"What will happen to mama?" Those deep blue eyes starred at Raelin. She had no answers for him, only ran her fingers through his long dark hair. "I do not know Lucas." Vesper had died years ago. Raelin had been seven at the time. Her mother had taken his death hard. And now she was sick. Lucas for once seemed healthy. He looked so much like their father. His copper toned hair, the angles of his face his somewhat narrow nose. But his eyes were very much their mothers deep blue filled with an inner light. Only her mothers eyes were duller now, less like the bright day sky and more like the dark midnight sky. Vesper had looked like her too though his hair was a muddier brown a mix of her mothers black with her fathers copper tone. And Vesper had once had his fathers eyes those green eyes that Raelin and Sky also had.

"Raelin." He father looked over her shoulder at his sons. Sitting by their mothers bed. "Yes, papa?"Raelin rose to her feet. He father was a tall man. He had not been born in Ireland he was from England. He was at least six feet tall, his hair was long and coppery, slightly untammed. He wore a beard and it showed signs of his age. His eyes were deep and green not as bright as hers or Sky's. Though he looked fierce he was very kind. His hand came to rest upon her shoulder. "I need you to go fetch your mothers medicine. "He handed her a bag of coins. "Its not far. I've sent for a priest and the doctor."

Raelin nodded took the coins hugged her brothers kissed her mother on the forehead and left. It was a different time then she was twenty-one, a woman at that age, ready for everything.Children, motherhood, to be someone's wife. But with Lucas sick, her mother had needed Raelin's help and with Vesper gone. Raelin was the oldest. She had to take care of them all.

"Goddess protect them all." The words were easy, they always came. Shed been born to magic and always asked for the goddess to protect her family. She trusted in it. "Raelin. You and I, our family is not like others." Her mother once said, "You are powerful, you just don't know it yet. Your one with a great power."She held out a simple yet somehow elegant pendant to Raelin. It was silver, it had moons on it, three moons. "This is the triple goddess. The maiden, the mother, the crone."Her mother pointed to each moon. "It will help you, it will give you strength. You my sweet Raelin are a witch of great blood." Her mother smiled a sweet smile. And for once Raelin understood all those things she had seen long ago. When she was very young she recalled her mother doing spells, using herbs and plants for more than just cooking.

And when Vesper had gotten sick, she remembered that her mother had tried to heal him. Her mother told her that Lucas did not possess the power, but Vesper had, and she and Skylar did. She also explained that their father did as well, though his powers were buried within him. And from that day on she taught Raelin things about magic.

Raelin clasped the pendant about her neck as she ran to the store. The night was cold and wet, it was raining. She hurried to the shope that sold the medicine. She paid for it and hurried home. When she returned it was too late. The priest was saying a prayer over her mother the doctor was trying to console her father who sat at the kitchen table Lucas and Skylar crying. Her mother was dead. She was too late.

~~~

Raelin snapped out of it starring forward at one of the blue crystals in the shope. What time was it? Where was she? She looked around. The shope was dark the street outside as well. It must have been late. The small clock on the wall chimmed.It was two in the morning. She stood there in her night clothes starring at the blue crystal on the shelf. She reached for it and touched it. That memory. Shed recalled her father, her mother, Vesper, Lucas, Sky.

Things about her magic, her family. She had seen herself at twenty-one. She took the crystal down and held it in her hands. What magic did it possess? Or was she simply remembering. She looked down to her neck it was bare now, but hours ago shed worn that necklace, shed had it forever. And now remembered that it had once been her mothers, and perhaps before that her grandmothers, there was no telling how old it truly was.

She took the crystal back in to the work shop and sat it on the table, she left the lights off she had no need of them and she didn't wish to wake Zach. She sat down and starred at the crystal again.

~~

"I am sorry child." He spoke to her, his accent was thick, Italian. His features were that to match his voice. He wasn't very tall a little taller than she was. He had olive toned skin, dark hair and eyes. He was a priest. But not a normal one, no he wore the same clothes they all did, black simple, white collar. But on his robe were fine silver moons. The triple goddess. He was a priest for the goddess. A man of magic. He touched her shoulder once. Then left. It would not be the last time she saw him.

How clear everything seemed to her now. They buried her mother, beside Vesper. They all said a prayer. Raelin truly became the mother figure after that. She cooked, and cleaned and took care of the house hold and the boys. Her father worked, brought home the silver and gold they needed to stay alive. But he was sad. He had even less light in his eyes now, once they had been bright and green Raelin remembered it. But after Vesper died the light faded, and now his eyes were darker green like the forest. Raelin tried, she did her best. But it didn't last.

The winter came. And with it her father was dead. He had not died of his age, or illness. But the sadness had over taken him. He had died far from home, and the priest came again. The same man. Olive skin, dark eyes and hair. "Dear child, the church will do all it can for you. I will see to it my self. I am father Azrael.You may call on me in any time of need." She thanked him, and knew that now she would have to be mother and father. She took up work at a shope in town they sold herbs and spices to the locals. She recalled the fine smell of herbs. A few years passed.

She kept the house together, the boys strong and well fed. Lucas seemed to be on the mend. But in 1304, he came down with a flu. No magic or medicine could have saved him. She buried him beside their mother, father and Vesper. Now it was just she and Sky. All alone in the big world.

~~

The tear drop brought her back to reality. The clock chimed again. It was five in the morning. She was crying starring blankly at that blue crystal. She folded her arms to the table sunk her head in to them and thought of all she had lost. She remembered it all, the way her mother smelt of lavender. Her father of sage. The boys. Vesper, Lucas and Sky. Of how sick Vesper had looked before he died. The same way her mother and Lucas had looked. The way the light in their eyes all faded. From once bright and bold to dim or not there at all.

Zach would come looking for her sooner or later. He'd wake in either human or wolf form to find she wasn't in bed. He might even be woken from her crying. She couldn't seem to stop herself now. She couldn't hold them back. For so long shed forgotten her past. Now somehow it was all coming back.

She was in his arms her face pressed to his shoulder.She bretahed him in, and let her tears run dry. When she peeled herself back she smiled weakly to him. She didnt know what to say, thank you?That didnt seem enough. She didn't know what to say. She just held on to him for a moment longer. "Thank you."She whispered softly. She didnt want to leave his arms. She wouldnt have it in her to open the shope todays he was tired and that vision of her past still so clear in her mind. "I saw it.I saw it all." She knew hed ask her what.

Had he recalled that aprt of their life, her never knwoing her past. How being turned had washed away ehr human life. All but her brother. Sky. Would he recall that now? She shifted in his arms. She didnt want to be let go, but he could set her down if he liked.

She wanted to say well,I didnt see everything. She just looked in to hsi eyes for a moment. "I woke up in the middle of the night and came down stairs. I don't know why and I found this crystal."She looked tot he blue crystal on the table it was tall and slim and shinning. "I went to put it away and I touched it and I saw a flash.. of my past."

She took a long breath. "I saw Ireland as if I had never forgotten it.My family." Shee looked to the crystal. "My mother,and father and brothers. I recalled Vespers death and my mothers, fathers and Lucas's.They all died. Sickness, and sadness. And Azrael. And Skylar. "She looked back in to his eyes. "I have a feeling that its not over though. There are still parts that are blurry. But the memory was, hard."She dabbed her face with her sleeve.


"Az always said that the memories would come abck, you used to tell me that too. Back in Italy, when you told me of your past and how you'd forgotten it for a long time as well. Then one day it all came back.youve lived through that twice.And I am falling apart already."She sighed leaning in to him. " I have wanted for so long to recall everything that I lost, and now that its started.. that I've started to recall it.I don't know if I can deal with it all."

She nodded slowly. Looking abck at that blue crytsal.She had not wanted to wake him.Not in the slightest.But she had needed him. She just sat there in his arms with her eyes closed. "I promise." She said softly. She knew she wouldnt sleep. And that tomorrow shed leave the shope closed, she needed to let these memories play out,she needed to know them.

He smiled softly down at her, as he moved a hand up to brush a few strands of hair from her face. HIs brows rising in an unasked question to what she had seen this time. Letting her curl against him again, as well as letting her decide when she would tell him. He would not rush her into doing so.

"Open your eyes and see the world," His voice was like velvet over glass. When she had opened her eyes she was starring up at rafters, then at columns of stone. Then him leaning there. Like a stone God himself. She saw him much more clearly now. That his olive skin had a slight paleness to it, his once very dark eyes were oddly red in tone. Light played in from above but he did not enter it.

"You might think me a monster, and it can be confusing. But in time you will understand."

