Jean slightly leaned forward as he sat before his prospect, fingers entwined and expression serious. "I assume you've heard of what happened recently with my group?"

"Yes." The blue eyes shone with an eagerness that reminded him of another, now deceased member of his group.

Internally, he sighed at the unwanted recollection at such a time, but his exterior hardened. "If you wish to join us, that may be your fate. It is the possible fate for every inhuman hunter."

"I understand." He slowly nodded, watching the unwavering determination on the younger adult's face morph into a sober understanding. "I'm willing to sacrifice my life for the sake of humanity."

Briefly closing his eyes, he glanced at the floor with a sigh. "Well, then. I've nothing more to say. I know you're proficient at medical alchemic arts, medicine, and magic. That's perfect." He finally eased into a small smile. "Welcome to the Lowell Hunters, cousin."

He couldn't prevent his smile from growing when Elaine broke into a beaming grin. "I won't let you down, Jean," she assured with a firm nod.

His expression smoothened, and he made a soft sound of acknowledgement. He wasn't entirely convinced, considering who she was, but he was learning to become accustomed to "minor" disappointments from his men. The corner of his mouth twitched, his brows slightly flexed in thought.

"Jean?"

Returning his attention to his cousin, he made another meager smile. "Right. Get your stuff and go for the Cellar. I'm going to the Memorraw with Nicholae. Should be back in a few hours."

"Aye, Boss." She gave a salute before jumping to her feet.

She left his office with a pep in her step, and he momentarily watched after her. She closed the door by a bit, giving him some view of the antechamber from where he sat. He was almost expecting to see Artie or Friedrich there, but neither were present, it seemed.

Looking forward, he raised his intertwined fingers to his mouth while staring forward in thought.

His men didn't know Elaine was joining. He didn't particularly care at this point, either. They could bitch and moan all they wanted, but if they were any modicum of intelligent, they wouldn't.

Closing his eyes, he went over the conversation he had with his men. He didn't want to spend much time thinking about it, so he let Friedrich's words whisper in the back of his mind as he moved to his feet and left the room.

Just in time, he spotted Nicholae walk up the stairs and nodded at him. "Ready?"

"Yes." His uncle glanced around, then spotted Elaine gallop away on her horse from the doorway. "Ah, how is Elaine?"

Instead of answering, Jean gave the older man a sardonic smile and hummed slyly while exiting the outpost. There wasn't a response, and he glanced back to see his uncle watching after Elaine with a curious expression.

That would do.

Jean rested on their trip to the Michigan outpost, his hands resting over his abdomen with a leg raised and his eyes closed. His thoughts remained far from his men, focusing instead on his mate and how he was. He wasn't as worried as before, aware he would be safe and taken care of with his siblings, but he couldn't shake off a myriad of feelings. He couldn't decipher them, either.

Most of them were aimed at a certain entity and its mate...but not all of them.

Once they arrived, it was a quiet trek to the second hunters' barracks. Nicholae came with him, this time. The soft clinking of his uncle's spurs echoed behind him as they walked to and entered the nomadic barracks.

Much to Jean's enjoyment, there were several nomadic hunters around. Some were sitting down and being interviewed by other hunter leaders, but most seemed to have returned from a hunt. Despite their lack of official affiliation, nomadic hunters did partake on hunts with their host group as a way to pay for their keep.

Jean's eyes flickered around, searching for a certain someone while also eyeing the many potential hunters around. "We won't be discriminating, anymore," he said suddenly to Nicholae.

"Oh?" Thankfully, his uncle understood immediately what he meant.

He nodded, spotting Tuomas sitting down with a group. "I've taken what you said into great consideration." He looked back at his uncle. "We Lowells have some maturing to do."

A crooked smile formed on the older man's face, then the brown eye focused on something behind Jean.

"Ah, Jean!"

He turned forward to see his old friend approaching with a grim smile. "Tuomas." He held out his hand.

His hand was clasped tightly followed by a gentle pat on his arm. "I'm sorry you return so soon, Jean," Tuomas said.

Jean softly hummed, not meeting the man's eyes.

"How is Sarkis holding up for you?"

He nodded with a small smile. "Well. Hasn't really had a chance to show off, I'm afraid. But with all of this behind us, he should have plenty of opportunities."

"Good, good." Tuomas nodded towards Nicholae. "Good to see you, Nicholae. It's been some time. Six years?"

Nicholae made a small shrug. "Afraid so. I'm glad you're still helping the nomads."

