Panter's Pride:
Hunted
by T. S. Hubbard
Disclaimer It's still mine. Note: Panter's Pride must be read first, as this is book 2.
Thanks to Thorie for volunteering to proofread yet another story.
Email address: thubbar2@insight.rr.com.- comments welcome.
Chapter 20
Panter looked down on the harbor below with a slight frown. Ignoring the sounds of the camp being set up behind her, she swept her gaze over the area again. She glanced to the side as someone joined her. "How are things going?"
Thira's brow furrowed as she took in the sight before her. "Everything's going fine." She said absently. "Is it just me or are things a little more dead down there then normal?"
Panter made a sound of agreement. "I was thinking the same thing. When I arrived here things were so busy it was hard to think with so much noise."
"Even when I got here it was certainly more active then this." Thira's pupils widened as she focused on the ships that were anchored in the bay bringing them into easy view. "Well that answers that question. The only ships down there are built for warfare, there isn't a single merchant ship in the bunch."
Panter almost envied Thira's gift of acuity. To have something like that would have been very helpful at times. She shrugged inwardly. There were some things she had that Thira didn't so she figured in the end thing were about even. Panter turned her attention back to the matter at hand. "That would certainly keep anyone away." She studied her sister silently for a moment. "I'm sorry about your mother." She said quietly.
Thira stiffened at the remark. She had hoped that Panter wouldn't mention it but knew that eventually it would come up. "I'm not sure if it's her or not." She snapped back harshly. Thira realized that Panter didn't deserve the sharp tone she'd used but the ball of rage that had formed in her stomach at Doran's announcement refused to go away. "I need that pelt to be absolutely sure and my father is the only one that has it."
Panter started to say something then stopped. She'd been there when her own mother was killed so she knew without a doubt that she was gone. Thira on the other hand didn't have that, and most of the time the not knowing was worse. "Then we'll get it from him so you'll know for sure."
Thira met her sister gaze but didn't comment. She turned back to the city beneath them to continue her scrutiny. Her gaze locked onto the large manor that hugged the cliff side to the west of the docks. A huge reinforced wall of stone surrounded it on all sides eventually meshing with the rock face itself. Lips slowly drew back in a sneer of amusement. Rocks were even easier to scale then wood; there were all kinds of helpful nooks and crannies to aid you in your endeavor. "He has to be there."
Panter studied the structure that had drawn Thira's attention. "Most likely." She dismissed the building for now and turned back to the ships that were moored in the harbor. "But first we need to take care of those ships."
"Do you want them sailable or would you rather they be scuttled?" Thira started to follow Panter's line of thinking. If they took care of the ships now, no one would be able to flee once the attack got started. Sharp teeth flashed at that thought, especially her father.
Panter looked over the group of five ships. "Scuttle all of them except the one with the scarlet sails. Disable it, we might have use for it later." Something inside told her to hold on to one of them for some reason. It was an easy thing to do so she didn't bother mulling it over for long.
Thira arched a brow at the odd request but shrugged. "Consider it done."
Panter turned to thank Thira for her help but the space beside her was already empty. She bit back a laugh at the sight. When Thira was intent on getting something done, she certainly didn't waste any time. Panter shook her head in fond exasperation as she started toward the camp. She had to meet up with Tera and the others to begin planning their offensive.
**********
Claws scraped against stone as a lean form flattened itself against the rough surface when footsteps sounded from above their head. No sound was made as the man leaned out over the edge of the wall to search for the source of the odd noise before they withdrew and rejoined their waiting partner with a shrug and a mutter of nothing there.
Thira relaxed slightly as the footsteps faded away. She had been in almost the same position since dusk had fallen to time the guards that patrolled the walls. Enough of them had gone by to know there was a brief gap every second round they could take advantage of. She would much rather have gone in and taken care of her father on her own, but between the promise she had made to her partner and the persistence of her sister, she'd given her word she would wait until they all could be there with her.
A faint noise from below made her look down. Despite the inky darkness, she saw the beckoning gesture from Alesia. Making sure that the coast was clear above she descended as rapidly as she could. Long stalks of grass brushed against her bare ankles while she accepted a quick embrace from Alesia before turning to the others that were patiently waiting for her report. "There's a space of about a quarter of a candle mark that we can use to get in." She said softly. Thira caught the quick frown of worry that crossed Panter's face at the news. "I was up there for awhile and that's the absolute most we have so we'll have to be quick about it."
