them for six years. Some things wouldn't be able to change that, Jean was certain. Conversations would start. Banter could engage. Memories could overcome. Habits wouldn't break so easily.

He softly sighed, turning away.

Or so he hoped.

"So, what are you going to do for the rest of the day, Jean?" Nicholae asked him.

He shrugged. "Our expedition has yielded one ally. I doubt anyone else would be willing to help." He glanced at his mate. "I'm wondering, will you be enough, or will we need more?"

"No such a thing as too many allies. Through me, you have two, actually," the hybrid replied.

"Who else?" Jean asked.

Celezar grinned. "My younger twin brother, Gareth."

"Ah. You did tell us you had a twin," said Nicholae while Jean nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, when we met. But that was years ago. I'm surprised you remember."

"He would be willing to aid us?" asked Jean.

"Oh, more than willing." Celezar waved a hand. "Don't worry about it. Just know that if need be, he's on call."

Jean placed a hand to his chin, glancing off. "That makes two allies. That should suffice."

"Is your brother exactly like you?" Nicholae asked.

Celezar made a face. "I suppose. We are twins. For devils, mahres, and hallows, children born at the same time are usually semi-symbiotic to one another. I know what he's doing at all times. He knows what I'm doing at all times. Children born at the same time for these species are also identical in most aspects. Even in interests."

"So, you mean to tell me there is another man walking around who looks exactly like you?" Jean asked with a deadpan expression.

"Well, yeah, that's a twin, Jean."

 He sighed. "You know what I mean. You two didn't have to take on the exact same human forms."

"No, we chose to." A cheeky smile. "We're twins."

"Uh huh. I suppose we have no reason not to return home, then." Neither his uncle nor mate said anything, so he figured it was his decision, in the end. He sighed, placing his hands on his hips. "We did what we had to do. Any more time here would just be pointless lazing. I'm eager to return."

Soft hums of agreement came from his companions.

"How long would it take to call for the shuttle, Celezar?"

"Not long. We'd be at the airport just before mid-afternoon. If it took two hours or so to get here, we should arrive back at Isle Veni by late afternoon, early evening."

"Good enough." He motioned to Celezar. "If you know where a phone is, I can call the pilots."

His mate beamed, standing from the couch. "Sent, Boss."

*    *    *

Etheraven gave the three a small but kind sendoff. Caelum was sad to see them leave so soon, and Alister was simply glad everything worked out, in the end. Many of the other hunters also thanked them and wished them farewell, to Jean's surprise. Majihl likewise saw them off, thanking both Nicholae and Jean for their help against the invasion. Wishing them well, Majihl invited them back whenever they could. They would be welcomed.

Before leaving when the shuttle arrived, Jean privately asked him if he knew of where the other branch of the Lowell family could be. The answer surprised him.

Once upon a time, some Lowells did live in Etheraven. Fifty years ago, however, they disappeared. They hadn't been heard of since. It was then Majihl explained the books Jean had in his possession had rested in Etheraven for many long years. Jean was invited to visit an old library with some more information on his ancestors some other time. He readily agreed.

The ride from Etheraven to the airport felt like a shorter ride than the one to get there. Jean watched the rolling lands with a peaceful smile on his face, listening to Nicholae and Celezar converse behind him. It was the calm before the storm.

They thanked their driver after arriving at the airport, then walked through in relative silence. The jet was waiting for them, the co-pilot at the bottom of the stairs ready for their luggage. To his credit, Jean didn't feel so much as a tingle of anxiety while he boarded the jet. He and Celezar passed a glance between them before the hybrid quietly moved to the back of the aircraft.

The flight also went over well in patient silence.

When Isle Veni's airstrip became visible out the side window, Jean's thoughts were nothing worth mentioning. In the end, he knew what he was doing.  If he didn't feel this was necessary, he never would have done it. He was even considerate enough to have informed his men ahead of time. He didn't have to.

A cab that was larger than the last wasn't the only thing waiting for them after they landed. Friedrich was also present. In a way, Jean was glad he was. It was less explaining for him to do when he arrived at the outpost.

He exited, followed shortly by Nicholae. The smile passed at him from Friedrich faded once Celezar exited the jet. To his credit, he did nothing more than give the hybrid a stoic nod.

"Friedrich," Jean greeted. His uncle nodded back.

He entered the cab first, sitting beside Celezar while Friedrich and Nicholae sat across from them. Fortunately, the cab's hood was down. It prevented Friedrich from experiencing claustrophobic discomfort.

The ride back would have been silent if not for Jean's unsaid insistence otherwise. He asked for an update on what happened while he was gone.

"In truth, we just came back from a hunt," said Friedrich. "Just about an hour ago. There's something strange happening on Mercer Island, some strange influx of Infernals appearing out of the blue. We've no idea where they're coming from. We even looked underground."

"Nothing else?" Jean asked in surprise.

His uncle made a slight shrug. "Nothing we couldn't handle. Within reason," he added, looking away.

Jean placed a hand to his mouth in thought. "Are the reports ready?"

"Of course."

