Chapter 13
Enfield, New York, Friday, December 14, 2012
The Mosiers acted like they’d always been aware of the supernatural world. They’d known Uuka and his pride were guarding their home, but the Therians had mostly kept their distance. Since Ash and Dani returned, the panthers had been daily visitors.
They’d left their home in Kenya to avoid conflict with another Therian clan and the encroaching humans. Uuka’s prowl was small, and the opportunity to directly serve the Therian king in a new country had appealed to them. The panthers were loyal to Luca, and they took their duty seriously.
The attack on the Addams’ house had rankled them.
Uuka had performed mental gymnastics to convince the authorities that the house had burned in an explosion after a gas leak. He’d sent the Addams to stay with family in Ohio while they waited for the insurance settlement to be paid. The experience had been so traumatic for them that Uuka hadn’t had to work very hard to convince them when he proposed an alternate explanation that made more sense than what they’d seen.
After Abuya’s inexcusable betrayal of their honor and the sacred mission they’d been entrusted with, Uuka had called his panthers together for a meeting with the Mosiers. The tall black man paced the room in agitation, moving with the grace of a cat even in human form. His Therians had lined up against the wall, though Abuya was bound. Ash and Dani sat on the loveseat, and Brian huddled close to Melinda on one side of the sofa.
“You were the victims of this coward’s broken honor, and that entitles you to a say in what happens with him,” he told the Mosiers. Uuka turned to his people. “You all know how I feel about the value of a man’s word and how little use I have for those I cannot trust. However, we are stepping into this new life together, and I want to give you a voice you didn’t have in our homeland.”
Chuki caught his gaze and nodded. “We all know why you broke away from the prowl to create this one, brother. I will follow you anywhere without question for that alone, but I want to hear what Abuya has to say in his own defense before we make a decision.”
Uuka nodded. “Of course. I do not do any of this lightly, and his reasons matter. Whether they matter more than his betrayal remains to be seen.” He gestured at Abuya, who shuffled to the center of the room.
His gaze remained fixed on Uuka. “There is no excuse for my behavior. I shamed myself so thoroughly that it would take an eternity to recover from it, and I dishonored all of you.” Abuya shook his head. “I was afraid and angry. I did not believe a vampire such as she could exist and I acted without thinking. Our traditions demand you execute me as a traitor, but I humbly request that this new journey begin with forgiveness and a chance to make amends.”
Abuya swallowed and turned to Ash. His expression showed her more about his feelings than she thought he wanted it to, including the naked longing for another chance in his eyes. “I was wrong, incredibly wrong, and I beg your forgiveness for my doubt. I now see that you will be a force of change in our world. If Uuka will not have me in his pack, I will pledge my long life to your service so I can be part of it.”
Ash considered his words. “What makes you think that I would ever trust you or want someone who’d acted as you have at my side? Are you just trying to keep your enemies close?”
Abuya hung his head, then shook it. “I…I am ashamed that I fell victim to old prejudices. The leader I trust with my life told me you were different, but I could not believe that of a vampire. I have no doubts now.
“Your actions say everything I need to know, and I will regret what I did every single day of my life, however long that is. Letting me live and letting me serve are not the same. After seeing the truth and hearing your plans for the future, I see a purpose and a cause worth dying for. Please, don’t let me die an unredeemed fool.”
Ash could feel the truth of his words. If she gave him a chance, he would be her fiercest and most loyal defender. The human part of her mind questioned how someone could change so much in such a short time, but the vampire knew that people made rash decisions inspired by uncontrolled emotions. Could she forgive him? Yes, and she didn’t want more blood on her hands. Could she trust him in the future?
She evaluated the situation from every angle, but in the end, Ash went with her instincts. “I do not want you to lose your life for a single mistake if you don’t have a history of betrayal. From what I know about Uuka, you wouldn’t be here if you did. I knew many Therians would have trouble accepting me at all, let alone as the mate of their high king. I can’t fault you for not trusting a vampire.
“I’ve seen the devastation caused by an uninformed decision and the power of redemption. All bullshit aside, my gut tells me more about you than your words. Although, I’d like to see it from your point of view if you’re willing to share the memories.”
Abuya eagerly agreed and Ash was immersed in a montage that began with the heart-wrenching scene of the panther as a child crying over his mother after vampires had killed her. He’d had many interactions with them throughout his life, all negative. She felt his pride in their mission and his confusion when she’d arrived with crimson eyes. He’d fought an intense internal battle about whether she could be as she claimed before he’d acted. Ash returned to her mind and looked sad.
