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/Fantasy

Summary: Zacarias De La Cruz meets his lifemate 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 gains the attention of a powerful race, but are they friends or foes to the Carpathians?

Rating: T (Contains content suitable for teens and older)

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. A nice reviewer PMed me and told me that the book the original concept of the Ways came 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)

Spoilers: Up to and including Dark Slayer (The most recent novel in Feehan's Dark Series).

Created on: March 25, 2010

Word Count: 4,449 (Total 99,573)

"Talk" – regular talking

Talk- Inner thoughts

"Talk"- Speaking telepathically


Chapter 28

Worth It Part One

Nursing a hangover was horrible and Ashe swore she would never drink like last night ever again. Ashe didn't usually abuse her medical abilities but today was an important day so she sped up her metabolism and allowed Zacarias to take the exhaustion and drained feeling from her body. With deep concentration she was able to restore the proper amount of oxygen and water in her cells. After that a nice glass of water and a full breakfast made up of chocolate pancakes allowed her to be functioning once again.

While she ate and waited for the sun to rise she and Zacarias had talked. All the cards were laid out and they openly talked about everything, especially what was to come. She explained a little more in depth, about why she felt her sifting process was somehow affecting the conversion process. Already, the couple had noticed Zacarias' tolerance for the sun increase by leaps and bounds. It was obvious that while he would remain Carpathian he would be able to function more in the daytime than any other hunter. The changes being evoked in Zacarias from her blood, made Ashelia believe that her Kylierion blood would still be prominent in her case, even if she could be converted.

She only wished there was a way to test it first. Ashe loved the sun and couldn't bear to be parted from it like the Carpathian people were. At the present time she didn't want to be converted but could see herself in the future finally giving up food as long she could still have access to the sun, her abilities, and could sleep aboveground. Daily, they suffered and right now it seemed the only solution to end their pain and separation was to convert her. Her career choice as combat medic, or com-med, already gave her leg up on how to solve these problems. She was a healer, medic, and a researcher. All of that knowledge required for her roles in Special Forces would help her now as she tried to destroy the barrier separating them. Words from her friends gave her the confidence to do what she wanted and to not worry about the consequences from the Empire or narrow-minded people. To her it was worth it, he was worth it.

All along Zacarias had wanted to bring her to his home in Brazil and for her to offer to try and take a longer mission nearby just to be with him pleased him. He would do everything in his power to make her love his home so she would want to stay. He would have been happier if she decided to move to his home in Brazil permanently but for now this would have to do. After all for days almost weeks she had believed they couldn't be together. Now his lifemate had moved beyond that and was trying to take steps to ensure that their relationship could last.

The De la Cruz brothers were exceptional hunters. Warriors that were born and bred to fight for other's salvation. For centuries it was the purpose for their existence. It was only the past couple of years when light transformed their lives. So it was easy for Zacarias to see that his lifemate was raised into a military culture. He was not happy with the risks she took, but he understood her. More importantly, he understood the thoughts she had and could see the reasons for her actions. Overall, she had been adapting rather well to his presence and he knew that in order for him to have access to her, he would become involved with her squad. Pulling her away from them and taking her to South Americas would be cruel. If there was anything he had learned in the past few weeks was that KATT squad 15 functioned as a unit in almost every aspect of their lives. And with the future unknown it was only natural for her to rely more heavily on them.

Being away from her squad members was like asking her to join a fight with the sudden loss of a limb. She was off-balanced. For so many years his brothers only had themselves to rely on and he couldn't imagine what would have happened to each of his brothers if they had been separated or if anything worse had happened. For those reasons he refused to be the one to separate her squad. Zacarias was the eldest of his family and had been the reigning Carpathian in South America for centuries. He knew what was best for his family and those under his care. The other's would take the adjustment in stride and accept his lifemate and her companions. The problems with the jaguars were increasing as were their dealings with the shifter race. It would be helpful to have more on their side. Besides, his lifemate was the one that took care of her team. To her she was responsible for their protection and well-being. Two of her teammates were women with psychic abilities and potential lifemates. His lifemate would worry if her teammates were running around with other Carpathian males without her. The women needed to be under his watchful eyes.

