Title: Dark Times

Author: Ageless Light

Beta-ed by: Nobody right now! But I'd like one! Please PM me if you are interested.

Characters/Pairing: Zacarias De La Cruz and Ashelia Sole, Amelyn Stormcloud and Dominic Dragonseeker, and Iris Airan and Lojos Jaegar.

Genre: Romance/Fantasy

Summary: The mission to Romania was just the starting point. Now that they have found each other, their stories were just beginning. The next installment to Dark Moments featuring our leading couples!

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

Status: Continuous (Incomplete)

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.

Spoilers: Up to and including Dark Slayer with references to parts in Dark Peril (The most recent novel in Feehan's Dark Series). This is the sequel to Dark Moments and I recommend that you read that first. You can access it through my profile!

Created on: July 12, 2010 edited December 10, 2010

Word Count: 2,890 (Total: 4,939)

"Talk" – regular talking

Talk- Inner thoughts

"Talk"- Speaking telepathically

A/N: Installments, for lack of a better work, of Dark Times will be chronological, so you can think of this as a loosely structured story. It is in fact going somewhere but since I will be focusing on the different couples it may take a while. Just to be warned the length of these "chapters" will vary. Some will be as long as the chapters for Dark Moments and others will be as short as a drabble.

Chapter 1

Boys, Boys, Boys

Even though it was the middle of the night the forest was unusually calm. There was no sign of danger and the squads patrolling through recently claimed Kylierion territory were bored. Since it was a change of shift, the previous squad was packing up while being covered by their replacements. The squad's captains were exchanging information while men and women moved about silently as they completed their assigned tasks. It was only a few minutes but the change of shift was complete and Captain Ray's team was left alone.

"It seems that team Alpha, formerly known as extended KATT squad 15, has not returned and is now two hours overdue. There is not further information, but we must be prepared if they are under fire as they return. We cannot let any enemies escape and take back information about us."

The 89 year old strawberry-blonde haired female captain relayed orders to her squad and waited for confirmation until she turned to the female shifter, the only one to return and deliver the news that sent the Alpha squad out earlier that day. Without even a full look it was easy to tell that Gabrielle was of the jaguar race. She was well toned and tall. Her skin was dark than the elementals and her eyes were distincly cat-like. Gabrielle hated her own people with a passion and since being back in the Amazon her cat was always just beneath the surface, waiting to get out. With the patience of a feline predator the women stood immobile against a tree branch as she waited for Ray to approach. Once the females were lost in conversation the remaining squad members took up their own conversation.

"I thought squad 15 was on the reserves until at least next month? And that team Beta was our lead team for TGM?" The first said as he withdrew his machete and placed it gingerly across his lap.

"It must have been a medical emergency deep in enemy territory for the princess to have left the wire." Another commented while he took up his position as the team's sniper high in the branches.

"I don't care what the mission is. It's not like we will be called in for back-up. Besides if squad 15 is now taking up their positions as team Alpha then we are all blessed. While still young and somewhat inexperienced, they are better than the majority of KATT, and are the face of our Special Forces. Morale will improve and everyone will do better knowing that those powerhouses are back in action and on the front lines while here in South America." The last member spoke before taking another long drag of his cigarette.

"Are they though? Or is this a onetime thing?"

"For right now, I don't care. Do you know how lucky we are? We will actually get to interact with them. Especially Iris Airan." The first male spoke while the other's made sounds of appreciation.

"You do know that she is off the market right?" One of them asked while looking around in confusion.

"What?" The sniper asked. It was well known that out of all of them he lusted after the heiress the most.

"Where the hell have you been?"

"I'm sorry I'm not a damn chatty Kathy like you. Now just tell me what you know." The others made sounds of agreement and gathered close, letting the man continue. "One of those damn vampire cousins is courting her, claiming they are destined to be together." The hunter's blind where they were all stationed became buzzed with angry whispers that drew the attention of the jaguar women and their Captain.

When things calmed down the last man began to speak again, enjoying as he crushed the other's hidden desires as he explained what he heard and what he witnessed between the Carpathian consultant and the sunshine colored blonde heiress.

"So I'll just wait until the Captain's brother challenges the Carpathian and then make my move." The sniper exclaimed while the others just shook their heads at his antics.

"Wait, the Captain's brother used to date Lady Airan? Lucky bastard."

"I never figured my squad was a bunch of gossiping housewives?" The voice of Captain Ray floated to their ears and they all looked to find her and Gabrielle directly behind them with eerily similar looks of displeasure. Before the men could start making excuses she reprimanded her squad and assigned tasks requiring their focus therefore ensuring their silence. The men just continued their conversation telepathically and made sure to use the link that their Captain had no access to. But by the looks the women were sending them they had guessed what the men were up to.