Sitting up she found that she was on a hard stone tablet but it hadn't felt very hard to her. They were in some sort of abbey. But the decor was much different from that of her home. It even smelled different of olives and rosemary. There was another smell, sweet and lush. And a taste on her tongue. She had at first thought ti was copper but now it tasted like wine. "I brought you something." He motioned to the back of the room behind him and her eyes had no issues following that movement. There tied to the floor still trashing was a dear, a buck in his prime. The sweet smell came again, the rush of the animals blood. The taste was even better. Before she even knew she had moved she was done feeding off it.

"Your first time should always be with an animal gets you sued to their flavor rather and humans. But they have their uses as well. Now let me have a look at you." His hands were on her face strong yet soft. As she starred back at him she knew him. "Father Azrael?" he chuckled softly, "Just Azrael will do child." "Where am I?" Her memories were blurred. "Italy. My home land." She blinked, she couldn't recall anything. Only one face flashed in her mind then a name. "Skylar?" Azrael shook his head, "I am sorry child, you've been gone from Ireland for a week now. I was worried you would never wake. " Skylar was gone? The thought went through her mind. "He's not gone child, but by now he's given up looking for you." She blinked at him and he merely smiled. "I have so much to teach you. So much you must learn."

And learn she would.

~~

This memory was not old, she recalled the night she had been turned and the days after that very well. But they seemed to flow now like the old ones had.


~~
Her green eyes focused on Zach. As she went through the story.

"He brought me food.The new food I would have to get used to. He told me where I was and that he had so much to teach me. And I knew my old life was gone. Skylar was the only one I remembered then. But now I recall everyone. My brothers, my fatehr and mother. The towns people in Ireland. This must be how you feel every day now. Memories flooding back from the past." She touched his cheek softly.

She smiled and nodded. Then retuned that kiss before she could say another word. That was all she wnated for the moment to kiss him and let her self be. Memmories and all even if they were unfinished. If she ahd never remembered her past she would have never recalled her brothers,mother or father.Nor her home in Ireland. For that she was glad. She slipped ehr hands over his shoulders and let the kiss linger.

That morning after waking from her memory she woke and tooka long hot shower. She scrubed and stood there letting the scent of lavnder pemaite the air. It was nearly dawn she could feel it. The shop would be open today and Raelin hoped the memories though no longer old and unknown ones stayed away for today.

Zach was in his wolf form, curled up in front of the fireplace while she took her bath. Waitting for her to get done and come out. With a glance towards the door of the bathroom every so often.

She came out eventually to find him curled there by the fire. She walked across the bed room already dressed and dry. She ran her fingers through his fur as she passed him. "Another day." She smiled and set forth to making breakfast.

He stretched after the pet, then moved to follow her downstairs. With a sudden nip at her butt, when he felt he could get away with it. And when she shot him a look, he gave her the best innocent look he could as a wolf.

She shook her head at him and made breakfast int he workshope. She gave him his usual and had her own usual.

And he slowly ate his, before licking the plate clean. He then padded towards his usual resting spot. Which was right by the door.

She snickered and washed the gishes. He liked to rest near the door when it was closed like a big white guard dog. She fixed the shope up a touch walking around dusting. Looking over at him now and again.

During one of the times she had looked away, he had padded upstiars. Returning around the time she had openned the shop. With one of her undergarments between his canines.

"Zach!"She smacked his nose and took her bra back. "Thats not very nice." She hid it behind the counter thank goddess no one saw it.

He growled to the smack to his snout. Only to fish it out again, then darted out from behind the counter..Before she could steal it from him again.

"Zach!" She growled but now there were patrons she coudlnt go after him.She tended tot hem again ignoring the white wolf with the blue lace bra in its mouth.

Hard to do as he had plopped down to sit right where they could see him. Giving it a shake, every so often. He then spotted one of their coven coming in..

It was Cara the tall drow woman. She spied the white wolf witht he bra in its mouth and slid ehr way to Raelin.The other customers seemed to back away as Cara slipped in. raelin sold things to those backing out then smiled to Cara. "Merry Meet Miss Cara,"

Cara bowed ehr head softly. "Greetings Raelin. And Zach. I see hes being his usual self."

He pawed up to Cara, only to lean back on his hindlegs. Forepawrs landing on her side as he offered the bra to her.

"Yes he is." Raelin sneered at him. "What can I do for you?"

Cara snickered and took that bra. "Nice. Yours I assume?"She handed it back to Raelin. Raelin blushed took it and hid it. "Yes thank you."

Cara gave hima little pet. "Your a little scamp arent you." She then looked back to Raelin. "Oh yes,I came with this."She handed off a medium sized blue velvet bag to Raelin. "A gift for the both of you from all of us for thanks in the changing of Salis." Raelin took the bag it was quite heavy.

He nuzzled his head into the pet, then flashed Cara an innocent look. Before he looked to the gift, as he pawed back behind the counter.. As he leaned up and started to sniff at it.

He nuzzled his head into the pet, then flashed Cara an innocent look. Before he looked to the gift, as he pawed back behind the counter.. As he leaned up and started to sniff at it.

Raelin sncikered at his sniffing. She opened the bag and found a few smaller bags of herbs, and spices. And one medium sized ruby red crystal.

Cara smiled. "All members of the guardain coven have one of those. It changes color now and again. Depending on who it is near. Red is passion."She grinned softly. "The herbs are some rare things Acacia thought you might like. " She winked at them both. "The next meeting will be in a weeks time. I hope you will both be there."

He managed to pluck the ruby tone crystal up in his jaws, Then pawed off towards a hidden compartment. As if putting it away for safe keeping.

Cara chuckled as she left and Raelin shook her head at him hidding that crystal. Then went back to work.

After he hid it, his form changed back to his normal form.. Yet it seemed he forgot to make sure he had been dressed, before the change. As he was well nude now.. Raelin blinked at him. "oh my goddess." She grabbed one of her towels from behind the counter and handed it to him blushing.

He looked to her a moment. " What?" He then smirked as he took the towel, and wrapped it around his waist. She burried her face in her hands her cheeks bright red. Thank the goddess no one else was int eh shope. "Go up stairs get some clothes on, you'll get me tossed out."

He smirked to that, as he tossed the towel over her head, as he turned to head upstairs. " Fine..'

She blushed even more as he went out of sight. The fodled that towel and tooka long breath before a mother with her two chidlren walked in.Oh timing was good. She welcomed them and sold them some of her rose petal candies.

And he came back down, wearing just a pair of boxer shorts. She told him to get dressed...just not how dressed she wanted him to be. She saw him and gasped. "Zach."She muttered and looked tot he door then darted to it and quickly put out the be back in 15 mins sign. "Your not dressed enough."

" You didn't say how dressed you wanted me." He smiled as he stopped on the bottom step. She looked at him and shook her head. Yes he could pull off any look. That was always true. She didnt looka way from him now. "Pants,shirt,under clothes. "She shook her head at him. "If you stay like that you will be tempting me to close shope for the rest of the day."

" That so?" Ignoring the items she just told him to put on. " Maybe I should lose these and test that claim. " Hands moving to remove those boxers.

"Zach!"She darted to him. "No."She shook her head. "I have to work right now."That was a lie. She didnt have to. Her hands pressed to his chest softly.

He smirked down at her. " No you don't. " And off they went, as he stepped back. Placing them in her hands, as he back up, giving her a frontal view of his form and hips.
She looked at the boxers in her hands. And blinked looking back at him. "Zach." She blushed and looked away. "Put these back on."She held them out to him. Shed seen him parade around rooms in the nude for a long time, and now she hid her eyes. Kind of she peeked a little through her fingers.

" Nope. " Said as he moved towards her, then brushed up against her. On his way to the table, only to hop up onto it, then stretched out on his side.

She shook her head at least they were in the workshope with him spread over her table like that. She opened her eyes and looked at him. "pushing your luck?"

" Daring you to do what you know you want to do. " Teasing her as he smirked from ear to ear. " Or should I flash your..possible customers? "

"No no no..."She begged him. "Your right ok. Fine. Least let me close the shope up.It will take two seconds. " And she was gone and back ebfore he could move. Using that speed she ahrdly ever did. The windows out from were clsoed the closed sign out the door locked. And she went back to staring at him. Long ago she had memorized his body every inch. She bit her lip lightly as she looked back in to his eyes.

He smirked to that, and shook his head lightly. " Rather protective of me..aren't you? " "I dont need to getting me tossed out,or someone fromt he coven seeing you like this."She kept her gaze on his eyes.

He moved to sit up. " We can't have that...can we? " Winking at her as he moved to head out towards the front of the shop She grabbed his arm before he could make it out there. "Your not going any where."He looked to her hand on his arm, then down to her eyes. " Why not? '

"Because. Your not dressed. And I am asking you not to go out there."


