Chapter 11
Therian Palace, Friday, January 18, 2013, Morning
After a productive week spent recruiting vampires, Ash’s eagerness to return home to her mate and prepare for her parents’ visit had reached new heights. Luca’s reveal at the United Nations had gone far better than they had hoped, and he would be tied up in meetings for months ironing out supernatural/human relations. He’d promised to meet her at the palace on Friday.
Dani’s call informing her that their parents were coming had been a shock. They’d only said they had a wonderful surprise and would make their way to the palace on their own with the panthers. She didn’t know what to expect when she returned, but she couldn’t wait to find out.
The Horsemen had proven far more helpful and reliable than she would have predicted. They’d gotten the word out so effectively that Ash met with dozens of vampires each day wherever she was. She no longer had to seek them out.
That still left the rogues running wild and wreaking havoc, but baby steps. The Horsemen seemed to have switched sides, but it would take far longer than a week for her to trust them. Many of the new vampires were also in the probationary period when they were welcome but not trusted.
With her forces now numbering in the thousands, it was long past time to secure a compound with the space and versatility to house her army and serve as Gaia Vampira’s state seat. Picking a property was at the top of her priority list as her team flew to the Therian palace Friday morning.
They had space for just over a hundred vampires in the cave barracks Luca’s people had crafted, but it wasn’t the Therians’ responsibility to house her vampires. That was more unity than anyone was ready for. All the reports said the new vampires she’d left at the palace had fared well, and she wanted to keep it that way.
While Niletean handled the logistics of their flight, Ash relaxed and let her mind wander to what she should do next. She was confident that they had reached most of the vampires in this part of the world, but Ash had to plan on a global scale. According to the Horsemen, there were five million vampires worldwide, and without leadership, they would continue doing what they’d been made to do, which was kill. If Ash didn’t get control soon, they would think they could act as they liked, believing they were beyond her reach.
She had a vague plan but needed to talk to her sister. Dani’s unique skills, open mind, and creative problem-solving were exactly what Ash required to locate and recruit her vampires on a global scale. Her protective side hesitated to get Dani more involved in supernatural fuckery than she already was, but she knew her sister would not abandon her. Ash grinned, imagining the havoc Dani had wreaked during the week she’d been at the palace.
After securing a temporary vampire camp in a mountain valley a mile from the palace and sending the location to the night-bound sheltering in a nearby cave, Ash and the others returned to the palace. Luca wasn’t back, but Dani was there when Ash’s feet touched the ground, as were Kittania, Mikhail, Remy, the vampires she’d left behind, and hundreds of curious Therians.
Ash was swept up in a crush of people eager to speak to her and hear about her adventures. Viktorija and Euan disappeared shortly after landing, then slipped into the throne room through a side door as Ash spoke to the throng. She’d been thrilled to see another ornately carved throne next to Luca’s, although she remained standing. She was touched by the gesture of acceptance. When her recap finally drew to a close, Ash grabbed Dani and retreated to the quiet study Remy had designed for them to share.
“Dani, we have a lot to catch up on, but I need your help.”
Flipping her dark bob, Dani grinned as she dropped onto the overstuffed sofa. “Anything. What’s up?”
“I need your digital wizardry.”
Dani chuckled. “You said stalker wrong.”
Ash smiled. “Seriously, I need you to get on the computer and Winchester me the locations where people have been disappearing at an unusual rate.”
Dani’s laugh filled the room. “’Winchester’ is a verb now?”
Ash nodded confidently. “You bet your ass it is. That show is a million times cooler now that we know the hidden world exists. I wonder how much Supernatural lore is accurate. Vampires don’t come off well in the series, but if anything, the reality is worse. Some of them are likely still operating under Nadya’s last orders.”
“Fair point. I can get to work on it right away, and I might have a couple of locations before Mom and Dad arrive. They were super cagey about their visit. Do you have any idea what they’re up to? Uuka wouldn’t tell me.” Dani pouted.
Ash grinned. “Aw, poor thing. Your panther wouldn’t tell you their secret?”
“He’s not my panther,” Dani protested.
“Mmhm. Sure. Whatever you say.”
“Seriously!”
Ash shrugged. “Okay. I won’t argue with you. He’s not your panther.”
Dani growled and threw a couch pillow at Ash. “You’re a bitch and I hate you.”