Panter nodded. "Alright then." Glancing up at the shadowed moon she calculated that the militia assigned to the ships should be taking care of them soon. Unfortunately, unlike Tylan, the trees that bordered the castle had been cut so far back that even with the amazons' bows they wouldn't be able to reach the top of the walls. They had decided instead to attempt to slip over the walls with a unit to support them. She tilted her head back and gazed up toward where the top of the wall would have been if it were light enough to see. In the pitch-blackness, it seemed to go on forever.
"We need to get moving." Thira quickly rechecked her knife harness for any loose blades that could possibly give them away if one fell. Turning to her partner, she adjusted the sword strapped to her back to make sure it was secured. She turned back to the waiting group. "Check your gear before you begin your climb up, understand?" She didn't care if the Regents were standing there or not, she was going to make sure that no one was going to put them at risk by their stupidity. "I won't tolerate any mistakes."
A random beam of moonlight fell across Thira's face as she spoke. When it hit her eyes, the reflected glimmer they gave off caused a chill to run down the soldier's spines. They hastily checked their gear again without a word of protest.
Thira took the offered coils of rope and slung them across her body for easier climbing. Turning to face the rock wall, she took a deep breath and shook her hands out to help prevent them from cramping. Digging her nails into a seam just above her head, she pulled herself up. She dug in clawed feet as she ascended; she'd had to shift enough to use them to help so her body had ended up being covered in a thin pelt. Thira had received several startled looks before she'd attempted her first climb but nothing had been said aloud about it. She smiled as she remembered the expression on her mates face when she'd reached out to touch the fine layer of fur. She shook the memory away before it distracted her. Thira cursed under her breath as a piece of the wall unexpectedly broke off from underneath her feet. For a long horrifying moment, her full weight was supported by only one hand before she was able to grab hold of the wall again. Thira rested her head against the stone as she panted for breath; she wiped the film of sweat the fear had caused on her brow against her arm before she resumed climbing. Several moments later, she reached the top and stilled at the sound of approaching footsteps. A small stone crumbled from beneath her hand, a slight rattle rose as it bounced off the wall further down before disappearing below. Thira waited quietly hoping that the noise didn't draw the man's attention.
"What the Hades…what do you think your doing?" The man started straightening up while he spoke.
Thira cursed silently before reaching up and grabbing the man by the throat before he could call out an alarm. She dug in her claws hard, a gurgle escaped his mouth as blood cascaded down her arm and splashed across her face. Thira growled in disgust before yanking him over and tossing him away from her. She tried to make it far enough out that the body wouldn't hit anyone when it landed down below. She waited to make sure the coast was clear before pulling herself over the edge.
Thira took a quick look around then spotted two metal rings that had been set into the wall opposite her position. The soot that surrounded them easily identified them as torch holders but they were vacant now making them ideal for her purpose. She tugged on the rings to make sure they were secure before taking the coils of rope off. Tying one end of both ropes to them, she moved over to where she'd climbed up and dropped them down the side of the wall. A smile flickered over her lips as she heard the soft curse that drifted up from below; someone had been standing to close and had obviously gotten hit by the plummeting ropes. Moron, never stand close to a wall when someone's above you. Thira pulled her boots from beneath her belt. Shifting back to her human form she tugged them on then rested a hand on each rope, as they grew taut.
In moments, Panter had reached the top and joined her. Alesia and Tera swiftly followed behind. They crouched down and attempted to stay out of the flickering torchlight that lit the walkways several feet down on either side. Time seemed to slow as they all waited with a burning sense of impatience for the rest of the group to join them. Once everyone was up, Thira moved to the wall the ropes were tied off to and glanced over its edge. No light broke the blackness below the interior wall. Rather then taking a chance going through the lighted areas to their destination she preferred to stay concealed as much as possible. Springing onto the top of the wall Thira pulled two daggers free, giving her mate a quick look she quirked a grin then leapt into the darkness below.
********
Tera took a step forward as Thira disappeared. She exchanged a glance with Alesia and could see the worry that lined her face. Before she could say anything Panter interrupted her. "It's safe to drop the lines over the side now."