" Because you want to gawk at me in private. " Free hand tapping her nose.

She snickered at the tap to her nose. "Perhaps." She pulled him back toward her. Bold for Raelin. "I've been fighting this since the moment you came back to me." He leaned to her ear as she pulled him in closer. " I know.."

She smiled and blushed softly. "Yes I figured you knew. "She pressed her fingers to his chest. "It seemed so odd to me. We had been together many,many times."She bit her lip lightly again. "I am still getting used to waking and seeing you there.."Starring up in to his eyes. "I was worried I think.To let myself.. be with you...worried if I was that I'd wake and find you were gone. Like old times..."She let her fingers fall her hands to her sides.

He caught her hands and wrapped ehr arms around his neck. " Yet I am still here you silly, little woman. "

She blinked and looked up at him as he twined her arms about his neck. "Yes I know. "She blushed softly. "You should put some clothes on though." She didnt look in to his eyes now she knew what hed see. That passion and want she had for him. That she had to burry

He smirked again. " Fine. " Slipping from her. " Even thought you still hold that passion for me. " A smack to her butt before he bolted upstairs

She yipped lightly and watched him bolt and stood there for half a second before going after him.

He grinned and he looked over his shoulder to her chasing after him, Then shut the door on her, long enough for him to hop on to the bed and cover up

She growled and pushed the door open. "Your "She shook her head at him and sncikered to him laying in bed covered with the covers. "shy now?"

He didn't answer her as he was pretending to be sleeping, in hopes of drawing her in closer.

She snuck in closer. "Zach."She poked him in the back. He turned and pulled her into the bed with him, as he quickly pinned her down

"Ack!"She yelpped and snickered up at him as he pinned her down. "Scamp"

The memory was a dream cleara s glass continued from whee they had left off.


How an elf came to be in Italy in 1398 Raelin didn't know she knew now of coarse that Jeardra had hidden that Elven nature with magic. But back then she had not.

The woman came in to their lives one night. She was short and slight. Just Az's type. Her hair was blond and her face was very pretty, yet her eyes were cold as blue steel. Raelin didn't like her at first. But did her best. She wanted her father to be happy. Azrael had become her father, her teacher, her everything.

Yet he loved Jeradra.And Raelin understood. She left them to love. Wandering for a while looking for others like herself. She met very few. A few withces, or wizards. A few whom called them selves mages.And there were always vampires. But she had been looking for a coven some where to call home.

There were merely whispers of a coven to the North in Florence. But she was at home there in the center of it all. Rome had become my home and Ireland was just a distant memory.

Three years went quickly. Az was in love and it seemed at the time that Jeardra loved him as well.

But the woman was jealous of Raelin. Raelin had known this. Jealous of her power, her beauty and her relationship with Azrael. Az loved Raelin, and always would. But like a daughter. Raelin tried to have Jeardra see that. But Jeardra could not see it.

They started fighting. Jeardra and Az. And one day Jeardra stormed off. Az couldn't follow her not in tot he day light. So Raelin tried. But it was in vain. She searched all night and soon returned home. But some hunters had followed her, how they had known what she was to this day Raelin did not know. But there was a fight.

They came in the back windows and through the door. Cross's bared and stakes in hand. "Raelin run." Az bayed her, his face turned fierce his eyes looking to the hunters. There were only five of them. "No Azrael I will not leave you to die."Raelin was trying to call her magic to help her. "No!" Azrael screamed at her. "Go run, please I beg you. I will be fine." He turned to fight them off then and Raelin ran. No one followed her.

The night turned to day and to night again. Raelin waited it was a bothersome thing. Anything could have happened in the hours she had been running away. Alatri wasn't far from Rome at least not for a Vampire she could run to Rome and back with in moments. But here there was a safe spot a place for vampires and others of the world of the unknown. Raelin came back in the night walking in to Rome hiding her face with a cloaks hood. She found her way to Az's house without an upward glance. The house was sill standing

There on the floor weeping was Jeardra over a pile of ashes. Az was dead. Jeardra looked at Raelin her cold steel blue eyes fierce. "This is your fault." She stabbed a finger at Raelin. "Your fault."


Raelin didn't argue with her on that. Jeardra rose and crossed to her even though the woman was much shorter that Raelin she did not back down as she starred up in to Raelin's eyes. "One day, Raelin. One day I swear you will pay for this." Jeardra stormed out then and Raelin fell to her knees and cried over her second lost father.


The memory was clear. But painful. She woke and rose from bed and She sat down there at thetable in the loft. Zach was asleep. He had not be privy to her dream. "She's paying me back."Raelin understood, but could not forgive Jeardra. Raelin had not killed Az, the hunters had. Jeardra had killed Zaos and although he had returned to her now. So much time had been lost. In her hand she held the rose she was going to put in her hair.


It had turned from red to black. She gazed at it, her anger had channeled the magic in to the rose. It was alive but black as night. She rose slowly, leaving the rose on the table then to her dresser.

She pulled something from it. Clothes. She changed quickly there in front of the dresser, keeping an eye on the sleeping wolf on her bed. She changed in to black boots, knee high with low heels. Black pants sleek and tight and a Grey top. Then she slid a black jacket over it all and tied back her hair. She grabbed a few things off her desk. Her triple goddess necklace, her triple spiral ring, a few bags of instant magic as she liked to call them.

Satchels of herbs, spices or dried flowers. A gem or two. Four daggers, one of gold, one of silver one of bronze and one that was an odd green color. And from under the desk she pulled a slim rapier sword and hung it off her belt. Magic and weapons, she was going to war. Then she wrote Zach a note.

"My dearest Zach,

When you wake I will not be here. I am going to find her. Jeardra. I am going to end this now. If you deiced to open the shope there is a list next to the till of what herbs, spices and flowers go well together for basic spells. I am sure if you do open you will do fine it will all come rushing back to you. If I have not returned by tomorrow. Know that I love you. And that Jeardra will be gone as well. I swear it. Do not come looking for me, if I do not return find someone from the coven, have them help you. But if I am not back it is likely I will not be back. I knew this mission would be dangerous, that is why I could not wake you. I love you too much. Stay safe. May the goddess protect you.

Love always, and Blessed be.

Raelin"

She left the note on the table then turned the black rose back to red, then very carefully crossed the room to the sleeping wolf. She kissed his nose softly then left. She tried not to think of it as she locked the door behind her. If this was to be the last time she saw him. She hurried along out of town, to find Jeardra.

The circle of night dwellers welcomed her. And Raelin found that she was one of very few who stayed at the villa. Many came and went from there almost nightly. But very few stayed there most of the immortals had homes of their own.

There were vampires, witches, shapeshifted, werewolves and others coming, going and staying there. She fell in with the witches right away. Some were loners some were parts of larger covens. Some were older, some were young. There were two who were more than just witches.

Raelin remembered the long nights studying new magic's. And the warm days where she and the fellow witches spent in the sun. No one had ever been able to explain how Raelin was able to walk in the sun. It was a rare thing that only one other vampire among the circle could do.

Raelin was very conscience of Zaos. He watched her. Sometimes from afar. She watched him as well. He was quite the ladies man, every woman, no matter what she was seemed to be drawn to him. Even the women who were married or already taken watched and flirted with him. It seemed part of his charm.

Raelin was attracted to him as well. They spent time together now and again sharing stories. He was one of the first to tell her that one day her memories would come back to her. He too like Az and many others of their kind had lost much of his human life to blur. But now he was slowly recalling them all.

He knew now he had been born in Greece in 1147 . " I met my sire and loved her for a long time. But she did not feel the same about me. But she turned me any how. In 1177 she turned me and I was brought here. " Raelin looked at him that made him 255 years old. He must have thought her very young at 122. "Your sire?" Zaos looked off at the hill top the sun would rise soon. "She too was killed by hunters a few years ago.It was like losing a mother, a dear family member." Raelin nodded, she knew that kind of pain well.

They spent time on and off together sharing stories and trading magic. Raelin spent a long time at the villa. The years went by. Members came and went. But something did begin to change. Slight at first. Zaos started taking fewer lovers. Then he started paying more attention to Raelin. She did not mind that attention.

The forest around her now reminded Raelin so much of those first days of their new born love. The pale moon light on her face she walked through the shadows towards the clearing. If Jeardra killed her Raelin did not want to forget these memories everything that she had recalled. Raelin knew without a doubt that if she did not kill Jeardra. Jeardra would kill her slowly.

But she did not want to focus on that now. No, she wanted to remember that time long ago.