“Did you ever think to talk to me? I would have freely shared my memories with you if Uuka’s word wasn’t enough. This was unnecessary and your actions put innocent lives in danger. If it was only me you’d put at risk, I could let it go, but I am furious. I also believe that you made a terrible mistake and regret it. If Uuka allows you to live but exiles you from the prowl, I’ll find a place for you. If nothing else, your continued existence proves first impressions don’t tell the whole story about me. We can discuss repercussions later.”
Uuka considered Ash’s words for a long time. He’d brought Abuya with him because he was a loyal friend. He thought about the many times they’d hunted vampires who encroached on their territory and recognized that prejudice against the entire race was strong among his people. He’d had the advantage of viewing Ash’s memories. He could forgive, but he would never forget.
“I’m not going to kill you,” Uuka stated. When the other man’s shoulders sagged in relief, he continued. “But I haven’t yet decided if I can trust you as a member of my prowl. That will depend on your behavior. You’ve got a lot to make up for, but our new king and his mate are leading by example. They have chosen the path of tolerance and redemption, and we shall tread it alongside them.”
He looked at the other Therians. “Do any of you object?” They all shook their heads, too relieved to speak. “Then the matter is settled. I will decide upon the consequences of your actions and your fate in my prowl in a few days. Until then, I expect you to show us all that you are a worthwhile ally.”
“Anyone in your group who has questions should ask them,” Ash offered. “My honesty will go a long way toward clearing up misconceptions and illustrating the differences between the other vampires you interacted with in the past and me.”
The panthers relaxed since the threat of Abuya’s death was gone. They engaged in a lively question-and-answer session in which they learned more about the kind of woman and vampire Ash was, her unique spark, and the humans who’d raised her.
After she’d answered all their questions about her past, they asked about the future, and her answers weren’t as sure. However, when she mentioned her martial arts training and the need to hone her skills to vampiric levels with a partner who could withstand the blows, all of them volunteered to set up a sparring schedule. Ash would stay busy, and the home dojo Brian had installed during their competition years would get some use.
Chuki stepped forward, grinning. Her skin was dark brown like Uuka’s, but she had deceptively delicate high cheekbones and a tall, lithe frame. She moved with feline grace, and her long black braids swung behind her like a tail. Her almond-shaped eyes were amber, and they sparkled with mirth. “Now that that’s settled, you two need to go dress for a workout.”
Dani groaned. “Don’t we get breakfast first?”
Chuki laughed and pulled Dani up from the couch. “Breakfast is for people who know how to defend themselves against Therians and vampires. You may have no plans to change your human status, but you’re going to fight like you are supernatural.”
“Well, damn. I can’t argue with that,” Dani muttered. “Give me five minutes, and I’ll meet you in the dojo. Ash, remember to switch out your sun ring before you go outside.”
They spent the first hour running through drills to gauge their respective levels of expertise and areas where they could improve. The female panthers, Chuki, Bishara, and Kioni, started off easy, not wanting to discourage Ash and Dani.
“I’m impressed with your body control,” Kioni told Dani. “Your reflexes are human, but you use your strengths to your advantage and compensate for your weakness.” The Therian shot her a knowing look. “You’ve been hurt, haven’t you?”
Dani returned the look with a cocky smile and nodded. “Never again, though. So, what can we do to keep me alive?” She glanced at Ash, who was sparring with Chuki. Their movements were so fast that they registered as blurs. “She is my sister, and I will be dead on the ground before I let her go into another battle without me. Once was enough. I need to adapt.”
Bishara stalked up behind Dani, moving silently. She wanted to test the human’s senses, so she sent her intention to Kioni mind to mind. Don’t look at me. I want to see how she reacts.
Dani jumped and spun in a fluid movement when Bishara swept her leg across the mat to knock her over. Bishara’s momentum sent her to the floor, and Dani landed with a fist an inch from the panther’s face and a satisfied grin on her face.
“Growing up, I spent more time in this dojo than my bedroom.” Dani stepped back and offered Bishara a hand. “I know every inch of this damned tatami mat like my own skin. There was a tiny variation in the tension from that last step you took before sweeping the leg. Anywhere else in the world, you’d have had me dead to rights.”
Bishara took Dani’s hand and hopped to her feet, smiling. “I like you, human. Our clan was isolated, and I haven’t had much contact with your people. Are they all like you?”
Dani laughed. “No, thank God. I don’t think Earth could handle seven billion editions of me.”
“Holy shit, no. They broke the mold with you, Dani girl,” Ash called from across the room without breaking the flow of her inhumanly fast dodges and strikes.
Ash grinned as she and Chuki traded blows. It felt fantastic to test her abilities without worrying that she would hit someone too hard and cause permanent injury. Chuki was a fierce fighter who moved with feline grace, and Ash’s control grew with every exchange.
