Page 10 of Curse of Ancients

Carleigh fluffed her hair one last time as Juniper watched over her shoulder. “You’re gorgeous as always. Your mate is going to swallow his tongue when he sees you.”

“I hope not. He needs it to talk.”

“Mmm hmm, among other things.” Juniper wiggled her eyebrows, and Carleigh laughed. “Seriously, though. Call me later and let me know how it goes.”

“I will. Love you.”

“Love you more.” Juniper blew her a kiss.

Getting groceries didn’t take long, but it was still almost four by the time Carleigh pulled down the driveway to the safehouse. When she got the list from Tabitha, she asked her to let Silas know she would be bringing them later so they weren’t surprised they had a visitor. The Goyle was waiting on the porch when she parked, and he jogged down the steps. Carleigh got out after popping the trunk.

“Hey, Silas.”

“Carleigh. Bayu is excited to meet you.”

“Really? Gods, that makes this a little easier.”

“Let’s grab the groceries, and I’ll introduce you.”

They hadn’t asked for a lot, so Silas was able to get all the bags. Carleigh closed the lid and walked with the male to the door. She opened it since his hands were full, and when she stepped over the threshold, her knees almost gave out. Bayu stood in the living room with his hands in his pockets. He was so much more devastatingly handsome in person. Brandon Cho, eat your heart out.

“Bayu, this is Carleigh Stone, the female I was telling you about. Carleigh, Bayu Tan.” Silas took the groceries to the kitchen, leaving them alone.

Bayu stared at Carleigh, his eyes taking her in from head to toe. She didn’t take offense considering Silas had told Bayu he was her mate. Her fangs threatened to drop, so she concentrated on keeping them in her gums.

Stop that.

I want to bite him!

Bayu cleared his throat as he removed his hands from his pockets and closed the distance. He bowed slightly before holding his hand out. When she placed her palm against his, she knew without a doubt he was the one. Instead of shaking, he turned her hand over and kissed her knuckles. “It is an honor to make your acquaintance.”

“Likewise.” Carleigh couldn’t get over his eyes. They were what she considered ice blue, and they were mesmerizing.

“Would you like to sit and chat?” Bayu gestured to the sofa.

He’s yummy. Take him to bed.

We just met! How about we get to know him first?

Carleigh’s beast pouted as she took a seat at one end, angling her body to see him better when he took the other end. Yes, she had purposely left space between them. “Tabitha shared with me why you need a bodyguard. I’m sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine losing my father. He’s one of my best friends.”

Bayu rested his hands on his thighs, and Carleigh studied the markings on his arms and hands. “It is a lot to take in, mostly because I have no idea what happened. While I will mourn his passing, it’s been eleven years since I left home and just as long since I’ve seen or spoken to him or my mother. It is the way of the Nuhuala’s firstborn.”

Carleigh couldn’t help but notice the lack of inflection in his voice. Was that his way of speaking, or did his father’s death not have that much of an impact? She also wasn’t keen on kicking their first child out just because they were next in line for the Nuhuala title. “I’m assuming since your aunt told you to get a bodyguard, she thinks your father’s death wasn’t from natural causes or an accident?”

“That is what I gathered, but until I speak with her, I won’t know for certain. My life is at a standstill until I am given the ancient scrolls.” Bayu absently touched one of the markings. “I do not understand why the firstborn isn’t taught the Nuhuala’s role or what the sacred markings mean. I apologize for speaking of something you cannot see. Silas informed me that you and I are fated to be together. I do look forward to getting to know you better, and it is my wish that I do not disappoint you.”

“The fates put us with our perfect person or being, so I have no doubt you won’t disappoint me, Bayu. But what did you mean about me not being able to see your markings? If you’re referring to all the symbols on your arms and hands, I can see them just fine.”

“That is not possible. They are only visible to the Nuhuala. At least that is what I was taught. I could not see my father’s markings. Are you referring to this?” Bayu pointed to a symbol on the inside of his arm. It was dark whereas all the rest were a shimmery silver.

“No. Well, not only that one. It is dark, like a tattoo, but the others appear silver.” Carleigh scooted closer and held out her hand. “May I?” Bayu swallowed hard but nodded. Carleigh ran a fingertip across the back of his hand, tracing the outline of a symbol. Goose bumps erupted along his arm, and he clenched his other fist against his leg. She lifted her finger. “Am I hurting you?”

Bayu’s startling blue eyes rose from where he’d been watching her hand. “No. It’s…” Bayu’s brown skin blushed.

“You can be honest with me. If we are to be mates, we should have no secrets. I guess we should discuss what that means. I don’t even know if you’re interested.”

Bayu unclenched his fist and reached for both of Carleigh’s hands. “I am not opposed to the idea. I always assumed I would meet a human the same as my father and fall in love. Having my mate chosen for me is unexpected but not unwelcomed, especially someone as lovely as you. According to Silas, our partnership was basically written in the stars.”