Dark Moon

Max: Just to prep you for what you are about to sink your teeth into, this is a tribute for Skyler and Dimitri, since I just finished reading Dark Celebration and I'm thinking 'what the hell? Do they get together or not?' So, instead of waiting for the amazingly awesome Ms. Feehan to write up their story, I'm gonna get started. FYI this is set a few years after Dark Celebration, when Skyler is 21 and cured and all that good stuff. And, another warning, this thing might be shorter then you expect, because I want to get to the good parts NOW and not have to build suspense with boring-ass conferece speaking crap and blah blah blah. Anyway, hope you enjoy. Leave a comment, review letting me know if you like it.

Chapter 1

"...I FEEL IT DEEP WITHIN, IT'S JUST BENEATH THE SKIN! I MUST CONFESS-"

"Hello? Skyler Daratrazanoff, speaking." Skyler answered her cell phone.

"Hey, Skyler. It's James and I need to talk to you about Larka's status."

Skyler rolled her eyes as she spoke, "Larka is due to have her pups within the next two weeks, James. Have you not even read my report in the main office? It's posted on a bulletin board, for crying out loud!"

"Okay." James said, sounding like he was board with her yelling at him, which, he probably was, considering it happened daily. "How about Duke? Isn't he scheduled for release tomorrow?"

Aren't you scheduled for an overdue strangling? Skyler wondered to herself as she slowly explained what she wanted done;

"James, Duke is a two-month old pup, who just got out of an amputation surgery! He just got his front-right leg completely removed, you moron! And, while we're on the subject; Sheila's eyes need to be checked again, in case those spots show up again. Jack is due for a surgery on his hip on Thursday and Lola needs to be preg-checked today or tomorrow. God! Read the stupid agenda, James! Can you not read?" Skyler demanded, frustrated that he never read the agenda and she had to spell it all out for him.

"Sorry, Skyler! I've been all over the place all day and I haven't gotten the chance to go in your office and check the agenda."

Skyler rolled her eyes; this was always his excuse for when he called her for the day's/ week's agenda. He 'never' had the time to check the agenda because he was 'sooo' busy with running around 'all over the place'.

Skyler snorted and sent a quick text to her trusted partner, Hillary, to make sure that everyone else has read the agenda so that her precious wolves were taken care of. Once she was done, she dropped her phone on her bed and flopped down, face-down, on the bed.

Man! Just talking on the phone is exhausting! It's easier, actually, being there to take care of things. What was the saying? 'If you want something done right, you gotta do it yourself' or something?

That would be the saying, Skyler. Gabriel-Skyler's adoptive, loving, ever-doting father-interrupted her chaotic thoughts.

Hello, Papa. Are you and Mama on your way home? Maybe I should clean up my mess downstairs, huh? She asked. (she has started calling them 'Momma' and 'Papa' a while after they left the Carpathian mountains, fully acknoledging her loving family.

Gabriel was puzzled. Mess? What mess?

I made myself a bit of a snack earlier, then I got distracted by the dozen-and-a-half-phone-calls that interrupted me. And, now that I think about it...I don't think I even finished that snack.

Gabriel chuckled, lightly. Alright, Skyler. Go finish your snack and try to relax. Where is Tammy? he asked, referring to Skyler's adoptive sister, and Gabriel and Francesca's biological daughter.

Taking her afternoon nap. She spent the better part of the afternoon going through Mama's medical books and chapter books that she keeps lying around. I found her head pillowed on a medical dictionary. As she said it, Skyler showed Gabriel the picture of Little Tamara, sleeping on the half-open medical dictionary.

Skyler felt Gabriel and Francesca's laughter in her head, filling her mind. Skyler let out a deep sigh, reminded of how much she loved Gabriel and Francesca, of what they protected her from since she was found in that hole when she was fourteen.

Alright, we will be home shortly, Skyler. Francesca said, her warm voice shoving away the scary image of the hole where Skyler was found. Skyler smiled.

