Title: Dark Moments
Author: Ageless Light
Beta-ed by: Nobody right now! But I'd like one!
Characters/Pairing:Zacarias De La Cruz and OC
Genre: Romance/Supernatural
Rating: T (Contains content suitable for teens and older)
Summary: Zacarias De La Cruz meets his lifemate at a most inopportune time. When he re-awakens he discovers she is gone, and vows to find and claim her at all costs. Their possible union has gained the attention of a power ancient race but are they friends or foes to the Carpathians?
Disclaimer: I do not own the Dark Series Universe or any of Christine Feehan's characters. I do own the OC's though. I went to babynames . com for my character names though. Also the original concept of the Ways is from Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series. I personally have not read it, but I took that concept and altered it to fit my fic.
Status: Continuous (Incomplete)
Created on: September 02, 2009
Word Count: 3,891 (Total so far- 21,487)
Spoliers: Up to and including Dark Slayer (The most recent novel in Feehan's Dark Series).
"Talk" – regular talking
Talk- Inner thoughts
"Talk"- Spoken telepathically
Chapter Six
Recovery Interrupted
After sneaking Tia into their room at the inn, Ashe immediately began the task of removing the vampire's blood from poisoning her friend's body. It was not difficult for a healer of her caliber and her friend was clear of the damaging fluids within minutes. While healing her charge, Tia had woken up, fighting her powers. Despite her injuries Tia wanted to be of use and considered herself a burden if she was asleep. She hates being forced to sleep especially during missions and when injured. Tia is a strategist and she can't plan if she is asleep. After a few minutes of arguing they compromised. Tia promised to rest if Ashe didn't put her to sleep forcibly. So instead Tia popped some high dose ibuprofen washing them down with a glass of water and attempted not to wince as she was poked and prodded. Within a half an hour her friend was slipping into unconsciousness due to the pain, but was attempting to stay awake. Tia muttered incoherently about defensive options they would have to use until the team was whole and fully functioning again. The platinum blonde medic nodded and made small noises of agreement at all the right times as she proceeded to wash and sterilize her friend's wounds with extreme care. Pain and exhaustion finally overcame the injured blonde and she fell asleep as her injuries were being wrapped. Knowing that Tia's wounds did not have to be immediately healed Ashe took the infected bloodstained clothes, opened the door, and placed them in the hallway, for Jaeden to destroy when he returned from covering their tracks. After checking on their safeguards, she allowed herself to relax and contact the shifter.
"How is it going?"
"I've returned to the site and have almost removed all traces of our presence. I still have to destroy the body as well, but I will need to move farther away from the town first. Tia?"
"Currently, she is resting. The vampire's blood was removed and will leave no permanent damage. I have cleaned and bandaged her wounds. The gashes are not as severe as I thought, and she will regain full use of her arm. It will be painful for the next day or so. Her muscles, skin, and tendons were shredded to the bone and I plan to heal them tonight. It will make me feel better if she gets as much sun as possible tomorrow. I wanted to check on you first.
"It is a little after midnight. I will be done by 2:00am the latest. This sure would go a lot faster if we didn't have to hide our powers. I then will continue my patrol and check on the Ways. Iris should return soon."
"Understood. Even though Tia was on patrol after you, and we do not believe there are any other vampires, I will patrol in her place. We already do not have Iris. I do not want to take any chances. The vampires could use their human underlings to attack us during the day especially now when our strength is down. Be safe my dear friend."
"Get some rest will ya." And with that the connection was severed leaving them to their own thoughts.
Now that Tia was resting comfortably, Ashe quickly cleaned up and changed out of her dirty clothes. Taking time to re-dye her hair it was now a few hours before sunrise. After, a quick but hot shower, she silently padded out of the bathroom to check on Tia. Dressed in a fluffy cotton towel her tattoos were easily noticeable.
Out of all the Elementals that mastered air, it was believed that her tattoo the most beautiful. A detailed and intricate pair of wings adorned her right wrist signally that air was her first element mastered. Most masters of air had a pair of wings on their wrists, but her design was more ornate. The ends of her feathers were tipped with light violet, the same color as her eyes and her blood relatives. It was rumored that the Sole's carried angel's blood in their veins. This was supposed to explain their close relationship with the elements, their faster healing rate, and stronger physical strength.
However, there was never any proof of that theory; but ironically, the emblem of the Sole family was a white feather with a light violet tip. Fellow Kylierions that did not approve of my family's policies or just flat out didn't like us always spoke of how we Sole's were once one of Xavier's earliest experiments that must have gone wrong. Thankfully, there was no evidence to support that belief, and those who thought that were small in number. Though sometimes I wish I did have wings. Then I could actually fly, instead of glide, with the wind.