The panther’s punches hurt like hell, which motivated Ash to learn to avoid them. She ducked a right hook and spun, knocking Chuki’s legs out from under her in a movement that looked practiced and coordinated. She’d expected the woman to fall on her back, but she’d been surprised. Arching her body in a way that didn’t seem possible for a human, Chuki flipped in the air and landed in a crouch.
“Fuck, that was cool!” Ash exclaimed. “Can you teach me to move like that, or is it a panther thing?”
Chuki shrugged. “I’m not sure, but we can try. My instincts drive me never to end up on the ground with my vulnerable parts exposed, but that holds true for any species.”
After the second hour of intense sparring, Dani’s stomach growled. “Seriously. I am withering away to nothing over here. I know why Ash doesn’t care, but how are you all not starving?” Dani demanded, wiping sweat from her forehead with a towel. “I am officially on strike until I get some food.”
The others chuckled and followed Dani to the kitchen. Melinda had brunch waiting for everyone, and they piled into the dining room so they could talk while they enjoyed the meal.
“I’d love to know more about your histories,” Ash began as everyone ate and she sipped warmed donor blood.
Chuki smiled. “The leader of the prowl we were born into tried to force me to marry to fulfill a business obligation. He essentially sold me. When Uuka heard, he came home and broke ties with the prowl, forming his own. That exiled us from our homeland since there can only be one prowl. The king’s call gave us a chance to live together in peace.”
“My mate Natori has been close to Uuka since they were cubs,” Bishara added. “And where he goes, I go. Feruzi is making advances toward young Kioni, who was sold to a wretched old man. She hasn’t put the poor fool out of his misery yet, though.”
“Abuya is a fierce warrior and, recent behavior notwithstanding, a loyal companion. Like the rest of us, he came here under the belief that Uuka could lead us to a better life,” Natori interjected. He leaned forward and continued in a conspiratorial whisper, “Uuka and Chuki both think they are too busy to find a mate. If you spot someone in your travels who could throw them off-axis, send them that way.”
Ash grinned. She’d caught the leader eyeing Dani with curiosity and wondered if he had feelings toward her. Uuka was an honorable man, and he could keep Dani safe, but she wasn’t sure he was relaxed enough to understand her unique worldview. Also, he’d just committed to guarding her parents for the foreseeable future. Ash couldn’t stay here, and she doubted that Dani would stay behind for any reason.
Chuki blushed. “My love life is none of your concern. You won’t be laughing when Ash knocks your dick into the dirt. The males get a turn after we’ve eaten.”
Brian and Melinda looked intrigued. “Mind if we watch?”
No one did, and after the remnants of their meal were put away, the group filed out to the dojo and sat near the walls to give Ash and Natori plenty of space to spar. The panther was confident that his superior size and strength would give him the edge since, even as a vampire, the woman was tiny. He watched her approach with a cocky grin. Holding eye contact, Ash clenched her right hand, calling the shadows to gather at his feet. When Natori lunged toward her, he fell flat on his face. Ash released him, and he rolled to his feet.
“That was not fair,” he growled.
Ash shrugged and pointed at her chest. “Vampire. You told me that vampires don’t fight fair. Now you get to practice against the only one who doesn’t want to kill you. You have to take the good with the bad, my friend.”
Ash looked around, expecting Dani to comment, but she didn’t see her sister. Uuka was absent as well, and she made a mental note to ask Dani where she had gone. She ended up flat on her back with a grinning Natori standing over her.
“The best senses in the world are useless if you don’t use them,” he chided. “You can’t afford distractions on the battlefield.”
When Natori looked at his mate, the intensity of their eye contact made Ash think they were communicating telepathically. After Bishara nodded, Natori offered her a hand up. “It’s vital to learn that not all who smile are friends, and some friends are enemies in disguise. You must always be on guard.”
Ash shook herself, stretched her abused muscles, and turned to the other panthers. “Abuya, you’re up. What do you have for me?”
They ran through drills for another hour, everyone helping Ash hone her vampiric speed and strength and adapt her experience and muscle memory to her current capabilities.
“You’re not what I expected,” Feruzi admitted after he ran her through exercises to sharpen her reaction time.
“From what I know about other vampires, I will take that as a compliment,” Ash replied.
He nodded. “You should.”
“Thank you.” She rubbed a spot where she’d taken a hard punch. “Are we going again?”
Chuki laughed. “I think you’ve had enough for one day.”
“I won’t argue with that. This was fun. Dani and I spar almost every day, and accommodating her human strength is a challenge, too. Thanks for letting me train at both ends of the spectrum. I wouldn’t survive hurting Dani by accident.”
Dani was still absent. “Speaking of my sister, have you seen her?”
Chuki shook her head. “Not since lunch. Come to think of it, that was the last time I saw Uuka, too.” Her mischievous grin emphasized her cheekbones and Ash thought she looked beautiful. “Shall we investigate?”
