Page 14 of Curse of Ancients

Carleigh placed her palm against Bayu’s chest. “Goodnight, my tiger.”

Bayu waited until Carleigh was safely inside her car and down the driveway before closing the door. “I’m in so much trouble.”

“Yeah, but it’s the good kind.” Silas, having entered the living room while Bayu’s focus was on his mate, startled him. “I’m over three hundred and still haven’t met my mate. Consider yourself lucky.”

Bayu pushed off the door and took a seat. “I do, but it is not in my nature for my woman, or any woman, to protect me.”

“I understand that. Our females aren’t raised to fight our battles for us. They’re taught to defend themselves and each other, but being Goyles, that bleeds over to anyone they care about. We do our best to ensure they aren’t put in positions where we need their help, but if it does happen? It’s nice to have someone fierce at your side. With you being a tiger shifter, you’re strong, but once you mate with Carleigh, her Gargoyle’s longevity will pass to you as will some of her strength, and vice versa.”

“Without knowing what my responsibilities are, I cannot promise I will not face adversaries. My father never spoke of being the Nuhuala other than to inform me I would one day take his place.”

“Maybe when you have a child, you will ensure they are prepared, unless it is forbidden for some reason.”

“Let us pray I have all this information as soon as we meet with Gemi and I receive the scrolls. Speaking of which, do you know what time we need to leave in the morning? Carleigh mentioned seven, but that doesn’t tell me how early I need to rise.”

“Connor gave Cruz my number, and he texted saying he could have us in the air by seven. We’ll need to leave here around five.”

Bayu stood. “I would like to shower tonight so I don’t have to in the morning. Goodnight, Silas, and thank you again for being here.” He bowed slightly before heading off to his room. Closing the door, he leaned against it and blew out a sigh. What a rollercoaster of a day. If it weren’t for Carleigh, Bayu would beg to be let off the ride. He still couldn’t believe he had a mate and one as wondrous as Carleigh Stone. His female was beautiful, yes, but she was so much more than her looks. He padded to the en suite and turned on the shower. While he stripped, Bayu replayed every word, every look, and mostly, every touch. Carleigh was on the short side, but Bayu wasn’t a tall male at five-foot-ten. He couldn’t wait to wrap her in his arms to see how well they fit together.

Stepping inside the shower enclosure, Bayu relished the hot water on his shoulders and back. He kept Carleigh out of his mind while he washed. He didn’t want his dick to harden because he planned to save all his future orgasms for his mate. When he was finished, he shut the water off and dried his body with the fluffy towel hanging on a hook next to the stall. Steele Securities didn’t scrimp when it came to the comforts of the safehouse. Bayu studied his body in the mirror. What dark body hair he had was sparse. His chest was bare save the ancient markings. Markings that Carleigh shouldn’t be able to see, but she could. Was that because she too was a shifter? Silas hadn’t mentioned being able to, and they had discussed them.

After replacing the towel, Bayu combed his short hair after applying the special pomade he stocked up on to keep the straight strands from sticking up everywhere. He then dried it carefully with the hair dryer located underneath the sink. For whatever reason, Bayu didn’t need to wear deodorant, so all that was left was brushing and flossing his teeth. He didn’t know if it was because they were tigers, or it was good genes, but he and his father had perfectly straight, white teeth. Bayu had never had a cavity. Kiki was also a shifter, and hers were the same. His mother, while a stunning woman, had slightly crooked teeth. Where Bayu was the spitting image of his father, Kiki took after Wahida in looks. They all had the same mild temperament.

Bayu had been raised in a warm home, filled with unconditional love. Hariz may have been the Nuhuala, but he was also the best father Bayu could have asked for. His eyes filled with tears knowing he’d never see him again. Never have the chance to tell him goodbye or how much he loved him. Bayu wondered if his mom and Kiki would be in Kuching with Gemi. He hoped so. He wanted to offer comfort to them both while seeking it at the same time.