Tera turned to see Panter at the spot where Thira had jumped and watching the ground beneath it intently. She motioned for two of the militia to do as Panter asked then moved up beside her. "Did we have company?"
Panter nodded. "Thira took care of them." She didn't say anything for a moment then continued. "You know she does things that we could possibly never do ourselves."
"I know." Tera laid a hand on her partners arm. She could feel the tension that fairly vibrated from her body. She knew that all her instincts were on a hair trigger and ready to pounce at the slightest provocation that came along next. "We owe her a great deal." Tera looked over as movement beside her caught her attention. Alesia had taken hold of one of the ropes and was in the process of lowering herself down the other side to the ground. "We'll talk about it later after all this is finally over with." Moving over she pulled herself onto the lip of the wall and grabbing a rope made her way down to join her friends.
**************
Thira grasped her partner's waist as she neared the ground. Moving them both to the side so the remaining members of their group could arrive she hugged her close. Even with her previous life of an assassin, there were times when all the killing bothered her. She knew logically most of it was the love of the hunt, it was a part of her nature that would never go away but there were moments when she wondered how Alesia could stay with someone whose whole being was saturated with the stench of blood. Letting Alesia go, she studied the bodies of the two men she'd killed then moved her gaze to their blood that still covered her hands. Thira lifted her head when arms slipped around her waist from behind.
"I love you." Alesia could tell where Thira's thoughts were heading when she stood there staring at her hands. "All of you Thira, no matter what happens I'll always be here for you." She pressed a kiss against the nearby shoulder and felt the muscles under her lips flex in startlement at her action.
Thira questioned her move even as she gripped the hands that rested on her abdomen. She relaxed inwardly when Alesia didn't abruptly pull away from her touch. At this moment she began to understand that Alesia knew full well who and what she was but had meant it when she said she'd be there for the rest of her life. It brought a subject up that she'd wanted to talk to her about but this wasn't the time or place for it. "I love you too."
She tightened her grip then slipped free from Alesia's embrace to face her. "More then you'll ever know."
Alesia felt a flutter in the pit of her stomach at the words. She focused on the objective they were here for when the rest of their group descended. Alesia took Thira's boots when she offered then watched as she shifted and climbed back up the wall. Seconds later the ropes dropped into a pile and Thira was back down and pulling her boots back on. After hiding them in a likely spot, they continued to make their way across to the spot they'd hoped the gate room was located. Just before they reached it, flashes of light blossomed in the sky and they could hear the crackling of flames along with the smell of hot oil. Shouts of alarm drew running forms their way as the soldiers made their way toward the source of the blaze. She drew her sword as Panter and Thira forced the door open, they slipped into the unlocked room and shut the door just as pounding feet rounded the corner.
"Good, they have a drawbridge style system." Panter motioned her sister in the direction of one of the large ropes that ran into the room while she walked over to the other. "We need to cut them." She raised an eyebrow in surprise when Thira shook her head and stepped back from the cable. "What are you doing?"
"My weapons cannot cut something that large in one pass, it needs a sword and that's not something I'm proficient in." Thira beckoned her mate closer. "Alesia however is." She urged Alesia to take her position in front of the cable. Thira could see the hesitation in Alesia's eyes as she took her place. She gave her an encouraging look when their gazes briefly met.
"I'm ready." Alesia raised her sword and at Panter's signal slashed downward with all her strength.
The groan then snap of the cut cables echoed throughout the small building. The severed ropes rapidly slid out the holes cut into the side of the wall, a resounding crash rumbled outside as the gate collapsed without the restraining ropes to hold it back. Cries of alarm immediately rose then abruptly cut off into screams as the troops that had concealed themselves in the shadows below the walls started to pour through the opening.
"C'mon, let's go." Panter pushed her way to the door and opened it. Glancing around, she stepped out and waved the others through the gap.
Once everyone was out, she sent the unit to rejoin the main body that was now fighting its way inside the walls. They stayed silent as they made their way to the castle itself. Several soldiers attempted to impede their progress but were swiftly cut down.
As they entered the building, Thira froze in mid step when a familiar scent hit her. Anger flooded her while she dashed down the dim hallway as she began tracing the trail to its source.
