Chapter 2
New Therian Palace, Tuesday, January 8, 2013, Night
When they stepped through the portal into the Therian palace, Ash gaped at the change. They walked into the wildest party she’d ever seen, with all kinds of shapeshifters celebrating the end of the eons-long war.
Viktorija whisked her off to a quiet room to change into something suitable for a future queen while Luca got everyone settled for the announcement. It took an hour to calm everyone, but Ash welcomed the reprieve. Viktorija kept the conversation light and helped her stay calm as doubts assailed her. She’d fallen asleep before cleaning up from her fight with Nadya. Ash washed off the blood and dressed in a stunning strapless purple gown that covered the healing wound in her chest with gemstones at the neckline and a high slit to showcase her toned legs. Viktorija finished the look with a pair of six-inch black Louboutin stilettos and dark makeup that highlighted Ash’s eyes and let her blonde hair fall down her back in waves.
Kittania joined them, crossing the room to Ash, the expression in her silver eyes conveying her intense relief at seeing her alive and well. The dowager queen put her hands on Ash’s cheeks and kissed her forehead.
“I don’t care if you are human, a vampire, or a damned yeti,” Kittania said. “You’ve saved my son and me again and given Theriankind the freedom to rebuild.”
Kittania pulled Ash into a hug, letting go when Ash gasped from the pressure on her wound. The queen mother mouthed an apology.
“Speaking of rebuilding, what happened to the vampires?” Ash asked when the frenzy of activity faded. “After the battle, when they were all losing it, what did we do with them?”
Viktorija smiled. “Most of them put up no resistance, and they are unconscious or in shock on the second basement level. We thought all the ones she brought could stand it, but we didn’t know what you wanted to do with them.
“They’re secured and don’t appear to have much fight left. Jules’ traitor Therians never even made it into the palace. They were captured or killed, and when it became obvious that they were hopelessly outmatched, many fled.”
Luca opened the door, stopping short to stare at Ash. He’d changed since he left them, and he wore a tailored charcoal-gray suit that clung to his frame. “You look great. Purple is your color.”
Keep the dress. Please. I need to peel that off your body and ravage you.
Ash grinned at his horny mental plea, which came through their bond just fine. Arousal and danger seemed to be the most reliable feelings to share.
As long as you keep the suit. I have some very naughty fantasies we can explore.
Damn it, woman! I’m going to be hard throughout this ceremony. Are you happy with yourself?
Ash grinned and ran her hand over his dark tie, changing it to the same shade as her dress as she pressed her soft body against his hard length. She did the same thing with the handkerchief in his jacket pocket as her other hand grazed his erection, then stepped back to observe her handiwork with a pleased grin.
“I wasn’t sure if that was going to work,” she admitted, stretching up to press a kiss to his cheek and whisper into his ear. “I am thrilled with the result, Lord Hotpants.” Her eyes twinkled with mischief as she pulled away.
Luca laughed. “I like it. I wouldn’t bet against you being able to do anything you try, darling. You are a dangerous woman. Are you ready? It’s time.”
All she had to do was walk in there with her head held high and tell them what happened. Ash had always been an honest person, and telling her truth to a massive room packed with people staring at her would be uncomfortable. Although, as Viktorija had pointed out, she’d already died that day. How bad could public speaking be?
Luca offered his arm, and Ash took it, grateful to lean on him. The nap had helped, but the ragged wound in her chest was healing much slower than it should have. It drained her energy, though her other wounds were gone. He led her through the stone corridors to the new throne room, which was as cavernous as its predecessor. They entered through a side corridor, emerging at the front of the room to the left side of the raised platform that spanned the far wall, with a balcony above. Reinforcing her mental barriers as Eiko had taught her, Ash took a deep breath and stepped through the doorway with her mate.
Ash hadn’t made it ten steps before the crowd spotted her and began cheering. Luca escorted her to the center of the dais, where everyone could see her. Then he turned to Ash, bowed his head, and knelt. She gasped at the message he was sending to his people, who went silent. The high king of the Therians, who bowed to no one, had knelt to her.
What the shiny fuck, Luca? A warning would have been nice.
She could feel his amusement through the bond.