While getting ready for the confrontation with her aunt, Ashelia tried to organize her thoughts. Ashelia wanted to be with Zacarias and that was the bottom line. There was no way the Empire would allow Zacarias into their inner workings right away so she was forced to take a mission away from home for the time being. That left her with two options, stay in Romania or journey to Brazil. A representative of the Empire would have to stay behind as an ambassador for the Carpathian Mountains. Ashelia had to make sure she convinced her aunt to send her to the Amazon rather than ordering her to remain here in Romania.

Zacarias knew that one of the reasons she was so adamant about leaving Romania was because of the Dubrinsky line. Ashelia was still not immersed in his culture so she was unable to really understand or comprehend their motives. As of right now their constant presence had his lifemate on edge and her interactions with them grated on her nerves. Hopefully time and distance could allow her to think upon the Prince and his family with more favor.

While Ashe was happily selecting which pineapple pieces to eat off her plate she randomly stated that even though his race was dying she refused to have children, ever. The reasons she stated earlier about conflicting loyalties in her children were revisited. As much as Zacarias would like to have children eventually, not to mention it was his duty as a mated male to breed, he wanted Ashe more. If that was her choice he would respect it and defend their position on the issue from other's who believed they had the right to comment or judge them. Not to mention that his lifemate was still young and now was not the time to push such an issue. Secretly, he hoped that again with time, her opinion could be swayed. If not, then he recognized it as an acceptable sacrifice as long as his lifemate was happy by his side for eternity.

As an ancient hunter to his race, Zacarias had learned patience and to focus on one issue at a time. For the moment everything else would be put on hold and they would discuss it together in due time. Ashelia was a little more resistant at first, wanting a clear plan and understanding of their future laid out for both of them to agree on. It took some debating but eventually he was able to get his lifemate to focus on just convincing her aunt to let her go to Brazil. Once that was accomplished they agreed to take things, day by day. Together they would tackle one barrier at a time.

As they walked to the Ways, enjoying as night changed to day, Ashe felt her apprehension grow. Teeth scraped against her lip in a gesture of nervousness. Zacarias had grabbed one of her hands and held it within his own. Right before the clearing he stopped them and positioned her to face him.

"Clam yourself, päläfertiil. Everything will go fine." His face was serious and his lips were firm, but his voice was gentle in her head. They stared at each other for a moment while the wind swirled around them as if in an intricate dance. Small strands of air encircled her limbs, caressing her and offering comfort. Though it had only been a few days, Zacarias had somehow become more aware of the energy around him and the depth that the elements recognized his lifemate as being a part of them. A large part of Zacarias believed that it was due in part to her blood that he ingested. As a Carpathian he already had an unusual tie with the earth and all of nature but recently everything just seemed more alive. Nature around them seemed to thrum with energy and its voice seemed louder. Critically his eyes tracked the movement of the nearby brush and saw as it moved a little too much for the amount of wind around them, straining as if to touch her legs.

"How do you know that? You don't know that." The panic started to return and her amethyst eyes flashed in uncertainty. Ashe chose Zacarias but she hoped she wouldn't have to give up her family or her people. A lot was riding on this upcoming conversation and all of the pressure was on her.

"It is as you said. You aunt wants you to be happy. The fact that you will also be able to help your people while you are with me should influence her decision." His voice was soothing in her mind and he sent waves of reassurance to relax her. It was not the time to tell her that when she was in Brazil their thoughts on what she would be doing would differ greatly. The jaguar men were dangerous and their treatment of women was sickening. Riordan, his youngest brother had been graced with a female jaguar as a lifemate. Knowledge of the treatment that her relatives received were evidence to support his belief. In fact, the young female shifters had moved deeper into his family's territory for safety reasons. Nodding absently, she seemed to absorb his words into her very being.

