Page 56 of Dance in the Stones

Later, as they lay in the darkness, Damon traced idle patterns on Redford’s chest. “Do you think the castle was satisfied with what it observed?”

“I hope so.” Redford pressed a kiss to his mate’s hair. “Because we’re not going anywhere. This is our home.”

“Home,” Damon echoed. “Yep, that’s exactly what this is.”

The door unlocked at dawn, the quiet snick of the mechanism somehow sounding pleased. Through the stone walls, Redford felt the castle’s presence settle into something like contentment. Guess the castle approves, he thought as he went to get the coffee on.

Chapter Nineteen

“They’re here.”

Redford looked up from the journal he was reading as Damon moved to the window. A white SUV wound up the drive, and Moira Campbell was visible in the driver’s seat. Two silhouettes occupied the back, which had to be Finn and Kara.

Damon felt his protective instincts surge. The idea that any child wasn’t safe was completely against how decent paranormals lived – children were always considered special gifts and highly protected. And yet he was about to meet two young people who desperately needed their help.

“Easy,” Redford murmured, appearing at his side. “Let them settle before you go full guardian hellhound.”

“I can’t help it.” Damon watched the vehicle park near the west wing entrance. “They’re barely adults, and they’ve already been hunted, which should never have happened.”

They headed outside as Moira opened the rear doors. A young man emerged first. Finn had sandy hair and the lean build of a fox shifter. His eyes darted everywhere, cataloging exits and threats, though he was clearly trying to hide the anxiety under his casual posture.

The young woman who followed looked like she’d fight anyone who looked at her brother wrong. Kara had the same sandy hair pulled into a severe ponytail. Her entire body screamed defensive aggression.

“Finn, Kara,” Moira said gently as they approached. “This is Damon and Redford. They’re the keepers of Duncarrick.”

“Keepers?” Kara’s tone dripped skepticism. “I thought this was just a safe house.”

“It is.” Redford kept his voice calm. “We’re restoring the castle to its original purpose, as a sanctuary for paranormals who need it. You’re the first residents since the castle’s been awakened.”

Finn’s eyes widened. “Awakened?”

“Let’s get you inside first.” Damon grabbed the two duffel bags from the trunk before either sibling could protest. “You can ask questions once you’ve seen your rooms.”

He led them through the castle entrance, aware of Kara’s suspicious gaze tracking his every movement. She positioned herself between Finn and both Damon and Redford, ready to bolt or fight depending on the situation. Damon couldn’t fault her instincts. Both he and Redford were big men and powerful paranormals.

The moment they crossed the threshold, warmth flooded through the stone. Lights flickered on in the corridor leading to the west wing, illuminating their path.

“That’s new,” Moira observed.

“The castle’s been doing that.” Redford gestured them forward. “We’ll explain everything, but first let’s get you settled in your rooms.”

Damon climbed the stairs to the second floor, the siblings following, and Moira and Redford behind. The new section for the two new occupants looked the same as it did the day before, both doors open, revealing fully furnished bedrooms.

Finn stepped into the first room and stopped. “This is...”

“Yours, if you want it.” Damon set the duffel down. “There’s a private bathroom through that door, and if there’s anything you need, just let us know.”

The room was comfortable. As Finn moved deeper inside, a soft wool blanket appeared draped over the reading chair that definitely hadn’t been there seconds ago.

Finn spun around. “Did you just…”

“That wasn’t us.” Redford’s voice remained calm. “The castle did that – it’s probably saying hello.”

Kara pushed past her brother, scanning the room like she expected traps. “Castles don’t just make blankets appear.”

“This one does.” Damon gestured to the second room across the hall. “Your room’s through here.”

Kara’s space was slightly larger, with cream-colored walls and furniture that matched Finn’s suite. A small sitting area occupied one corner, and the window looked out over the forest. As she stepped inside, a steaming mug appeared on the side table, the scent of chamomile and honey filling the air.