Page 15 of Curse of Ancients

“I think anyone who has ever flown can probably recite the brochure.” Carleigh pointed out where all the safety equipment was as though she were a gameshow hostess, causing Bayu to laugh. “Any questions?”

“I think I have it, thank you.” Bayu placed his hand on the seat between them. Did he want to hold hands and was too shy to make the first move? Carleigh wondered about his dating history. He was twenty-nine, but that didn’t mean he had a string of lovers. Carleigh certainly didn’t. She set her hand next to his, touching his pinky with hers. Bayu wrapped his little finger around hers, and a low rumble came from his chest.

Tiger says Bayu is shy. He has not dated much.

Good to know.

That was one good thing about being shifters; Carleigh could get the inside scoop from her Goyle. The airplane taxied down the runway, and Bayu scooped up Carleigh’s hand, placing it on his thigh, and rubbing the back of it with his thumb. “I know your family is quite large. Please tell me about them.”

“Where to begin?” Carleigh started with her immediate family. “I learned about computers from my dad, Julian. He’s a genius who kept our Clan safe for centuries. He has over a dozen patents on items he created. Mom was a news reporter when they met.” Carleigh explained how Kat was framed for treason, taken to a Super Max facility, and the subsequent rescue. “Juniper got her love of photography from our mom, and she’s out of the country more than she’s home. I have so many cousins and Clanmates. Oh, I wanted to show you something.” Carleigh retrieved her phone from her purse and opened the photos.

“My cousin, Connor, who owns this jet, he has visions and has ever since he was very young.” Carleigh handed over her phone so Bayu could see the constellation drawing. “I had no idea what it meant, and I spent so many hours poring over constellations and tigers. He knew you and I would find each other.”

“But why a constellation?” Bayu handed the phone back.

“I think it refers to the fact that you are Nuhuala and your job is to balance the universe.”

Celeste exited the cockpit. “Anyone hungry or thirsty?”

“I’d love some coffee.” Carleigh nudged Bayu when he didn’t respond, seeming lost in thought.

“Do you have hot tea?”

“I have several selections.” Celeste named them, and Bayu chose an herbal blend.

Silas put his e-reader down. “I’ve never in all my years tried hot tea. Please make me the same thing.”

After they had their drinks, Celeste returned to sit with her mate. Carleigh continued telling Bayu about her family and Clan until Celeste rejoined them to fix lunch. Carleigh stood to stretch her legs and asked if she could help. She might not cook often, but she made an awesome sous chef. Truth was, she needed a moment to gather her thoughts. Bayu had listened intently, asking questions here and there, but his mood was somber. Here she was, talking about how awesome her family and Clan were when he hadn’t seen his small family in eleven years. On top of that, his father was dead.

Carleigh carried their drinks out of the galley, and Celeste followed with the delicious meal. Where most airlines catered in their food, Celeste kept items prepared in case anyone needed to fly out at a moment’s notice. “What do you do with the meals that aren’t used?” Carleigh asked as she retook her seat.

“Cruz and I take them to some of the shelters and youth homes. We volunteer most days while waiting until someone is ready to use the jet.”

“I think that’s awesome. Several of our parents are doing something similar now that the younger generation has taken over.”

“When does Cruz eat?” Bayu asked. “This is such a long flight.”

“Whenever I take him a plate. He can put the plane on autopilot, or I can sit at the controls if needed. Carleigh, are you one of the offspring Frey taught to fly?” Celeste asked.

“No. I was always at the lab with my dad learning everything computer related or at the gym training.”

Bayu took a sip of water before asking, “Which of your cousins learned to fly?”

“Who didn’t? Pretty much everyone except for Juniper and me. Harlow started lessons, but she found she didn’t care for it. The younger ones, I’m not sure about. I do know that Frey offered Lydia’s mate, Beck, a job taking over the flight instruction, but they have their own quest at the moment.”

“A quest?” Bayu placed his fork on the empty plate in front of him.

Carleigh told him Connor and Alyssa’s story from meeting as small children to the GIA agent harassing Ally, thus leading Sebastian to forming a council.

The flight continued with many more stories, food, and drink. During a lull in conversation, Carleigh whispered, “Do you want to go cuddle?” Her Goyle had been trying to get Carleigh to take Bayu to the private bedroom in the back of the jet for hours.

Bayu looked around. “Back there?”

“Yes. I promise no hanky panky, just relaxing together.”

Bayu frowned. “Hanky panky?”

Carleigh nodded seriously. “You know, funny business. Messing around. Sex.” She whispered the last word.