"This is ridiculous. I'm a member of KATT, a prodigy." Determination and confidence filled her as his words sunk in. Zacarias drew up memories of how far they had already come despite everything that opposed them. Freely he gave her his strength to rely on and draw from.

Ever present in her mind, Zacarias watched her pick herself up. Dozens of emotions flittered across her face but her eyes were filled with resolve. Watching and feeling the changes occur filled him with untold emotions.

Once again he was thrown off balance at the intensity of his own emotions, all brought on by this fiery and almost petite female that was his. She was so delicate and yet capable of such great strength that he was constantly amazed at her. Even though their bond had been finalized he still was not used to the powerful emotions she evoked from him. All his life he was a warrior and had never really felt peace until she arrived. He was not angry or ashamed at how much he needed her. She was the reason for his existence and it was because of her he would continue to fight those that turned. He no longer feared losing her, or of her walking away from him. It had been hard for him, his instincts warring within him, telling him to claim her. Now having waited until she in fact came to him, chose him, he realized he made the right decision all along.

She was loyal to a fault and the decision his lifemate made to be with him would not change, he knew that. Just as he knew that she would use all of her power, intelligence, and will, to keep them together. And he would do the same her.

Dipping down he touched his lips to hers. It was different from the majority of their kisses. This one was not filled with passion or hunger. It was not of a possessive or exploratory nature or meant to release anxiety. He simply kissed the side of her mouth. It was filled with comfort and love, but that hadn't been his original intention. This kiss allowed him to touch her, to connect with her on a deeper level. No words were needed and his eyes slid shut as he soaked in the moment and presence of her, reveling in the depths of their bond.

The moment ended all too soon as power was released streaking across the sky as the barrier separating the Ways came down. With bare feet, Ashe could feel the sizzle of the left over energy as the earth soaked it up and the ground rolled beneath the couple. Together they continued on but this time Zacarias moved a step or two behind her and to the left. The abrupt change he went through caused her to pause in med-step for a moment. It was still upsetting to watch how different Zacarias became when he entered a serious situation. Her hunter acted as if there was a major threat nearby. All of his senses were on high alert and power rippled under his skin as he stalked with the grace of a natural predator behind her. Against her exposed skin she could feel the excess of his power as it surrounded him. Though she could no longer see him, she knew he had settled on an intimidating facial expression and his obsidian colored eyes were sweeping across the clearing taking in every detail.

In the back of her mind she registered the energy signatures of several Carpathian hunters as they occupied the trees on the edge of the clearing, as well as the KATT squad on duty by the entrance. The first Elemental that approached her, keeping a wary gaze on Zacarias, was a familiar face. Travis Caph, with signature Kylierion looks was heading towards her with a mischievous smile on his face.

"I'm going to have to ask you, your highness; to keep both of your hands were I can see them." At Ashe's disbelieving scoff his smile widened and he continued, "I wouldn't want to lose another defenseless tree after all." With a roll of her eyes she signaled for him to fall instep beside her. Without missing a beat the captain complied. A large and tanned hand brandished a cloth bundle at her.

"I was givin' these by Miss Airan to give to you today." Taking them Ashe recognized the black beat up military cap. A pair of her favorite dark sunglasses was nestled carefully inside. A smile tugged at her lips as she slipped on Jaeden's old cap. It was obvious that Iris either had a vision or her intuition was as good as ever. Her usual accessories were like a mask, giving confidence and an advantage.

"I wanted to tell you she is in a mood today." Came the whispered voice of the other KATT member. Furtively he glanced at the other members as they reached the entrance way.

"Of that I have no doubt. Instead of enjoying the Romanian sunrise, she gets to deal with me adding more to her headache. How was the latest talk?" she murmured her response.

"No idea." That was surprising to Ashe and she slid an expectant gaze at him. Zacarias came to a stop over her shoulder so close that she could feel the heat his body gave off against her back. Broad shoulders lifted and the captain rolled his eyes.

"She kept only her squad with her and no one is saying anything."

