Chapter 3 #2
Silas left Bayu to choose. It didn’t take long to pick the last one on the right that had windows overlooking the backyard.
He dropped his bags on the bed, removed the resignation letter from his computer bag, and returned downstairs where he found Major, who was now wearing normal clothes.
When he noticed Bayu checking him out, he grinned.
“Nothing against your clothes, but I asked Silas to bring my go bag.” Major held up a tablet and gestured to the dining table.
Once they were seated, Bayu slid the letter across the table. “If I may ask a favor. The company I work for is in the same building as Steele Securities. Would you please deliver that? With everything going on I do not wish to email my resignation.”
“Absolutely.” Major tapped the screen of the tablet. “The contract is a standard one, but please read it and make sure you don’t have any questions.”
Bayu was no stranger to contracts, dealing with them most days. He took the time to study each line. “No questions.” The fee wasn’t quite as much as he thought it would be, but he could afford it regardless.
“If you’ll sign here,” Major pointed to the signature line. “You can either transfer the money from your bank into our account or use a credit card. Either transaction will be encrypted so that no one can trace it.”
Bayu hadn’t thought of that. He hadn’t thought of much other than hiring someone to guard him in case… In case of what, he didn’t know. Bayu typed in his bank account information, transferring the initial fee.
“Thank you. If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you where the cameras are located.
There are none inside the bedrooms, only in the common areas, as well as all windows and doors.
We partner with a cyber company who monitors the feed.
They are also the ones who installed the biometrics and are the best at what they do.
” Major pointed to each camera, waving at one.
Something beeped, and Major wedged his phone from his back pocket.
After reading the message, he grinned. “Behind the cameras are three females and one male. One of the females is a dire wolf, and she’s my cousin.
Her mate is a regular wolf, and they are in South Carolina.
The other two females are here in Atlanta.
One is a Gargoyle, and Tabitha’s cousin.
The other is a Gargoyle/Gryphon hybrid and is related to both Tabitha and me through her parents. ”
Bayu narrowed his eyes, trying to work that out.
When Major noticed, he explained. “Harlow’s father is Tabitha’s uncle, the Italian Gargoyle King.
Her mother is my cousin. Now, the television has a streaming service, the Wi-Fi is also encrypted but still be careful in using your computer.
As I mentioned earlier, the house is stocked with basic food items, but if there’s anything specific you want, let Silas know, and we’ll have it purchased and brought to you. Any questions?”
“Not at the moment, but I’m sure Silas can answer them should they arise.”
“Yes, he can.” Major held out his hand, and Bayu clasped it.
“Again, I’m sincerely sorry for your loss.
I want you to know that as shifters, we understand some of what you’re going through, so don’t feel like you’re alone because you aren’t.
Tabby and I take our responsibilities at Steele Securities seriously, but you are one of us, so that means you’re even more important. ”
Bayu felt Major’s words deep in his soul. He had been alone for eleven years, and now he didn’t feel as lonely. “Thank you. I cannot wait to meet your mate.”
Major angled his head. “I didn’t mention that.”
Bayu spread his hands in front of him. “I believe this might be one of my… talents as Nuhuala. Until I have possession of the ancient scrolls, I won’t know for certain.”
Silas entered the house through the back door. “All clear, Boss.”
Major shook his head grinning. “Still not used to that.” To Bayu, he said, “Mason Steele, the owner of the company, wanted a change of scenery for his family, so he left Tabitha and me in charge. Anyway, I’ll let you two get settled. Call if you need anything.”
Once Major was gone, Silas thumbed over his shoulder toward the kitchen.
“I unpacked your cooler, and I’ve already started a list of stuff I think we’ll need from the store if we’re to stay here for any length of time.
You can look it over and add to it if you like.
I’m not a bad cook, but I’m no gourmet chef either.
I’m also good with sandwiches and chips.
I’m not picky. If you don’t want to cook for me, I can fend for myself, but if you do cook enough for two, I’ll gladly eat whatever you make.
I’ll take care of all the cleaning so you can relax and focus on yourself.
We want you to feel safe and not overwhelmed, if at all possible. ”
“I appreciate that. I love to cook, so making enough for both of us will be my pleasure. I’ll take a look at your list, and then I would like to unpack.”
“I’ll leave you to it.” Silas took a seat on the sofa and picked up his own e-reader.
This would be the first time in years since Bayu had shared a house with someone.
He appreciated Silas giving him space, but at the same time, he wanted to have a conversation with someone who wasn’t a coworker and the topic didn’t involve investments.
He had been careful in the beginning, having to hide his true nature from those around him.
It became the norm that he didn’t make friends.
He had acquaintances but no one he spent his free time with.
If he went out for dinner, he usually dined alone.
He did join his coworkers on Friday evenings for drinks every so often, but most of them had spouses or significant others waiting at home.
Bayu went to the theater by himself. Walked in the park, took in a rare baseball game, and enjoyed concerts, all without having someone to enjoy them with.
Yes, Silas was his bodyguard, but they would be living together for the foreseeable future, so was it possible they could become friends?
Bayu perused the refrigerator and jotted down a few items he had planned to purchase that week.
Then he went upstairs and unpacked his things, hanging clothes or folding them and putting them in drawers.
He unloaded his toiletries, placing them on the counter as they’d been arranged at his apartment.
He slid his Katana under the bed. With everything put away, Bayu grabbed his own e-reader and headed back to the living room, where he took one of the armchairs and got comfortable.
They spent most of the day in companionable silence.
Silas offered to cook supper, and Bayu agreed as long as Silas would alternate cooking duties.
After they ate, Silas went outside to “check the perimeter,” leaving Bayu alone with his thoughts.
They weren’t happy ones. He had yet to allow himself to think about his father’s death.
What Bayu had done was stare at the markings on his body.
He assumed they were the exact ones adorning his father’s skin, but he couldn’t know that for sure.
They could be different depending on the Nuhuala and their role.
He had so many questions, but until he heard from his aunt, he would be in the dark.
Bayu’s sleep was riddled with nightmares, so by the time he awoke the next morning, he was more tired than he’d been before bed.
Silas was already up with a pot of coffee ready.
The bodyguard fixed breakfast, and Bayu asked Silas about his life as a Gargoyle.
It was fascinating to know someone else who would live many years as a shifter.
Bayu had been mostly isolated since leaving Anjailang.
He couldn’t relate to the humans he worked with.
Having a conversation with someone who understood was refreshing.
After they ate, both returned to the living room with their e-readers. It was a couple hours later when Silas’s phone beeped. The male tapped the screen, read the message, then jerked his head toward Bayu, muttering, “Oh, boy.”
His book forgotten, Bayu sat up. “What is wrong?”
“Not sure wrong is the right word. Does your kind have fated mates?”
“Not that I’m aware of. My father did say he knew immediately that my mother was the one for him, if that counts. Why?”
“Let me tell you a little more about Gargoyles.”