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 powerful forces but are they friends or foes?
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. Also the original concept of the Ways is from Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series. I however, have altered their purpose, make-up, and description to fit my fic. They are very different since I haven't even read the story, but if you like epic fantasy books; I encourage you to check them out.
Status: Continuous (Incomplete)
Created on: September 15, 2009
Word Count: 3,628 (Total so far- 25,115)
Spoilers: 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 Seven
Reinforcements
A giant sandy colored wolf stood protectively in front of her. Blood dripped from his muzzle staining his coat dark. The giant creature favored its front right paw. Across from Jaeden stood the man and he was also crouched in a fighting stance. A ferocious and inhuman snarl tore from his throat. With a hand pressed to her head Ashe got to her feet and tried to get between them when she was grabbed from behind. Whirling around she came face to face with Tia.
She barely spared her a glance and again tried to run into fray, but was unsure of whom to go to. Despite her special and unknown connection to the man, she did not know him. Even if a part of me seems to know him. Jaeden had been a dear friend for years. Acting with a mixture of older protective brother loyal solider, and puppy dog, he is family. She would risk death to save Jaeden but this stranger called her to him and affected her in unexplainable ways. And they were fighting over me for no reason. Her indecision allowed Tia to catch up and grab her again. She didn't want either of them to be hurt and tried to go intervene. Tia, despite her wounds, gripped her arms like iron shackles. She struggled but it was to no avail. Alarm filled her as she saw both of them tense, ready to attack each other.
"Stop!" She screamed; and the elements responded to her panic, and anger, without needing guidance. Earth and air erupted between the two and she rushed forward.
Jaeden scrambled and dove to avoid being crushed by the exploding earth, and landed awkwardly on his feet. The stranger threw his arm up to protect his face but otherwise had not moved despite the wind trying to drive him back. Knowing she had to stand in front of the man she maneuvered through the cloud with agility. Driven by some unknown feeling she moved hoping to place herself in front of the man. Rationalizing her actions knowing that Jaeden wouldn't attack with her in his path, but that necessarily wasn't the same for the man.
It was simple logic.
She reached his side and planned to stand in front of him, when his hand yanked her behind him using his body as a shield. Already she could hear Jaeden snarling and knew he was ready for another attack. The air sizzled and the skies darkened signaling that Tia was going to call upon lightning.
Projecting her voice psychically she scream, "Stop. This is a misunderstanding."
At the same time she threw her arms around the stranger. Hoping to restrain him she made sure to use some of her brutal strength to aid her. Everyone within the vicinity flinched as her thoughts echoed in their heads. She inched her head around the man's body to look at her wolf. Though not moving, Jaeden was tense and poised ready to charge if given the signal or the opportunity. Brown eyes were locked on the man, and a mixture of saliva and blood dripped from his muzzle tarnishing the soil beneath their feet.
"Jaeden, this isn't what it looks like. Stop. "When he didn't acknowledge her, she pleaded to him with telepathy hoping to get him to recognize some sense.
"He said he wanted to thank me. Put away your weapons. That is an order which also applies to you as well Tia. Let's just take a second and calm down, please."
"Let go of him and come to me Ashe. He isn't going to touch you again." Jaeden flooded their mental path with his rage and his concern for their lady.
"He isn't going to hurt me."
"Do you really believe that? He isn't human." She considered Tia's question and at the same time let go of him, taking a step back. Her arms felt cold and unusually empty now. Training and logic started to return and weighed her options and possibilities. The man obviously sensed her distress and angled his body so that he could face her, but still keep the others in sight. He gazed directly at her, and either ignored or didn't notice the wind swirling around them, mirroring how her conflicting thoughts battled. She was shifting her stance when he finally spoke.
"Do not fear. I would never harm you, picolla." A growl and snort were heard nearby.
"Did you notice how he didn't say anything about not harming us, only her."
Amethyst eyes searched his obsidian ones, looking for any lies. She found none and realized deep down she knew he was incapable of harming her. She shared her feelings with the others. If Iris had been there she would have believed Ashe. Jaeden however was still filled with such rage at having a member of his pack threatened he was unable to think straight. Tia although heard her friend, was driven by reason and logic and couldn't relate. Feelings were anything but logical and therefore did not have the effect that Ashe wanted. Both KATT members adjusted their stances to a less threatening pose, but were still able to act if need be. Jaeden no longer crouched but was still dangerous. Tia sheathed her throwing knives and moved her hands to show that she was no longer armed. The air became discharged around Tia, but the clouds remained, thick and intimidating.