"So she is definitely up to something. Thanks, I'll stay on my toes." Her reply came out later than what was polite but she was too busy thinking on the implications of what she just learned. A reluctant nod from the captain confirmed what she suspected. What are you up to? She wondered.

"Zacarias will be accompanying me to inside the Ways." Purposely she made her voice carry over to all inhabitants in the clearing. Any activity was stopped at her statement and she could feel several pairs of eyes on her. Like a true solider though, Travis, did not even bat an eye at her admission. He had already suspected something was up when his princess brought the Carpathian with her into the clearing that was occupied Kylierion territory where the Way entrance was located. It was a huge breach in protocol but being a princess had its perks. What she wanted was what would happen. Seeing the mixed glances she decided to soften the blow even though she didn't have to.

"I will take full responsibility for him." Before the words were even out of her mouth, Caleb emerged, and she resisted the urge to hug her guardian. The large shifter merely nodded his head at her words and extended a hand to Zacarias in civility.

"Good luck, your highness." Travis called as she turned away from him and she sent him halfhearted wave.

"Now even though you can come into the Ways you won't be there for the conversation. It's for security purposes, even though you will probably be able to hear everything anyway. Please don't interfere at all. Just being there will cause a stir, so just follow my lead."

"Of course, your highness." He answered in a teasing voice.

"By the Stars!!" She exclaimed. "I didn't mean-"

"I understand sívamet. You are right to explain the situation and I will take my cue from you. There is no shame in that. I am honored that would you share this with me. The others seemed uneasy about me accompanying you."

"I'd flip if one of my people tried to pull what I'm about to do, but it will be fine. I trust you. I'm making a statement and you are just going to be the visual." Looking down he saw she looking at him with a particularly mischievous expression and just sighed at her antics. "Amelyn is used to crossing over, but just brace yourself."

Without any more of a warning she reached behind her and threaded their fingers together, pulling him into the Ways. Though he had seen it over a dozen times, this was the first time he saw his lifemate just disappear up close. All of a sudden he could feel tremendous amount of power surround him. It was so unusual and like nothing he ever felt before. Instantly he suppressed his instincts and the reactions he was having to pressing weight of the energy. There was a brief moment of cold and he felt disoriented a pull. By the time he got his bearings he was already through the barrier and taking in the scene before him.

There was a group of four beings, two on each side of them, merely lounging against what looked like a stone hallway. Three men and one female all tall and blonde straighten their stance and bowed their heads. As one they greet the small group in order of importance and he was surprisingly included. Courteously he inclined his head, noticing when Ashe let go of his hand and started walking forward.

With a critical eye, his eyes moved past the group and studied the hall in the Ways. The first thing he noticed was that it wasn't what he expected. He had seen flashes of the Ways in his lifemate's mind but had not pried into her thoughts on the subject. Besides being made of cobblestones, the pathway was not overly large. Only about 20 feet wide in his estimation, double the size of an average driveway. The height also seemed to be about 20 feet high. Higher than most ceilings but because of the dimensions, the hallway was like an overly large square rather than a long rectangular walkway. Zacarias concluded that it would be easy to transport supplies, tools, or even men through such an opening. The most noticeable thing however, was that at the end of the wide steps he was standing on there was water covering the floor. Looking down it seemed the water was dark and murky, making it hard to figure out how high the water actually was. Carpathians had excellent vision, even at night, but he guessed that the water couldn't be more than a few inches. Oddly enough, the water was moving, making small lapping sounds as it splashed the stones. Echoing splashes of water up ahead informed him that there were others walking about.

Only a few steps in front of him, Ashe started speaking as if she was a tour guide, helping to explain the Ways to him, as she slipped on what appeared to be knee high rubber rain boots. Caleb had moved to talk one of the Kylierion guards. There were several shelves off to one side with multiple pairs of boots and she waved a hand at him, signaling of him to grab a pair.