Alright, Mama. And, with that, Skyler went back down the stairs to the kitchen and found her abandoned sandwich, which was one quarter eaten, the rest was getting colder and colder.

Might as well finish it before it expires.

Ten minutes later, Skyler was putting away the plate she used for her sandwich and Gabriel and Francesca were walking in the door, pulling off their heavy coats and scarves, snow coating their hair.

"Welcome home. Is it cold out there?" Skyler asked. Francesca hung up her coat and walked over to Skyler with a warm smile.

"Not for us, since we can regulate our body temperatures, but, because we live in this town, we have a facade to keep up."

Gabriel walked in and shook out his long, black hair. "But the snow is quite nice, today. Not even close to matching the beauty of the Carpathian mountains, but they will do."

Skyler rolled her eyes, but she knew that Gabriel was right. The snow up in the Carpathian mountains was beautiful, a true Kodak moment everytime it fell. Unique snowflakes fell like a million tiny diamonds in the sky. Here, in this human-populated area, the snow fell in lumpy clumps, not honestly beautiful, but promised enough snow to make snowmen in.

"Oh! Gabriel, we need to tell her the news we just received from the prince!" Francesca looked half-excited as she turned to her lifemate. Gabriel nodded.

"I know, Francesca, but why don't we wait until Tamara wakes up. That way, all of us will get the news at the same time, not having to repeat over and over again."

Skyler was puzzled. "News from the prince? Has something happened?"

Then, she felt an ice-cold panic in her veins.

"Skyler-?" Francesca put her arm around Skyler's shoulders, consolling her.

"Mommy? Daddy? What's going on?" Little Tamara was rubbing her eyes on the sleeve of her night-gown as she walked in. Gabriel walked over to her to pick her up into his arms and place a tender kiss to her forehead as she rested on his shoulder.

Skyler? Are you alright, honey? Francesca asked, using the telepathic link, so as not to alarm the younger girl.

Skyler swallowed her fear and composed herself, and nodded. I'm fine, Mama. Just caught off guard that we would hear something from Mikhail. Has something happened? she asked.

"Actually-Tammy?" Gabriel looked down at his youngest, then back to Skyler, "We have been called to gather back in the Carpathian mountains, for another reunion that Raven-again-is putting together. This is more of a celebration as to our success of having found more answers on how to save our children."

Skyler let out a breath; They were going back to the Carpathian mountains? She gripped at her chest, gripping the small pendant that rested under her shirt. She hasn't been there for five years; hasn't seen any of her adopted-fellow Carpathians, even though she was still human. However, the subject that kept her heart pounding, was the name of the man who terrified, and enamored her.

Dimitri.

The terror she felt began to sink in, again, as her parents took Tamara back to her room to finish her nap. Was he hurt? Did he need her? Was he turning?

Calm yourself, Skyler. Dimitri has not been harmed, and he is still holding on. Just barely, though. The voice of her uncle, the ancient, Gregori Daratrazanoff, filled her mind. She let out a deep sigh of relief-Gregori and her have been communicating in secret for the past five years, so that Skyler will know how Dimitri is holding up.

Is he close to turning, Uncle? She couldn't believe that she was asking the question, but her heart-and soul-demanded to know. She hasn't spoken to Dimitri since the reunion five years ago. She has felt him as a shadow in her mind from time to time, but that has worn off lately.

I'm afraid so. Even with the tasks I have assigned him to give him reason to keep the darkness at bay, he is struggling greatly. I do not want to lie to you, but I do not want to alarm you, either. Along with the fact that you begged me to do this at my descretion against my sibling-

I know, Uncle Gregori! I'm sorry for that! It's just...that-well...Gabriel doesn't really like Dimitri, and-everytime he is mentioned-Gabriel goes crazy!