To give you the chance to back out or overthink it? This is the message we need to send. Relax, my love.
The crowd stared at them in shock for what felt like an eternity before the whole crowd dropped to one knee. Ash looked around the room in wonder and tried not to giggle as intrusive thoughts of high school football games and marching bands washed over her still easily distracted mind.
There were probably ten thousand Therians pressed shoulder to shoulder, and she was the only one on her feet. The sight humbled her, and Ash felt something else unidentifiable shift within. Ash realized that she wanted to be the coregent and stand beside Luca as they guided their people through a new era of vampires and Therians joined in cooperation rather than war. As much as she wanted it, she would never deserve it.
I will spend my life striving to be worthy of this honor and do right by these people,Ash vowed.
Luca rose and took her hand. He knew she didn’t understand the gravity of the gesture in their culture or how few people had ever been given such respect without fear fueling it. Ash took a hesitant step forward, more uncomfortable with the extended kneeling by the moment.
“Thank you so much.” Ash hated the quiver in her voice, which dominated the silent room. She was unnerved when every eye in the room turned toward her, but she didn’t let it stop her. She continued in a steadier voice, “I am honored and humbled by your respect and this wonderful gesture. Please, stand up. That can’t be comfortable, and you’ve all been through so much in the past few days. You must be tired.”
Ash swayed at the strength of the affection the crowd directed at her expression of concern about their comfort and well-being. She needed to work on her mental barriers. Luca couldn’t wipe the grin off his face as he stood beside Ash and brought her hand to his lips before he faced the crowd.
“As you can see, the rumors are true. Some of you started whispering that I’d taken a mysterious human lover when I came home for Alle’s wedding,” Luca said, wincing internally at the reminder of his loss. “We were only colleagues at that point, but finding one’s true mate leaves a mark on a dragon. After my dear sister crashed into the war room towing a vampire, more of you grasped the big picture.”
He turned back to Ash, adoring every graceful curve and regal feature. “They figured out that the only reason a human would willingly turn vampire to save a Therian prince was for love.”
Ash smiled, the love she bore for him shining through. She glowed for a moment before it faded. “They were correct. You can’t discount being stupid and selfless for a noble cause, though.”
“We already pledged our fealty to the king, my lady,” one of the Therians near the front of the room interrupted. “We’ve come to hear the tale of how you defeated Nadya and to pledge our allegiance to the woman who will be queen.”
After freezing for a moment to absorb the shock of what he said and the murmurs of agreement from the rest of the room, Ash sighed in relief. She could work with this. It was a far better reception than she had hoped for. She’d expected to start by having to convince them that she wasn’t evil. “I can do story time. Just one second, let me do something so everyone can hear.” She turned to Luca. “Do they even speak English?”
He smiled and shook his head. “Most know a few words, but many won’t understand.”
“They all speak Russian?”
He nodded. “Everyone who lives here and all the diplomats. It’s been the official royal language for centuries.”
“Okay, we can work around that.” Ash reached out to Eiko. She could feel the witch watching from the balcony above. Her new powers were handy, even if they came with mental instability and a metric shit-ton of trauma.
Eiko-sensei, I need your help! Can you do something that translates my words into Russian and amplifies my voice?
Ash felt Eiko’s amusement. I can do better than that with your consent. You’ve been through so much. We can cut corners on your Russian lessons with magic.
Seriously? Yes! Arigato, Eiko-sensei. Ash found her mentor in the small crowd on the balcony and bowed her head in respect and thanks. A cold tingle washed over her, starting at her head and trickling down. Her throat tightened, and she whispered to test the effect.
“Luca, am I speaking Russian right now?” Her voice came out as if she were speaking normally, confirming the efficacy of Eiko’s translation spell. Effortlessly, her tongue shaped the foreign words, and Ash grinned when her mate looked surprised.
“Yes, and with a flawless accent that carries a hint of Japan.” He was impressed by what they’d done. “Please, tell your story, love. It will make them respect you more than my words can.”
Ash turned back to the waiting Therians and smiled warmly. They were her people now. “This should work a little better. I want us to understand each other. If you’re here for a story, I suppose I’d better start at the beginning, and since I’m to be your queen, I must be honest.
