Page 26 of Dance in the Stones

Damon wasn’t trying to demand anything or control him in any way, but he had a solidness around him much like the stones of the castle. More than that, Redford could sense how much Damon believed in him, and believed he could set boundaries even when Redford wasn’t entirely sure himself.

“You’re right,” Redford said.

“Obviously.” Damon’s lips quirked. “I’m always right.”

“That’s a bold claim for someone who thought putting chili powder in shortbread was a good idea last night.”

“I was only discussing possibilities – I’ve always wanted to try it.”

“It’s a crime against buttery shortbread.”

Damon laughed, and something in Redford’s chest loosened further. This was what he’d needed without knowing it - someone who could make him laugh while also calling him on his bullshit. Someone who saw past Special Agent Stone to just Redford, flawed, tired, and trying to figure out how to live differently.

“I should call Wilson back,” Redford said reluctantly. “Actually delegate this time.”

“That’s a good idea.” Damon released his hand but didn’t move away. “I’ll be here when you’re done.”

Going back to the cottage, Redford wished he’d stayed lugging rocks around instead. The second call was harder than the first, with Wilson pushing back, arguing that Redford’s experience made him essential to the case. Part of Redford wanted to cave, to fall into the familiar pattern of taking on everything because at least then he knew it would be done right.

But he thought about Damon working on the castle renovation without him, and the way his gargoyle had been content for the first time in centuries – well, at least since he and Damon had claimed each other. More importantly, Redford thought about the future he and Damon could build together, if Redford actually committed to his mate instead of letting work pull him back into old patterns.

“Wilson, you’re going to handle this case,” Redford said, firmer this time. “I’ve reviewed the details you sent, and everything you need is in the protocols. If you get stuck, email me specific questions, but I’m not coming back early.”

“Special Agent…”

“I’m on three months leave minimum, mandated because I was burning out.” Redford softened his tone slightly. “You’re ready for this, Wilson. You’ve had the training, and I have absolute faith in you. Trust yourself, and I know you’ll do a good job.”

After he hung up, Redford sat for a moment in the quiet cottage, processing what he’d just done. His phone remained blessedly silent, and in that moment everything felt still. It was a strange feeling, but a good form of strange. I can live with this, Redford decided as he went to find his mate.

Outside, Damon was precisely where he’d said he’d be, now organizing tools near the castle entrance. He looked up as Redford approached, and concern flickered through their bond.

“How’d it go?”

“I delegated.” Redford couldn’t quite keep the wonder from his voice. “I actually told him no and delegated.”

“How does it feel?”

“Really weird.” Redford laughed. “Also liberating, but mostly weird though.”

“That’s normal.” Damon set down the hammer he’d been holding and closed the distance between them. “You just did something you’ve probably never done before. Of course it feels weird.”

Redford didn’t need the bond to know Damon was proud of him, which shouldn’t matter as much as it did, but somehow mattered more than any commendation he’d ever received at work.

“Thank you,” Redford said quietly. “For...seeing what I needed before I did.”

“That’s what mates do.” Damon’s hand found the back of his neck, his thumb brushing against sensitive skin. “We watch out for each other.”

“We’ll be heading off now,” Malcolm yelled as he and the crew made their way to their vans. “See you in the morning.”

Redford nodded and waved, still focusing more on Damon than anything else. His mate was up to something, but Redford couldn’t work out what he was thinking, but the moment the last contractor van disappeared down the road, Damon said, “We should celebrate.” His eyes were gleaming.

“Celebrate?” They hadn’t been together long enough to have an anniversary as such, and Redford didn’t know of any birthday coming up.

“You just set a boundary with work for probably the first time ever.” Damon’s grin turned wicked. “That deserves commemorating.”

“Ah, okay.” Redford met his mate’s grin with one of his own. “What did you have in mind?”

“Well, there’s absolutely no one else around right now.” Damon stepped back and shifted – his human form blurring and reforming in literally seconds, until a massive hellhound stood in front of him, his gorgeous collar bright against his deep black neck fur. The hound fixed his red-flecked eyes on Redford and huffed expectantly, wagging his back end.