Validate

By Lisa Oliver

"The next time someone knocks at the front door, would you just do the doggy thing and bite them? Please?"
Stefan de Marco and Lucifer Fireborn are back for this third installment of The Magic Users of Greenford trilogy. You'd have thought things would've quietened down by now. But no. Along with Creed – Stefan's canine familiar – they embark on a final case that threatens to undermine everything to do with the Anchor Division, and even what it means to be a Fireborn.
"My name is Stefan de Marco, and I was born into the Trades Sector."
Stefan has always known who he is and what he stands for. When Lucifer accepts a case, working for the Brethren – the organization that wants to see anchors like Stefan dead or enslaved - he's understandably angry. But trying to get Lucifer to understand the enormity of what he's done is going to take a lot more than a few cross words.
…You and Stefan need to be on the same page before the plane lands in Florida…
Lucifer knows he loves his mate and anchor. As far as he's concerned that's all that's important. Stefan understands his need to work cases, helping to keep the innocent safe, so when Stefan gets angry with him over the new case he'd taken, Lucifer has to do some fast talking to make things right. But when Creed suggests there's something lacking in their relationship, as well, Lucifer has to evaluate everything he's ever learned, and even how he's been raised.
Validate is the third and final installment of the Magic Users of Greenford Trilogy. It is meant to be read as part of the series.
Book One – Illuminate
Book Two – Eradicate
Book Three – Validate
This is an MM Magic Users story – it includes some violence and intimate situations best suited for adults. Please store your content responsibly.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lisa Oliver
• Release date: Jun 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215358894

Lisa Oliver

Hi My name is Lisa Oliver and welcome to my Author page. After spending years writing non-fiction books, the lure of fiction and the men in my head finally had me sitting down and writing The Reluctant Wolf, an M/M paranormal erotic romance in November 2013.  Since that time I have written over one hundred titles including the Cloverleah Pack series, the Bound and Bonded series, Alpha and Omega series, Stockton Wolves series, The Hellhound Collar series, The Gods Made Me Do It series and many more. All of my books are M/M (or M/M/M) come with a guaranteed HEA and absolutely no cheating. I strongly believe in the power of love - and most of my books are based on the true mate trope. (The exception is my Arranged Marriage series). However, for me, insta-lust does not equal insta-love and all of my books tell of the journey my main characters need to go through to reach that state of being in love with someone special. Some of my books can be read as standalone, but in cases like the Cloverleah series you get a good idea of the back stories of secondary characters by reading the books in order. I love to hear from all of my readers so please feel free to catch up with me on Facebook, Twitter or through my blog.

Book preview

You’re angry with me, aren’t you? The question was a conversation opener and nothing more. Lucifer didn’t need to be a rocket scientist, or use his powers as a high magic user to realize his mate was furious. His mate’s anger throbbed through their bond like a boil on the point of exploding.

Why would I be angry with you? Stefan was looking steadfastly out of the passenger window. They were on their way to the airport, as planned. It was just their destination that had changed.

You have to admit the situation with Foster was unusual. His anchor, Ethan was never found.

I doubt anyone ever looked for him. Ethan was just an anchor after all. Stefan sniffed. As for Foster, we got told, once we dropped him off at the facility Monty recommended, that the hexing case was under New York’s jurisdiction and therefore not our concern.

You weren’t curious about where his new anchor Helen got the hex? Lucifer checked the traffic, and then risked a quick look at Stefan. Who still wasn’t looking at him. Catching Creed’s glance in the rear-view mirror, Lucifer got the impression the dog was judging him, too.

I might have been, under different circumstances.

Yep, Stefan was still angry.

"I mean, if my mate was still working as a Wielder of the Magic Sword, which was his occupation when I met him, and Foster’s case came across our desk as an authorized case, I would’ve jumped right on it with you. But, no, my mate told his boss, Ben, in no uncertain terms that he wouldn’t be doing that job anymore. I believe you told him that after our holiday, we were going to work at the Anchor Division."