"We need to get off the street, before we attract anymore unwanted attention." Tia spoke to them while addressing the man simultaneously, "If what you say is true then let her come to my side, and we can discuss everything."
The man did not say anything, but his displeasure could be felt and he seemed very dangerous. He obviously knew Tia wasn't being completely honest about her intentions and his distrust shown. None of them moved for a moment. Tia was the first to move, and glanced over at Jaeden signaling him to remain. Carefully, she approached with her arms in front of her in the classic sign of peace. Ashe turned towards her friend as she neared. There was a shift in the air, and it carried the scent of power with it. The wind that had surrounded Ashe calmed considerably. Seconds after Tia placed her hand on her shoulder; she realized what their plan was but was too stunned to say anything.
Wind swirled around them and her body thrummed with energy. Amethyst eyes searched for the stranger's dark ones as her body's molecules started to disperse. He must have sensed the power or her emotions and went to move towards her when Jaeden made his move. The stranger whirled around as the giant wolf leaped at him. While Ashe was completely turned to mist and whisked away.
(Scene Change)
Jaeden had shared his mind with Ashe since she left their room. He was not strong enough to see through her eyes, but was able to know what was going on. The stranger unnerved him. When Ashe recognized him, he moved quickly. Needing Tia so they could intervene if necessary, he woke her. At her confused look, he flooded her with information through their bond. Without hesitation she grabbed her weapons and they headed toward their friend's aid. Even though they were connected psychically, the heiress suddenly wasn't responding.
"Since you are not close combat go around the back and grab her after I intercept them." Driven by his emotions, Jaeden spoke to Tia conveniently forgetting that she was the strategist and charged down the back stairways, ignoring Slavica's bewildered looks. Before he reached the door his mind tingled and he felt Iris connect with him. Her voice was softer than usual and slightly distorted signaling that she was far away.
"Update me." So he did. Her response was filled with her emotions as she tried to connect with Ashe. When she failed he felt a surge of power as the barrier at the Way entrance came crashing down. The excess energy that was released leveled the nearby trees before rising to the air where the light dispersed. At this point the Airan heiress was beyond being secretive and so were the others. Anyone with miles would sense the disturbances, but the group no longer cared. Their Imperial Princess was in danger and that was all that mattered.
Leaping into the air he shifted and touched the ground with four paws. Keeping his smooth gait he increased his speed propelling himself forward and around the building. He was aware of Tia running out the same door at breakneck speed heading in the opposite direction.
As he tore around the building he stopped dead at the sight in front of him. It appeared that Ashe was trying to extract herself from the stranger's arms. The inner beast within Jaeden howled to be let out. Ashe. Pack mate. Protect. Enemy. Destroy. Instincts overran rational thoughts, and he was filled with bloodlust as someone he loved was threatened. At 250 pounds of compact power he charged into the stranger, tearing him from his lady. Dimly, he felt Tia move into position but did not remove his attention from the threat in front of him.
"Get her out of here. I'll hold him off." He growled low in his throat, a promise, not a warning at the stranger.
"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." Iris responded broadcasting to all, still trying to reach their best friend.
"She isn't responding. By the stars, what did he do to her?" Tia's voice was unusually tinged with panic as her thoughts entered their minds. As he went to charge again, Ashe's powerful voice screamed at them psychically. Sensitive to the amount of power she used he flinched, his step faltering. Due to years with Ashe, the other KATT members were alerted to her specific energy signature, and realized that pulse they felt beneath their feet was the elements responding to her. Diving out of the way he managed to avoid being hit as earth and air exploded between him and his target.
"She is heading into the fight, be careful Jaeden." Tia resumed her apathetic voice and one could tell she was analyzing the situation trying to come up with an appropriate extraction plan. Ashe had her arms wrapped around the stranger and was obviously using her superior strength to hold him in place.
"Amelyn, I sense others approaching. They are familiar, and I think they are the beings that came to the clearing to get their companion. They are approaching fast." The precog spoke and alerted the other's of the soon to be all out battle.