Her thoughts of wings drew her attention to her other tattoos. Carefully, she patted herself dry, and even in the dim light she was able to see her other markings. There were small circles depicting the eight phases of the moon chained together by tear drops adorning her left wrist. The moons were the color of royal blue. Other blue lines of various shades swirled around the moons like water embellishing the design. This tattoo signaled she had mastered water as her second element. And due to the design many assume, correctly, that she favored water like she did air. Technically fire was her third element mastered but she learned to wield the remaining elements at the same time. Preferring earth, she had earth tattooed on her right ankle instead of fire. Her tattoo of Earth also varied from tradition. True, she had vines of ivy encircling her ankle, but a few vines branched off and at the end there were more symbols for earth. Green and brown maple leaves, gems, and a small double bladed sword dotted her skin at the end of the vines. Her left ankle was oddly simple compared to her other tattoos. A fiery phoenix with a tail and wings of flames encircled her ankle. Once dry she did another medical check on Tia and was pleased with the results. Changing into lighter yoga pants and a sports bra she prepared to finally speed up the healing process.
It was a long, arduous task. Only because Ashe was still recovering from an almost fatal blow a week before Iris had seen the end to her vision. She was unable to rest properly, and immediately took extra assignments to be able to come to the Carpathian Mountains for the strange man. While in Romania she had not rested adequately and used her abilities past their limits to heal the man. Not having any rest this night also added to her sluggishness.
Now, she was running on only a few hours of sleep and pulled two shifts a day to complete the mission. Having been up for over 22 hours straight added to the recent stressors she was exhausted, and had to push beyond that to concentrate on every aspect of her healing. She did not want to rush or misdirect her energy. Minutes, after she finished healing Tia an eerie feeling fell upon the room and the hair at the back of her neck rose. Why do I feel like I am being watched? How long have we been watched? I must have been so focused on Tia I didn't notice. Even Tia feels something; she is tossing in her sleep. Subconsciously she reached out Jaeden to make sure he was alright. Carefully she extended her senses, but was unable to discover anything. Bringing suspicious to a new level she contacted Jaeden Stone.
"Jaeden. I feel like I'm being watched, but am unable to find anyone or even pinpoint a location. I only noticed it after I withdrew from healing Tia. I could have been watched during that time. There has been no move to attack though, which is odd."
"If they wanted to attack us that would have been the perfect time. I'm hurrying as fast as I can. Just recheck the barriers and try to get some sleep. Nothing can breach Iris' shields, and if they can you will have plenty of warning. You need sleep for the next shift."
"Fine, will you stay merged with me?"
"If you wanted me to be inside of you all you had to do was ask!" Was his cheeky reply. Not taking offense the healer actually smirked at his actions. Jaeden had a hidden motive for that comment. With his crass remark he relieved the tension that was building up in her, and would allow her to get some sleep. Closing her eyes, she focused her energies on the intimate bond she shared with only the shifter. Carefully she enlarged the bond and pushed unneeded thoughts aside remembering her training. It is easiest to imagine a library. Everything not vital to this moment are made into books and shelved. A tingling sensation could be felt, signaling that the shifter not only entered but was now sharing her mind.
Giving into her paranoid side, which had saved her life numerous times, she rechecked the barrier Iris had erected before she left. Both were satisfied that there were no weak points. As she felt Jaeden withdraw to background of her mind she climbed into the other side of the large bed and faced Tia. Always, the healer she gently enclosed her fingers around her friend's wrist to find her strong pulse, and let slumber claim her. Even in sleep, I'm not gonna take any chances.
(Scene Change)
As the sky lighted and the next day slowly dawned, Jaeden was finding his way up the stairs of the inn. After hearing that Iris was traveling the Ways, and that another squad was on rounds nearby, he decided that it was safe for him to finally rest. Bare-chested, he entered the room he shared with the girls and traveled directly towards them. The sides of his mouth twitched up at the scene he was greeted with. His honey colored eyes noticed that Ashe had her hand firmly around Tia's wrist. Probably ensuring she has a pulse even in her sleep. How many times have I woken up with her in the same position? Amusement drifted over his face before settling into one of concern. Checking on Tia's arm he was not surprised to touch smooth, unmarked skin, where the vampire had clawed her only hours earlier. By The Stars, Ashelia didn't even do this in stages. She used everything she had to heal her wounds instantly. Placing his hand on her head, he checked for a fever, but was unable to find one and kissed her slightly on her forehead. Moving his attention to Ashe, he noticed that young women had fallen asleep without any coverings and was shivering slightly in the early morning chill. She can't be so reckless, she is still so weak and now this? Grabbing a nearby quilt he covered them both up. Before going to shower he bent down and repeated the action and kissed Ashe on her forehead. It was in that moment, when he felt power surge nearby. He thought he felt the barrier tremble for a moment before remaining strong. Safe within the barrier he moved towards the window and sent his senses out. Not finding anything he silently padded towards the door and again tried to find the disturbance. Deciding it was his mind making things up due his exhaustion he stumbled his way to the bathroom in the hopes of getting rid of the vampire stench, sweat, and dirt that was caked on him from the past few hours.