His phone pinged, and he finished in the bathroom, returning to the bedroom to read the message.

Carleigh: Made it home safely. Sweet dreams, my tiger, and I’ll see you in the morning.

Bayu: Thank you for letting me know. Sweet dreams to you, my Sayang.

Bayu flipped off the overhead light and slid beneath the covers. He prayed to Baekyo that they both got a good night’s sleep, for they had a long flight ahead of them the next day.

Chapter 6

Although she was dressed casually in shorts and an orange tank top, Carleigh took time on her makeup and hair before leaving the house. As she drove past the property next door, she smiled, knowing Bayu had bought it. Although she was ecstatic that she’d found her mate, Carleigh was also nervous as hell. He was special, but she didn’t know what that entailed. Hell, Bayu didn’t either. What did it mean to be blessed by a divine god to keep the balance in the universe? Did he ensure wars didn’t happen? She doubted it, since wars had waged since the beginning of time, and no one had interfered yet. Or maybe they had. Or maybe the balance was weighed on a smaller scale. Carleigh would find out alongside Bayu once they had the ancient scrolls. He was the only one who could read them, but she had no doubt he would share that knowledge with her, if he was allowed.

Carleigh called her parents on her way home the night before to tell them the good news and to inform them she was headed out of the country for a few days. They were thrilled and asked to meet Bayu soon. Carleigh did not share that he was the Nuhuala or that his father had been killed. She didn’t want them to worry or to insist on going with her. Harlow was also thrilled and promised she, Nikita, and Mads could handle any work while Carleigh was gone. Juniper demanded every detail, and Carleigh obliged but only after she got home and could speak to her sister through an encrypted video chat. No way was she putting Bayu’s business out into the world without protecting him.

When she pulled into the drive of the private airfield where Connor’s jet was, Carleigh’s heart sped at seeing Bayu waiting for her. He was dressed in khaki pants with a short-sleeved button-up, much how he’d been dressed the day before. Did he not like jeans and tees? Or was he like Connor whose idea of casual was a polo? At least Alyssa had gotten Connor to buy some shorts for warmer weather.

Bayu met Carleigh at her car when she parked, and Silas hovered close by, his eyes scanning their surroundings. She looped the strap of her purse over her chest. “Good morning, my tiger.”

Bayu held his hand out to her. “Good morning, my Sayang. I hope you slept well.” Bayu pulled Carleigh to her feet, then stepped back.

“I did, thank you. Would it be too forward of me to ask for a hug?” Carleigh and most of the other Goyles were tactile creatures, and she wanted to embrace her mate, dammit.

Bayu opened his arms, and Carleigh stepped into them, wrapping hers around his waist, while resting her cheek against his shoulder. Bayu was a little stiff, not holding her too tightly, but hopefully with time, he’d loosen up. Or tighten up, as it were. Carleigh reluctantly stepped back. “Thank you. Is Cruz ready for us?” Carleigh popped the trunk, and Bayu followed her, getting her suitcase for her.

“He is.”

Carleigh closed the lid and clicked the locks with her fob. Juniper had the spare in case of emergencies, but with the Clan owning the airport, she didn’t mind leaving her vehicle until they returned. Bayu held out his free hand, and Carleigh threaded their fingers as they strolled toward the hangar. Silas fell into step behind them, and a pretty woman waited at the bottom of the stairs.

“Good morning. I’m Celeste Lopez, Cruz’s mate. We are ready if you are.” She gestured to the stairs, and Carleigh smiled, returning the greeting before heading up. She removed her purse and sat on one of the leather sofas. Bayu stowed Carleigh’s bag where Celeste indicated, then took the seat next to her. Silas opted for one of the captain’s chairs toward the front, settling in with his e-reader.

Celeste raised the stairs and locked the door. “As soon as we’re in the air, I’ll come around to see if you need anything to eat or drink.” She entered the cockpit and took the co-pilot’s seat.

“Isn’t she supposed to give us some safety instructions?” Bayu asked cheekily.