She spent a long time at the villa ninety-eight years. It was 1500. And sparks had flown between them. When he spoke to her, when he touched her she felt it. That pull. She hoped he felt it too. When he first kissed her. She thought the whole villa might explode in flame. The way he made her feel, alive. So alive for someone who'd been dead so long. His lips were soft, tender and he was very delicate with her at first. Then as time drew on he would kiss her with more force more passion.

She loved him. And told his thus. He didn't tell her it back. She knew he would not. But she loved him any way. Things didn't really change for a long time after that. She deiced she was foolish to love a man who did not and would not love her back. And she prepared to leave. But he bayed her to stay.

And then one night he showed her passion as she had never felt as a human. That memory of her first time was crisp and clear. She could still taste the wine, and his lips. Still feel the way she felt so long ago, like jelly when he touched her. But she knew he was a free spirit. He would not be tied down and although they had passion and a connection that could not be denied, he denied it.

But what he would find was as the woman whom smelt liek Raelin turned it was not her after all. "Don't be mad at her." The woman was fair haired and a vampire for sure.Not one fo the coven though. "Raelin came to Jez and asked that I distract you if you came after her, so we switched off clothes and scents. She doesnt want you there Zach. She can't loose you." The curvy doe eyed blond was Jesse, a friend of old. " Jez and the others are that way, through the trees, if you try to find her they will stop you, she asked them too.It be better if you just came along with us. Raelin is strong, she will get through this."

From the woods beyond stepped Jez. and his two other consorts Harley and Georgia. Raelin coudl be miles away by now her scent hidden. Shed gone to every lenght to keep him out of this fight this time. "Theres no use in trying to track her man.Don;t you get why she wants you not there?The last time Jeardra atatcked you she put you under her spell and you nearly killed Rae then you died... raelin can't have either happen. "Jez offered.

The clearing was beautiful bathed in pale moon light. There was no one there. It was silent. If Jeardra did have vampire friends she would need to hunt for them or with them. This was the perfect place for that deer came and went through the clearing. Raelin would wait.

Like a perched owl or jungle cat she perched in a tree hiding against it. Watching the clearing. Smelling the wind.

Then she came. The moon light played on her fair hair showing it like strands of silver in the moon light. She wore all black. Thus making her hair stand out even more. She had a bow in her hands. She was hunting. Raelin watched as the arrow flew true to its mark and shot down a deer. The others of the herd fled in to the forest. Jeardra went towards the deer then whistled. Out came a vampire, he was male. Raelin could tell by his height and the shoulders. He wore a cloak of deep crimson hiding his features well. He went to the deer and began to feed off it. So this was the vampire helping Jeardra he would die as well as she. But the odds were now stacked against her.

The male fed until the deer was dry then he and Jeardra spoke in hushed tones he then slid in to the forest Jeardra was about to follow. Raelin saw this as her time. She focused on the elf witch and let a small ball of blue flame go piercing in to the night across the clearing and right in to Jeardra. The elf witch hadn't seen that coming, she was tossed back a few feet.

Raelin rose looking at the empty clearing. "I thought elves, had good eye sight."She stepped from the shadows on the other side of the clearing and in to the moon light.

"Well, Raelin." Jeardra smirked. "How very nice to see you." She walked back towards Raelin slowly. Raelin's eyes stayed on her, that bow, those arrows. Jeardra's only weapon. But the elf witch didn't need it she had magic. "I was wondering when we'd see each other again, " Raelin snarled at her.

"Ohh touchy, still mad about Zaos." "Don't you speak his name." Raelin bit back. "I told you that one day I would get even with you. And so I did. "She smirked. Then walked closer. "Look at you all decked out and ready ... too bad.. I have an ace up my sleeve. " She whistled again. Raelin readied herself for anything. "Bring him out." Jeardra said to the shadows and two figures in those crimson cloaks brought another cloaked man out the hood hid his face but he was bent over, weak.

Now Raelin saw the two men standing clearly even under their cloaks they looked right at her.Vampires.Both male, both a tall and slim. Built for fighting. One had honey blonde hair and the other raven black. They smirked at Raelin and licked their lips. Three against one. "Leave him, and then leave us." Jeardra snapped and the two vampires let the other man in the darker cloak fall to his knees then left without a second glance backward.

Jeardra smirked softly. She danced around the kneeling man then back out towards Raelin. Then she flicked some power at Raelin. The power sent Raelin up in to the sky then tumbling for the ground. It hurt, but shed live. Raelin pulled herself to her feet. That power. Jeardra had always had power, dark power magic's that Raelin and most witches didn't touch. But this power it was different. Raelin looked back at Jeardra she could see that this power came from the man on his knees it pulsed through him and in to Jeardra as if she was stealing it from him.

"That's borrowed power." Raelin bit off and Jeardra smirked. "Oh yes, well you didn't think I would fight fair did you?" Jeardra sent another blow at Raelin but this time Raelin blocked it. The power broke all around her, cutting in to the fine grasses. Raelin could feel her own power bubbling up.

How many days would the darkness last? Or was this hell? It seemed fitting enough. Stark blackness.Ws there hell for her kind?Or just pure damnnation.She couldnt move,didnt breathe in the air.Worried that of she dd she would know she was dead. All that way,to fight Jeadra and she gets killed. Zach would morn her, and what about Skylar...he was alive and shed never see him again. The blackness seemed everywhere. But their was a voice in the darkness calling her name.

"Raelin...Raelin..."

"Skylar..."She managed, she had voice, she had lif,e she wasn't dead? "Yes, I am here. Can you open your eyes?" Raelin opened her eyes slwoly.She was laying on a bed, dressed in bandages and new clothes. She blinked at him then over his shoulder she saw Selen of the coven. "Thank the goddess your alive." She said softly. " When he brought me here I did not want to believe you were dead. And so you are not. Magic has healed you." Raelin sat up slowly and didn't feel any pain.But saw all the bandages on her arms and legs there was one across her mid scetiona nd one over her chest,the clothes she wore were loose fitting and very plain. "How long have I been here?" "Two days."

Two days? "Zach..." Selen smiled. "He's here child out in the living room, your at my house. When I saw it was you. I sent Chry to get Zach. He's barely left your side. Ivan and Hermes had to drag him out when I had to heal you. And this one." She touched Skylar's shoulder. " had to be dragged away as well."

Raelin smiled. "I want to see Zach." Selen nodded . "I will go get him, he will be happy to see your awake." And off she went to fetch Zach. Skylar sat there beside the bed. "I thought I'd lost you all over again. "Raelin smiled at him. "There's so much I need to tell you." He grinned, "Zach covered most of it, though you'll have to fill in some of the parts.But that can come later. I am just glad your alright."

"Jeardra?" "Dead, and her vampire friends are gone. " The door opened and Raelin saw Zach was standing there. She smiled to him. he'd be mad at her she hadn't been very careful she had nearly died. But it wasnt anger she saw in his eyes.No,it was joy,happiness and love. Skylar rose smirking. "I'll let you two talk." He left the room closing the door behind him. Realin waited for Zach to tell her how very stupid she had been.Raelin wodnered how long Jez and his small coven had been able to keep him,long enough for the battle to ahppen long enough for ehr to be here for that many days.

She smiled to him softly as he ruffled her hair. "I knew it would take an army to keep you away. Thats why I asked Jez to help I knew that Jeardra would kill you...and I would have ratehr died than have to see her hurt you again." She lay back more in to the bed. "I know you would have fought ebside me Zach.That was never a question.I am glad your here. And I am sorry,I shouldnt have left you out of it. But you know why I did. Sky told me that you two have been tlaking. I am hoping you havent said anything bad about me."

She could have slept there all day and night and never have moved. But eventually she got up. Not wanting to drag herself across the room to shower. But she did idly looking back at him. Not even bothering to grab anything to cover up with. Seems that little shy streak was gone.

" Finally decided to wake up? " Sitting up as he flashed her a sweet innocent smile, as he didn't bother to cover himself up. She stopped mid step and smiled looking back at him. " I was cozy."She shrugged softly. The sun was up now though and she felt good, well rested and well healed. He smirked. " And riled up. " Said as he moved out of the bed and stretched. Letting her get a full frontal view of his form.

She just stood there and starred at him for a long moment. He had never had much shame. She shook her head at him and crossed back. "Yes." Looking up in to his eyes now. "But I am feeling well enough to go and bathe. Though I think the shope will have to suffer one more day closed." " That so? " Arms coming down to wrap around her. " And just what do you have your mind set on doing? " Looking back down into her eyes, with an innocent glint in his eyes.