After almost falling asleep in the shower, he rinsed quickly and decided that that would have to do. With a towel slung long on his hips he exited the bathroom, considering shifting into a wolf, whose senses were sharper than in his human form. Iris still isn't back yet, and with Ashe and Tia exhausted, it would be smart to sleep in my other form. I know Ashe needs to be on patrol, but I refuse to wake her up. The barrier will protect us, and give us plenty of warnings before it's destroy. If it can be destroyed? Making his decision, he approached the bed fully intent on laying at the edge of the bed on top of the girl's feet. When he was within arm's reach of his princess his senses screamed at him there was danger. That a predator was hunting him. Knowing, that the hot shower awakened him briefly he knew that he wasn't making a big deal out of nothing. Chances are that the first time also happened and I completely over-looked it. Angry at himself, he took another step forward towards the girls unconsciously, when Ashe shot up blinking sleep from her eyes. Absently, she grabbed her sunglasses from the nightstand and placed them on.
"What is it? Where is it coming from?" Her words brushed against his mind sluggishly.
"I'm not sure; it is difficult to tell with the barrier negating everything. I do not even know the direction."
"I'll be sure to tell Iris of its flaws." Now fully awake, Ashe climbed out of bed and stood at Jaeden's back facing the window. Her right arm reached for his to reassure that he was with her.
The hostile presence obviously knew where they were and there was no point hiding. Since it was clear they were being targeted, she stalked to the window and pulled the other curtain aside. Her eyes roved over the view, analyzing everything. With the morning rays shinning directly in her face it was difficult to see everything, which they enemy was using to their advantage. Making a decision she headed towards the door. She only got a few steps before Jaeden's arm latched onto her and jerked her around to face him. Her momentum carried her into his defined chest for only a moment before she stepped back. A storm brewed around the inn. The tree branches scratched against the window pane eerily. A low growl filled the room and his hand tightened on her arm. Narrowing her eyes she spoke to him psychically.
"I'll be fine. You are about to fall over, and would only get in the way. Tia needs to recover and I want you to guard her. You are safe in the barrier. I'm just going to do a quick sweep around the inn. Maybe go to the Ways. If I need you, you are right here. Until then, remain calm."
"We will remain in contact, and no traveling to the Ways." His voice was gruff even in her mind, reminding her that an exhausted and protective Lycan was dangerous, especially one as unpredictable as him. If she wasn't focused on the sudden thunderstorm outside and the sudden torrential downpour, she would have rolled her eyes. If you had woken me up for my shift, we wouldn't be in this situation. The growl intensified and rumbled through the room but he didn't try to stop her.
Using a hair tie she pulled her now black hair up into a messy ponytail out of her face and pulled on a shirt. Her dozens of silver bracelets were also placed on her wrists to cover her tattoos. Jaeden opened the door and using his advanced sense of smell and hearing made sure no one was lying in wait for her. Staying towards the wall she crept stealthily down the hallway and soon the stairs. She heard the morning staff going about their business, but nothing out of the ordinary. Lightning flashed and a several thunderous booms were heard. Walking calmly as if she was just another guest, looking for their morning coffee, she glanced into the kitchen and saw employees preparing breakfast. Moments later she passed the front desk, and finally found her way into the large dining room. Already a few early risers were eating their meal. Outside, the storm was slowly dispersing. The rain lessened. Odd. Evidence seemed to tell the Kylierions that the storm wasn't natural.
A different set of colors crossed her peripheral vision and her heart rate skyrocketed. Adrenalin coursed through her veins as her gaze swept across the entire room again. Out of instinct she shifted into a defensive stance. Nothing out of the ordinary. A man was just getting to his feet, nothing to worry about. She spoke to herself and Jaeden, who was monitoring her closely.
Without hesitating she turned sharply on her heel and headed towards the front door. She opened the thick wooden door and stepped outside hurriedly uncaring of getting wet. It was only after she took a few steps that she froze as realization dawned on her. The man. Where did he come from?
"What are you talking about?" Jaeden questioned his voiced barely controlled.
"When I caught something out of the corner of my eye, I assumed that he was just getting up but that's not right. When I first looked into the dining room he wasn't there." Spinning around intent on going back to the dining room she bumped into someone.
"Imi pare foarte rau." She spoke a quick apology as she went to maneuver around the figure. The figure, no man, she ran into moved as well and blocked her path.