"Thira!" Panter growled with frustration. "Damn it, lets get a move on. The gods alone know what that stubborn woman is rushing headlong into." Rapid footsteps echoed down the corridor as the rest of them hastened to catch up with the fleeing woman.
********
Heated words broke off when Thira unexpectedly appeared in the center of the throne room. The men involved stood in stunned silence until the tall form seated on the throne finally spoke.
"You should be dead." Fine clothing rustled as he rose to his feet then walked to the edge of the raised platform the throne rested on. The question was asked in an almost serene tone of voice.
"Disappointed father?" Thira's voice was full of venom. "Now isn't that just to bad."
The men standing at the bottom of the platforms steps murmured between them at her words. Several looked at the man above them in puzzlement while many others laid a wary hand on their weapons.
"Surprisingly, I'm not." He cocked his head while he skimmed her body with interest, stopping for a moment on the tattoo that decorated her arm then moving on. "So I take it you succeeded in your hunt for the traitor?"
Thira almost laughed. "No, actually I didn't." She glared at him. "I found out that she wasn't the reason why so many of my people died."
"Oh really?" A hand casually slid behind him as he spoke. "What reason might that be?" Just as the question ended, he threw something at Thira with his hidden hand.
Thira easily dodged the item her father had thrown at her. The knife clattered off the wall behind her while she turned her attention back to him. "Father, that was almost pitiful, surely you knew there was no chance of connecting with that pathetic throw."
Her father shrugged. "It can't hurt to try." He walked to his chair and ran a hand across it's back. "So tell me, did you come here just to say hello too your mother?" A malevolent smile split his face at her snarl of fury.
"You foul bastard." The ringing of drawn swords halted her rush toward the dais. "I don't believe you, that's not my mother."
Hateful laughter rang throughout the domed room at her words. "Oh but my dear daughter, it is. I made sure my men killed and skinned her like the sad pathetic animal she was before I departed our much-loved home." He ran a hand over the pelt while he spoke. He threw the skin at her feet. "Check for yourself."
Thira slowly reached down and picked up the pelt. Her hands shook slightly as she raised it to her nose. The look of utter devastation that she wore on her face faded as she carefully scented it. This isn't my mother!! Thira checked it again to make sure before she looked up at her father with an expression of utter revulsion. She threw the skin back at him. It landed at one of the mercenary's feet that stood in front of her. "That isn't her."
"It is!!" he insisted as he gave his men a suspicious glance. The nervous shifting he saw didn't surprise him; the incompetent fools had messed up and were trying to hide it from him. That they would definitely pay for, they were disrespecting a god.
"I believe I would know that better then you would." She shouted back. "I'm the gifted one not you!!" Her father was on the verge of responding when Alesia and the others ran into the room with weapons drawn.
"Thira!!" Alesia ran to her partner and pulled her close. "Are you all right?" She stilled when she saw the skin lying on the floor. "Was that..?"
Thira griped the hand in hers gently. "My mother…no it wasn't, I was just informing my dear old dad of that when you came in."
"Friends of yours Thira?"
Thira growled at his tone, it suddenly felt like she was being played with and she didn't like that feeling at all. "No, more then that, they're my family." She caught the low gasp that escaped her partner and the twin smiles that the others held back. Thira automatically moved closer to Alesia when her father shifted suddenly. She didn't want that piece of shit to even think about coming closer to her beloved mate.
"Family is it?" A low chuckle escaped him at that. "Shouldn't you introduce them to me then, seeing as how I'm your family too?"
Thira couldn't help but wonder what he was trying to pull but went with the odd request for now. "This is Alesia of Forest Glade, my mate." She caught the flare of surprise in his eyes that he tried to hide. She gestured to the others without taking her eyes off him. "They're Tera and Panter, the Regents of Hawk's Peak."
An oily smile moved across his face. "I take it Doran failed in his quest to retake the Regency." He shrugged. "Too bad, he would have been useful to me if he had, but never mind there are other ways to accomplish my goals without him." He looked the women in front of him over. "You're ink seems to be familiar to me somehow, tell me what's its meaning."
Panter's eyes narrowed at him. "They're marks of the chosen." She replied. "We've been accepted by the Goddess Potnia Theron as hers." She was taken aback by the hatred that flared in his eyes at her words.
"So you're both clan then?"
"Yes, I was born clan but I have partnered with a human." Panter was tiring with this game; she wanted his sham of interest to end.
