Page 53 of Curse of Ancients

“No apologies. You will learn that chaos is part and parcel for my Clan when we find our mate. One day, when Bayu has his powers back, we will sit down and I’ll tell you some stories.”

Bayu slid his arm around Carleigh’s waist. “I have asked Gemi to stay with us.”

“Wonderful. I hope you take him up on his offer.”

“I would like that very much.” Gemi looked past Carleigh into the living room where her parents were having a serious discussion. She had a feeling it was about Julian going with the other Goyles to confront the Black Lotus since her mom did not look happy.

“Let me introduce you to my parents. Did Bayu explain the aging process? If not, you’ll think they’re my siblings instead of mom and dad.”

“He did because I did not believe Katherine was old enough to be your mother. I assumed Juniper was joking. As you can tell by looking at me, white tigers do not stop aging.”

“Maybe not, but you look amazing.” Carleigh took Bayu’s hand, and when they approached Julian and Kat, she made the introductions. Julian fisted his heart and vowed, “On my honor. It is a pleasure to meet you, Gemi. Kat and I are pleased that you are with us and out of the hands of the Black Lotus.”

Gemi patted Juni’s back before smiling at Bayu. “And I appreciate your help in looking after my nephews.”

Katherine stepped closer so she could run a hand through Juni’s hair. The cub grinned at her. “I know what it’s like being taken. Waiting on someone to save you. There is no one else I would want on my side than the Stone Society Clan and all their friends.”

Luna and Nekoma entered the room. “Sorry to interrupt, but Koma assured us the fímndínúb will work in place of the cuteramox. I need to return to Solaralun and gather the other ingredients while he goes home and gets the fímndínúb and auderberry sap. Since this could be painful, we think we should try the counter spell in the morning after you’ve rested.”

Carleigh gripped Bayu’s hand tighter. “Why would it be painful? The curse wasn’t.” She looked up at her mate. “Right?”

“No. I felt unsettled, and I assume that was due to Tiger fading into the background. But I agree we should wait until morning. It has been a long day, and I would like to relax with my family.”

“Perfect. Meet back here around eight?” Luna asked, batting her lashes at Katherine. “We can perform the spell after a hearty breakfast, please and thank you.”

Kat huffed. “Such a cheeky girl. Fine, I’ll cook for you.” She winked at the witch who was bouncing on her toes.

“Yes!” Luna pumped a fist in the air. “I’m going to get my twin so we can head back to the shop.” She retreated down the hall, taking Nekoma with her.

Juni wiggled, and Gemi set the boy on his feet. “We eat now?” he asked Kat.

Juniper had been leaning against the doorframe while they talked. “You want to help me, little man?”

“Juni cook wiv June!” He took off running, and Gemi watched him go.

Julian pressed a kiss to Kat’s temple. “Walk with me?” Kat nodded, and her parents headed out the back door.

“Let’s go see if Juniper needs help,” Carleigh offered since Gemi seemed tense. Once Juniper put Gemi to work helping keep Juni occupied, she cheered up. Carleigh and Bayu set the table. Juniper had prepared food earlier, and it only needed to be reheated.

The twins returned to the living room with Elle, Harlow, and Nekoma. The witches said their goodbyes, and Elle went to retrieve her mate from outside. Carleigh invited both fae and Anthony for supper, but they declined since Nekoma needed to go home and rest.

Harlow stayed to eat, and after washing her hands, she fixed everyone something to drink. When the food was ready, Carleigh opened the back door to let her parents know. Everyone sat and dished out roasted chicken, green beans, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, and sweet carrots. Juni wasn’t a fan of the beans, but Carleigh put one on his plate anyway. She had found if he saw her eating something he didn’t like, he would at least take a small bite.

“This is delicious.” Gemi placed small helpings of each on her plate as she watched Juni closely.

Juniper tore a roll in half and put it on Juni’s plate, keeping the other half for herself. “Thank you. Mom is an excellent cook and taught us both. Carleigh is busy at the office, so she doesn’t cook often, but I enjoy it.”

“I will be glad to help with the meals,” Gemi offered. “And anything else that will make your lives easier.” Tears filled her eyes, but she did not let them fall. “Bayu and Juni are all I have left.”

Carleigh smiled, reaching over to squeeze Gemi’s arm. “And I will gladly accept your offer. With my job and Bayu’s duties, we will need help with the little one, but I do not want you to feel like you need to earn your keep. Between Bayu and myself, we are loaded. I want you to make yourself at home here with us.”

“Oh no, the money. Bayu, when they convinced me to tell them everything, that included how to gain access to your father’s bank account as well as my own. I am afraid I have nothing but the clothes on my back.”

“Do not worry about that, Auntie. Carleigh has already moved father’s money to a different account. They cannot get their hands on it.”

Gemi stared at Carleigh. “How is that possible?”

“I’m handy with a computer. Harlow and I, along with a friend, Nikita, who is a dire wolf shifter, own a company called H3. Nikita’s mate, Madsen, is also skilled with a computer. They live in South Carolina, but we all work together, mostly for our families, although we do take jobs from paying customers if it doesn’t go against our code. As for you being broke, you don’t need to worry about that. Like I said, Bayu and I are loaded, and money is no object. This was my parents’ home before they decided to relocate. They gave me the house and bought Juniper her dream apartment, if there is such a beast.”