“Eh, sometimes, and no, you don’t. You love me. I’m the best sister in the universe,” Ash teased. “You’re just frustrated that Uuka won’t let your budding romance stand in the way of his duty when you’re here, and he has to stay with our parents. Relax. Anyone could see he’s crazy about you. It will work out.”
Dani sighed and slumped. “I’m trying to trust it, but I’ve never felt like this with anyone. Not that I have much to compare to. I can’t stop thinking about him.”
Ash grinned. “I know, and It’s fucking adorable. Is that how I was with Luca?”
Dani snorted. “Was? You are worse. Much worse.”
Ash shrugged and smiled, unashamed. “That tracks. I am ridiculously in love with that man.”
“Okay, back to the task at hand. Where do you want me to start searching? Russia?”
Ash shook her head. “No. I can’t become predictable. With Eiko’s help, we can portal to practically anywhere. Nadya took thousands of people all over the world, and the Horsemen are doing a good job of getting the word to those who were turned against their will. They just keep showing up.
“It’s the other ones we need to find. Before she went into a frenzy at the end, Nadya chose her children for their inclination toward evil and desire to kill. With the big bitch gone, they might try to make families of their own.”
Dani grimaced. “Well, shit. That’s going to be a pleasant search.”
“I appreciate your help and willingness to do shitty jobs. I’m so glad you’re here. I don’t know how I would do this without you. You’re the best sister in the universe. I’m a close second.”
“You just say that because I agreed to murder-stalk for you,” Dani grumbled, though she grinned.
“Well, yeah. I love you, too. Both things can be true. Speaking of shitty jobs, it’s my turn to visit the UN next, so I have to delegate this next thing. Queens do that, right? I’m toying with the idea of sending the Horsemen. It will give them a chance to prove their loyalty and commitment, and if they turn traitor, I will hunt them down with the rest.”
“Fair enough.” Dani hopped up from the couch. “Move your ass, Your Highness. I need your computer.”
Ash let Dani take control of the desk and pulled a chair up on the other side, then went over the stack of papers waiting for her review. An hour later, Dani jumped up, clapping her hands and whooping with delight.
“Boom, baby! Winchestering is a verb. I am awesome.” Dani gestured at the computer screen. “Looks like you’re going to visit the Spanish countryside. Well, someone is.”
Ash laughed, intrigued by the results of Dani’s search. “I bow before you, Mistress of All Things. What’s going on in Spain?”
Dani sobered. “There has been a string of disappearances in a small area over the past week. We’re talking twenty people, and not a single body has been found.”
“That sounds suspicious. Vampires or not, someone needs to check out what’s going on, and it sounds like it might be our kind of thing. Thanks, Dani. We should shut it down for now. Mom and Dad will be here soon, with your panther.”
Dani didn’t try to hide her excitement. She had only been away from Uuka for a few days, but it felt like ages, and she was eager to see him again. They’d kept things casual so far, but she got tingles every time he touched her.
Dani let her vulnerability show since Ash was her sister and her safe place. “Do you think it’s more than a fling to him?”
Ash nodded. “I do. He looks at you like water in the desert. That can’t just be about sex.”
“We were living with our parents. We haven’t had sex,” Dani lamented.
Ash waggled her eyebrows. “You know, this is a huge palace. We can find you some privacy.”
“Have you had much privacy with your man?”
Ash’s shoulders slumped. “Not enough. It would be easier if we were ever in the damned palace at the same time. Tonight, we will get away. There’s something about his touch. It’s not just sexual, though there’s plenty of desire for that, too. Going too long without being with Luca leaves me feeling…‘empty’ is the best word for it. I don’t know how to explain it.”
“You don’t need to. I get it. I feel pulled to Uuka. None of the obstacles seem to matter to my heart or soul or vagina. Every part of me wants to be with him.”
Ash chuckled. “I hope you and your vagina get what you want. Uuka’s a great guy, and he seems to recognize your amazingness. Plus, shifter stamina is a gift from the gods.”
The sisters dissolved into giggles that made it seem like they were teenagers again. They continued to talk about the men in their lives until an alarm went off on Dani’s phone. “It’s time! Mom and Dad are here, and I promised we’d meet them in the throne room. Let’s go.”