"So your partners..." He stressed the word with obvious disgust. "They've been gifted?"
Thira cut in. "Yes, father they have, what's the purpose of this game of yours?" Her hand itched to grab a blade and end it here. "They're gifted and here's another surprise for you, Panter's my sister which makes her your daughter, much to our mutual disappointment and horror." Her body bristled with anger. "There, is the get to know you period done now, can we finally get on with it?"
He didn't appear surprised at her caustic words. He studied Panter for a moment. "You did seem familiar to me somehow." He exchanged a long look with the men below him. "It doesn't matter, I didn't want the daughter I have now so I'm not interested in gaining another one." He flicked a hand toward them dismissively as if they were mere insects he'd just noticed. "Kill them."
They all went on guard as the men moved toward them. That they had expected, what they weren't expecting was the bolts that rained down on them from above. Thira dodged them with ease and tried to keep them from hitting Alesia by knocking them out of the air as quickly as possible. A choked cry had her turning to see that in spite of her efforts a bolt had struck her partner in her left side. Bright red blood ran over Alesia's hand as she grasped it in response to the startling surge of pain. "Alesia!!!" Horror warred with the rage that filled her at the sight of her mate's injury.
Alesia held up a bloodied hand. "I'll be all right. Go; take care of those damned arrows before someone else gets hurt." She struggled to hide the pain just breathing was causing her, right now that wouldn't help either of them.
Thira's eyes brightened as she looked up and spotted the men that enclosed the upper level. Her father had kept them all occupied until his men got into position for the assault. A grudging spark of admiration at his tactic drowned in the dark hate that flooded her at Alesia being injured. She ran full tilt toward the wall as she evaded the occasional bolt that flew toward her. Not taking the time to kick of her boots, she used the energy that poured through her to claw her way to the top with just her hands. Stunned surprise registered on the face of the man she appeared in front of before it morphed into terror. She bared her teeth when she reached for him. Screams rang pleasantly in her ears as she tore through them without a single flicker of regret.
Flicking the blood from her claws, Thira looked down on the fighting below. Her sister was protecting Alesia while Tera was engaging several others. Her eyes moved to the figure of her father below as he avidly watched the fighting before him. Climbing up on the edge, she steadied herself before she pushed herself off in a leap aimed straight for her father with a roar. He glanced up just before they collided and batted her away. Stunned, she slammed into the wall behind them and slid to the floor. She was jerked to her feet before she could react to the unexpected turn of events.
"Fool, I'm a god. How could you even think that would work?" He backhanded her into the wall again.
Thira spat blood from the split lip that had opened up at his hit. "You're not a god, you're insane."
"I'm Aniketos, the god of vengeance." His eyes glittered in manic glee as they both glared at each other with loathing.
"You're a mistake that our Goddess sent us to correct." She pushed herself off the wall to look him squarely in the eye. "One that I'm more then happy to resolve." Thira sprang at him and they tumbled to the floor in a struggling pile of desperation.
**********
Panter kicked another body away from her. A gasp of pain made her glance down at the body huddled next to her feet. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine." Alesia knew that she could heal herself if they could get the arrow out but now was not the time for that. She would just have to bear the waves of pain that surged through her at every jolt of movement. A roar pulled her attention toward the dais. Her eyes widened when she saw Thira get batted into the wall with a bone crunching thump. They narrowed in fury when she was pulled to her feet then slapped into the wall again. Alesia felt a surge of satisfaction when Thira jumped him and they struggled, falling down the stairs to the main floor as they fought.
Bodies landing beside her made her turn in startlement. The men's very dead eyes stared back at her blankly.
"Sorry." Panter pulled them away from her friend and tossed them further away. "Better?" She flashed a smile at Alesia's thankful look then glanced around. "Tera's got the last guy, except for Thira over there." They watched as blows were exchanged between the two without a hint of mercy from either one. "Look's like he was gifted more then normal if that's any indication." They both winced as a loud crack rang out and the man staggered back. "That sounded like it hurt."
Alesia murmured in agreement as she watched her partner in action. It was distracting her from the pain, which was a defiant bonus. She knew things were getting desperate when Thira seemed to flicker from place to place as the blows were exchanged more viciously. She was bringing her natural speed into play.
