Lamont’s hand squeezed his under the table. “We could work together on some stories. You have the investigative instincts, and I have the contacts and experience with deep dives.”
“The paranormal world could use more journalists willing to tell the truth,” Lord Hades observed. “Most human publications don’t know we exist, but there are plenty of stories that affect both worlds. Someone who understands the intersection between paranormal and human affairs would be valuable. I know you’ve been working a lot on correcting historical factual inaccuracies in your expose’s, Lamont, but you could apply those skills to modern day mysteries as well.”
“And if you two worked together, you’d have more flexibility with your schedule,” Ali added, pointing his dessert fork at Lamont. “There would be more time for those important thingsin life like dates, long vacations, and actually enjoying your mating.”
Ewen felt his face heat again, but he couldn’t deny Ali had a point. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d gone on vacation. It could be fun for him and Lamont to just be together…to see what sorts of things they could enjoy outside of work mode.
“After this story breaks and the investigation is underway,” Ewen said, looking at Lamont. “Perhaps we could take some time off. We could see places that aren’t the Underworld, or a hotel in Cairo, or Germany.”
Lamont’s expression softened. “I’d like that. There are places I’ve wanted to show you. Scotland has this incredible…”
“Oh no, you two are not spending your first vacation working.” Ali waved his fork between the two of them. “You can guarantee that the places Lamont wants to show you, Ewen, are going to be historical sites that Lamont wants to write articles about. That is not relaxing.”
“Scotland would be relaxing,” Lamont protested. “Cain and Ollie live there.”
“You’d spend the whole time researching clan histories, ancient battlegrounds, and goodness knows what else. The only pictures Ewen would be able to take as holiday snaps would be of ancient ruins.” Ali turned to Lord Hades. “Back me up here, hon. You know how single-minded our hellhounds can get.”
“My consort has a point.” Lord Hades’s lips twitched. “Perhaps try somewhere warm? A beach resort, maybe.”
“The Maldives,” Ali suggested. “Or Santorini. The Greek islands are beautiful this time of year. Well, they’re always beautiful, but especially now.”
Ewen grinned at Lamont’s slightly horrified expression. His mate clearly hadn’t considered a beach vacation, probably because there were no historical archives to dig through on a beach.
“I think that sounds perfect,” Ewen said, just to watch Lamont squirm. “You could get one of those metal detectors, hon, and look for washed up artifacts buried in the sand if you get bored.”
“Traitor,” Lamont muttered, but affection flooded their bond.
They finished dessert while Ali described other various vacation destinations with so much excitement, Ewen wondered if one of his past jobs was that of a travel agent. Ali was clearly taken with the idea that his mated hellhounds should take fun holidays in all sorts of places. Apparently, Giorgio and Enda had recently spent a week in the Italian Alps, due to Consort Ali’s suggestion, and Raoul and Jason were currently in Hawaii as part of their world tour. “That was my idea, too,” Ali said proudly. “How do you feel about Australia? Lamont will tell you Patrick and Faron live there now, and that’s another really vibrant country.”
“We’ll start with Santorini,” Ewen said, “and we can see what comes up from there.”
“You’ll come to Sunday dinner once things settle down,” Ali said as they prepared to leave. It wasn’t really a question. “All the mates get together. It’s nice having people around who understand what it’s like being mated to hellhounds, and the hellhounds themselves have a chance to get together longer than five minutes in the one place without upsetting power balances on Earth.”
“I’d like that.” Ewen meant it. The evening had been surprisingly comfortable, and the idea of having pack – a real family - still felt new and yet really precious. Plus, being anywhere where he didn’t have to hide his fox was a bonus.
Lord Hades walked them to the foyer. “Wesley will call tomorrow morning. Be prepared for Redford to ask some very detailed questions. He’s someone else who’s very thorough.”
“Thank you again,” Lamont said. “For everything.”
“Take care of your mate.” Lord Hades’s gaze moved to Ewen. “And take care of yourself. Ali’s right - you both deserve time to enjoy your mating outside of crisis management.”
Ewen nodded, throat tight with unexpected emotion. Having people who cared and who wanted to help - it was almost overwhelming.
Lamont pulled him close, and they translocated back to the German hotel room. The moment they materialized, Ewen sagged against his mate.
“That was nice,” he said quietly. “Not what I expected, but really nice.”
“It was.” Lamont pressed a kiss to his temple. “Consort Ali likes you. I could tell.”
“I’m sure he likes everyone.”
“In some ways, but he’s really protective of hellhound mates. He genuinely likes you.” Lamont guided them toward the bedroom. “And Lord Hades wouldn’t have offered Wesley’s contact if he didn’t think you were worth helping.”
They collapsed into bed together, exhausted but content. Through their bond, Ewen felt Lamont’s quiet satisfaction, his hope that Redford Stone would be the break they needed, his determination to make sure Ewen got that vacation Ali had insisted on.
“Santorini,” Ewen murmured sleepily. “We’re definitely going to Santorini.”
Lamont groaned, but Ewen felt his mate’s amusement through the bond. “Fine. But I get to pick at least one historical site to visit afterward - there’re a lot of them in Greece.”