(Scene Change)

It would be well over an hour before the SAR team made it to secure Kylierion territory and another half an hour before they reached the command center. There were injuries but no deaths. Iris Airan was in the lead with her hands up as she maintained her defensive shield and searched for enemies. Lojos Jaegar, her own personal shadow, was less than a step behind her making it hard to concentrate on her task. Ashe flitted behind attending to her new patient while Tomas swiftly carried the injured and pregnant female shifter. Leaving the rest of the team to take up rear positions as they steadily marched into their new home.

Throughout the world there were multiple command centers and though they all resembled each other they were all unique. Their location and primary function caused each center to be tailored to each ongoing assignment. This one was no different and was built into the surrounding landscapes. Compared to the other structures, it was easy to spot the small warehouse in the middle of their clearing. Even though they had only been there a short time, the Kylierions and their allies used their abilities to allow nature to reclaim certain areas and the overgrown wilderness helped hide their presence and their facilities.

Unless one was specifically looking, no one would notice the few hollowed out trees, or the wooden bridges and connecting tree house-like structures high among the branches. More than just tunnels were being built underground and into the mountainside. Barracks, offices, training rooms, and important departments would all be located in the sprawling small city. Everything was state of the art and professional Kylierions had worked on the structure. The facility was tailored to fit their purpose of a future war-zone command and crisis center and soon not only would the facility be self-sufficient but so would many of the major departments, like the med-center and the R&D. Construction would soon end and the rest of their compound could be properly equipped.

A sizzle of power went through each of them as they passed another checkpoint, much like the small shock that they felt soon as they entered their territory. Whispers entered their mind scanning each of their thoughts ensuring they were not enemies in disguise.

As one of the senior staff members Iris was one of the Kylierions in charge of their defense system. The tall blonde was immensely proud of the barrier and warning system she created. This assignment had allowed the heiress to learn the next step in the techniques her family specialized in and to expand her knowledge of shields and barriers.

The system was modeled after her father's work and focused on the unique brain waves and energy signature of each soldier. In theory it was incredibly complex and in practice it was even harder. Therefore it had taken her and the rest of the security department, almost a month to get everything set up properly and to pass inspection from her family, but now it was nearly impossible for the enemy to infiltrate them without knowing. A soldier returning under the control the enemy would also be caught. Now that I've started the next stage in my family training, I'm closer to being a true Airan and showing that I am capable of being the next head of the family. The young heiress thought as they all passed inspection and entered through the east gate. It was a vow she made almost every time she returned to the safe zone. It wasn't arrogance but an immense pride at knowing that it was her work that kept them all safe. Especially since this was her first time completing such a task without being supervised throughout the entire project by another family member. The success of keeping the system up and working to Empire standards would speak well of her in the future to all who questioned a sheltered young heiress.

Her thoughts were cut off as her friend, Captain Ray, hurried to their side, her team flanking her. Updates were given and orders were exchanged within seconds. The original mission was just to scout but since it had evolved into so much more some Kylierion broke off to give reports and to explain their newest addition.

"Noelani has everything prepped and they are just waiting for you. What's her status?" The intimidating strawberry-blonde captain spoke to her princes while seeing if she could offer any assistance.

"Good. I want full tests run on her. She needs major healing but it would be too much of a shock for the baby so I may have to sedate her and do this in stages." Ashe broke off muttering statistics and how unhappy she was with possibly sedating the pregnant shifter. Since she was so focused on her patient Ray reached out among the mental path she shared with the white healer serving as Ashe's second and passed the information along.

"Gabrielle, I was hoping that you would stop by after you are settled and recovered. I would like your input and once the patient wakes up it may keep her calm to see another female shifter moving about freely. After all she has been through I don't want to scare or traumatize her anymore." Motioning to Tomas to follow her she did not wait for Gabrielle. The long legs of Gabrielle swiftly caught up to the pair and she answered Ashe, but the trio was too far away for Iris to hear.

"I know you have been out but there is something that we must discuss Iris." The tone was quiet almost as if Ray was afraid to speak but it drew her attention back to the woman next to her. It peaked Iris' curiosity and she nodded for her to continue and the pair began to walk to her office.

"One of my team was sent out with Travis and they discovered a construction site a few days ago. Evidence seemed to point towards the Morrison center but we think that is just a front. There were traces of vampire and mage energy in the area."

"Really?" That is disconcerting, she thought and encouraged the other to continue without words.

"Commander Caleb was informed and since it seemed so unusual he wants us to do something about it." The request was odd, since it was not her area of expertise. Stopping suddenly, she faced her older friend and spoke her mind.

"How far along is the construction?"

"New. Only foundation set up, but it will be completed quickly judging by the amount of personnel and materials they have."

"I am not able to rig up any spying equipment, you would have to talk to our information department."