Ash and Dani didn’t stop to talk to anyone as they eagerly dashed through the palace to meet their parents. They wanted to show Brian and Melinda the Therian and vampire worlds, and Ash was eager to see the panthers again. They’d become good friends during her visit at home.
They sat on the steps of the dais at the front of the throne room and eagerly waited for their guests to arrive. Neither expected a portal to form five feet in front of them, glowing with a spectacular gold light unlike any they’d seen.
“What the shiny fuck?” Ash pushed Dani behind her.
Uuka was the first to step through the portal, and while she remained confused, Ash stood down, realizing the portal wasn’t a new threat for them to face. Dani darted around Ash and threw herself into her panther’s arms. The Therian’s wide white smile stood out against his dark skin, and his yellow cat’s eyes gleamed with pleasure as he embraced Dani.
Uuka’s younger sister Chuki was the next through, followed by the other five panthers, Brian, Melinda, and a stunning woman she didn’t recognize but felt she should know. The goddess had cloaked her power and appeared human. Ash watched them, slack-jawed, as the portal closed and everyone looked at her.
“I don’t understand. H-how?” Ash stammered.
Melinda wrapped her daughter in a hug while Brian claimed Dani from Uuka. “Honey, we have big news for you. While you were busy conquering the vampire race, an old friend came to visit.” She drew Maerlin forward. “Ash, Dani,” Melinda continued, “Meet Maerlin.”
Maerlin smiled, allowing the cloak on her magic to fall away and the blinding power blazing within her to shine. Every Therian in the room dropped to their knees, recognizing her as their ancient deity. Ash and Dani just froze. Maerlin blushed and cloaked her powers again. “Oh, not again. Please get up. There’s no need for that.”
Ash laughed and offered a commiserating smile. “Does that kind of creep you out, too?”
The tension broke, and Maerlin nodded, shuddering. “It’s weird and unnecessary. Who wants everyone to bow to them?”
Ash grinned. “Not me. It’s an honor to meet you, Maerlin. I have so many questions.”
Maerlin tried to hold back the tears at the easy friendliness and acceptance Ash offered, but she failed. She didn’t have good relationships with many of her children since most of them were egomaniacal psychopaths, and the opportunity to do things differently with Ash lured her. Maerlin realized how desperately she wanted it.
“Oh, no. Please don’t cry.” Ash moved forward to hug Maerlin. “It’s okay. The questions can wait.”
Maerlin shook her head. “It’s not that,” she said between gasping breaths. “Damn it, I’ve messed it all up. I’ve practiced this so many times. I was going to be cool.”
Ash burst into laughter and hugged Maerlin tighter. “You’re doing just fine. I already know some things, so the initial shock has worn off.” She gestured at herself and Dani. “As for being cool, you do realize we are history majors, right? We’re nerds. Living history? Doesn’t get much cooler for us.”
Stepping back to give Maerlin space, she addressed the group. “Why don’t we find a comfortable place to sit and talk while we wait for Luca to return? I’m sure the cooks would put some snacks together. I’m sensing that intense storytime is in order. Until my mate returns, I would be honored to show you all Therian hospitality.”
Melinda took Maerlin’s hand and gave it a squeeze, then faced Ash. “That sounds wonderful, honey. Promise you’ll take me on a tour of the palace afterward. This place is beautiful.”
Ash smiled, pleased that the Therians blatantly eavesdropping had heard her mother praise their craftsmanship. “They did a spectacular job, didn’t they? Many of the artisans who created this marvel have volunteered to build the vampire castle when I choose a location. I was hoping you’d help me pick.”
Melinda’s smile was radiant. “Of course, sweetheart! I have to say, it’s nice that you still need us. We’re just simple humans, and you’re so much more. I’m glad we’re not superfluous.”
Ash looked at her parents with something akin to hero worship. “You might be human, but there’s nothing simple about you, and I will always need you. I don’t think you understand how incredible you are. You are the two chillest people in the world. How does all this not freak you out?”
Maerlin replied, “I asked the same thing. Your parents are extraordinary.”
Ash smiled. “They sure are.”
Niletean returned without Ash noticing his stealthy retreat and quietly informed her that he’d arranged for snacks to be served in the blue dining room. It was a comfortable, welcoming space designed to host thirty and would give them privacy, room for food, and plenty of comfortable places to sit and talk.
“Thank you, Niletean. You are the best. As always, you’re so efficient that you have solutions before I know there are problems.” Ash grinned.