She inched closer as his arms wrapped about her. "Hmm.Well I feel like a nice long bath.We could go for a walk..or just stay in relax .Let the day lead where it may."She saw that look in his eyes and had to smirk slightly. She pressed her fingers to his chest. Then rose to her toes to kiss him softly. "I am going to go soke in the tub." But she didnt pull away. He kissed her back slowly, before pulling back from her. " Alright.. I'll go cook us something to eat. " Turning her towards the bathroom before giving her rump a slap. He then turned to get dressed.

She yipped softly and went off to soak in the tub. Glancing back at him once before she disappeared in to the wash room. She let the water get nice and hot and filled it with her mix of natural bath salts and herbs. Then slipped in to the hot bath to soak it all in. All the while thinking about him. The room was nice and steam filled. Itw as easy for her mind to wander.

While she took her bath, Zach dressed in just a pair of pants before moving downstairs. He looked around a moment before moving off towards the kitchen. Whipping up a nice breakfest from back home. She let her self soak till the water started to get cool then rose and dried off. The smell of lavender in her hair,roses, a touch of passion flower, why not.She walked out of the bathroom ina plushy towel already smelling the food. She dawned soemthing easy. She grabbed her night clothes,the ones she would have worn last night. Basic black pajamas. Then barefoot moved towards the smell.

And she'd find him setting the table, while singing.. Yes she found Zach singing in an old lamguage that he hadn't used in years. Without a clue that she was there. She paused. He was singing? Her brows perekd to the language. "Smells wonderful." She finally spoke up. Not like him to have her sneak up on him. "Looks good to" her eyes were him not the food. He whipped around as she had snuck up on him, and smiled lightly. " Thanks. " He coughed and moved to fix them both a plate. Would she remember the song? It was one he'd always sing to her when they were alone.

She slowly went to sit down eyes still on him. Yes she knew that song. The words were already in her head. "I havent heard you sing that in a long time." Scooting in to the table. " Well. " He fixed his own plate, before moving to join her. Before he moved over to her, cupping the side of her neck. Then kissed her slowly and softly for a few moments. " I have a reason to sing it again. " Murmured as he moved to sit across from her.

She returned that kiss and smiled then looked down to her plate of food. "Mmm." She shook her head slightly to wave away all the thigns she wanted to do like tackle him right then and there.And slowly she picked upa fork. " yes you do,"She managed when she remebered to exhale. "Then slowly poked the fork in to the food and took a bite.

He smiled across the table to her as he slowly started to eat as well. Every so often playfully murmuring the times he had sung that song. Most of those times, when they were laying out in the night, before she chased him back into the house.. Not always making it to the bedroom. She blushed now eating as he murrmered the times he ahd sung the song. Yes she recalled them all very well.Some were fromt he days of old,some were not. She ate very slowly.Not really paying much attention to the yummy food.

He was waitting for her to throw something at him, as he started to recall those moments in detail.. While saying them inbetween bites to her. And in between sips of his juice. She was just staring at him now.Food gone, juice untouched. She wasnt aboutt o stop him formrecalling thsoe moments.She just bit her bottom lip and gripped the table. "You'd better behave yourself. I only have so must restraint."

He grinned at her, as he took their plates to the sink. " Very well. " Looking over his shoulder to her, before he moved to sit down. And he dared to start in again! Leaning towards her as he let his eyes return to the color she used to know him by..As if letting her know..It was her beloved Zaos that was across the table from her. She blinked, then starred at him for a second longer then hed never see it coming. She rose and pounced him right there right to the floor most likely.She growled lowly at him. Those green eyes narrowing a touch. "You should not tempt me. You know that."

And over he went, yet made no moved to roll her off of him. Or to roll over and pin her down to the floor, leaving her hovering over him. " Perhaps.. but we both know..You were always a lady. No matter how much I tempt you..You never do anything, unless we both wish it. " She narrowed her eyes more at him for that. "Yes, well your a spoil sport. "She nipped at his nose. " And you always wished for it,those were the times. You recall." She rose slowly off him.

But his hands caught her hips, holding her in that sreaddled postion over his form. " True..but I see the fire in your eyes.." Murmured to her as his hands trailed up her sides, to lower her back down to lean against him.She shivered softly and leaned back down over him. Her eyes closed for a moment. " Around you its always there. I just got good at hidding it. "

He smirked to that. " You could never hide it from me. " Murmured into her ear, as he moved a hand through the back of her hair. She made a soft sound that sounded nearly like a purr. And opened ehr eyes and looked back down to him. "Even thought your quite the tempter you've all ways been a gentlemen.In some ways. What had you thinking of all those times..? Last night?" She was leane din close now,hovering ove rhim with ease she didnt need to steady ehrself at all her hands could wander if she so wished.


He nodded softly to her question. " Aye..seeing you so..hurt..got me to see what I lost upon my death.. This time I nearly lost you to that woman. " Now closing his eyes. She pressed her fingers softly along his chest over his heart. "Thats over now. No more darkness for either of us. "She kissed his forehead softly. "We are together again."Leaning in closer. "And I am fine now.No more wounds, no more weakness from magic undone...not even a scar. "

He nodded softly yet hadn't opened his eyes just yet. As it seemed he was reasuring himself that they were now together and at peace. She leaned incloser and softlytrailed ehr fingers along his neck and jaw.placing soft butterfly kisses those places as well. "No more worry or despair." Turning his head as he caught her lips with his own. Kissing her softly and slowly for a few long silent moments. " No more need to look over our shoulders. "

She returned that kiss. Then nodded. "Thats right."She leaned back a little. "Everything is as it should be. I have you, and my brother is alive and I have my shope.I am content as I ever could be. As any vampire could ever hope to be. " He openned his eyes as he looked up at her. " No little pitter patter of feet for you to chase around, and yell at me for help? " Teasing her as he did recall her speaking of it a few times.


She snickered to that. "No pitter patter. Your enough to handle."Grinning ,teasing him. He poked her side. " Good..because putting up with you is all I can handle. " She stuck her tounge out at him for that. Then rose off him in a swift motion. He growled as hopped up, this time he was the one to pounce her.

And back she went on to the floor with an oof. "Scamp." He grinned down at her. " That I am..a scamp that you would do anything for. " "Yes,I would do anything for you." She grinned at him as he was on top of her now. "For I adore you." He tapped her nose. " Good.. now..wash the dishes. " He hopped up and took off, looking over his shoulder with a sweet smile. She growled and ignored that and chased after him.

" Hey! " Now running up the stairs. " You said anything!" "I will wash them later.I am gonna get you now." She chased him.Leaving the dishes for later.

And up into the loft he went, shutting the door before shifting to his wolf form..Allowing him to squueze himself under the bed. She followed the door shut in her face and she nearly ripped it off its hinges as she went after him.But where had he gone? He wasnt there in the lofts kitchen, she carefully stalked for the bathroom and nope. Not there. Not in the book cove. She blinked. Had had gained a new power and gone invisible?

The white wolf shot out from under the bed, making a run for the door. Grinning like a devil if he could. She growled then and poucned at him as he bolted. "Oh no you don't," She stood in front of the door now and locked it. "You stay," Pointing back at the bed.

He skidded to a stop, when she slammed the door and locked it, then looked towards the bed. The wolf then looked back to her, trying hard to look innocent, even giving her a whiiiiine. She snickered softly. "Thats not gonna work with me. "She bent down and ruffled his fur. "Though I can't do anything to you when you look so cute, so fine." She unlocked the door and opened it. "I'll go clean the dishes." And that way she went.But he caught her with his teeth. Catching her bottom of her night gown. Aimming to tug her towards the bed now.

Zach pawed over to Holly, then relaxed to the petting he recived befoer licking Holly after the little kiss. The white wolf then looked to Raelin, as he tried to look innocent, as he pawed around the counter to Raelin. Before leaning up a touch to nip at her rear, then pawed off towards the kitchen.

Even in his wolf form he was a pest, as he looked over his shoulder to her. He was hungry and wanted somethign to eat. Hence the nip to Raelin's rear.

The white wolf looked up at Raelin as she spoke and cooked for him, giving her his best innocent look he could. Even if he was a flirt as a wolf, Raelin loved him to death, and could get so jealous over him. The wolf started to eat the cooked food, as she moved back into the shop.

Once he was done eatting, the wolf picked the plate up carefully and placed it in the sink, before pawing out into the shop. Getting pets and scratches to his ears from kids. More so from the few female shoppers that stopped by the shop.

After a few customers, he pawed over to Raelin and followed her around. Waitting each time as she was helping someone to suddenly nip at her rear. Only to dart off behind the bar, head poking around the corner of it.