“My name is Ashlynn Mosier, but everyone calls me Ash. Until a few months ago, I was an American college student. A human, as far as I knew.” Her words came out in flawless Russian that carried to every ear in the room. Many onlookers’ jaws dropped in surprise.
Luca, I’m going to tell them everything. They need to know to accept me.
Share whatever you want to, Ash. This is your story to tell. You have my support, however you want to do this.
“I met your king when he was my history professor, in exile and living as a human. He became my boss when I accepted a position as his teaching assistant, and we started spending more time together. We got closer when my father fell ill, and soon after that, vampires attacked me. They said my spark had called them.
“I fought off the first one with a knife I always carry since I was attacked by a murderer when I was ten. He killed my best friend’s mother and came after her. My father and I got in the way, and both of us sustained substantial injuries, but the murderer didn’t get to Dani. My parents adopted her and raised Dani as my sister. Some of you might have seen her at the funeral. She’s pure human. Anyway, we trained relentlessly, determined that neither of us would ever be a victim again.”
Ash paused and said a silent prayer of thanks for her father and his encouragement.
“That training allowed me to surprise the first vampire, and Luca arrived before the second one could kill me. That’s when he told me about the spark. I was born human to a family of humans, though there seems to have been a witch or two among my ancestors, but the thing that makes me different is Maerlin.”
The crowd gasped, recognizing the name of the legendary shapeshifter. Snippets of feelings slipped past Ash’s barriers, and she realized that many saw Maerlin as Gaia or Mother Earth. Ash having a connection to a being of incomprehensible power left them stunned and made her instantly worthy in the eyes of those who worshipped the oldest gods.
“During one of her human lives, Maerlin was a fertility doctor who befriended my mother and helped her conceive. I don’t know the whole story, so I’ll make some educated guesses. Maerlin was a frequent presence in my life until I was two. She’d seen the magic growing within me and knew I wasn’t ready to handle it yet, so she placed a seal on my soul to bind my powers. I wouldn’t want a toddler running around with the power to level cities, either. That seal held until I met Luca.
“As you know, ‘the spark’ identifies a person as a descendant of Maerlin, however distant. I suspect mine is this strong because science wasn’t enough. I think she used her magic to help my mother conceive, tying her life force to mine and making me one of her children.
“Not long after that, Luca and I formed our mating bond, and I began having prophetic dreams that told me I needed to stay at my mate’s side. The next day, we received word that Nikoli had imprisoned the queen, and we immediately came here to help. When Nadya captured Luca, intending to turn him, I had no choice but to act. Through magic and willing sacrifice, I became a vampire, though not of Nadya’s making, hoping to make myself strong enough to withstand the fight I saw in my dreams. I was at Luca’s side when Nikoli fell, using my power to protect my mate.”
Ash paused again, and her voice was thick with emotion when she continued. “I don’t regret turning since it kept him alive, though it also meant we couldn’t be together at first. I would not jeopardize his claim to the throne by causing division among the Therians, and few of you could have accepted a vampire as anything but evil, with good reason.
“I understand why Therians feel the way they do about vampires, so I set out to prove that my new nature didn’t make me a monster. First, I returned home to my parents. Luca had left a prowl of panthers to protect them, and they fought with me when vampires and Therians attacked a home in my neighborhood to draw me into the open beyond the protective wards.”
The crowd gasped again, muttering in dismay that their people had aligned with Nadya. She gave them a moment to process that before speaking again.
“I was working to develop my magic with Eiko when I experienced the most intense vision I’d ever had, showing me Ivanna and Niletean captured but alive. Angry about slavery being abolished, some Therians chose to continue their abhorrent practices.”
Ash struggled to hold her composure when exhaustion slammed into her without warning. Her chest ached.
Can I get a chair? I feel woozy.
There’s a perfectly good throne right behind you.
I am not sitting on it by myself.
Ash yelped in shock when Luca swept her off her feet and carried her to the throne, then sat and settled her on his lap. “What my mate won’t tell you is that she is still recovering from severe injuries after killing Nadya and shouldn’t be standing for so long. Please, continue.”
Several people laughed, but they looked happy to see their king relaxed and in love. Alpha shifters protected those in their care, particularly their mates, so it was fitting that their king showed care and concern for his mate’s well-being.