Gregori chuckled. He is definitely my brother, then. I don't let my girls out of my sight and they want more freedom, though I can't bear to have them too far from me. I wonder what I will do when they have found their lifemates...?

Skyler laughed, Probably go crazy, just like Gabriel?

Maybe. Then, Gregori turned serious, Skyler, you do know that, to save Dimitri, he would have to bind you to him in the ritual manner. To have you bound to him for all eternity in the way of lifemates.

I know, Uncle. What Skyler didn't mention was if she was ready for Dimitri's claim, now that she is a true adult, not just in the eyes, but physically, too?

It will help him to see you, again, Skyler, in good health and happy with your family. No longer suffering under the wait of the wrath of the dark mage, but what will truly save his soul, is for you to be bound to him-to be the true light to that darkness-so he will not seek the dawn when you know each other.

Skyler felt tears in her eyes as she remembered Dimitri's, lonely, tormented eyes the last time she saw him. That haunted gaze has haunted her since she left, though she kept that a secret from Gabriel and Francesca, too.

I don't want him to die, Uncle. I really don't. He doesn't deserve it, after all the years of service he has given to the Carpathian race, death is not a fair payment for it. I don't know, for sure, if I want to be bound to him, just yet, but I really don't want him to die.

As she said it, she felt another presence, a whisper in her mind that she recognized. She pulled out the black cord from under her shirt, and gripped the tiny wolf pendant in her hand.

Dimitri? she called to him, timidly.

Is he in your mind, Skyler? Gregori demanded, ready for action.

I think so-though, I'm sure he always has been-he's just been silent. I'll try talking to him. Will that help?

Hearing your voice will help him some, but not for long. He is extremely close, Skyler. I will try to find him and help him fight it until you arrive but, once you get here, he will have to see you with his own eyes. That will banish the darkness enough for him to regain reason. I have never seen a Carpathian male have to struggle as much as he has, Skyler. Just as we predicted, years ago, with him finding you at such a young age and knowing you are his lifemate, has indeed proved even worse then not finding you at all.

Alright, Uncle. Let me know once you've found him. And, as she broke off her conversation with Gregori, she focused her energy on the small, dimming light in the back of her mind.

Dimitri? Can you hear me?

Always, Skyler. The sound of his voice, nearly knocked Skyler to the floor; he sounded so exhausted! As though he has been fighting a million battles since she left. What had she done? She should never have left the mountains. What was she thinking?

Do not torment yourself, sivamet. Just hearing your voice is enough to lift my spirits.

Skyler had to bite down on her fist to keep from screaming as the tears poured down her face.

Oh, God, Dimitri, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't've left then. They were all right! They all knew! Why didn't I listen? Aghhh! She screamed in her thoughts as she crumpled to the floor and shook from the pain in her heart.

Skyler, do not cry. Your tears are heartbreaking to me. I know your heart is suffering, and-as much as I hate to admit it, but lifemates do not lie to one another-mine is as well. It was, truly, a mistake for us to be separated for so long. It has taken it's horrible toll, and the darkness is closing in. And, seeking the dawn has been on my mind, but-he said, before she could scream at him-I knew you would return one day, and I will hold on! I swear to you, Skyler!

His dedication to wait for her-even while he was suffering so much-made her want to turn into an owl and fly to him, to hold him in her arms and soothe his suffering.

Soon, sivamet. Gregori has just informed me that you are returning for the celebration.

Yes, my father just told me. Skyler said, tears were falling, even as they used their telepathic link. I never imagined-for one minute, Dimitri-that I have been...that I-

Do not even continue that thought, Skyler Rose Daratrazanoff! None of my suffering is because of you, never, ever, EVER think that! You are NOT killing me! Never! He was very angry, she has never heard him so angry at her before.

Never at you, sivamet, just at how you could even imagine that you would be the source of the encroaching darkness in my soul. That is inconceivable. You are the light to my darkness.