He shrugged. “I did say you’d come to appreciate my skillset. I also informed the rest of the family in residence about our visitor, and they will join you there.”
“The absolute best!” She led the others toward the blue dining room.
Ash could feel Luca, and she figured his plane was over the Middle East by that point. She’d been testing the limits of her telepathy and their mating bond, which was more robust and reliable since the fight with Nadya.
Luca, can you hear me?
A rush of warmth and affection flooded her. I can.Is everything okay?
It’s wonderful! Listen, I don’t have long. MAERLIN IS HERE! Don’t bow when you meet her. She hates it as much as I do. Holy shit, I am freaking out. How is this reality? What do I do?
His laughter carried through the bond loud and clear, and Ash reveled in the sound. Just breathe, darling. Be yourself. There’s no way she can do anything but love you. I’ll be home soon.
Ash took a deep breath and opened the door, gesturing for the others to go ahead of her. You’d better. I love you. Be careful.
Ditto, love. Thanks for the heads-up.
They had just arrived in the dining room when the door opened again as Mikhail and Kittania entered. Dani was talking to one of their new guests, blocking her from view, but Mikhail smiled happily when he saw the Mosiers. He was fond of the humans who’d raised Ash and was pleased to see them again. Maerlin had cloaked her power, but Kittania looked at her intently when she stepped forward to be introduced.
“Do I know you?” Kittania asked. “You look familiar, and I feel we’ve met before.”
“We have.” Maerlin smiled. “I looked a bit different the last time you saw me.” She dropped the cloak and resumed the shape she’d worn when she met Kittania with a simple flick of her wrist. Maerlin favored a few faces and tended to rotate them by century. She then resumed the face the others knew as if it were nothing while the others gaped at the display.
“Maerlin?” Kittania gasped and glanced furiously at her nephew. “You just said we had a visiting royal dignitary!”
Niletean chortled. “You need more surprises in your life, Aunt Kitty.”
She growled. “If you weren’t my favorite, boy…”
Maerlin grinned, her attention on the two dragons until Mikhail stepped forward for his introduction.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Maerlin. I believe you knew my great-grandfather.” He offered her the respectful smile he would give any dignitary. He’d been alone for a long time and believed he was an old man, but he couldn’t deny his body’s response to the beautiful woman before him.
Her smile was filled with affection for her old friend. “Kairzundien was a good man. The world owes him a debt that can never be repaid. You look so much like him that it’s eerie.”
She held her hand out to shake his, but he bent at the waist and pressed a kiss to the back with the gallantry of a bygone era. When his skin touched hers, a shock ran through him, and he jumped. A tingling coolness spread from the point of contact over his entire body, and he felt almost drunk. Euphoric. Reckless. Flirty.
“I am so sorry! I didn’t mean to do that. I was thinking about my friend’s death, and when my emotions get stirred up, my magic can go wonky. It won’t hurt you, I promise. You’ll probably be lucky at whatever you attempt for the next few days.”
“’Probably?’” Ash asked, looking amused and concerned.
Mikhail aimed his silver fox charisma and charm at Maerlin, who blushed and looked embarrassed. “Lucky, you say?” He let a sultry smile curl the corners of his mouth. “I can work with that. Gods, you’re beautiful.”
Viktorija burst out laughing, having walked into the room in time to catch her grandfather’s flirtatious comment. “What the hell did you do to Mikhail? Is he drunk? We can’t get drunk.”
Maerlin groaned and covered her face. “I am so sorry.”
Mikhail threw an arm around her shoulders. “It’s okay, milady.” He leaned in to stage-whisper, “That’s not a lance in my pocket. I’m happy to see you.” He chuckled, and Maerlin turned a deeper shade of red.
Maerlin was not unaffected by the handsome man. She might even flirt back if he wasn’t punch-drunk from an unintentional zap of her magic. This was agony. Ash and Dani were giggling in the corner at Mikhail’s antics, and Kittania looked at the older dragon like he’d grown another head. She might laugh at the story…in a couple of centuries.
She desperately wanted Ash in a happy, relaxed mood. When Luca returned, Maerlin had to drop serious truth bombs on her. She couldn’t deny the joy of seeing her daughter happy and thriving and the need for her to continue doing so. Now immortal, Ash truly was one of Maerlin’s children and more of a hybrid than she imagined. However, she could leave Ash in the dark about her heritage for a little longer.
