Page 13 of Curse of Ancients

Bayu pulled the ingredients needed from the refrigerator and cupboards before washing his hands once Carleigh was finished. “It is a staple back home. Knowing I would be leaving when I turned eighteen, my mother taught me to cook so I wouldn’t starve once I was on my own. I cannot always find the right ingredients for those dishes we had, so I’ve learned to improvise over the years. Do you like to cook?”

Carleigh found a pot for the noodles and added water. “I’ll be honest. I work so many hours that I’m rarely home. I can cook well enough that I don’t starve, but I’m not very adventurous. I stick to the basics.”

Bayu hated that she worked so much, but like he told her earlier; hopefully now, she would have reason to cut back. If not, he would ensure she had delicious meals to come home to. “I will keep you fed.” A few seconds after his declaration, Tiger purred, and Carleigh giggled. Bayu turned his head to where she was placing the pot on the stove. “I take it our beasts are conversing?”

“Yes. My Gargoyle is thrilled that you are willing to cook for us.”

“And that was funny?” Bayu asked as he focused on removing the skin from the pork belly.

“No, but she sent a wave of appreciation to your tiger, and he basically took credit for you being so generous.”

“Silly Tiger,” Bayu chided playfully. Tiger rumbled in return.

When the food was almost done, Silas gathered bowls, silverware, and drinks. Bayu had come to enjoy the sweet tea that was popular in the South. At home, he made it with fruit juice, but in the safehouse, they didn’t have that option. Instead, he’d added a gallon of ready-made to the shopping list. When everything was cooked, Bayu transferred the drained noodles to three bowls and topped that with the meat mixture.

When they were seated, Silas was the first to dig in, humming his enjoyment. Bayu waited for Carleigh’s reaction, and he wasn’t disappointed.

“I can’t believe you threw this together so quickly. This is delicious.”

Bayu ducked his head, but he was pleased his mate was happy. “Thank you. It is a dish I cook often, so it is muscle memory at this point.”

When they’d all scraped their bowls clean, Carleigh offered to wash the dishes, but Silas insisted they relax while he took care of the kitchen. Bayu wasn’t used to having help, but he appreciated it. He and Carleigh returned to the living room and sat on the sofa, closer together this time.

“That was wonderful. Thank you again for cooking.”

“It is my pleasure, and I was serious about keeping you fed. That is, once we return from Kuching. I have no idea what will happen once I meet with Gemi. I am assuming she was the keeper of the scrolls. I may need to remain with her for a time to learn what she knows. If that is the case, I will not ask you to put your life on hold. I will remain in Kuching as long as needed, then return via commercial air travel.”

Carleigh took Bayu’s hand and traced the marking along the back of it. “I appreciate the offer, but when I return home tonight, I will pack enough clothes for a week, and I will take my laptop with me. I can work from anywhere as long as there is Wi-Fi. However, Gemi demanded you get a bodyguard, so my focus will be on helping Silas protect you, should the need arise.”

Bayu shook his head. “No, Carleigh. I will not allow you to put yourself at risk for me.”

Carleigh bristled, and Silas groaned from the kitchen. “Did Silas not tell you that my female Clanmates and I have trained from an early age with weapons and in hand-to-hand combat?”

“Yes, but—”

“Let me tell you a few stories about the women I’m related to.” For the next half hour, Carleigh gave what Bayu was certain were abbreviated accounts concerning her aunts, cousins, and friends going through some horrific trials. “We do not sit at home knitting blankets while our mates are in danger. That is one thing you will need to get on board with, Bayu. We are raised as warriors, not meek little housewives. I may sit behind a computer all day, but I am not without physical skills.”

“Apologies, my Sayang. I did not mean to offend. Please be patient as I learn your ways.”

“What does that mean?” Carleigh asked, her tone much softer.

Bayu had to think back to what he said. “Sayang means darling or dear. Too soon?”

Carleigh flashed him a sweet smile. “Not if I can call you my tiger.”

Bayu felt that was a little too on the nose, but if that was her wish, he would abide it. “Anything you like as long as it’s positive. No negative name calling.”

“Never. Not between us. Now my cousins and me? That’s a different story. If you ever hear us calling each other something derogatory, just know it’s in fun and done with all the love between us. It’s rare we get angry. Annoyed? Yes. But never angry. There’s too much love for that to happen.” Carleigh looked around the room, smiling and waving at one of the cameras. Major said she and her coworkers monitored them, so was she signaling to one of them? “I’m going to head home so I can pack and get some sleep. I will meet you both in the morning at the airfield.”

Bayu stood and pulled Carleigh to her feet. Keeping hold of her hand, he walked with her to the door. “Please be safe driving home. Would it be too much of an imposition to ask you to text me when you arrive?”

“No, it wouldn’t. I do need your number, though.”

Bayu grinned. “Yes, that would help.” They exchanged numbers, then Bayu kissed her on the cheek.

“Bye, Silas,” Carleigh called out. Bayu had momentarily forgotten they weren’t alone.

“See ya in the morning,” he returned.