“That sounds like a brilliant plan, and I could really use something to eat. Those ass-kickings have me starving,” Ash declared, linking her arm through Chuki’s and heading toward the house.
The panther stiffened, and her eyes widened as she pulled away from Ash, who shook her head and smiled. “Don’t worry. All my food comes from blood bags. I would never feed directly from a person. Well, not without their consent.”
They were chatting about vampire dietary habits when they walked into the kitchen through the back door to find Dani and Uuka sitting at the kitchen table. The atmosphere was flirtatious. When Dani blushed before averting her gaze, Ash confirmed that her sister was interested in the attractive Therian.
From the arousal she scented, the feeling was mutual. Uuka didn’t turn away from the human until Chuki laughed.
“Ah, brother, there you are,” she teased. “It appears you’ve finally taken an interest in something other than those ridiculous American books you read like gospel.”
Ash’s eyes widened in surprise. “You’re Christians?”
Uuka nodded. “Our clan lives isolated from humans, but it isn’t difficult to find a copy of the Bible, even for a Therian. I wanted to learn about your people, so I read it. I was pleasantly surprised to discover many philosophies I agreed with. Lacking a religion that resonated with me, I began to follow Jesus’ teachings.”
“The one thing Therians have always done right is religious freedom,” Chuki added. “When we noticed the change in him, the rest of us asked about it and he shared the Word with us. We have a lot of questions, but we all consider ourselves Christians.”
“That is fascinating. I don’t know if I can still go to church, but I’m game to do a trial run. We volunteered at the First Baptist soup kitchen all through high school. The choir alone is enough to move you.”
The siblings perked up at the mention of church and music. “Let’s make sure you don’t burst into flames on holy ground before we risk attending a service, okay? Your safety is the priority, but I know we would all love that experience.”
Ash grinned and gave her sister a lighthearted ribbing. “Since you skipped our second sparring practice, I can only assume you’ve been in here getting personal lessons on how to defend your body. You should be well rested. Can you arrange transportation for everyone over to the church? The soup kitchen is open until nine. They can meet Father Abell and I can slip away to test whether I burst into flames without an audience.”
Dani’s face got redder, and she looked down. The smile on her lips spoke to her embarrassment, guilt, and amusement at being caught flirting with Uuka. “Oh, shut it, hooker. I didn’t give you a hard time about Professor Hotpants.”
Ash laughed hard. “Yes, you did, and pretty much constantly. You lie like a rug.”
“Who is Professor Hotpants?” Chuki asked, tripping over the unfamiliar words.
Her tone indicated that she thought he might pose a threat to Ash. Hearing a dignified woman like Chuki utter the words “Professor Hotpants” sent Ash and Dani into wild giggles.
Gasping for air she didn’t need, Ash explained, “That’s Luca. When we met him, he was a professor at our local college.”
Chuki’s eyes widened, and she looked at Dani with newfound respect. She already liked the human woman. “You called the high king of the Therians…” She trailed off into silence and shook her head in wonder.
Dani’s renewed laughter made her glow, and Ash was struck by how alive Dani was. Ash had never met anyone half as full of life as Dani Byron.
“’Professor Hotpants’ was born of my genius. It was one of the nicer things we called him…to his face.” Enjoying showing the panthers a side of their king they hadn’t known existed, she continued. “If that shocks you, you’d have died when she called him ‘Professor Dickface.’
“It was short-lived, but they had a whole enemies-to-lovers story arc. He almost ran her over in the parking lot—not the best meet-cute. Then she waltzed into his class with a pair of giant steel lady balls and answered every one of his weird and obscure history questions. He offered her a teaching aide position that day.”
When Uuka looked at Dani with awe, Ash reminded herself that she needed to get her sister alone to talk about what was happening between them. Dani hadn’t been romantically interested in anyone for a while, and Ash couldn’t help the feeling that this might be more than a passing flirtation for her. The panthers had proven to be honorable and capable protectors. Dani couldn’t hope for a better man, and from the look on his face, Uuka was thinking along the same lines.
“As much fun as it is to stand around and tease you, I am going to take a shower. I don’t sweat anymore, but I got my ass handed to me enough times that I want to relax under the hot water,” Ash stated.
Dani looked relieved. “Some vampire you are.” She mouthed “Thank you” when the Therians weren’t looking at her.
“Hey!” Ash protested. “There’s a steep learning curve. A couple of weeks ago, I was human. It’s like getting your sea legs—it takes time. I’m still learning how I move and react.” She headed toward the bathroom.
“That’s a lot of words for ‘I suck,’” Dani called after her. “I love the church idea! I’ll see who wants to go and set up rides.”