Page 47 of Dance in the Stones

“We did, including records of a witch named Beatrice MacKenzie who warded the east tower.” Redford paused. “She keyed the wards to gargoyles and hellhounds specifically if her quote can be believed - stone in their bones, fire in their blood.”

Simon’s breath caught. “Other gargoyles were here, really?”

“Apparently, centuries ago, although thinking about it, I wonder how my uncle got his hands on this place. I would ask him, but…” Redford shrugged. “More clan history, but yes, gargoyles were here before, helping build a sanctuary to help other paranormals of all types escape persecution.”

“I’d love to see it.” Simon’s intensity matched Redford’s own. “The tower, the wards, and everything.”

“After breakfast,” Damon called from the kitchen. “The contractors aren’t in at the moment, because the east tower isn’t safe, so we can show you whatever you want.”

Kolton appeared, carrying plates loaded with food. “Eat first, tour later. Those are the rules.”

Simon rolled his eyes but accepted his plate. “He’s very bossy.”

“You love it,” Kolton shot back.

“For some reason, yes, I do.”

They ate in the living room, Warner still sleeping against Redford’s chest and Redford eating his eggs one-handed. The conversation flowed easily - Kolton asking about the cottage’s expansion, Damon explaining how he used his magic, Simon describing their home on the edge of some little village that was apparently inhabited by deer shifters, and the wildlife sanctuary they’d built there.

“…and then the grizzly decided our front porch was a good place for a nap,” Kolton was saying. “Simon had to convince her to move.”

“I asked nicely.” Simon’s tone suggested asking had involved more than words. “You can’t blame her. She was pregnant and tired, and besides, the porch was shaded.”

“You built her a den.” Kolton grinned. “Don’t pretend you didn’t.”

“She needed somewhere safe.”

Redford found himself smiling. Damon’s version of family was a lot more relaxed and comfortable than anything he’d experienced before.

Warner woke as they finished eating, his face scrunching in preparation for tears. But when Redford resumed humming, the baby settled again, just watching him with curious eyes.

“Seriously, how are you doing that?” Kolton demanded, getting up to get Warner a bottle.

“I have no idea.” Redford kept humming. “Instinct, maybe?”

“Well, we’re keeping you.” Kolton found the bottle in the fridge and rolled it in his hands a few times. Redford felt a short spark of magic and guessed Kolton was heating the milk. “Simon, you could borrow Redford whenever Warner’s fussy. He’s pack now, you know.”

“I’m not borrowing anyone,” Simon said, but he was smiling. “Though I wouldn’t object to visiting frequently.”

“The cottage has guest rooms now.” Damon gestured toward the hallway. “Two of them, fully furnished. You’re welcome anytime.”

Redford felt Damon’s contentment – a deep settled feeling that resonated with Redford’s gargoyle. Houses were amazing in the way they were built to protect their occupants from the elements, but it was people who made a home and family.

“Should we see the tower?” Simon asked, standing. “Before Warner realizes he’s supposed to be miserable?”

They bundled Warner into a carrier that Kolton wore strapped to his chest, so Kolton could feed the little one at the same time, before they all headed up the hillside. Simon stopped at the base of the east tower, his head tilted.

“Can you hear them?” Redford asked.

“The stones are humming.” It was clear Simon couldn’t believe he was hearing it. “Is this…?”

“They sang when I first arrived.” Redford moved to Simon’s side. “That’s how I knew Damon was my mate.”

“I heard them, very vaguely at the hospital whenever Kolton was in the building, too, but they were nothing like this.” Simon pressed his palm against the tower wall. “There’s so much magic in these stones…” He trailed off, shaking his head as he moved his hand again. “It’s in the foundation and somehow has woven through every stone that’s here.”

“I figured that was Beatrice’s wards.”

“She was a true mistress of her craft.” Simon moved along the wall, his hand never losing contact with the stone. “It’s simply incredible, and I’ve genuinely never seen or felt anything like it. The spell work is integrated into the mortar itself, and she’s not just relied on protection spells. I can sense calming magic and other spells that reinforce the structure. This whole tower was always meant to be a sanctuary.”