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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.