Tera walked up to them while wiping down her sword with a scrap of cloth then sliding it into its sheath with a click. "What's going on?" She crouched down next to Alesia. "You holding up alright?"
Alesia nodded. "It's not too bad, once we get the bolt out I'll be able to heal it."
"Thank the Goddess for your gift of healing or this could have been serious." Tera rested a hand on Alesia's shoulder in comfort when she gasped as she shifted. "Here, lean against me." Tera sat against one of the many pillars that dotted the room and gestured for Panter to carefully move Alesia next to her. She cringed inwardly at the cry of pain that escaped Alesia as Panter picked her up then settled her down against her chest.
Alesia sighed in relief as the pain that had flared up settled down to a low throb. "Thanks, that helps." She felt a kiss pressed against her head as she watched the fight that still raged on. A different kind of warmth filled her at Tera's action. The simple sign that they cared for her as much as she did for them helped make the pain fade even more.
*******
Thira slammed a vicious kick against her father's head driving him back. Stay down damn it!!! She dodged the answering swing then darted in with several hits to his midsection. Her head jerked back as a fist collided with her cheekbone; she felt the sting of a cut just as blood started to trail down her face. Thira was attempting to simply subdue him as Panter had requested but it was looking like that option was not going to happen. On the next swing, she slashed out with her claws. She felt them rip through cloth then sink into soft flesh. Curling her fingers, she dug in then jerked her hand back. Bright scarlet drops sprayed across the floor in her wake. A guttural scream of agony filled the room. Coming to a halt, she stared impassively at the bleeding man that writhed on the floor where he'd dropped. Stepping closer, she kicked him over on his back so she could look him in the face as he died.
"Help me." He whimpered. A blood covered hand started to reach up toward her but fell as she backed away from him.
"You killed innocent people just to fulfill your lust for power and you want me to save your miserable pathetic life?" Thira's upper lip curled with distaste at his lack of remorse even now. "Die like the dog you are." She ignored his incoherent pleading until he finally fell silent then turned and walked away.
Worried eyes searched for her partner until Thira saw she was safe with the others. Kneeling beside her, she reached out and cupped the side of her face. "How are you doing?"
Alesia smiled back even though she'd heard the same question too many times lately. "I'm fine but I'll be even better once you get this bolt out of me." She frowned in concern as she saw the injuries Thira had received while fighting her father. Several cuts had been opened up; the worst of which was on her left cheek and brow. "Your hurt." Alesia lifted a hand toward Thira's battered face but it was gently restrained.
Surprise flickered across Thira's face at the request. "I'll be fine but are you sure you want me to be the one to take the arrow out?"
Alesia nodded. "I know you'll be as quick as you can and I trust you."
Thira pulled an unused blade from her harness. Slicing through the thick leather breastplate, she cut open the tunic beneath it to expose the wound.
Gently feeling around the shaft, she felt the hard lump of the arrowhead just beneath the skin. Looking up she met Alesia's pain filled gaze. "You got lucky, you're breastplate absorbed most of the force and it's pretty close to the surface so it won't be too difficult to remove."
Alesia clenched her teeth. For a relatively minor wound, it hurt like Hades. How Thira could act so detached about it when she'd had even worse injuries made her respect for her increase. "Get it out." She closed her eyes when Thira lifted the knife. She clenched her fists as the blade cut into her. Her body automatically tried to pull back from the source of pain, then she felt an arm wrap itself around her upper chest while a set of hands pinned her legs. A choked scream of agony escaped her as the pain increased. For a long moment, she hovered on the edge of oblivion but a voice pulled her back.
"Alesia, look at me."
Thira's blurry features cleared as Alesia blinked away the haziness and tears that had welled up. "Are you finished?"
Thira brushed a kiss across tear dampened lips. "It's out. Do your magic honey." She used a cloth torn from a mercenary cloak to dab away the blood. The corner of her mouth lifted in amusement as the edges of the wound knit itself flawlessly back together while she watched.
Alesia sighed as the pain ebbed away. Sitting up slowly, she smiled in relief then rose to her feet. Cool air hitting her bare chest made her groan. "Anyone have another shirt I can borrow?" Another top was held out by the time she finished her sentence. She accepted it but an eyebrow rose as Thira stood in front of her now shirtless. "You are not walking out dressed like that."