The white wolf followed Raelin into the kitchen again, growling to the swats she had given him. Only for the wolf to return to his human form, and so returned the favor. As Zach bent the lovely Raelin over the table in there and smacked her rump a few times with his hand. He then darted for the stairs.

She muttered a few chosen curses and watched him dart back up stairs. "If you stay up their I wont feed you." He came to a stop just outside the door. " You could always chase after me.. unless you are to scared. " She looked over after him. Then darted after him towards the stairs up in tot he loft. "Never dare me, you know better."Up she came after him.

He grinned as he bolted up the stairs and into the loft. " You are all talk, Raelin! " Called over his shoulder to her. " And you always will be!" He grinned as he bolted up the stairs and into the loft. She took the seps two ata time and soonw as in the loft. Blocking his only way out. "Oh? All talk am I?"

He grinned as he started to back up towards the bed. Hands up as if to fend her off. " Yes you are.. You are to innocent to ever be bad. " She eyes him. Then growled lightly. "I could be bad, if I really wanted to."She poked him in the chest. Then stepped in closer and gave his toosh a smack. "Thats for the nip."

He grined and poked her back. " You don't have it in you to be bad. " A growl to the smack to his rump, before smacking her rump back. She eyed him. "I was going to make lunch. But maybe I'll take a longer lunch than I thought. " Another push, this one harder so hed fall to her bed. And he did fall back onto the bed, as he smirk up at her as he propped himself up with his elbows. " That so? "

She smirked at him, then pounced on him. "I remmeber a few nights where I was bad, have you forgotten those?"She trailed ehr fingers over his jaw line then lips. Then lower over his chest. " Ooof. " A grunt as she pounced him, knocked him back on the bed again. He smirked up at her, as he moved his arms around her. " True..but you have been a good little girl as of late. "

"I am not the same person. "She leaned over him. "Nor are you. Thing were different in Italy,in Spain, and that time in Paris.."She grinned. Kissed hims oftly and sat up straddling his lap. He kissed her back softly. " True.. but that doesn't mean that you still have it in you. " Giving her butt a nice little smack.

She snickered and yipped lightly. Then looked down at him. "Hmm true."Her fingers started to mess witht the buttons on his shirt. Then suddenly he wasnt wearing one,nor was he wearing pants. She grinend at him then, That magic spark in her eyes. He caught that look in her eyes, then noticed she had stripped him of his clothes. " Such a naughty little vampire you are becoming" Looking back up at her with a shake of his finger.

She eyed him as he called her naughty. "Your the one who began this."She sat up and poked his bare chest. "But I can go make lunch."She moved to shift off him. His hands moved up to catch her at the hips. " True. " He turned to lay her onto her back, with him hovering over her now. " but you are supposed to finish it...not chicken out on me " Trailing a finger down the middle of her chest. She starred up at him. "I a no chicken. "She tapped his nose. "And I do not have time to finish it now."

He smirked down at her, as he slowly took his time in undressing her now. " Yes you do.. " Now straddling her lap. Her brows perekd at him as he undressed her. She blushed a little. "I have a business to run."She looked up in to his eyes. Not that, that had ever stopped her before,she trailed a finger along his arm. "Besides your just teasing me."

" Perhaps...but we have an hour to kill. " Tossing her clothes out of reach, before he leaned down to slowly kiss along her neck. " And you love it when I tease you. " She closed her eyes and nodded. "yes an hour." She did like it when he teased her. Her fingers rose up over his shoudlers. How she wished they had longer. " But if you are so concerned about your store.. I'll behave. " Murmured into her ear, as he slowly started to pull back from her..

"No."She tugged him back in. "We have time." She leaned up and kissed his neck. He grinned to that. " Are you sure? " Kissing her cheek as he tried to pull back again. So trying to get her to break free of her shyness.

She pulled him back in and growled softly. "Yes." She then rolled on top. "I am sure." She kissed him softly,then trailed those ksises to his ear,a nd down his neck. He grinned to that growl, more so when she rolled them back over to where she was on top again. " Someone is fiesty. " Smirking as he closed his eyes and tilted his head. Letting her kiss his neck.

She smirked and nipped at his ear. "Always. Shall I stop?"Her brows rose at him as she with drew. Her fingers trailing slow long lines down his chest leaving little sparks of magic in their wake. He moved his hands up to trail magic along her spine. " That is up to you, dear. " Growling softly up at her, as he then trailed his nails along her back

She closed her eyes arching her back to his touch. "I am not the only fiesty one. "She felt that spark of magic. So he had recalled more things than he had been telling her. " But I dont want to stop."She leaned down in closer. " Then don't stop. " Murmured up to her as he had recalled more than he was telling her. And knew what his magic done to her, as he sent another pulse along her spine.

She shivered and closed her eyes to the pulse, and leaned in and kissed him deeply. yes she had been fighting this, ebing alone with him. But she didnt want to fight it any longer. He kissed her back as deeply, as his hands movign to her hips. Guiding her's to his, followed by another pulse, as if inviting her to allow herself to give in.


She shivered and pulled back form the kiss as he tried to guide her ore towards his. "Hmm." She eyed him softly. " Don't wish to give in to your needs? " Murmured softly to her. "yes,I do." She murmmered back, she wanted him, she needed him. She loved him. "But I am not a force full being.. as you know."

" True. " He murmured to her as he ran his hands along her sides. " But I know that look in your eyes, my dear Raelin. " She shivered softly to his touch.. "Yes you would know it."She trailed her fingers along his chest up along his neck. " But if you are still to scared.. " He pulled her down to lay against him, one hand caressing her hair. With the other trailing along her back. "I am not scared."She lay right against him.

" I know. " Murmured to her as he ruffled her hair. She closed her eyes and lay there for a moment. Then he ruffled her hair and she growled. She eyed him and slid her hands down his sides. He chuckled to that growl. " Would you prefer that I smack your rear? " Grinning as he moved his hand on her back, down to her rear. She snickered and shook her head at him. "No."He fingers trailed along his waist. She kissed him again softly.

He kissed her back softly, and so gave her rump a nice little smack to her rear. Grinning against her lips. She nipped at is lips as she with drew. "Your very bad." She shifted a bit,just the way he had been leading her before. " That's what got you to fall in love with me. " Smirking up at her as he gave her rump another smack.

She snickered and nodded lightly. "Hmm partly. But you did have a way of wooing me. All those long dinners, nights alone.." She smirked. He grinned up at her. " Well.. I had to find a way to getting you alone. " Winking up at her. She grinned at him. "Ahh yes, that what it all was.I am sure. Youve recalled your magic,your old life,our old times together? Spain?France? That era in Russia? "

He nodded softly. " Aye.. but most of all. " He pulled her down into a kiss. She retrurned that kiss. She let her self sink in to that kiss. And while she was distracted by the kiss, he slipped somethign on the hand of her left hand. The ring finger no less. She felt his fingers slide along her hand but didnt notice much else. "Hmm, yes you remember me."She snickered. "I know this.." Then she looked down at his hand, her hand..and.. "What.." She lifted her hand

He smiled up at her. It was his ring that he had planned to give to her, when he made that promise to her. She blinked at him shocked. "Its... how did you..?When did you? You... so you have recalled everything."She fianlly got out.She had starred at that ring for days,thinking of this moment.

" That is the one thing I never forgot..My promise to you. " Murmured to her as he slowly sat up. She was still sitting,laying on top of him as he sat up she inched along with him. "You promised to..love me always? You never got to this..."She starred at the ring, the perfect ring. " That and " He lifted that hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to her knuckle. " And to claim you as my own..as my mate "

She threw her arms around him burried her face in to his shoulder and stifled a soft sob in to his shoulder.He smiled softly as he moved his arms around her, Holding her within his arms, letting her sob in his shoulder. they were happy tears of corase. She pulled back wipping her eyes wit the abck of her hand then he got crushed in to a kiss.

He blinked to the kiss she planted on him, as it took a moment for him to kiss her back. Slipping a hand into her hair. She didnt let upfor a long moment.Knowing theyd be out of breath when she did pull away. "Yes." Of coarse it was a yes.

" Yes to what? " Now playing coy with her, as he softly slipped away from her to get dressed. She wasnt letting him up.She pushed him abck down to the bed. "I want to be your mate."Flashing the ring at him. He grinned up to her as she stopped him from moving. " Is that so? " Looking to the ring then up at her.

She nodded. "Yes."She was keeping him there.under her pressed down with her other hand. "And your not leaving to get dressed. The store can wait. "

He smirked up at her. " Oh? " Still playing coy as he acted like he didn't know a thing again. She gave his side a little zap of magic. " Do not play coy with me or I will bite you." He smirked to that. " And I know right where you can bite me too. " She smirked at him. "Oh do tell me.I had a few ideas in mind."