"Good. Gather the men once we get back. I've some things to go over."

The cab pulled up at the front of the Cellar entrance. Butch, Gulliver, and Musa were already present, peeking through the doorway at the vehicle. Gulliver and Butch slightly stiffened upon seeing Celezar, whereas Musa gave a friendly smile.

"At ease, men," Jean said as he exited the cab.

After taking their luggage from the trunk, he and his companions entered the Cellar. They then went to put their luggage in the barracks downstairs.

Returning upstairs, they watched as the men entered from around the Cellar. Verne stood at the wall near the sickbay. Sarkis was giving Celezar a stern, hard stare. Friedrich stood near the poker table, watching Celezar. The hybrid himself stood near the outpost's entrance. All who entered saw him and either gave a start or looked a bit uncomfortable. There was only one other nod that from Verne. No one sat down.

The last two to enter were Artie and Lucas. The moment they did, Jean moved to stand in the center of the room. He eyed each of his men. The room was deathly quiet. "Celezar will be with us for the remainder of the foreseeable future. You all know why he's here. I don't want anyone acting like you don't know why he's here." He crossed his arms over his chest. "Any intelligent questions, concerns?"

Hugh stepped forward. "Where is he staying?"

Jean raised a bow. "Where he always was."

"In the barracks?" his brother-in-law all but sputtered.

"He was there before. No reason not to have him there now."

"But—"

"That's my final say on the matter." He looked around at his other members, gauging their expressions and waiting for more questions.

Robin slightly moved from a wall. "I'd like to know what sort of inhuman you are since you were—are able to get through the barrier around the isle," he said to Celezar.

Jean stepped aside for Celezar to move closer, a respectable distance at his side.

"I am a hybrid. I have mahre, hallow, and devil in my blood." At the horrified expressions and murmurs, Celezar continued, "Mahres are a ghostly species that eat dreams and can create nightmares. Hallows are...a complicated species with many varieties, but I'm distantly related to the creature from Ridridge."

The murmurs went silent.

Inevitably, it was Hugh who grumbled, "I don't like this."

Jean's eyes darted to him, but he didn't say anything.

Hugh pointed to Celezar. "You're telling us you're part devil. Devil. As in the damn near-mythical creatures of Hell, the worst of all Infernal creatures in existence."

"Devils are not Infernals," Celezar corrected. He glanced around before focusing on Hugh. "They're fallen angels, making them a different creature entirely. They were only exiled to Inferno but are not native to it, unlike actual Infernals."

As more silence ensued from everyone else, Nicholae nodded with interest. "That's...informative."

"So, then, we're just going to ignore the fact that we have a fallen angel in our presence?" Butch demanded. "That's a tall order, Boss."

Jean cut his eyes over to him, frowning. He meant to say something but remained silent. For the moment.

"Whatever," Raphael scoffed, looking away from everyone. "I'll just do what we have to do until the threat is over."

"That's the attitude to have," Jean said with a nod. He looked around. "This is the time to get your grumblings off your chest, because I damn well won't have them later."

Lucas waved towards Celezar. "How do we know he's not influencing us?"

Jean sighed with slight irritation. "We don't."

"I never did it, before," Celezar added. "Why would I do it, now?"

"Because maybe you have a grudge for us trying to kill you?" Lucas continued.

Celezar shook his head. "No. If anything, I understand why you did what you did." He gave a small smile. "I'm a hunter, too, you know."

Nothing was said after that. Some of the men looked impatient, as if they wanted this over, already. When nothing was said for a few seconds more, Jean lowered his hands. "Alright, then. Dismissed," he said, turning to walk towards his office. "Celezar, a minute."

He entered his office and kept the door open, walking to his desk. He sat down as the door was shut, and watched the hybrid move to stand in front of him.

"That went better than I thought," Celezar sighed with a small smile.

Neutral about it, Jean shrugged, taking up the reports of the past hunts. He began to open an envelope, murmuring, "It went about as well as I imagined. It could have been worse, yes, but there's no sense of belief..."

"Sounds like someone doesn't remember what he was like not too long ago," Celezar hummed, leaning on the desk.

Glancing up at him, Jean slightly smiled. His gaze then went back to the papers. "Where will you be, for the remainder of the day?"

The hybrid idly fingered some documents. "I'll probably keep myself accessible. Play solitaire or something. Maybe have a drink. Too bad I can't get drunk or I would."

"I've seen you drunk before?"

"Yes, but that was my human guise-drunk. Not true intoxication."

"How much do you think you'd need to get drunk?"

"A whole distillery."

Jean coughed. "Okay, then..."

Smirking, Celezar leaned back. "Maybe one day, I'll do that. Just for you. I know you want to see me drunk."

"Don't put the poor people out of work."

"Hmm..." He let his hand drop from the side of a piece of paper and began to walk to the door. "I'll be around the bar until nightfall. Then, I have to speak to you."

"Alright. Don't cause any arguments out there."

"No promises."

Jean shook his head, listening as the door closed. He then ran his hands through his hair. This was going to be an interesting couple of days as his men adjusted.