We need to get off the street, before we attract anymore unwanted attention." Tia spoke to them while addressing the man simultaneously "If what you say is true then let her come to my side, and we can discuss everything."
Tia. I want you to grab Ashelia. I will dissolve us all into mist and take us to the Ways. Iris stay behind and use your powers to make sure he can't follow. Jaeden hold him down." As the more senior officer now, Amelyn assumed command as she approached.
Tia had walked towards Ashe and placed her arm on her friend after being given the order by the older woman and guardian of the Sole heiress. The air crackled with power so strong that even the stranger could feel it. As he turned his attention on them, their bodies tingled as Amelyn reached out and encased them within her powers. Slowly their molecules separated, painlessly, and their bodies dissolved into mist taking them high into the air and speedily toward the Ways.
Iris' energy coalesced and she appeared as soon as Ashe, Tia, and Amelyn became mist and went towards safety. At the same time the wolf leaped at the stranger catching his arm in between his jaws.
"Shit. Jae we've got incoming. Amelyn get back here. I don't know how much longer we can hold them off."
The stranger with surprising strength grabbed the wolf and threw him off, just as four figures dropped out of the sky. One of them took the form of a small wolf, letting the others guess that it was probably female. She was crouched safely behind the three large and imposing males all of which were similar to the man Ashe healed. The clouds seemed to darken and cover the party in shadows. They immediately moved to unite with the healed man.
Jaeden moved next to Iris as she spoke to the arrivals.
"What is the meaning of this? You attacked a member of our party for no reason, we were not harming anyone." Her sky blue eyes almost glowed and she flung her hand out. Long, pale blond strands of hair began to defy gravity as the energy crackled around her. The man Ashe healed snarled slightly and lunged at them, but was quickly grabbed by two of the males bearing a similar resemblance. His eyes focused on the space behind them where Ashe was taken and Jaeden was able to feel the power the stranger was collecting. One of the others placed a calming hand on his shoulder.
The last one, with a pale silver gaze stared down at them. Cautiously he stepped forward a few steps with his palms out and spoke.
"Young one, we mean you no harm." Jaeden snarled at the remark, showing his distrust. This prompted another to speak.
"Zacarias would never attack his own lifemate. We mean you no harm." The more muscled of the males spoke while holding who they assume was Zacarias. Iris barely spared them a glance and instead decided to address the man with silver eyes that was obviously the leader of the group.
"I may be young, but I have enough power to make up for my lack of years."
She let them all take in her comment and spoke again, "May I assume correctly that you live nearby?" It was a moment before they responded.
"We do." Puzzled at the road the conversation was taking the other male answered.
"Well we are just passing through." At that comment Zacarias started to struggle again. Iris ignored him and continued. "You are in a bad position, because you probably want to remain living here. We have no problem blasting our way out of here, drawing all sorts of attention to you." The one with silver eyes frowned but his eyes held a dangerous glint. The glint signalled the man slipping into battle mode, one that was formed from years of battling for survival. Only another warrior would recognize that look. One that Iris was familiar with and she did not like the turn of events at all. Jaeden sensed that the mood became dangerous again and snapped his jaws menacingly voicing his opinion on the matter.
"I am directly above you, and because of your display of power they do not sense me. Get them to talk and lull them into a false sense of security. Move closer to each other so I can grab you and can convert your forms to mist easier. Be ready to throw up a barrier to ensure our escape." Amelyn spoke to the pair.
"They want to just talk? I don't believe it."
"Jaeden, we all know your thoughts on this matter, but we need to get answers. The Empire would be furious if we let this go without getting any information." Iris communicated back to her companions. Her eyes shifted to Jaeden who lowered his head in submission and he sidestepped until he was at her side. Calmly, she placed her hand on top of his head and pretended to soothe him. Four sets of eyes followed their movements.
"I don't care. Let's take them."With that Jaeden tensed again and so did the others. Iris gripped his fur and with some of her Kylierion enhanced strength easily pulled him on his hind legs, making him emit a strangled yelp. Their male visitors raised their eyebrows as she dragged the large wolf behind her.
"Talk. As you can see you are running out of time, I may not be able to hold him much longer. Since you threatened a member of our family, he is in almost a berserker rage. Your numbers or strength mean nothing to him, he will attack."