He grinned as he rolled her off of him, then slipped out of the bed. " Right here. " A point to his rearShe snickered then gave his nice rear a smack. "Hows that.Now, come back." She tuged on his hand. "I am not done with you yet." He smirked to the smack, but pulled his hand away. " Nope. " Now backing away from her. " And you never got started with me. "

She growled and jumpped out of bed after him. "Well come back and I can." Following him. "Let the shop stay closed a little while longer." He grinned to that. " Nope..you had your chance. " Backing up more from her till his back hit the door leading to the shop. She smirked to him and walked up to him. "Give me anoither one." He smirked back at her as he looked her over slowly, as she moved towards him.

She paused a few inches from him. As she caught that look. She sood there so he might look moe. He always liked that. He shook his head softly. " Perhaps. " Motioning her closer She walked in closer. "Yes?" Purrng softly as she looked up in to his eyes. He purred back to her. " Maybe later. " Smirking at her as he moved his arm around her.

Zach enjoyed tormenting her in front of the customers and the other coven members. Most of the time he was flirting with the female members of the coven, knowing it got Raelin jealous. Even if she tried and failed to deny it.

Even when she reminded him of the ring, he just smiled at her saying he was just getting it out of his system. Which would earn him a glare and her threatening him that she would remove it. It got him to behave for the rest of the day, when she pulled that on him.

He quirked a brow once his shower was done and he came downstairs. He had a feeling she was up to something, but at the moment couldn't figure it out. "Sure..after I eat lunch." He eyed her a moment, before he sat down to eat the lunch she had made.

He quirked a brow at her as they ate lunch together, as he still couldn't figure out what she had on her mind. He knew it was something by the way she was smiling and acting around him. Once he finished his food, he took the plate to the sink then headed upstairs to get dressed.

Once he came back down, he flashed her a smile. "I know what you are up to, and it's not going to work." A wink to her as he would slip out of the shop, before she could stop him or utter a word to him. He'd let her sweat it out till he came back.

It would be a few hours later before Zach returned, as he slipped back into the shop. A pause to look around a moment, before catching sight of the rose petals leadign up to the loft. He smirked as he pondered if he should head up stairs, or let Raelin sweat it out a little longer.

"Now where did she take off to?" Called out oh so innocently, as he started to look around the shop. "Well..she's not in here..or here." Said as he looked in the kitchen, then the dining room. He then moved towards the door.

"Well..I guess she went upstairs to lay down. That means I have to restalk the shop all by my self." Grinning as he waited a few moments, before slowly sneaking up the stairs. Trying to catch her all freaked out, before surprising her that he was coming up to join her.

Zach nearly lost it when she nearly ran him over, and tried hard to glare at him. As the corners of his lips were twitching to that hidden laughter, trying to break free. He managed to gather himself, before following her further into the loft. "You've never been able to keep things from me, dear." Teasing her as he looked over the surprise.

He knew she was up to something, just didn't expect all this. "Aye.. I remember those nights, and you didn't have to go through all this trouble. I am touched that you did." Murmured softly to her as he did remember everything now, as he pulled out a chair for her. He then moved to sit down himself.

He followed after her lead, as he took a bite of the food. "At least you didn't burn it this time, it took me so long to teach you how to cook.' A sweet smile to her from across the table. He knew she had always knew how to cook, as he was just teasing her about it. As he had always done, usually getting a growl from her.

More bites of food followed, as his brows quirked to her comments about her brother, the shop and the coven. "So..that means more time to stock the shelves once we are done, and more time to rest." Nodding lightly as he so hid a smirk behind his glass of wine. Knowing full well what she had on her mind.

He smirked more when she growled at him, as he knew she had been the one to teach him how to cook. As we as it being her that taught him how to depend more on food, then on blood. Another few more bites eatten and swallowed. " Oh? You wish to spend that time alone with me?" His brows rose.

"All this was in hopes that we would." HIs gaze moved to their bed, before he looked back to his. Playing coy as his mouth paused in a partly open postion. Playing that he was shocked that was what she was up to."Raelin..you friesky little woman. Tsk tsk." Shaking his finger at her.

Watching and listening to her words, as she moved to take her plate to her sink as he finished his food. Lips curling into a smirk when she turned her back to him, as he rose to take his plate to the sink when he was done. He then moved back to the table to sit down, letting her mind ponder over what he had said.

A sip of wine as he watched her move out of sight, before he felt her hands upon his body, then a brush of her fangs along his neck. He leaned his head to the side, before he finally spoke again. "Seems you are learning not to give up, my dear."Murmured to her, as he shifted to spin her around to sit in his lap.

A kiss to her cheek."I am still the man that you knew in the past, and I do enjoy our times like this." Downing the rest of his wine, before letting the glass float to the sink. With him following it up, by picking her up in his arms to carry her towards the bed.

Slowly he openned his eyes enough to look down at her, watching her make those same designs on his ches that she had always done on those few times he did stay. He'd let her lay there for a few more moments, before he moved a hand to run along her back, down to her rear before giving it a nice firm smack to it.

"Come on and get up. We still need to clean the shop up, and restock the shelves. Seeing how you were rather frisky last night. We made quite the mess downstairs." Murmured softly down to her as a smirk crossed his lips.

After Raelin had slipped off to take a shower, Zach would of slipped out of bed to get dressed before getting started on cleaning the kitchen up. So she'd have to wait for that breakfest this time.

She snickered when she came out to find him gone from the loft.She could hear him in the down stairs kitchen though and the loft was cleaned up.He worked very fazt.She chuckled and slid on her shoes and headed down stairs. "In such a hurry to clean."


" Someone has to keep this place clean.. seeing all you want to do in make heated love to me. " Called from the kitchen, as he wasn't about to tell her..That her dear brother was helping him.

She snickered as she stopped ehr her tracks and saw Sky standing there."Good morning brother."She whisked past Sky who grinned at them both. " About time."Was all he said as he follwed his sister out in to the shope.

He laughed to hearing that. " She was dragging me all over the shope.. It's her fault that there is a mess! " Oh.. Zach forgot to warn Rae that a few coven members were helping with stocking the shelves too.

She stopped as she saw Chry,Damiana and Jasmine all helping to stock the latest suppily. "Ladies, hello.I didnt know you were all here."Sky was laughing so hard he might just cry.


Zach would come out after finishing the kitchen. " They offered to help me out.. All I have to give them in the same romp that I gave to you. " Winking at Rae as he was drying his hands off.

She starred back at him hard and bowed tot he three women. "Thank you all for helping, the shope looks lovely."Damiana smirked to Rae. "He didnt really promise us a romp.He knows were all happy with our mates."

Rae nodded, "I know but I am sure hed like very much not to be tied down to me." Dusting she went.

That got him to look to Rae. " Tied down to you? We are going to be getting married. Unless you don't want me anymore. " Sure to get Rae to look at him now. Seeig how he opennly admited it to those present.

She smiled at him. "Yes I still want you."She stopped dusting. "I was giving you an out."She flashed her ring at the women then. They all had not seen it yet. Chry smiled to her. "A fine mate, you should have Acacia be the one to wed you, we throw lovely parties."

He turned and moved towards Rae, and so gave her rear a hard little smack. " I do not wish to have another. But keep that talk up and I just might. "

She smikred at him.Then grabbed his arm before he could escape and gave him reara smack and his lips a stolen kiss. "You love me always have." She looked back tot he coven members theyd done all her work.She smiled happy to have help. Jasime and Chry soon left and soon after Sky offered to walk Damiana home. That left Rae and Zach alone tillt he shope opened.


" I do love you. " He smirked as he stole that kiss back, with a growl to her smacking his rear. A nod to the others as they slipped off, before looking down at her. " Well time for you to get to work. " Said as he slipped from her.

She knew the ladies of the coven had come upon his request more so than their own. Shed think about having Acacia to be the one to marry them. She would finish bunding the lavender till then. It was one of the few things left undone those wiccans worked fast.


And as usual, he'd be flirting with any of the women that would show up. Offering them help to find what they were looking for, just to get little growls from Rae when he was near her.

She knew hed likely always be a flirt.But he always chose the most lovely of women who would come in. She couldnt much do anything about it, today the shope was full enough that she needed both his and Skys help.


And during any pauses, he'd slip up behind her. Right when she was busy doing something else, to steal a few kisses to the back and side of her neck. While giving her hips a sway against his own.

She tried not to blush or smack him while anyone else was looking. Sky snickered as he helpped out. And Raelin swore that shed get her bad wolf back later for his teasing for the moment she tended to her most eager customers.


