Page 22 of Curse of Ancients

He leaned forward, looking up at her. “Potty?”

Bayu translated in Malay, and Juni nodded, climbing down. He looked around, and Bayu rose to take him to the bathroom. Carleigh stood and stretched, her legs glad for the reprieve. Celeste, who had spent most of her time in the cockpit, rejoined them. She had kept them supplied with snacks and drinks. It was the middle of the night wherever they were in the world, but for everyone except Juni, it was lunchtime. She had several types of meats and cheeses along with tuna and chicken salad for sandwiches. Celeste had cut up fruit and veggies for Juni. According to Gemi’s letter, the boy wasn’t a picky eater except when it came to green vegetables.

The rest of the flight was spent taking turns playing with Juni while the other napped or ate. Juni played with his toys and jabbered in English and Malay, with Bayu translating for Carleigh and Silas. Juni climbed back onto Carleigh’s lap to sleep a few hours before they arrived in Atlanta, a little after eleven a.m. Saturday morning. Carleigh was wiped. At the small airport, two SUVs waited for them, which didn’t surprise her. Silas, alert to the strangers, stood abruptly.

“That’s my family, Silas. I asked them to bring Juni a car seat, but I didn’t expect them all to show up. I should have.” The Goyle relaxed, moving away from the door. Her parents, Juniper, and Jon, all waited on the tarmac.

Bayu looked out the window. “I’m assuming the smaller male is your father, and the taller one is Jon, but which female is your mother, and which is your sister?”

“You are correct on the males. Juniper’s the one in a ponytail with the pink top.”

“That’s amazing how young your parents look. Then again, Silas is over three hundred and doesn’t look a day over forty.”

Carleigh hated to wake Juni, but it couldn’t be helped. As soon as the jet came to a stop and Celeste let the stairs down, Julian was the first one up the steps. He stuck his head around the corner, smiling when he got a look at the tiger cub in her lap. “Hey, we thought a little extra muscle wouldn’t be unwarranted.”

“Hey, Dad. You thought right. Not that Silas can’t keep us safe, but I’m always glad to see my family.” Carleigh rubbed her hands across Juni’s fur, shaking him gently. “Juni?”

The cub shifted. “Carwee?”

“Yeah, buddy. We need to get off the plane. We’re going to my house.”

The sleepy boy nodded, then turned and stuck his nose in her neck. He held out his hand. “Hawwy?” Bayu placed the stuffed tiger in Juni’s hand. Harimau was the Malay word for tiger, and Juni shortened it to Harry. Carleigh stood with the help of Bayu.

“Want me to carry him?” Bayu offered.

“I’ve got him.” She pressed a kiss to his dark hair. Her father’s eyes were shiny, but his smile was brighter than she’d seen in a long time. Julian helped gather their bags, and Bayu walked down the steps in front of Carleigh, glancing back to check on their descent. The Stone Clanmates gathered around them, silently taking in the boy. Carleigh made the introductions while her dad and Silas loaded the luggage into one of the SUV’s. Celeste and Cruz joined them, and Carleigh said, “I cannot thank you both enough. I know you’re Goyles, but that was two long-ass flights back-to-back. Expect a little extra on your paycheck.”

Cruz waved her off. “That’s not necessary. You’re family, and these two are special. It was our honor to assist.”

Celeste ran a finger down Juni’s face. “See you soon, Juni.”

Juni waved his tiger at the older female. “See you soon, West.”

Kat stepped up next to Carleigh. “I wish Mom could’ve met him.” Nora had passed away a couple of years back, and they all missed her. Kat placed her hand on Juni’s back. “We put the car seat in our rental. I hope that’s okay?”

“Of course. Juniper can drive my car. Come on. I’m ready to be home.”

“Home,” a little voice mimicked.

Chapter 9

Bayu did his best to wear a brave face, but the more his markings faded, the more hopeless he felt. He appreciated how Carleigh was determined to help, and for her sake and Juni’s, he wasn’t going to give up. Carleigh’s parents were wonderful. They welcomed him with open arms, literally. It had been so long since he felt a mother’s love, and Katherine gave it freely. Julian was friendly and clearly adored both of his daughters. As soon as they had Juni in the car seat and everyone else was situated, Julian led the procession away from the airport. Silas trusted the male to keep Bayu safe long enough to get to Carleigh’s house, but he followed closely behind.

Julian peppered Carleigh with questions about the scrolls, the markings, and the Black Lotus. “I know you asked Harlow to start digging, but I’m going to help. I don’t want your focus on that and nothing else. You and Bayu have Juni to think about.”

“Thanks, Dad. I’m not going to turn down your assistance. You are the genius in the family.”

“Your I.Q. is almost as high as mine, so don’t sell yourself short.”

“One of our biggest issues is that Bayu and I are the only ones who can see the symbols. I took pictures of them all so we wouldn’t lose them completely.”

Julian drummed his fingers against the steering wheel. “What if you drew them?”

“I’m no Rico Di, but I’ll try it once we get Juni settled. All of our schedules are off with the time differences.”

Kat turned in her seat and glanced back at Juni who was already asleep again. “I’ll be glad to help with Juni, as will your sister.”

“Thanks, Mom. How many times has she already crowed because of their names being similar?”