Page 49 of Curse of Ancients

“But you live on Evyndral. How will we—”

Carleigh grabbed Bayu’s arm. “Sorry to cut this short, but cars are coming down the driveway, and I’d like to go inside in case we can help in any way. Plus, Tabitha is going to be livid.”

Rhoan stood. “We need to get back to Evyndral. Once you’ve removed the curse and read the scrolls, we will meet up.”

Bayu rose to his feet. “Thank you again for the assistance today.”

Rhoan inclined his head, then opened a portal. He and Thran stepped through without looking back.

Bayu retrieved his katana. “Tell me how you have bracelets that turn into weapons.” Carleigh explained how Lilly originally hid her wand in a bangle and Luna took the magic a step further. “That’s amazing. Do you think she would create something like that for my katana? That way I would have it with me always.”

“I’m sure she would. You can ask her after she and Solara heal Major.”

“Do you think they can? Thran couldn’t, and he’s fae.”

“They use different types of magic. Between them and Connor, they should be able to figure it out. Speaking of figuring things out, you have the book from the mages. The twins can create the counter spell to your curse.”

“Let us hope so. I am ready to get Tiger back.”

“What do you think about Rhoan being a Nuhuala?”

Bayu held out his free hand, needing to touch his mate. Carleigh laced their fingers, tugging him toward the house. “I haven’t thought that much about it, to be honest. He and Thran showed up at your house—”

“Our house.”

Bayu smiled. “At our house and offered to help. I’m glad they portaled at the front of the house because I am not ready to explain to a toddler what a vortex is.”

“Did Harlow know you were leaving?”

“Yes. I was in the office with her watching the feed from the safehouse when Rhoan and Thran appeared on one of the monitors. She and I met them on the front porch, and when Rhoan explained I was needed, Harlow returned to your office, I grabbed my katana, then he opened another portal.”

“I’m glad you came back. Seeing you swing your sword with precision and no hesitation was amazing.”

Bayu tugged Carleigh to a stop. “That didn’t freak you out?”

“That’s not the first death I’ve witnessed. I told you about a group of us going after Elle’s sperm donor, but I didn’t elaborate. Harlow ripped Grevolus’s heart out of his chest after the rest of us got in whatever swipe we wanted. I plunged a dagger in a wound on his chest and opened it further. I might sit behind a computer all day, but I am not afraid to get my hands dirty for the right reason as long as I have backup. Although I trained just as hard as my cousins when we were younger, I wouldn’t want to go up against anyone by myself. Alone, I’m a chickenshit.”

Bayu pulled Carleigh to his chest and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. “I would say you are cautious, and I appreciate that about you. Juni and I need our Carwee.”

Carleigh giggled. “Let’s go see about Major so we can get home to our cub. I miss the little guy.”

“Wow.” The inside of Anthony’s house was impressive. Where Carleigh’s was modern and a little fancy, her cousin’s was rustic with lots of wood and stone. “Did Sebastian design this?”

“To Tony’s specifications, yes. You like it?” Carleigh’s downturned mouth didn’t sit right with Bayu.

“It is fitting of the male.” Bayu leaned in so only she would hear him. “I much prefer our house.”

That was the right answer, as her mouth tipped up into a stunning smile. “I’m glad.”

Luna came from the direction of Anthony’s bedroom, her long skirt swishing around her feet. “If I ever get my hands on those fuckers, I’m going to turn them all into newts.”

Carleigh went to the refrigerator and pulled out a couple of cans of water. “You want one?” she asked her cousin.

“No. I want a shot of vodka.”

Carleigh passed a can to Bayu before popping the top on hers. “How’s Major?”

“Fine now. Solara and I—”