"The water is only a few inches high. It changes, much like the tides do, but I've never seen it higher than about four and a half inches. Like today, it is usually only about three inches in depth. But since the Ways aren't flat there are areas where it collects and is deeper. Before you ask though, I have no idea where the water comes from. No one does, but if you put your hand in it, you can tell how thick it is. That's because it contains a lot of energy. Most of it appears to be excess energy that has just been absorbed by the water. Most Kylierions that have a deep connection with water are particularly fond of this water." As if to prove her point she walked down the stairs and bent over, wiggling her fingers in the water. The water rose up and wound its way around her wrist and forearm. A smile grew on her face as she looked back at him and in a whispered voice continued. "When Iris is stuck on a vision she can usually be found meditating in this stuff. Amelyn teases her and has no love for this magical sewer water."

As they walked Ashe spoke more to him of the Ways and even pointed out the beautiful carvings that represented the elements. Every several hundred feet, two specific symbols were repeatedly carved on the stones. When Zacarias inquired after them he found out that one was symbol of the Empire and the second was the crest of the ruling family, her family. Soon enough they wandered around a corner and Zacarias was met with another unusual view.

This particular pathway seemed to run through a crossroads of sorts. Five other pathways met at this intersection but he could sense the unusual power coming off of two of them. Looking closer he noticed that he couldn't see down those halls and his lifemate explained that certain passageways were blocked for safety reasons. Off to one side of the crossroads was a building. It was made of stone but it was different than the cobblestones that surrounded it. There were bunks and other supply shelves scattered around on the walls at varying heights. With a beckoning wave Ashe, gestured for him to follow her and together they climbed the few steps before reaching a platform. It was here they took off their boots.

" We have dozens if not hundreds, of safe houses and outposts in the Ways and they are usually busy. With my aunt here it is even more chaotic. The first few rooms are mostly offices. Missions are assigned, strategies are made, and reports are given. I can't let you in on this meeting. State secrets could be revealed and there are others in the house that may not be discreet in their actions and conversations. Please just remain here."

He wasn't happy about being left out of the meeting, especially since it decided their future, but he had no wish to make things worse. So he merely nodded in understanding. There was a flash of uncertainty in her eyes that he caught.

"Go, sívamet." Stepping forward he raised his arm and caressed her cheek with the back of his hands for a moment before stepping away again. Just as she was about to open her mouth Caleb jumped up to the platform startling both of him. Zacarias' eyes narrowed at the display of power and he tried to figure out how come he hadn't heard the ancient shape-shifting wolf approach.

The male guardian stopped just in front of the door. After shaking his blue-black hair out of his eyes he gave an encouraging smile to his princess. Over the top of Ashe's head the two males locked eyes. For a moment they stared at each other and silent messages were delivered and received. Ashe was a oblivious to it all. Zacarias was trusting his lifemate to another, one not of his blood, or even of his people. Though she wouldn't be coming to any physical harm, this meeting could destroy her emotionally, and it was almost unheard of for a male to give such an important job to another.

The two men had been unsure of how to deal with the other in the beginning days, but now they were settling into a system. Zacarias had nothing against the wolf, and considered himself indebted to the shifter, since he had taken care of his lifemate for over a decade. Now that Zacarias was aware of the relationship his lifemate shared with her guardian, it was easier to accept his presence. It was still uncomfortable at times, but both males seemed to understand that neither was giving up Ashe, and they would have to work together.

There was a flurry of movement and Ashe threw herself into Zacarias' arms. She then proceeded to give him quick kiss on his cheek before bounding to the door, which was now held open by Caleb. Their minds were link and Zacarias gave a desponded sigh as he watch Kylierions go about their business in the Ways casting him curious glances. But the majority of his attention was focused on what was going on inside the outpost.


This ends another chapter in my fic!! This is the second to last chapter...and this time I mean it! Can you believe my fic is almost 100,000 words! What do you think of her theory? Isn't Zac cute and how he will accept her squad!! Ashe & Zac have finally teamed up and are taking on everyone and in the next chapter it all concludes!! I have it mostly written but it's kinda long, but I'll try to fit in some Amelyn & Dominic!

Thanks for reading and please tell me your thoughts/comments/questions of this chapter through a review!

~Ageless Light