Page 62 of Curse of Ancients

“Yes, my Sayang.” Bayu crossed to his mate and took her hands. “You and Juni mean the world to me, and I will do whatever it takes to protect you. I will trust Violet to shield me from the Black Lotus, and I will study the scrolls, as it is my duty. If I ever figure out how, I will also make it clear to Baekyo that I do not wish for this task to fall on my shoulders. He’s a god, so he should be able to appoint the blessed title to someone else.” As soon as Bayu stopped talking, one of the markings on his arm heated and changed from silver to gray.

Carleigh gasped and reached for his arm. “I do believe your god is listening.” Carleigh ran her fingertip over the marking. “Did that hurt?”

“No. It tingled with warmth, but it was not painful.”

“And what does this symbol mean?”

“According to the scrolls, it is Baekyo’s sigil. When it heats, it is an indication he has an assignment for me.”

Julian dropped from the stool and joined them. “How will you know what that assignment is?”

“It will come to me in the form of a dream. Carleigh, I believe it is imperative I meet Violet. If I am to go out into the world, I would rather have my whereabouts shielded.”

Carleigh pressed her forehead to his shoulder. “I will call Luna.”

Bayu kissed her hair. “Please do. I am going outside to be with Juni. The scrolls can wait.” If Bayu was to begin his travels this soon, he wanted to spend time with the cub and his mate. Bayu removed his shirt and dropped it on a lounge chair, then walked down the steps into the water. Juni, who was holding onto a noodle, kicked his feet, splashing Katherine in the process. She wiped her face while smiling.

Bayu pulled Juni closer, securing the noodle so that Juni could sit on it and bounce. “Having fun?”

“Uh huh.”

Katherine swam to the steps, but before climbing them, she paused. “I understand how Carleigh feels. It’s hard watching our mate put themselves on the line for others. I had it easier than most because Julian did his fighting behind a computer screen while his brothers and cousins were doing the physical fighting. Be patient with her.”

“I will never discount Carleigh’s concerns, and I will always listen to what she has to say. Unless it has to do with my responsibilities to Baekyo, we will discuss all issues and determine what is best for our family. In this case, she has agreed that Violet should shield me. She doesn’t like it, and honestly, neither do I, but I will allow it to keep everyone safe.”

Katherine gave him a weak smile and climbed from the pool. She wrapped a towel around her body before heading inside. Gemi, who was resting under an umbrella, moved to the side of the pool and sat, dangling her feet in the water. She was dressed in a new swimsuit with a floral cover-up. Juniper must have gone shopping for her. Whoever it was, Bayu was grateful, as he hadn’t considered it.

“My sigil went off, Auntie. I am being called upon already.”

“Where are you going? When?”

“I will find out tonight while I sleep. It will be relayed to me in a dream.”

“And so it begins.”

Gemi left them alone later to cook supper, and Bayu played with Juni in the pool until it was time to eat. While he wrangled Juni into a T-shirt, Bayu convinced Silas to come inside and eat with them. Once everyone was seated, Carleigh confirmed that the twins would bring Violet over the next morning. Instead of focusing on that or the dream he would have, Bayu let the conversations of his family wash over him while enjoying the meal Gemi had prepared. It was one that Bayu had never heard of, but it was a delicious dish and one Juni enjoyed as well.

Juniper was excited about taking the family photos, and Bayu wanted those to happen before he left for wherever he was supposed to go. He also wanted to say the words to Carleigh that would bond them together before he left.

When there was a lull in the conversation, Bayu got everyone’s attention. “I have a favor to ask. You know how Gargoyles seal the mate bond, but tigers do things a little differently. The animal bond is the same, but the human half has a commitment ceremony akin to human weddings. Since I do not know what I will be tasked with or when, I would like to have the ceremony this evening. That will be the perfect opportunity for Juniper to take a family picture. It is short notice, and we can have a more proper gathering with all your friends and family at a later date, but I feel it is imperative we complete our bond sooner than later.”

Juniper’s fork clanked against her plate when she set it down. “I have my camera. Are we dressing up?”

“Not this time. We can certainly change out of our swimsuits, but formal attire is not required.”

“I agree. As for the ceremony, the words are what matter, not how we are dressed. We can always have a reception of sorts later,” Carleigh countered. “Now to convince Juni to wear something other than a swimsuit.”

“Me fwim?” Juni piped up.

Carleigh laughed. “No, sir. No more swimming today. We’re going to have our picture made.”

“Oh.” Juni went back to eating.

Juniper stood from the table. “I refuse to have my picture made with pool hair. I’m going to take a shower.”

“I did not mean to imply we would have our picture made now.”

Carleigh patted Bayu’s hand. “We know, my tiger, but some of us are fussier than others.”