Stefan had an amazing memory. Yes, I did say that. Lucifer flicked on his indicator and took the turning for the airport. But this case isn’t being investigated by the Council.

No. No, it’s not. Stefan turned to face him then, and even out of the corner of his eye, Lucifer could see the hurt and anger on his face. You’ve taken a case, on our behalf, from the one group of people who want to see people like me either subjugated, or completely wiped off the face of the earth.

If this is about the holiday…

What holiday? Stefan didn’t have to raise his voice. He could snap out a sentence and make Lucifer feel as though he’d been whipped. Are you talking about the holiday that you promised me nothing would get in the way of? That holiday?

I’m sure this won’t take long…

What the hell difference does it make how long this case takes? I’m not some spoiled society brat you have to appease with holidays and gifts. I’m from the Trades sector. I’m not afraid of hard work.

Then what…?

You really don’t get it. I can’t believe it, but you honestly don’t get it. Fine. Seeing as you clearly left your brain in your suitcase, I can tell you there are two things I’m upset about. Stefan never used strong language, or interrupted Lucifer for any reason. But he was on a roll. "One. There’s the fact you didn’t consult me at all before you took the case. You reverted to Lucifer the arrogant ass, and made decisions for both of us, never once considering my feelings on the matter.

And secondly, and by far the most important to my mind, did you miss the part when I said you’ve been employed by people who want to see me dead? Did you hear what they said about Technic? Council propaganda? Bad press? Excuse me? And that’s without the derogatory tones they used when they referred to me. How could you?

The airport was just ahead. Instead of taking an extended two weeks to a month on the island getaway Lucifer had booked, the plane would be taking them back to New York.

Do you want me to apologize? He steered the car into his personal parking space, pulled on the handbrake and turned off the engine. Taking the keys out of the ignition, Lucifer swiveled in his seat. Will that help?

Stefan turned to face him too. What you can do is explain. Tell me why, after defending my honor and anchor rights in front of Ben, Darwin, Monty, and half the society families in Greenford, you chose to throw me under the bus now. Any anchor under the bus, for that matter. I didn’t overhear much, but what I did hear suggested that the two men who had the audacity to turn up to your house…

Our house, Lucifer said automatically. It’s our house now.

No, it’s not, because if it was my house as well, then those two… two… those two rejects from the Brethren wouldn’t have made it through the gate. They want you to find the person who’s behind the hexing and they are basically telling you that person is an anchor. If you prove they are right, you’re giving them even more ammunition for them to petition for anchor rights to be eroded even further than they already are – and all in the name of Lucifer Fireborn.

Lucifer hadn’t considered that angle and he didn’t like the idea at all. The hex Foster was hit with – didn’t you say there was no way an anchor could’ve created it?

I believed at the time that Helen was just the carrier. There was no mention the hex affected her at all, but she was able to transport it – passing it on to Foster. He passed some of the residue onto you, and presumably any other high magic user he shook hands with, but the impact was muted.

It was still very real. Lucifer remembered how out of control he felt, lethargic one minute, snapping at Stefan the next. We had no way of knowing what that would’ve done to us as mates if you hadn’t realized what was happening.

And we’re fated, Stefan said tersely. What happens to those anchors who are only bonded or contracted to a high magic user under a hex? The imbeciles who conned you made it sound like Foster wasn’t the only case. Are they sending you information on other cases, or are we being herded to New York again?

Herded. An interesting term. For a moment, Lucifer thought about changing his instructions to the pilot again, and just going on the holiday anyway. But he also knew, if he didn’t find the truth about what happened to Foster, then the Brethren would hire someone else. Someone else who might not be as keen on finding out the truth, and then Stefan’s prophecy about anchors could definitely come true.

How do you feel about heading down to Florida first? he said. My parents live down there. Although they aren’t magic users, my father has been studying our magic levels since I first showed I had any magical talent. I’d like us to discuss this case with him. He might be able to shed some light on the hexes and the Brethren that might not be public knowledge.

How do they feel about familiars? Stefan looked over the back seat where Creed was doing a dog’s impression of being asleep.

