Chapter 17
“A traitor? How is that possible?” Bayu held his katana in one hand and the sheath in the other.
He wouldn’t stow it until he had a chance to clean it properly.
When Thran noticed his predicament, the fae waved his hand over the blade, cleaning it with magic.
Bayu inclined his head in appreciation, then slid the sword home in its sheath.
Rhoan gestured to the patio furniture. “Let’s sit, shall we?
” When the four of them were seated, he continued, “As King Mórdrake explained, the Nuhuala are all connected. We can find each other through one of our markings, even if we’re on a different realm.
” He pointed to one on his arm, although Bayu couldn’t see it.
“It was how I knew where to portal when searching for you. Once the curse is removed, you will be able to read the ancient documents and then you will know all the same information I do.”
“Then we can locate this traitor.”
“We can’t though. King Mórdrake believes the Black Lotus are shielding them somehow.”
“If that’s the case, it’s possible they aren’t a traitor but a pawn.” Bayu studied the dragon prince. “Why were you searching for me? Not that I am ungrateful. We would not have defeated the Black Lotus without your assistance today.”
“King Mórdrake reached out. He knew you were in trouble. It seems that when your father was slain and you were cursed, Baekyo traversed the realms and spoke with Mórdrake.”
Bayu leaned forward, placing the katana on the ground beside his chair. “If you can speak to King Mórdrake, does that mean I will be able to speak to Baekyo?”
“I’m not sure. I have always been able to reach my great-grandfather since we are dragons and can mind-speak.
You should find out once the curse is lifted.
” Rhoan leaned back in his chair, tapping the arm with his fingertips.
“It’s all confusing. I’ve only recently read through all the ancient scrolls, and I’m still not sure exactly what I’m supposed to do.
Mórdrake said I would understand when the need arose. ”
“But he had to alert you to the fact that I needed help?”
“Yes. I believe it is because he is alive and still has the Nuhuala markings. Like I said, I don’t understand it all. Maybe once you read your journals, we can compare notes? We will need to work together against the traitor.”
“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—”
“Where the fuck is my mate?” Tabitha yelled as she threw open the front door.
“In Tony’s bedroom. He’s fine, Tabby,” Luna assured the redhead. Tabitha nodded as she strode through the house and down the hallway.
“Before turning the mages into tadpoles, how about you help reverse the curse on Bayu?”
“I would if I knew how.”
“Nekoma managed to get a journal from the compound that supposedly holds the counter curse. It’s at my house though.”
“Perfect. Mom’s watching the shop, and I need some Juni time. Let me go get Sol.”
They drank their water while waiting on the twins. “I would like to speak with Major before we leave.” Bayu wanted to thank the male for risking his life against the mages.
Carleigh finished her water, and when Bayu downed the rest of his, she took the cans into the pantry.
“You may not be able to get close to him with everyone crowded around. Come on.” Carleigh led him down the hallway, and sure enough, the room was full.
“Hey, can we get in here? Bayu wants to talk with Major.”
Anthony led Elle out of the room, followed by the twins. Tabitha was lying on the bed next to her mate.
Bayu approached the Gryphon. “I just wanted to say I’m sorry you were hurt, but I appreciate you being there.”
Major rubbed his hand up and down Tabitha’s arm. “It’s what we do. We all know the risks we take going up against evil like the Black Lotus. It helps that we have our own magic users, doctors, and computer specialists.”
“Speaking of doctors, where is Connor?” Carleigh asked.
Luna hadn’t gone far. She was leaning against the door. “He and Alyssa were being followed, so they had to make a detour.”
“Followed? Don’t tell me it was that fucker, Agent Stallings.”
“You mean former agent. They drove to the pet store instead of coming here. Connor couldn’t have helped anyway. The mages used magic on Major, so it took magic to fix him.”
Bayu asked the question that had been at the back of his mind ever since Carleigh told him Connor and Alyssa’s story. “Why hasn’t one of the Gryphons voiced Stallings?”
Tabitha scooted back so she was sitting beside Major instead of lying on his chest. “We’ve talked to Bas about it, and that’s one of the reasons we brought Erik down from New York.
We need more Gryphons here, and he is going to get with Connor and Gannon to discuss next steps.
We don’t want to make things worse by rushing in without a plan. ”
“You mean worse than him being fired and having even more time on his hands to stalk Alyssa?” Luna asked.
“Yes. With him being unemployed, he no longer has the GIA’s connections or computers at his disposal.”
“And that makes him even more of a wild card,” Carleigh added.
“But enough about him for now. Bayu has the journal from the Black Lotus that supposedly has the counter curse in it. We and the witches are going to my house to work on that. Major, like Bayu said, we’re glad you’re better. Thank you for being there.”
Major gave them a two-fingered salute. “No problem, but what is the plan for the rest of the cult? We know where their compound is. Are we going to take them out so they can’t continue to come after Bayu?”
Julian, who was standing quietly against the wall, answered. “Leave that to me.”
“What do you have planned, Dad?” Carleigh asked.
“I am going to get Dominic and the other males together. Barrett is still watching the compound. I texted him to keep the drones flying. Since Frey is on the West Coast, I’m calling on Jon to gather supplies. We’ll hit them during the night.”
“And by hit you mean…?”
“I mean annihilate the motherfuckers.”
Carleigh crossed the room and hugged her dad. “You want me to call Bas and tell him what’s going on?”