"Yes..." Tuomas stroked his beard, scanning the room with keen eyes. "Anything you're looking for in particular, gentlemen?"

Jean exchanged a glance with his uncle.

"A kind soul," Nicholae said. "Someone competent, serious, with a decent amount of experience, and willing to make important decisions for the greater good."

Looking back at Tuomas, Jean inclined his head with a contented smile.

Nicholae was perhaps as Celezar said. He was the most incredible uncle.

"Huh. Different...but understandable," Tuomas sighed with an understanding nod. "There is someone. Young fellow, eager to please. Has interesting ideas about inhumans and humans working together—take that as you will."

"Is he here?" Jean asked.

"At the moment, no. He just went in to wash up from a hunt."

"We can wait."

"Alright. I'll let him know."

They watched Tuomas turn to walk down one of the halls, and Jean softly chuckled.

At his uncle's inquisitive glance, he said, "It's a shame." His gaze slightly lowered in thought. When he didn't continue with anything more, his uncle softly sighed.

"Celezar?" he asked quietly.

Jean nodded. "That, and more."

"Yes." Nicholae looked away, hooking his thumbs on his pockets. "But it is times like these that show the true mettle of an inhuman hunter group. I hope you aren't too disappointed."

Jean didn't respond.

Nicholae said nothing else.

They didn't have long to wait before Tuomas returned towards them with a shorter young man who looked around Jean's age. He bore short black hair, dark eyes, and a friendly smile that was marred by a thick scar across his left jaw and lips.

"Jean, this is Shin Chaco. Chaco, Jean-Luc Lowell and Nicholae Redfield of the Lowell Hunters," Tuomas introduced, waving a hand between them with a grin.

As Jean and Nicholae nodded at the young man, he saluted. "Pleasure to meet the famed Lowell Hunters," he said. "Heard a lot about you all in the past month."

"Nothing too bad, I hope," said Nicholae.

Shin softly chuckled, "Ah, not too bad. Just your encounter with a devil, its mate...All that good stuff." His smile fell. "And the bad, of course. I'm sorry for your loss."

Jean briefly closed his eyes. "Thank you..." He nodded at Tuomas, who then gave Shin a pat on his shoulder before walking off to help another group.

Shin watched after him, then sighed while focusing on Jean and Nicholae. "In truth, I'm not quite comfortable with the idea of working with you Lowell Hunters," he said, head tilting to the side.

Appreciating the honesty, Jean had an idea why, but he regardless asked, "Why?"

Shin glanced away. "Your group has a wretched reputation."

"Wretched?" Nicholae repeated, his tone inquisitive.

"Well," Shin sighed, "it's only wretched in certain circles. With several hunter groups now working with or alongside the very creatures we swore to kill, your reputation as a particularly merciless and inhuman-hating group precedes you. I understand you, yourself, even kill humans who associate with inhumans."

Jean took a moment to find his words. "In truth, in light of these past incidents, I've decided to change my stance on such matters." When Shin turned a look of curious surprise on him, he nodded. "We may not have any inhumans working with us or wish to work with us, but I've changed our code of ethics. Every peaceful inhuman will be untouched by us, as will the humans who associate with them."

Black brows slightly rose, and a small smile pulled at the corner of Shin's mouth. His shoulders slightly relaxed. "That's good to hear. If that's indeed the direction you'll be taking from now on, I'll consider working with you."

"Thank you."

Jean beckoned to an empty table, and the three of them moved to sit and start the interview.

Much like the talk with Sarkis, the interview lasted no longer than twenty minutes. From the younger man, Jean learned he was raised in Guam and formerly part of the Chaco Hunters there. He left them for no significant reason but to broaden his experiences which led to him becoming nomadic. He was proficient in the impressive and most dangerous skill as an inhuman hunter of a close-quarters combatant, something Celezar had done during his time with the Lowell Hunters.

His thoughts of inhumans was one of equality. As he obviously believed as an inhuman hunter, he believed there were inhuman threats, but he also firmly and personally knew inhumans were not inherently dangerous. He would not compromise on his beliefs.

Jean appreciated this, and he left the talk with a small idea of possible change. He knew it wouldn't last, and the feeling was more of a pipe dream than anything, but he needed it in the moment. It was refreshing from the talk he had with his men earlier.

