Title:

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 (OC), Amelyn Stormcloud and Dominic Dragonseeker, and Iris Airan and Lojos.

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.

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)

Category: A collection of one-shots.

Spoilers: Up to and including Dark Slayer (The most recent novel in Feehan's Dark Series). This is the sequel to Dark Moments and I recommend that you read that first.

Created on: August 24, 2010

Word Count: 1,334

"Talk" – regular talking

Talk- Inner thoughts

"Talk"- Speaking telepathically

(Deleted Scene)

During the day ranch hands, staff, and those considered family walked the halls of the De La Cruz Manor but the place was usually rather quiet. That was until Juliette, Jasmine, and the Kylierions arrived. Now laughter and energy raced through the hallways even during the day time. But even still the manor was a shadow of what happened when night fell. As soon as the sun set, the manor exploded into life.

The property of the De La Cruz brother's evolved from a village to small city in a matter of months. Their quiet, secluded life was no more.

Jogging the last few steps, Ashe reached the main house just as her name was called far off to her left. Turning to face the voices she saw young Ginny running towards her, with her older sister walking sedately behind her. A warm smile grew on the young Kylierion's face as she headed towards the duo. Glancing behind the approaching girls, Ashe noted that the lights were on, and that the girls must have just finished a ride.

"Miss Ashelia, Miss Ashelia, did you just come from seeing Jasmine and the baby?" A white blonde eyebrow rose and she addressed the young girl.

"Ginny, what have I told you about calling me Miss Ashe?" The words were barely out of her mouth before Ginny came to an abrupt halt in front of her. A dust cloud was called up and swirled around them at her actions. The stricken look on the girl's face forced Ashe to repress a sigh.

"But, you're a princess. A real Princess!" While it was true, Ashe tried not to laugh outright. Ashe was never one to get along with children, unless they were in one of their military schools, but she honestly enjoyed the vibrant youth. Ginny was respectful, had a good head on her shoulders, and was a real hard worker. Qualities that were shaped from her life back in the States.

Ever since Paul and Ginny had found out that not only had their "scary" uncle found a lifemate but that she was a Princess, the young girl developed a small case of hero-worship. Though that might be my fault, for showing off some of my abilities. Colby's voice broker her train of thought.

"Maria is serving dessert, why don't you go ahead." The girl nodded and with a wave headed into the main house. Ashe sent a relieved smile towards the fiery redhead. Colby let out a chuckle while wiping her hands on her jeans, and then proceeded to link their elbows as they headed inside.

"So did you see Jasmine?"

"Yes, I was just giving her and little Grace a check-up." Ashe leaned against the dorm frame as Colby took off her boots.

"I wish I had come with you. Grace is such an adorable baby. She looks just like Jasmine, and is so well behaved."

"Yes, she really is. Its fitting that she named her child Grace. I think every time Solange or Jasmine hold her, I can see their soul and mind's healing."

"It wasn't just Grace."

"Huh?" was her eloquent reply. Amethyst met sea green and the girls looked at each other.

"It isn't that hard to deliver a baby or offer prenatal care in today's world. Even to a supernatural being. But Jasmine chose you." As long as she didn't chose Shea, to be her doctor.

"-I'm just saying there is a reason why you were chosen as Grace's Godmother."

As an important member of Imperial society, Ashe had gained numerous titles in her short years. But never once had she been a godmother. It was a new responsibility, but one she wholly welcomed.

"Are you listening to me?" Colby paused and faced Ashe. Concern was evident on her features and Ashe was thankful for her friendship/sisterhood with the rancher.

All of the De La Cruz women got along and became adopted sisters, but even the men were surprised at how close Ashe and Colby were. It was easy to understand why the newest female was close to MaryAnn, Lara and Juliette; they had much in common after all. It went without saying, but Ashe felt kinship towards Colby. It had taken much observation and some insight from MaryAnn before the others understood. Deep down, Ashe knew exactly how much the world weighed and what it felt like to have it rest on her shoulders. Only one ranch rested on Colby's shoulders and while it wasn't the whole world, to the former Jansen it was. That was what Ashe understood, and their ability to relate to one another allowed them to develop a close relationship.

"I apologize. I just have a lot on my mind." She said sheepishly, but all Colby did was raise her eye brows and stared unnervingly at the newest addition to the immediate De La Cruz family.

"When are you leaving?" the question was said softly as if she already knew the answer

"Soon. I've already stayed to long." A sigh escaped and she rubbed her eyes. Now that she thought about it, she could no longer ignore how exhausted she was.

"You're going to miss ladies poker night." The converted Carpathian said while sneaking a glance at the shorter women.

"Again?" Ashe practically moaned.

Since the women met they decided to have a weekly poker night featuring just the girls. It was usually held while the men were strategizing. What Ashe didn't know was that Colby was the one who started the idea in the hopes that it would offer a relief for Ashe from her duties. Poker night had evolved into game night, and some of the Chevaz women joined in, and even Solange and Jasmine stopped by once or twice. They hoped to continue the new tradition for some time and include Lara as soon as Nicholas and she returned to Brazil.

Seeing Ashe's shoulders droop and knowing she was going to apologize, Colby cut in.

"We just worry about you." Red warning flags flashed in Ashe's brains and she cursed herself for becoming sloppy. She had tried her hardest to keep the darker aspects of her life away from the others but it was easy for them to deduce her troubles.

"We who?"

"All of us." At this point Ashe quickly retracted her arm from the other's girls grip and stepped back a bit.

"Did Zac-"A fervent shake of Colby's head was her answer. Before either could speak again, they were interrupted. A cloud of mist entered through an open window and two figures appeared before them. The air thickened but did not react hostilely so Ashe was not concerned. A quick glance was shot at Colby and Ashe knew that he had been coming but she didn't tell her. Eyes narrowed. What is she up to?

"Did my brother do what?" Rafael spoke with a questioning eyebrow before he swept his lifemate up into his arms. Leaving them to their private moment she nodded cordially at the other figure hiding in the shadows. Luiz a former jaguar nodded back respectfully but did not move closer.

The recently converted Carpathian was always accompanied by another Carpathian male if he was on De La Cruz property; usually, out of safety for all of them. Ashe thought it was a bit cruel but decided she would not intervene or go against Zacarias in such a way. Especially since she still was not used to Carpathian ways. It was odd to see Rafael escorting Luiz inside the manor enough as it was, but she wondered where Mataias, his usual escort, was.

"I was unaware Zacarias had done anything wrong. Then again, I can't seem to find him." Rafael stated waiting for her to answer. Colby was looking a bit too innocent as she pulled him with her while walking deeper into the house. With a few shakes of her head she trailed behind them with Luiz trying to avoid Rafael and his prying eyes.

I'd apologize for the late update but I was on a 2 week vacation in Bermuda and I was enjoying it! I did write though while on the beach so expect quicker updates! This deleted scene is in honor of Feehan's release of Dark Peril. I picked it up but I'm still reading it and am love reading the true Zacarias! Thanks for reading and please review!

Ageless Light