They’ll probably be fascinated. It’s all right, Lucifer added. I wouldn’t take you anywhere where Creed couldn’t be with us.

Stefan nodded and reached for his door handle. He didn’t look any happier, but after hearing the herding comment, Lucifer was going to do his best to solve the case without going to New York at all.

First day on a new case, and you still don’t understand the importance of you two working together, Creed said quietly, sitting up and stretching out his neck and spine the moment Stefan had gotten out and closed his door. The lone wolf persona you’ve got going on isn’t going to work on this case.

You know something? Lucifer reached over and opened Creed’s door.

I have a feeling, not specifics. But you and Stefan need to be on the same page before the plane lands in Florida.

I’d like that, too, and not just because of this case. Lucifer got out of the car, making sure to lock it before going around and putting his hand on Stefan’s lower back. Have you ever been to Florida? He asked as he escorted his mate to the waiting plane.

Chapter Two

It wasn’t in Stefan’s nature to stay angry for long. Years before, when he’d had good reason to be angry, he’d heeded the words of an old nurse who’d told him carrying around any form of anger or hate would only wear him down, and she’d been right. But that didn’t mean Stefan wasn’t more than a bit annoyed at his mate… and secretly he was disappointed, too. Lucifer in holiday mode was the most caring of partners. In work mode, he saw Stefan as a magical tool he could use when he needed to, and that was it. And Stefan had more tools than most anchors… which was another concern.

Tell me about your parents, he said once they were strapped in, and the plane was getting ready to take off. Why did they go to Florida?

The famous Lucifer quirky brow was directed at him this time, and Stefan could feel the question thrumming through their bond. Are you still angry with me? But Stefan had a lifetime, or at least a few decent years, where he’d learned to keep what he felt off his face and he was doing that now.

They were ready to retire, Lucifer stretched his legs out, so his feet were within touching distance of Stefan’s. He’d elected to sit opposite his mate, instead of right next to him as he usually did. Creed was sprawled out on the double seats across from them. My dad was an academic, or I should say he still is, but Mom wanted warmer climates, and it also gave me the opportunity, according to Mom, to find a nice young lady and create a family of my own.

Hmm. I take it your parents do know I don’t have girly bits, don’t they?

Oh, yes, Lucifer nodded as though Stefan should know that already. When the paper reported our dinner at Goldies, Dad called full of excitement, wanting to know if it was true and that I’d actually scored the great Stefan de Marco as my anchor. To say he was thrilled was an understatement. I didn’t realize but apparently he’s had an interest in magi-tech for years.

At least I’ll have something to talk to Lucifer’s father about then. Stefan noticed Lucifer didn’t say anything about his mother though.

I told him about my ham-fisted efforts at making my own devices, Lucifer continued, clearly ignoring Stefan’s unanswered question. I don’t think I’ve ever heard him laugh so hard. But he was very impressed when I explained what your creations had done in Egypt.

You didn’t think to mention the fact my same creations saved our asses in the house more recently? Letting that go, because Stefan wasn’t petty by nature, he pushed for an answer to his more pressing question. Has your mother forgiven you for not being in a position to provide little Lucifers now you’re mated to me?

Lucifer shrugged, the movement not as casual as it looked. Stefan could feel that through their bond. I think moms always hope for more grandchildren. Apparently, I was an adorable looking child.

I’m sure you were. Stefan tapped the arm rest with his fingernails. We’ve never really discussed family expectations or anything of that nature since we’ve been together. I’d prefer it, if instead of trying to gloss over my questions, you answered me honestly.

When I’m already skating on thin ice with you? You must think I have more courage than I thought. Lucifer was trying to make a joke, but Stefan wasn’t going to give him an out or stroke his ego. The great Lucifer Fireborn got enough of that from everyone else.

Fine. Lucifer huffed when Stefan waited him out. Mom wasn’t overly thrilled to hear I’d claimed a male mate. She had always hoped I would add to the Fireborn family line. She wasn’t so worried about Darwin being claimed by Monty, because he’s my younger brother, but she had hoped the Fireborn name would continue on through me. She is very appreciative of how you’ve pulled my ass out of the fire more than once, though. She does understand how important a supportive anchor can be.