Chaco went to think their about their proposal, leaving Jean and Nicholae at the table in the nomad's area. Once the younger man went out of sight, Jean lowered his head with a sigh. His thoughts had immediately returned to the two men he lost. Now that he had a moment to think about it, a part of him hated looking for new members so soon. It was an understandable feeling. He couldn't hold it against himself.

But, leaders made ugly, unpopular decisions and choices even they might not feel comfortable with.

Despite this, in truth, all of this—the recent lingering and obvious dissension among his men—and the decisions he had to make were entirely new to him. Never in his fourteen years had such wedges been created between him and his men.

He hoped they would understand in time.

If not...

Idly, not quite thinking about it, he rubbed his forehead with a slight grimace.

"Are you feeling alright?" Nicholae softly asked.

His expression briefly worsened, but he shook his head. "Not...exactly. There's a lot on my mind."

His uncle hummed. For a moment, he was quiet. Then, leaning forward in his chair, he said, "To be frank, Jean..."

Jean would have glanced at him, but his uncle was at his left side.

"I just want to say, as your uncle, I'm proud of you."

A miniscule smile pulled at his lips.

"You've had...unprecedented hardships and trials these past weeks. You've handed them incredibly well." A gentle hand rested on his shoulder.

Jean exhaled. "I hope so," he murmured. He took a moment to give an introspective look at his actions since the incident in Augusus. He thought of Celezar, bringing a smile to his face. "I think so." Turning his head to look at his uncle, he nodded firmly.

Returning the nod, Nicholae gave his shoulder a reassuring pat. "Where to, now?"

Jean glanced around. They could interview more hunters; it was the wisest action to take. He couldn't bank only on Chaco. "We continue our search."

*    *    *

Sometime later, they had spoken to three other people, including one woman. Each of the hunters said they wanted to think about it, which was interesting to Jean. In the past, the first or second nomad they spoke to ended up becoming a member of his group. Something had changed.

It was something he noticed but didn't linger on.

They told their prospects they would be leaving within the hour and for them to meet them at their jet if they decided to join.

Leaving the barracks, Jean and Nicholae began a casual walk to the hangars. The usual bustle of activity was calming. There was an atmosphere of anxiousness the last time Jean visited the Memorraw, as was expected with Hobboilen and Domien on the loose.

Over the past few days since the incident in Iroquin, he looked over reports from other hunter leaders and listened to what Ulrich had to say about overall inhuman activity. It had lessened. The Entity and its mate indeed left their world.

Or so it seemed.

The walk was pleasant and quiet, and the two men arrived at the hangars by a transporter roughly thirty minutes after leaving the nomad's barracks. Passing under the x-ray threshold, Jean focused his gaze on their jet in the distance. It was impossible for him to not notice his vision was a hundred times sharper than it was just days ago.

He should be fully inhuman by now...

A small smile began to pull at his lips. It died not a moment later. The realization only reminded him of Celezar.

The desire to see his mate rose within him, abruptly and fiercely, but he had enough self-control to do nothing more than emit a soft, patient sigh.

His advanced eyesight allowed him to pick out someone standing near their jet. He was pleased to see it was someone he had hoped would join them more than the others, not that he hadn't met less than desirable hunters.

A large duffel bag was hefted over a shoulder when they approached, scarred lips turning upward.

"Thank you for joining us, Shin," Jean said, giving him a nod.

The nod was returned. "Please, call me Chaco." The younger man looked towards the jet's door as the stairs were lowered by one of the pilots inside.

"Alright."

They boarded, and Jean raised the stairs and locked the door behind them. Turning, he smiled at the familiar look of awe on Chaco's face as he looked around the jet's interior.

It happened every time.

They were soon in the air on their way to Isle Veni. During the ride, Jean kept his eyes closed, his thoughts retrospective. He steeled himself for what he expected back at the Cellar. He knew his men. At least one person was going to give Elaine trouble behind his back, namely her own father and brother.

The mere thought of it made him shake his head.

*    *    *

They arrived on the isle before nightfall and made it to the Cellar by cab. The warm lights greeted them, as did a certain excitable dog Jean would have been happier to see any other time.

"Ah, nice! You have a dog," said Chaco, exiting the cab and nearly tackled by the dog. Laughing, he let the dog smell and lick him. "And he's friendly!"

The activity brought attention to them, and Gulliver and Raphael peeked around from where they sat at the poker table. Chaco gave a wave, and acknowledging nods were given back. Once he was able to pry himself away from Basker, he followed Jean and Nicholae into the building.

Jean glanced back at his uncle. "Get Chaco settled," he said, diverting towards his office.