Ash continued her story. “I called Luca to warn him about the captives and relay their location. He sent a rescue team, but I had another vision that revealed the trap before they completed the mission. The captives had been left with few guards when Jules sent the bulk of his forces to attack the palace.
“Eiko and I created a series of portals to get here from America fast, and we arrived in time to warn Luca and Viktorija that Nadya was using the Therian slavers’ rebellion to cover her attack. Nadya had witches open portals into the palace, believing it was undefended. I’d found Viktorija and stopped the deaths I saw in my vision when I realized Nadya was here.”
Ash was silent as thousands of shifters cheered since the sound assaulted her sensitive ears. After they’d quieted, Ash leaned forward, her expression conspiratorial and her tone teasing. “That’s the end of the story.” She stood up.
Luca growled playfully and pulled her back into his lap. “Be nice. You’ve got them enthralled.”
She laughed and turned back with a warm smile. “Just kidding. Here’s the part of the story you want to hear. The king and I faced Nadya. She’d holed up in the royal chambers and was giving a speech as she sent her children to die.
“I’m not ashamed to admit that she kicked my ass during the first part of the fight. I was woefully overconfident and underestimated her abilities without understanding mine. Nadya ripped the sunstone out of my chest, which removed my ability to withstand sunlight. My skin blackened and flaked off as I burned, but I didn’t die, or not dead-dead.
“As I lay there burning, the last of the seal Maerlin had put on my soul and my powers broke, unleashing the full strength of my spark in an explosion of light and magic that vaporized Nadya’s minions and freed the king from her dark bindings.
“Wielding that power and light, I bound Nadya as she had bound me with her darkness. Using an ancient spell, I untied the knots in her curse and broke her connection to the magic that fueled her evil. I forged my hand into a blade crafted from the light of the spark and thrust it into her chest, ripped out her black heart, and ended her life.
“Then Luca cut off her head. I still say that was a little much since she was already dead. The fight was over, but my new magic was messing with my head. I’ve never been telepathic, so I needed time to get used to having other people in my mind. Luca took me somewhere isolated so I could recover and tuck myself back into my brain. I had a nap, and we returned here to talk to you.” She glanced at her mate. “That’s everything, right?”
He nodded. “You hit the important bits but left out the parts that showcase your incredible bravery and selflessness.” He pulled her back against his chest, repositioning her on his lap so he could address the gathered Therians. “Normally, I would stand and address you formally, but I am disinclined to move.”
The crowd laughed, and Ash saw smiles on the faces watching them. Kittania cleared her throat from the doorway and looked at her son apologetically. “I’m sorry, dear, but I must interrupt for a moment. I have something to say, and I want everyone present to hear it.”
Luca waved her to the center of the platform. “Please proceed, Mother.”
The crowd burst into wild applause and cheers since the queen mother had the love and loyalty of the people. Kittania turned to the gathered Therians with a happy smile.
“This young woman deserves our eternal gratitude.” Kittania shifted to catch Ash’s gaze. “Thank you, Ashlynn, for everything you’ve done for Luca and our family. Your family now. You saved my son’s life, my life, and the lives of countless Therians and humans. I could not be happier or prouder to claim you as my family.”
Kittania faced the people. “She bonded her soul to his despite the danger and sacrificed her human life to protect him. She did it believing she could never be with Luca again because Therians would never accept a vampire. Because we needed him to lead us through the chaos after the battle was over.
“Time and time again, Ash put our needs before hers. At first, I was furious that my son would turn from our traditions and defile the royal bloodline with a human, but I was wrong.”
Kittania stopped and smiled at Ash before returning her attention to the crowd. “No one else has ever made such a sacrifice. She saved our people not once but twice, and not just the king but all Therians. She gave her life for us twice, and we must respect her.” Kittania bowed to Ash, straightening with a smile on her face. “She is to be treated as you would treat a Therian queen since she will hold the title once she and Luca are married.”
Ash’s heart stopped beating, and her stomach was somewhere around her knees, or that’s how it felt. What the hell was happening? Holy shit. She glanced at Luca and saw his delighted expression. None of the royals had objected or screamed, and her mate looked thrilled. It was a far better response than they could have hoped for, and she wanted to join in his happiness, but she was about to destroy it.Shit.