Tera and Panter laughed at the look on Thira's face at Alesia's comment. "I don't blame her." Tera said with a smile. "I wouldn't let Panter out like that either." Panter's laughter died off as she turned her head to stare at her wife. "What, I don't believe other people should have a free look at what I consider to be mine."
Silence lingered for a moment before Panter nodded. "Same for me." Her head tilted as she listened to something outside the room. "You might want to hurry with that covering Thira, we're going to have company real soon."
Thira had heard the commotion about the same time as her sister. In moments, a thick covering of fur spread across her body. She raised an eyebrow at Alesia. "Better?" A toothy smile flashed as she asked.
Alesia looked her over. No one would be able to see anything through the glossy fur that now covered Thira's body. Thira's features were more catlike but either way she was still attractive. Reaching out, she ran a hand down her arm. "I like it." She gave Thira a heated look, the soft growl she got in return made her shiver with anticipation. "Later, I promise." She pressed a kiss to her lips then reluctantly pulled away when members of their militia entered the room.
***********
The aroma of cooked food mingled in the room along with the murmur of voices and the sweet strains of music. It had taken several days after taking back Doslan to sort out the mess things had become. A suggestion from one of their captain had astounded the Regents in the meeting that had been called for to try and finalize the list of people that were going to be left in charge. They needed to find someone trustworthy to embody them as their new representative. They had turned to the person in question to see what their reaction to the suggestion would be.
Thira stared at the woman who had nominated her before glancing over at Alesia. Even if she'd considered accepting the position the look of distress on her partner's face would have effectively put a halt to it. Thira turned to face the table full of waiting people and shook her head. "No, absolutely not, my place is with Alesia and her place is with the Regents. You'll need to find someone else." She noticed that Alesia had relaxed at her words from the corner of her eye. Thira renewed her resolve to find time very soon to pull her aside for a talk. She allowed the chatter that arose at her refusal to go unheard as she considered the many ways their talk would end up. Thira pushed aside the lingering disquiet that haunted her at the way one ending could be.
Thira brought her mind back to the present as she swirled the wine in her cup before taking a sip. She frowned at the bitter after taste that followed. Setting the cup down she pushed it to the side, there was no way she was going to drink that. Looking around, she spotted a server close by and beckoned to her.
"You wished for something Ma'am?" The dark-haired girl knew exactly who this woman was and struggled to hide her nervousness from her.
Thira could smell the anxiety that rolled off the girl but didn't respond to it. After all that had happened it was expected that most if not all the people who were now aware of what she was would be hesitant to interact with her. In fact, the only ones who weren't were the amazons and the militia who had been around her from the start. "Do we have any ale around, I would much prefer it then drinking this swill." Thira smiled at the girl as she tried to make herself seem not so intimidating. She knew it hadn't worked when the girl stepped back from her.
"I'll…I'll see what I can find." She scurried away as fast as her legs could carry her. The sight of the fangs she'd seen when the woman smiled at her had made her want to run. She held back the welling of tears; her mother was joined to one of the militia that had met up with the main army back in Tylan. She knew that her other mother would be bitterly disappointed at her, she greatly respected the marshal's partner and had said she wanted to see if she could transfer back to Hawk's Peak when everything had been straightened out, which meant that she and her mother would be going also and she'd probably end up seeing more of the woman. She stiffened her resolve, she refused to allow herself to be scared, she'd just treat her as if she was anyone else and everything would be fine. Nodding to herself, she went into the kitchen to see if they had tapped a barrel of ale.
Thira picked at the food on her plate. The girl had successfully found her ale and had brought her a pitcher of it much to her delight. This time she had smiled at her shyly while she inquired if she needed anything else. At her refusal, she'd simply nodded then told her that if she did to let her know and she'd get it. Thira mused over the change that had come over the girl in so short a time then shrugged. If one less person feared her she didn't care how it happened just that it did.
She looked up when the music changed to a heavier beat. A grin quirked her lips while she watched most of the amazons present get up and go to the center of the room to dance. The stamp of feet and the sensuous movements of their bodies made Thira bite her lower lip as her gaze moved over to linger on the form of her mate that still sat next to her talking to Tera. When it seemed as if the conversation was nearing it's end Thira laid her hand on Alesia's shoulder to gain her attention.