Skyler coughed a laugh. For a while, I thought I would never hear someone say that to me. I've overheard Gabriel say it to Francesca, but... She took a deep breath to calm herself.

It is the honest truth, Skyler. You know that lifemates cannot lie to one another; besides, if we lied to each other, what would be the point? Lying causes discord in a relationship, I've seen it happen with humans. It's quite sad to see it happen.

Yeah, humans can be pretty stupid about things, sometimes, can't they? She asked, rhetorically, hoping to lighten his spirits.

To her happiness, Dimitri laughed lightly, Other humans can be quite idiotic. Then, she felt a mental caress on the side of her face. Gregori has found me, sivamet. I will see you very soon.

Skyler felt anxiety pile up inside of her, but she knew that he was right.

Alright, but, if you are struggling, even a little, teensy bit, you better reach out to me, or you'll have to answer to me. Got it? she demanded.

Dimitri chuckled. Yes, ma'am. I think I would rather face a vampire then you angry with me.

Skyler nodded seriously, And-just to pile onto that-I have been studying wolf-behavior for the past few years and, luckily, I picked up a think or two, so... She showed him a picture of a wolf attacking at a human from behind bars.

Dimitri chuckled, again. Consider me fully warned, and not so eager to be the man on the other side of those bars. As a matter of interest-was that a real memory?

Yes. I work for a wolf sanctuary near my home in the States and-one of my co-workers got too close to a territorial male and a female was in season at the time and...yeah. Forgot to warn him about that.

Dimitri laughed, then, sighed heavily.

You will have to tell me about some of the wolves you have saved.

Skyler snorted. Can't you just sort through my memories and see for yourself?

I could, but I prefer to hear the sound of your voice, Skyler, when you speak of the wolves, whose lives have been spared, because of your gentle care and attention.

Skyler smiled, loving the compliment he gave her.

And, now that I think about it, I am about to go off to save another wolf in dire need.

She felt Dimitri's smile. I guess you are.

Skyler nodded, then turned serious.

I will get there as quick as I can, Dimitri. And, until then, do EXACTLY what Gregori says. Got it? Now that you are fully merged with me, I can feel that encroaching darkness inside of you. Skyler shivered at his fate.

Do not worry about a thing, sivamet. I will be here when you get here, alright? She felt him deep inside of her, sending warmth to her heart, which was pounding frantically in her chest. Dimitri chuckled.

I think your heart is trying to jump out of you, Skyler. Try to keep it calm for the time being, so you don't make yourself sick, or I won't be happy. Do you understand?

Skyler coughed a laugh as she placed her flat palm over her rapidly beating heart. Crystal clear, Dimitri.

Good. And, while I am making orders, you might as well tell my heart to keep calm as well.

Skyler coughed up a laugh as a sob worked her way into her throat and sent some of her warmth to Dimitri and-while she was at it-shed some light on his dimming spirit, using her own energy to push the darkness down.

Thank you, sivamet. Dimitri said, his voice sounding a bit stronger, while she nodded then, she felt her knees wobble.

Skyler! Are you weakened? Dimitri's voice was in alarm and concern.

Skyler fought back the growing nausea as she pulled out a chair and collapsed into it.

Don't worry, Dimitri. I'm just a bit dizzy, that's all. No need for panic. Even as she said it, she could tell that Dimitri wanted to argue that he had every right to panic, but he kept quiet, knowing she didn't like to argue. She smiled for him. You can reprimand me when I see you.

Dimitri was silent for another moment, before she felt an ansering smile from him.

We can reprimand each other.

Skyler smiled.

I look forward to it.

With that, things were silent in her mind and she felt her tears fall to the fullest as she cried herself to sleep.

Max: Sooo? Waddya think? I nearly cried during a few of the parts, but I love it! I can't wait to write more, but I am tired. I WILL get back to write more! I swear to God and all 12 Olympians, and Titans, and chinese and japanese deities and...all those other gods and goddesses! Be back soon! Plz review!