"Aye."

While walking into his office, he saw Gulliver and Raphael stand to introduce themselves. Pleased, and glad there wasn't an unnecessary commotion, he kept the door slightly open.

Exhaling, he sat on the couch. Not a moment later, Basker entered. He moved forward when the door automatically closed behind the dog.

"How is he?" he softly asked.

The green shine in the dog's eye was somehow different from Celezar's, in his view. "He's better. He said he'll meet you tomorrow."

Relieved, Jean sat back and turned his gaze forward. The next day was sooner than the thought he would have to wait before he could see his mate again. "Good. I'm glad..."

"While you were gone, Elaine was given some trouble." The dog moved closer and rested near his feet.

Scoffing, he brushed a hand through his locks. "Wouldn't be my men if they didn't. Who was it?"

"Friedrich, mostly."

"What did he say?"

"Nothing too incriminating..."

He scoffed again, this time with a slight smile.

"She took it well. Was smug, actually."

Of course she would be. The final say was up to him, and he already gave the okay. Nothing Friedrich could say or do would change that. He idly nodded.

With a sigh, he let his head fall back. If Friedrich had learned anything from earlier, he would know not to bring any sort of gripes to him.

With that thought, as soft sounds of activity from the antechamber reached his ears, his eyes closed.

The rest of the day passed uneventfully. Before retiring, Jean spoke with his members about their plan of action from then on. The threat of the Entity may have been over, but they had to find some means to combat more powerful inhumans. Many ideas went around, including the option to work with the Holloways. Jean's eye had nearly twitched at the thought, but against his better judgement, said he would consider it. Perhaps it wasn't such a bad idea.

If they wouldn't work with inhumans, they could work with someone else who did. Caden was one of those possible individuals, but Jean wasn't counting on it.

They agreed to revisit the topic in the next several days. If it was the compromise Jean would have to make with his group, it was, unfortunately, better than nothing.

Exhaling, he brushed his hair back and rested his elbows on his desk. It was early the next day, and he truly had no idea what he was doing in his office. He felt he needed some time off.

Blinking, he stared idly at the papers on his desk in wonder. That was a first-time thought to have. He normally never took breaks, barely knew the meaning of the word. He considered it.

After the Iroquin invasion, he went right back into his work. He kept his nose deep into it, fighting to keep his thoughts away from his fallen men. But it was impossible. Shutting his eyes, he exhaled heavily and covered his face.

He was antsy.

His mind made up, he stood from his desk and left the room.

The outpost was quiet; even the antechamber was empty. He found himself standing in it for some seconds considering his next course of action. Perhaps...he would take a nap. That was a novel idea.

He had just started turning into the direction of the nearest staircase when he went still.

Brows furrowing, he slowly turned towards the doorway.

Something was...calling him.

It wasn't an aural call but something he felt inside. He took a moment to consider what to do, then left the outpost.

After taking Spider from the stables, he went into a light trot into the direction of the western port. The calling was definitely coming from that direction.

The call brought him from the Cellar to the port, and from the port to the mainland. This time, he brought Spider with him, and he departed from his ship holding his horse's reins.

Once off the boardwalk, he climbed onto Spider's back and brought him into a steady gallop. He first thought the call would bring him to the forest near Cadron. Instead, the call was coming from a woods near the first town off the shoreline, Bena.

As he rode, the sun was just starting to rise. The road was mostly devoid of vehicles and horses, and the few he did see were less than footnotes in his mind as he focused on the calling. Eventually, he led Spider off the main road, nearing the dense woods.

He let the horse roam in the open land at the woods' border after climbing off. He took a few moments to stare at the darkness of the woods before walking in.

The moment he entered, his senses exploded with stimulation. He sensed it all: animals, near and far, the deeper, truer smells of nature, and the feel of the life around him. He took a deep, satisfied inhale, the sensations bringing a smile to his face.

But that wasn't all that made him smile.

He moved branches of trees and leaves away, looking straight ahead. He soon caught glimpses of glowing yellow, and he picked up the pace.

Once considerably deep into the verdant, he finally saw him from behind. His heart lurched, and he stepped over the rocks and through the small plants while longing grew within his chest.

The hybrid moved slowly, steadily, brushing his hands over the plants and tree trunks. His tawny skin was alight with his markings, and as Jean came closer, they seemed to grow dim.

"Zarryel," Jean called, his voice not carrying far.