"None of us mean you any harm. We want to meet and thank you all properly for helping my brother. We would-"
"How do we know you are telling the truth?" Iris spoke, interrupting him with steel in her voice. The air around them thickened, and the duo knew the Ameyln was having a hard time concealing her presence. In response, she called upon the air and commanded it to form the beginning of a violent windstorm. The tall dark male, with the silver eyes glanced at the air above them with a narrowed gaze as if sensing her hand in the weather abruptly changing.
"We have no proof and we are not asking you to trust us, just listen. We mean you no harm. In fact we are in your debt. The other female healed my brother and saved his life. We want to thank you, and talk. My family wishes to extend the hand of friendship to you and yours."
"You are not human." By her tone of voice the visitors could tell it was not a question, but a statement.
"No and neither are you." Iris glared at their responsive statement.
Obviously despite their offer of friendship they were wary to say anything. Briefly she wondered why they were not worried about remaining out in the open. The thought of being able to erase memories crossed her mind, but then she knew that they had to be extremely powerful to be able to do that.
"Which would make them even more dangerous." Amelyn spoke to them, answering her thoughts.
"What are you and what do you mean by "lifemate?" Sounds like something to describe an albatross couple, or swans. They mate for life." The air wavered slightly, and both the precog and the wolf felt Amelyn's surprise. Jaeden lifted his large snout and sniffed the air, while Iris blinked trying to not give anything away.
"We need to hear what they have to say." Amelyn's voice was quite, but barely controlled.
"Amelyn, what is it? You are scaring me?
"It's not bad, I think, but the term sounds familiar. I am not sure whether it is good or bad, but it is definitely important. We have to hear what they have to say. But not now. Now we need to re-group and do this on our terms."
"If you are sure then." Iris spoke out loud, accidently, as she mulled over the idea. It was her outburst that drew the other party's attention to the air around them. Jaeden decided to draw attention back to him and shifted back not caring about his nudity in front of the others.
"We will hear what you have to say." His deep voice rumbled with barely concealed anger. The males and the wolf relaxed slightly. Oddly enough, the muscular one tried to adjust his stance so that Jaeden was not within the other wolf's line of vision all while holding onto Zacarias. Both Iris and Amelyn filed that detail away.
"Take me to her." Zacarias finally spoke. Not likely the command and sensing the compulsion laced in his tone Jaeden moved in front of Iris. She placed her hand at his arm and reached out to Amelyn mentally. "Ready when you are."
"I said that we would listen to your explanation and ordering us is not a part of what we want to hear. You must understand, this is against my better judgment, but my friend and sister of my heart seems to be caught up in something and I want to know what it is." Amelyn moved her energy around them, and her body prickled with her powers. Iris, a genius at constructing barriers and shields combined the energy in the air around the group. Slowly, she weaved thread by thread to create a barrier that would withstand the group's psychic attacks and cause them to stumble over how to dissolve it.
"We are glad that you are willing to listen. Would you like to –"
"Also we will be doing this on our terms. Sorry." The smirk that was on her face showed that she clearly wasn't apologetic at all. Sensing something was amiss the group tensed again. The one with silver eyes took a step forward but it but it was too late.
"Meet us at the clearing. Tonight. No more than four of you." Iris spoke as she raised her arm and threw up a barrier around the party. With all speed Amelyn reached out and dissolved them into mist and headed back to the Ways. Not knowing anything about these people or their abilities, Iris drew upon the wind and used it increase the windstorm around the party, and a gust of wind provided them with the necessary speed to retreat. When they were only a few miles from the Ways, they felt her barrier come down but they were too far away to worry about it.
Taking a moment to notice all of the traps, and warnings around the entrance, Iris and Amelyn added some of their own energy wanting to known when others trespassed on their grounds. Jaeden, being as protective as usual checked the surrounding area even though he couldn't add any energy. Within seconds everything was completed to their satisfaction and they stepped back into the safety of the Ways, leaving the strangers far behind.
This completes Chapter Seven!! I'd like to thank all of my readers and my reviewers! You all get cybercookies!!
Please hit the little button on the bottom and leave yoru thoughts/comments/questions and advice in a review. Your feedback fuels my passion for writing.
~Ageless Light
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Translations:
Piccola- small, little one
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