Maerlin was saved from having to respond by the entrance of the kitchen staff to deliver a vast selection of gourmet snacks. Maerlin smiled gratefully and slipped toward the food. She moaned in delight when she tasted the first treat and loaded her plate. She stopped to personally thank each of the servants who’d delivered the food and asked that they pass along her sincere thanks for the best viands she’d tasted in centuries.
“Fucking hell, that looks and smells amazing,” Ash grumbled under her breath from the other side of the room. “I miss food.” Her words came out in a wistful sigh.
Maerlin hid her smile, happy that there was one perk she could offer Ash amid the chaos she was about to dump on her.
Elsewhere in the palace, Benji stood from the reading table and stretched. His stomach rumbled, telling him he needed to find something for lunch. As usual, he took four or five books with him, leaving the bag behind to haul the entire stack. While walking toward the kitchens, Benji heard voices and laughter from one of the smaller dining rooms. Curiosity was fundamental to who he was, so he knocked and poked his head in when someone called for him to enter.
The first person Benji saw was a blonde woman who blazed with more power than he had ever seen. She must be the king’s mate, though the woman was not a vampire. He’d met plenty of those during his time at the palace. He saw a human couple in their late forties he didn’t recognize, the palace”s favorite human Dani, the surviving members of the royal family, and…
His gaze stopped on Maerlin, who turned around with her plate. She felt his regard and met his gaze. The owl froze, his yellow eyes going wide. Then they rolled back in his head, and he collapsed with his stack of books. Maerlin caught him before he hit the stone, eased him down, and cradled his head.
“That was an unusual reaction.” Maerlin looked concerned. “Is he okay?”
When Benji regained consciousness, he saw that Maerlin held him and fainted again.
She levitated his body to one of the sofas and moved toward the door to be out of his sight. “Perhaps it’s best if I’m not the first thing he sees when he wakes up. I’m sorry. It’s always weird when I’m around new people. I swear I didn’t do any magic.”
An amused laugh sounded behind her, and Maerlin turned to find Luca standing in the doorway. “Don’t worry. It’s not magic. Benji’s your biggest fan.”
The owl in question gasped and sat bolt upright, his sand-colored hair disheveled and his face frantic. “Where is she?” He jumped up and anxiously looked around the room until he saw Maerlin.
“Oh, my. You’re really here,” he marveled. “Why does everyone think you have a beard?”
Maerlin burst out laughing and shrugged. “It was a phase, but it seems to have made an impression.”
Benji was on the verge of dropping to his knees. Ash caught his elbow before he could, moving without thought. Don’t. She hates that.
Benji shot her a grateful smile. He realized who she was a second before he realized what she was. Another voice entered his mind.
I haven’t told her yet. Please, let me.
He gave an almost imperceptible nod and turned back to Maerlin. “How can you be here?”
With Benji distracted, Ash was across the room and in Luca’s arms without consciously moving. She was just there, looking up at him with all her love.
“Honey, I’m home.” He claimed her mouth for a kiss.
“I see that. Welcome home. We have guests. Come meet Maerlin.”
Taking his hand, Ash pulled him over to the goddess, bursting with eagerness to introduce her mate. “Maerlin, this is Luca. He’s just returned from revealing the supernatural world and moving us into Earth’s Magic Age.”
Luca offered a warm, respectful smile, but he did not bow. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Maerlin. I’ve heard so much about you.”
She scoffed. “All lies, I’m sure.”
“They’re not!” Benji called as he scribbled notes on a napkin, cursing his decision to leave his bag in the library. “I have eyewitness accounts.”
Maerlin sent him a look of mock disapproval. “Oh, hush, owl. I’m trying to be humble.”
Luca tried and failed to hold back a snort. “He has studied you obsessively for centuries. Benji is a walking encyclopedia of Maerlin lore. You can’t pull off humility with him around. Might as well find a way to adapt. We need him.”
Maerlin knew about and liked the owl shifters, and Benji’s presence here meant they were concerned about the rift, too. She made a mental note to talk to him when there was time. For now, she had to tell Ash many things.
“I suppose I’ll have to get used to it, then,” Maerlin replied. “Ash, I need to tell you some difficult things. Now that your mate is here, can we talk?”