His mate stopped, glancing back with a closed but wide, amorous smile. Jean smiled back, rushing into the opening arms. He let out a relieved, contented sigh, wrapping his arms around his mate's waist and resting against him, letting the loving presence envelop him.

A deep chuckle in his ear made him shiver. "I was only gone for a day, love."

Instead of answering, Jean gently pushed him back until he was against a tree and pulled him into a soft kiss. The tease was evident in his mate's voice, but his own anxiety and relief wouldn't leave him so easily. He kissed him once, and then two more times, only a slight motion as moments for them to breathe.

When he moved back, he was relieved to see his emotions had finally come across to his mate. Celezar's reddish brows had a crease between them, and his eyes were sad. "Oh, love..." He reached and placed his hand on the side of Jean's face.

Jean scanned him. He didn't look sickly anymore, his skin a healthy color without the wretched black veins underneath. Despite the sadness in his eyes, they were twinkling with health. "You're alright." It wasn't a question.

Celezar brought him closer, rubbing their foreheads together and allowing him to feel the nod. "Yes. I'm not dying."

"But?"

The green eyes slightly looked away. "A day isn't enough time to fully recover, but I can heal on my own now."

"Zarryel—"

Another gentle kiss cut him off, and the hand on his face moved to the back of his head to deepen it. He sensed a tingling in the air and against his skin as Celezar's presence caressed him. It was strong, powerful, trying to reassure him.

The corner of his mouth turned up, and he slanted his eyes open to look into olive greens.

"Didn't I say I'd keep you safe?" Celezar murmured against his lips. "Can't do that if I'm lying, now, can I?"

With a low laugh, Jean conceded.

Smiling, Celezar lowered his hands to take Jean's. "Want to hang out for a while?"

"How about for the rest of the day?"

The smile widened cheekily. "Was hoping you'd say that." He beckoned behind him with his head. "I want to show you something. I think you'll love it. Also, I'm hungry."

"Sounds like a date."

"Indeed, Jeanie-boy..." Celezar planted a chaste kiss on Jean's lips. "We haven't had one in quite a while."

Slanting his eyes, Jean asked, "Do I owe you?"

"No, I think I owe you."

He hummed in thought, shaking his head. "You've done so much for me, lately—"

"I want to treat you," Celezar said, nearly whining. He made a pout. "Let me treat you."

The look in the hybrid's eyes told Jean he was going to get his way, so Jean softly chuckled and nodded. "Alright."

Smiling smugly, Celezar grasped his hand and led him out of the woods. As if he had been waiting for them, Spider was nearer to the verdant than he was before. Celezar softly greeted him, and Jean also took a moment to pet the horse before climbing onto him. Celezar climbed up behind him, and Jean smiled when arms immediately went around his waist.

"Where to?" he asked.

"Bena Town."

Gently, he urged Spider to turn around and begin a canter back to the main road.

They rode in companionable silence, and Jean's smile widened when he felt his mate rest against him. Soon, they passed under the town's arches. He found, to his satisfaction, that he didn't care if anyone saw him and Celezar together this time. Even if one of his men had seen him, he wouldn't be bothered, was beyond being bothered.

He was simply glad to be in his mate's presence again.

Bena Town wasn't new to Jean or to Celezar. It was one of many towns they visited on their spur-of-the-moment dates throughout their relationship. Be it the town was the first after the seaside, they normally avoided it by Jean's request; he was always wary of being seen with Celezar in the early days.

Not anymore.

The town was small but alive with sights, lights, and sounds. Celezar directed Jean far into the town and nearer to the western outskirts. After resting Spider at a stables, Celezar took his hand and led him into a small wooded area.

A few steps in, Jean felt the shift in location. They were no longer in Bena. Confused, he looked around as they exited the woods. A small, hilly town was visible on the low horizon, its warm lights comforting and the distant sound of gentle music playing audible even at a distance in his ears.

"Where...?" He was quieted by a sly smile and opted to simply follow his mate down the small hill into town.

The town was visibly surrounded by thick verdant. Unlike most others, it also lacked signage showing its name or other small facts. It wasn't an entirely uncommon practice; such a thing typically meant the town was too small to need them.

His nostrils twitched from the smell of food wafting through the air from a tavern they passed. It was closer to the lightly paved road leading into it. In Jean's eyes, it was perhaps the only marker indicating one had entered the town. They were both given a few peculiar stares from patrons outside the business as they walked by.