"They are already working on it, but since we don't know what the structure is for, we were hoping you could place some seals or something and give us a back door in just in case." The KATT members exchange looks and stood together in silence for a few moments as they contemplated the idea.

"That's a nice idea and it is possible, but I can't promise anything other than trying. My schedule is filled for the next few days but let me at least hear what your squad member saw and read his report and then we can go from there." Ray gave a small smile before turning her head and shouting to her squad back up in the trees.

"Soldier Brook, get over here." A moment passed and then she finished her thought to him psychically along their team link. "And be respectful or I'll put you on security detail in the underground tunnels for a week."

Iris turned to see if she knew the soldier and to greet him properly when her sight was blocked by Lojos standing in front of her protectively. A small sigh pierced the air as Iris knew she was about to develop a headache. Through her private bond with Lojos she could tell he did not like the male soldier that stopped in front of them. Anger, jealousy, suspicion, and a protective instinct all welled inside of him spilling over through their connection. The emotions were so strong she had to take a few breaths to steady herself.

The other KATT member had no understanding of the true situation and attempted to walk right up to her only to be stopped by an inhuman snarl from Lojos.

"Captain, and Lady Airan." Though the tourmaline eyed blonde couldn't see the newcomer she could read the awe and respect in his tone as he greeted the women and the unease he felt at the Carpathian.

"Iris this is Wade Brook. Brook's will be briefing you on the details of his last mission about the possibility of a new enemy base." With a small wave the older women sifted into her other form, and returned to her post. This is ridiculous, Iris snarled and attempted to shove Lojos out of the way when the males just stared at each other.

"Brook what is your position on Ray's squad?"

"Oh, I'm a sniper ma'am." As he finished his sentence she had moved to his side and gestured for him to walk with her. The displeasure radiated from the shadow haunting her footsteps but she ignored him. A tactic the ancient hunter was becoming familiar with. Glancing to her left she was able to see the sniper man when they entered the underground tunnel leading to her office. The man had typical Kylierion features, but his head was shaved into a typical American military haircut and his nose was crooked from one to many breaks. The man was pleasant to look at-and her assessment was cut off as Lojos wedged himself between them throwing the man off balance and into the wall within a blink of the eye.

"What the fuck man?" Brook cursed at the Carpathian while righting himself. Before a fight started Iris intervened.

"Brook I want you to meet me in my office. Pick up your team's report and we will be there shortly." Her tone left no room for an argument and with one last glare the Kylierion headed off down the hall. Lojos was practically vibrating with energy and she could not turn his attention to her until after the solider was out of sight.

Flashing dark eyes finally focused on her moments later. Normally such an intense look, would unnerve her but Iris had just come back from a mission, was backlogged on paperwork, and now had another project to start. They had been having problems from the beginning and she knew their next conversation would only add to their troubles. But she was at the end of her rope and couldn't reign herself in. It's about time I set things straight and get my point across.

"What the hell was that Jaeger?" Iris practically spat the words at him while she shoved him away from her. Her eyes narrowed when she realized that he had let her push him away.

"He lusts after you. I will not permit him to think such inappropriate thoughts of my-" He was abruptly cut off and Iris spoke again.

"What have I told you about reading people's thoughts? You can't just enter their mind like that. It's a breach of privacy and trust between our two races." She waved her arms as if to get her point across.

"I will not allow harm to come to you or let anyone be disrespectful to you." The declaration was fierce and against her control she felt some of her anger melt away and heat spread through her. As the heiress to a powerful family she always had people protecting her. Even now when she is capable of protecting herself she is still sheltered. Many had made such proclamations since her birth but this was different, he was different. She simply stared at him in wonder before her brain processed what he had said. While she wasn't so angry anymore it was a battle of pride and independence. One I'm determined to win.

"They say in old age, people tend to lose their hearing. So I will say this again." She spoke in a deadly calm voice, "I am not your woman. You know that I would like to settle down, but that's in a century or so, not now when I am not even twenty five years old. I like you but I'm not going to sit at home, away from danger, or stop enjoying my youth. I'm not going to make a commitment for eternity with someone I just met." At this point Lojos opened his mouth to speak but she cut him off and continued ranting.

Their whispered argument echoed in the empty tunnels with both of them forgetting their pressing duties.

Sorry for the long update, life got in the way. I'm still editting Dark Moments too, so that's why it took so long.

Please review and leave your thoughts/comments and advice!

Until next chapter,

~Ageless Light

**Notes/Comments**

Noelani- literally translates to "mist of heaven" but is known as meaning misty rain. It is of Hawaiian origin and pronounced no-ah-LAH-nee.

Jaegar- is German and it means hunter. Thanks to reviewer and reader KMS5665 for suggesting a last name for the Carpathian brohthers' Matias, Lojos, and Tomas.

Wade Brook- You wade into a brook or stream... get it? AHAHAHA