"scuzati mă?" Distracted she glanced up at the man only to be met with surprise. Her lips parted, she gasped, and her eyes lit up in recognition. Thankfully she had her sunglasses on. The rain lessened to a fine mist, and the clouds were slowly clearing. The morning rays danced upon the land and around them. She ignored the fact that she was slightly wet from the weird rainstorm and stared into the dark mesmerizing eyes of the man she had healed only days ago. With an elegant and patrician like features he was breathtakingly handsome but he has an equally dangerous air about him. Why is his face so familiar? I know this is only the second time we met, and he probably doesn't recognize me. She was frozen, her heart pounding. Forgetting that she was suppose to pretend she was just a tourist and didn't know him, she wanted to reach out to him, and it was only after she shifted her stance, that she was aware how close they were. The air around them sizzled and crackled with energy. When she glanced down she realized they were practically touching. Heat rolled off him in tantalizing waves. His scent, a mixture of rain and earth, filled her nostrils and unconsciously she relaxed, the tension leaving her body. With an intimidating and sensuous air, his very presence was overpowering her, making everything foggy. Why is it so hard to think about anything but him? Feeling his burning gaze on her she slowly raised her eyes to meet his, as if she lost control of her own body. Ashe tried to move back a step so she could get some distance between them and see him better. After all he was over a head taller than her. Only to have him follow her forcing them to be in the same position again.
"Your name." A deep voice with an unusual accent spoke, almost caressing her. It took a moment before she realized that he had spoken, no commanded, her to give her name. Bewildered she just stared at him, not sure how to answer. If she should answer. For a moment they stared at each other, their gazes locked. Then his face hardened. His lines and angles became harsher and his gaze turned cold. Normally that would have prompted her to flee or fight, but for some reason she did neither.
"Your name? So that I may thank you properly for coming to me. For saving me." Again it was a command, not a question but there seemed to be a deeper meaning to his words. Panic seized her. How did he know? Going to deny everything and tell him he was confused, she opened her mouth when he spoke again while inching forward so they were pressed against each other. A small part of her mind told her that his movements were classic signs of intimidation.
"Do not lie to me Csitri." Frozen for a moment she wondered how he knew what she intended to say before she decided it was a coincidence. Then her cheeks flushed with female indignation and she jerked her chin up in defiance. Who does he think he is? He had no right ordering me around, and getting in my personal space, no matter how good he smells.
She attempted to move backwards, only to realize that she couldn't move. A warm thick band wrapped around her lower back and kept her from moving away from him. Seconds passed and she realized that it wasn't a band at all, but his strong arm, holding her in place. Those dark eyes, the ones she saw behind her eyelids all the time, lightened as he traced her face as if trying to memorize every detail. Bringing up his other large hand he touched her jaw with aching tenderness. His calloused fingertips trailed up her jaw, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. Carefully, his free hand removed her sunglasses. A slowly predatory smile that made her knees weak, and glad that he was holding her, grew on his face. Color stained her cheeks as his eyes filled with stark possessiveness. A man had never been so blatant in his advances before and she wasn't sure how to react. Feeling his muscles contract under his silk shirt at her touch she realized her hands had moved of their own accord and were currently resting on his defined pectorals. Her small mouth open and closed a few times as she struggled to say something, anything.
Unexpected pain exploded in her head. She gave into a small cry of pain and her arms flew to clutch her head. There was now a small buzzing sound in her mind; soft at first, then gradually louder. Her body processed warmth and she absently realized that she was being gently cradled in the man's arm; her head was hidden between the curve of his jaw and shoulder. Underneath the drone sound in her head, she heard him speak, but couldn't understand.
All of a sudden they were knocked down, and sent crashing to the earth. The impact jarred her heavily, and it was a moment before her head cleared and the first thing she noticed was that they were separated and she was no longer in his arms. Then she was flooded with panic, concern, anger, and thoughts. None of which were her own.
"Get her out of here. I'll hold him off."
"I'm leaving the Ways now; I'll be there within minutes, with help. While Jaeden distracts him, Tia, grab her and come to me."
"She isn't responding. By the stars, what did he do to her?" The buzzing died down, and the fogginess within her brain cleared slowly. It took her a moment to process everything before she understood. The voices were Jaeden, Iris, and Tia. That explained the buzzing sound in her head; they must have been trying to contact her. A deep, low, and threatening growl was heard slightly to her left. She recognized that sound- Jaeden! Her eyes wrenched open and even though stars of pain flashed across her sight, she forced her eyes to stay open and seconds later was able to make out the scene in front of her. Horror filled her at what she saw.
Please hit the little button on the bottom and leave me your thoughts/comments/questions and advice in a review!
~Ageless Light
**
Romanian Translations:
Imi pare foarte rau- I'm very sorry
scuzati mă- Excuse me
Carpathian Translations:
Csitri- little slip of a thing or little slip of a girl