"Did you need something Thira?" Alesia grew aware that the music had changed when she glanced over briefly at the dancers. She turned her eyes back to her partner as she patiently waited to hear what she'd wanted.
Thira took a deep breath then held out a hand. "Dance with me."
Alesia's eyes widened in delight at the husky request. "You're sure?" At the nod, she rose to her feet and took the hand held out to her. "It would be my pleasure to dance with you love."
Skirting the other dancers they found a spot then faced each other. Thira reached out and drew Alesia close as the heavy beat swirled around them. She drew in Alesia's scent while she slipped a thigh between her legs and pulled her tightly against her as they moved together. The movement caused her to utter a low growl at the feeling of her mate pressed so close to her. She felt Alesia's hands run over her back then settle on her hips as the beat got a little faster. Their movements were in perfect rhythm as they danced together. Thira pulled away despite Alesia protests and slid behind her. Pressing up against Alesia's back, she easily matched her partner's movements. The heat between them grew quickly as the dance went on.
Thira fought to focus on the woman cradled between her arms. The feeling of Alesia's body moving against hers had her wanting to mate. Thira shook her head. NO!! Not mate, make love. Just this one time she wanted to be more then the animal she was. Bending her head, Thira pressed a kiss against Alesia's neck. She swallowed another growl as Alesia bent her head back to rest on her shoulder exposing the skin of her neck and shoulder. Thira could barely hold herself back from tasting the satin skin that beckoned her. She brushed Alesia hair to the side and whispered in her ear. "Marry me."
Their dance almost ended as Alesia pulled away to stare at Thira in surprise. "Aren't we already mated?"
Thira nodded. "By clan law yes we are. But I wish to be by human law also." Her eyes grew dark at the thought that perhaps Alesia didn't wish to be married to her. The silence that grew between them reinforced her fear and she began to turn away. If she didn't wish to be with her then maybe it was time to end it. "I'm sorry. I'll go."
"NO!!" Alesia grabbed Thira's arm before she could leave. "Thira, look at me." Pain filled eyes met hers warily causing her own to tear up at the sight. "Yes, I'll marry you." She caressed the side of Thira's face and smiled at the happiness that rapidly over took the pain in her eyes. "I was just surprised, I wasn't expecting you to want that, but I'm glad you do." Alesia pulled Thira against her and kissed her. She groaned as Thira responded eagerly and seized control of the kiss. They ignored the people around them as the kiss deepened.
"Blessings on you both." Gasps from around them caused them to break the kiss to see what was going on.
Alesia exchanged a look with Thira at the sight of Portia Theron. "Thank you." People moved aside as the Regents approached them.
Panter inclined her head in respect. "As you can see the war is over."
"Yes, you all did well." She turned Thira. "I know it was hard but you did what needed to be done. In doing so you saved countless lives."
Thira met the Goddess's eyes steadily. "He was never my father to begin with. He was a man obsessed that needed to be stopped. It's as simple as that." Her eyes widened as the Goddess stepped forward and embraced her. The aroma of various animals and plants failed to cover Portia Theron's sweet scent.
"Still you did admirably." The goddess stepped back and held Thira at arms length as she studied her before nodding and letting her go. "Unfortunately, I'm here to ask for yet another boon from you."
They all exchanged looks before turning back to the watching Goddess.
"Which is?" Thira asked breaking into the silence that encompassed the entire room.
"I wish for you to go back and gather all the remaining clans together." She met Thira and Panters shocked looks calmly. "Its far past the time my children should have returned home."
Thira didn't hesitate. "I'll go." Her mother was alive and she had to find her. This was the chance she needed.
Alesia rested a hand on her partner's shoulder. "Where she goes so do I"
Panter glanced at Tera and smiled at her nod of agreement. "As will we."
She smiled ruefully. "I guess it's a good thing we didn't sink that last boat, looks like we're going to need it after all." She called all her leaders together to figure out what they had to prepare for their trip across the sea.
Alesia and Thira followed the Regents out the door. The rest of the people could enjoy the rest of the banquet; right now, there were things that were far more important that required their attention. Their hands met as they entered the room they used for conferences, perhaps before they left a small joining ceremony would be possible. Sitting down side by side at the table, they turned their attention to Panter as she called the meeting to order.