So long as you don’t have that same anchor in your bed. Stefan shook his head. If your parents have been following your exploits in the news, then they are aware I was born in the Trades sector, too, I imagine.

Lucifer nodded. Mom’s very progressive, though. She’s always donated her clothes and any furnishings she’s replaced to the less fortunate.

Stefan’s mouth dropped open. Did I just hear you correctly? She considers people in the Trades sector less fortunate?

Well, no, Lucifer back tracked quickly. Not just families in the Trades sector. She donates freely to people in the Retail sector, the Arts and Crafts sector, the Growers…

Anybody who had the misfortune to not be born into a society family in other words. Stefan felt sick. Why would you even take me to see them if your mother has that sort of attitude?

I needed to pick my father’s brain regarding this case…

And you couldn’t do that over the phone? Stefan tried to collect his thoughts. Look Lucifer, I realize this might not have occurred to you, but I don’t like going to places where I won’t be welcome. Our evening at Goldies should have been a classic example of that for you.

You’ll be with me. Of course, you’ll be welcome.

The fact Lucifer could say that with a perfectly straight face was incredible. You really don’t have any idea, do you, my muddled entitled asshole. Fine. Stefan conceded defeat for the moment. He had enough to worry about their supposed new case. I’ll accept that there is no one at your parent’s estate who will make me feel bad because of where I was born, or the state of my wardrobe, or the fact that you and I are mated. I’m going to be totally understanding because I know, no matter how many society ladies get thrown in your direction during our visit, you won’t care because you’re with me, and you’ll make sure everybody knows that… Stefan paused, noting how closely Lucifer was listening. If any situation like that should occur, of course. Which it won’t, will it?

Of course it won’t. It was sad that Lucifer’s doubts could be heard in his tone, and they both knew it.

Chapter Three

Lucifer had never given much thought to the way he’d been raised. He’d always believed he had a good childhood, and he never doubted that his parents loved him and his siblings. He’d followed his parent’s teachings until he became an adult, and then made a point of being his own man in all things – the normal order of things in children raised to be independent. He didn’t see his parents often, usually because he’d always been working on multiple cases. But when he and Darwin did make the time to go and visit, he never saw anything wrong with the way his parents behaved.

He knew they had old-fashioned ideas but that wasn’t unusual. His parents’ friends all had similar ideas about class, and more importantly, the way people should adhere to the class they’d been born to. It wasn’t a concept Lucifer had bothered about, mostly because his work meant he interacted with people from all walks of life.

Although, in the comfort of his private plane, left with his thoughts, when Stefan had moved to the back of the plane to work on a new device – or at least that’s what he said - Lucifer had to face the harsh fact that all of his socializing and down time, prior to Stefan coming into his life, had been done with a group of people who came from the same social class he’d been born into. Their first visit since Lucifer claimed his mate would be the first time he’d gone to his parents in the company of someone non-family… someone my mother thinks is one of the unfortunate masses.

Lucifer groaned under his breath and sank further down in his seat. He could picture his mother’s face in his mind’s eye. A beautifully elegant woman who never had a hair out of place. In particular, he remembered that plastic smile that never met her eyes when she was forced to make nice with someone who wasn’t born into a society family. Why did I think this was a good idea again?

Digging into his pant’s pocket, Lucifer pulled out his phone. Truth be told, he’d been off kilter since taking their new case. The brief details he’d been given, along with his own experience with a hexed Foster, had intrigued him – to the point I ignored my mate, and my promise for the holiday. It wasn’t that Lucifer didn’t want to go on holiday with Stefan. He’d been eager to see Stefan being spoiled with all the benefits his money could offer and a relaxed Stefan was fun, and really damn sexy. But habits of a lifetime meant he always put his work before anything else. Which could bite him on the ass if he wasn’t careful.

A quick glance over his shoulder let Lucifer know Stefan was engrossed in whatever it was he was making. Activating his phone screen, he found his dad’s contact number and pressed the message icon.

Hey,