Once they passed the tavern, the sounds of music increased, bringing a smile to Jean's face. He was tempted to once again ask of their whereabouts, but Celezar was oozing with pleasure and happiness. He siphoned the emotions, leaning against his mate and briefly closing his eyes with a contented sigh.

An arm went around his shoulder. "There's this place I want to show you, love."

"Mm hm...You said that." He wrapped his arm around Celezar's waist.

"I'm excited about it."

He simply chuckled, looking ahead to see a small group of people near a small fountain at the center of a circular, paved street. They were playing soft music, pleasant to the ears and fitting for a nighttime setting. The music didn't seem to be part of anything more than a community thing, and as they passed it, they slowed a bit to enjoy the sound.

There was more to the town further ahead, yet Celezar led them to the left up another hill nearly completely hidden by bushes, grass, and trees. It was a considerably long way to the top of the hill but not an unpleasant walk.

When they reached the top, Celezar moved away to exhale with a grin. He waved to the land. "All of this, Jean."

Coming to his side, Jean looked around, slowly nodding.  The land was surrounded on three sides by open, green land closed off by a temporary, wooden fence. Behind the plot was a forest, full of tall, rustling trees. Bordering the wide road was stone fencing that seemed to surround most of the town, from what could be seen.

He liked it, but...

Before he asked, Celezar turned a smiling green gaze on him. "You can see a house here, hm?"

Jean nodded until he fully realized what was said and what it implied. His head stopped moving, a smile growing on his face. Tilting his head to the side, he considered it.

If there were to be a house there, it wouldn't be too big on the surface, but it could be larger underground. He liked places with layouts like that.

"A raised ranch, love?"

He turned his eyes to meet Celezar's, a brow cocked up.

An incredulous look appeared on the hybrid's face. "I didn't read your mind," he said innocently.

"Right." At the pout, Jean chuckled and lowered Celezar's head to kiss him. "A raised ranch sounds wonderful, Zarryel."

The green eyes went alight, and a more passionate kiss was given to him. "Thing is...love..." Celezar sighed between kisses, "the town's too close."

Jean made a lopsided smile. "I disagree. The location is perfect. It's far enough away that people aren't likely to bother us yet close enough in the event of an emergency."

Celezar slanted his eyes. "What sort of emergency are we talking about? A human one?" he asked with a scoff. "Teleporting to Hallowed Ground is an emergency response."

Slightly conceding, Jean looked back at the land. "Still. I like this area. Isn't there a park nearby, as well as a pond?" He looked further to the left, where the grass sloped down a hill and was then enclosed by trees. "A natural play-place. The forest is a backyard."

"Mmm, a play-place for whom, love?"

Realizing what he said, he took a moment to smile to himself. Turning his gaze forward again, he hummed but remained quiet.

A humming chuckle sent a shiver down his neck, and hands slowly slid onto his sides.

He placed his hands over Celezar's after he was embraced, letting his eyes close to simply enjoy his mate's presence. Celezar rested against him, inhaling his scent, and gently rocked them side to side.

Jean let himself grasp the meaning of what they were doing.

They were looking at a place to start a family. It was something he never truly considered for himself. He was the leader of an inhuman hunter group; having a family was normally a liability.

Now, he had no reason to worry. Celezar would keep their future family safe.

"I want...to start a family," he softly murmured.

He could sense the smile and happiness radiating from behind him. "When?"

They rocked for a few more silent moments. Finally, he turned in Celezar's arms and looked up into the slanted green eyes. He noticed just a tint of darker color rimming the hybrid's eyes. Smiling, he leaned forward, letting his lips ghost over ones that slightly parted.

"Now," he whispered.

A lopsided yet amorous smile slowly formed on his mate's face. The black in his eyes quickly began to swallow the green.

Jean kissed him, deliberately pushing against his body.

Celezar shifted his grasp, bringing him closer and deepening the kiss with a low purr.

The sound sent a strange sensation through Jean's body. It was welcomed, and he pushed them down.

They fell back, and after the sense of a change around them, they submerged underwater. His senses told him they were in Hallowed Ground and, somehow, that only made the strange feeling grow stronger. It rolled through his whole body, making him softly moan into the kiss.

Celezar slightly parted to look into his eyes. While the black had nearly enveloped his irises and sclera, they expressed great contentment and happiness more than arousal.

As they continued to fall deeper into the water, Jean returned the loving expression.

"Do you trust me?" Celezar asked.

Blackness finally overcame the olive eyes, just as his own became pitch-black.

His smile widened. "Always."