Ash could still feel the rage and confusion radiating from Nadya’s surviving children. Even though she had no direct connection to them, they were broadcasting their feelings so strongly that she couldn’t avoid the dark miasma hovering at the edge of her consciousness. They directed every ounce of that fury at her, and she knew they would come for her after they had a chance to regroup.
Luca gazed at her, and his joy faded. Ash mouthed, “I’m sorry,” then stepped away and addressed the Therians. “No.” Her voice easily carried over the murmured conversations, and they immediately cut off.“Don’t misunderstand me. I want to marry Luca more than I have ever wanted anything in my life.”
Her eyes stung, and she brushed away a teardrop. Everyone stared at her, and she worried the crowd’s tolerant mood would turn.She turned back to Luca, sad now.“I can’t marry you yet.”
She forced the words past the lump in her throat. “Nadya’s children are coming for me, and I can’t risk the palace or the people again. The Therians and their allies have suffered enough, and the battles aren’t over. If I stay here, more people will die.”
“Pardon me, lassie, but that’s shite,” Euan Frazier, the Scottish berserker wolf in the doorway, growled. “We’ve claimed you, and we protect our own. Ye cannae back out now.”
Thousands of voices shouted in agreement, but Ash groaned. “Vampires aren’t the only threat! The rebel Therians still want to kill the king and usurp the throne. If they join forces with Nadya’s surviving vampires, who are royally pissed at me, the results could be devastating.”
Euan shrugged. “Let them come.”
Ash’s desperation to make them understand grew. “I can’t let that happen. I have to establish a position of power among the vampires and become their queen before someone else claims the job.”
Euan nodded. “That’s a bonnie plan. Ah cannae understand why you have to do it alone.”
Ash thought she was making the right decision, but the Therians seemed determined to join her in the next stage of the fight. It’s not about me or even us. Therian lives are what matter, but if they know the risks, they can choose. I demanded that of Luca.
Luca took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. She sometimes forgot that he could hear her thoughts when the bond cooperated.“My mate is unwilling to put your lives in danger for her sake. She is not used to being protected because she’s a protector.”
One of the foreign kings stepped forward. “Forgive me, but I don’t understand. What you did was impressive, but your work is now finished. Why risk yourself further? We offer you protection, yet you refuse it.”
“That’s the right thing to do, damn it! How can I hope to be worthy of ruling if I sit in safety while others risk their lives?” Ash shouted, her amplified voice ringing off the stone walls. She took a deep breath and continued in a more reasonable tone.
“You’ve all heard of Zia. When Nadya turned her against her will, she vowed to help destroy her. Zia carried her helpless daughter miles to safety. She has never taken a human life in bloodlust. I don’t believe she is the only one who was turned against her will, and I think many will join us if we offer them another path.
“I don’t want to eradicate the vampires. You all know the power a corrupt leader can wield over their subjects. I need to find the ones who still cling to their humanity. If I’m to be Luca’s queen and rule at his side, the Therians won’t be the only people in my care. However, you’re correct that I don’t need to face this challenge alone.
“If I take the easy path to the throne, I will never gain your respect, and discord will grow among you. I don’t want to be the manipulative human who weaseled her way into the king’s bed and stole his heart.”
Viktorija snorted. “When have you taken the easy path to anything, dear sister?”
“It has to be like this,” Ash insisted. “When the initial thrill of our victory fades and you realize a vampire is on the Therian throne, I have to be able to defend my right to be there. Millennia of prejudice and hatred won’t vanish overnight. Eventually, someone will say that I’m filth who has no business on that throne. I have to be able to look them in the eyes and smile, knowing I fought and offered my life and soul to stand beside the king.”
Silence followed her words. Then, the crowd erupted in cheers. They smiled and laughed, shouting that she must be a Russian because she fit right in. Many called wishes for good luck to Luca, who would struggle to manage such a feisty mate.
Ash grumbled as she buried her face in Luca’s neck, “They’re not going to change their minds, are they?”
Luca laughed and held her close. “After that? Not an ice cube’s chance in hell. We’re keeping you.”