He'd smirk before slipping off to the loft, only to come back down.. As his white wolf self, loving the attention he got from the lovely ladies. Some just petting him on the head, others getting close enough for a lick. Sparing a smug wolf look to Raelin when he could.. Knowing she'd get him back when she had a moment.


She wtached as the women adored him.Petting him and rubbing his head and behind his ears and calling him sucha handsome thing.The children though there were few who came in, would tug on his tail and pull on his ears till their mothers shooed them off. He got more than his share of kisses to his snout. Rae took it all in stride helping her customers and letting Sky handle the money while Zach played lap dog.


And he didn't offer a growl or snap at the childern, before he moved back behind the counter with Raelin. Sitting down beside her for now so she could give him some attention.

She gave him a long loving pet as she swited placed with Sky. He was just as much a flrt smiling to each lady who wasnt taken that came in. The two men together alone could bring her business. Not that she didnt have her gents that looked ehr way or winked at her. She tilled the cash as it came in and was glad when lunch came around.Sky left the two well alone as she shope closed for an hour.



Of course any of the gents that started to flirt with her, got a growl from the wolf. And if one of them tried to pet him, the wolf tried to bite their hands. Once the shop was closed, the white wolf would wait till Rae sat down to rest his head in her lap. Giving her it's best innocent look.

She sat there in the worke shope kitchen with his head in her lap. "If you scare every man away I'll have fewer customers. Your allowed to flirt then so am I." She gave his ears a scratch. "I need some lunch."


He gave a whine to her telling him that she was allowed to flirt, before he moved back from her. Slowly shifting back to his normal form...wearing just a smile. " Lunch sounds good. " Winking at her as he turned to walk through the shop to the loft.

She snickered to the whine then followed him. "I'll make us something quick." She followed up in to the loft kitchen to make a simple lunch. " And you dont need to worry you know I only have eyes for you, and my heart even if it doesnt beat is yours."Said as she made lunch.


" I know. " Grinning as he took his time to head up the stairs, just to let her watch his rear. Once upstairs, he moved to get dressed again. He couldn't stroll around nude in front of the customers.

She snickered as he went to dress. He could strole around her that way. Even if it distracted her. She made samwiches. One for them each his a little larger than her own. She sat down at the table and sipped at what looked like a cup of coffee but was not.


He smiled at her, as he started to slowly eat the sandwich. " I do hope I didn't embareass you to much. " Giving her his best innocent smile, as he took a sip of his own coffee. Eyes watching to see if she'd blush, or glare at him.

She smirked at him.Shed given him coffee and herself a mug of her stashed blood.It helped her craving. "Nae." She tooka bite of food. "Ye are just being your self."

" Enjoying your coffee? " His brows rose as he seemed to know what she was drinking. Would she note that it was full of his scent and his rare taste?

She eyed him. "You know its not coffee.I know you know that."It did taste different and smelt oddly different she figured it was just her sesnes.

" True.. but doesn't it taste and smell different? " Wiggling his brows as he slowly finished off his sandwich, before using a napkin to wipe his mouth. He then took his plate to the sink with a pause to lean to her ear. " Or are you trying to deny what my..blood does to you? " A kiss to her cheek as he moved for the sink.. Seems he was being very bad today..Switching her normal blood for his own.

She took a bite of food and a sip. She eyed him after he whispered. So thats why it tasted different. "You didnt..."She lowered the mug. It had been ages sicne shed tasted his blood only once had she tasted his magically changed blood, and only a few times his immortal blood, now it had an almost animal edge to it, but still the same effect.

" I did. " So sweetly over his shoulder as he turned to lean against the counter. " And you have been drinking it for a while now.. " Sure to get her to stalk towards him now.

She finsihed her meal and took her plate to the sink and left it there. She drank the last of that mug in one swig. She then just shook her had at him. He knew well what hed done. " Your bad."She sighed. " No wonder Ive desied you so. "She washed the plates and mugs. "Changed out all my animal blood for your own?I do hope you didnt raid my good stock." Meaning what was left of her human stock, three bottles.


He smirked slowly at her. " Maybe.. maybe not. " Trailing a few fingers along her back. " And you don't seem that upset over it.. Seeing how frisky you were last night. "
:
She cleaned up and starred back at him.He knew his blod made her many things. Desiring him ran high on the list. It lifted her powers as well,as most blood did. It also oddly clamed her. "I am not upset. I've tasted you before.. even if it was ages ago. And I am always frisky around you.."


He smirked to that as he pulled her in close. " True.. but you never have drank as much as you have in the last few days. " Leaning down to kiss her nose. " And don't try to deny that you haven't been trying to sneak more of those hidden bottles to drink..When you thnk no one is looking. "

Her brows rose to him. So that was why she craved it so. "Hmm I was beggining to think Id gone mad.I am what I am..."She was close to him now and her fingers twinded up and through his hair.

Winking down at her. " Now now.. " Moving his hands along her back. " You know as well as I do.. that you have always prefered my blood over others.. Though I guess I'll get rid of it. " Slowly making a vain attempt to get free.

"Dont you dare."She pulled him back. "I dont mind it, and your blood has always been full of power,and it makes me feel.."she smiled and closed her eyes. "Dont get rid of it."She leaned to her toes and kissed his neck. "Or I'll find another way to have it."

He grinned to that. " Very well. " Not that he minded letting her feed from him. " Come on.. we have time for that later. " Now slipping from her as he poured her another mug of that hidden stach of blood. " Here.. you'll need this. " Winking as he placed the mug in her hands, then started for the door leading to the shope.



She eyed the mug and snickered and followed him. "Not if I want to focus on my customers instead of you." She would head back to work,trying not to think of him too much.

"Oh good your here."It was Skylar coming in holding up two garment bags. "Here."He s hande done to Zach. "Thats yours an it should fit. Those coven ladies eye you enough thay should know your size. And Raelin will be back soon. " He eyed the very clean shope, and chuckled. He would then store his bag in the back.

"Before she gets back and starts smooching all over you. I want to ask your advice on something." Sky took up a lean on tot he ccounter. Anyone could see the power in his greene yes the same color as Raelins. It was the one thing they shared.Sky was taller, with long black hair and as his siter ocne said the face of an agel who did something mischivious. Hansome in his own right, built more for fighting or perhaps hard labor than shope keeper.

He asked very little of Raelin or Zach. Raelin had welcome dhim in to her shope and ehr life all over again. And he was thankful for it. She had set him up with his own little place.And she was helping him come to terms on the whole immortality thing.

"You can't tell Raelin, about this.."




~~

Raelin was at the coven house going over all the details for the up coming wedding. The place was a buzz,w ith dress and flower talk. The full coven would be there, all the members including the guardians . In the last few weeks they had been able to help out the coven .Salis was ajusting well to his new life, and now he could freely shift from oewl to human. And he and Acacia hardly left one anothers side. Dylan ahd been helpped greatly by the coven he had regained his powers over shifting which has made Damiana very happy.


He was a handsome man,much like his panther self. And Raelin had seen the shift in Damiana.She knew Dylan was more than just her guardian now. jet ,Jasmines mate had also regained his ablities thanks to the covena nd Raelin. And Raelin knew those two may be the next to wed .


They still had to help Holly,Demeter,Glory, and Amber's guardains return to their former selves. But Raelins wedding would come first

She was filled with so much happiness she felt like she might burst. As the day went ona nd they talked cake and flowers and guests. Raelin felt a longing to go home and see Zach. She knew hed be waiting for her.So while the coven women went about talking flowers,dresses and all things wedding the coven men were away, buying suits, getting ready and maybe laying in the sun some where. Raelin smirked slightly she could see Zach doing just that.

"You sit." Acacia pointed at Zach then to the large wing back chair. Salis was there in her kithcen looking stoic as he made tea. Zach wandered in to her house and to the chair. He sat smirking. Salis walked over and handed Zacha cup of tea then kissed Acacia softly before heading out the door.

Zach smirked. " looks like things are going well for the coven mistress."He sipped his tea hiding that smirk as best he could.

Acacia narrowed her gaze at him. "Things are going very well, the coven is coming together everyone is happy. And you young man."She walked toward him. "Your marring in to this coven by wedding Raelin. She is a sister to us. A daughter to me. " Zach nodded, "I love her." Acacia nodded smiling. "I know this, I also know that you two have not planned any geta way for just the two of you. I offered the same to Raelin but she wouldnt take it." Zachs brow rose. Acacia wlaked across the room and took up a small bag. Then that bag ended up in his lap.

"Its a small token, materials needed for you two to get some time alone. I am sure the laides and I can look after her beloved shope. I know Sage and Sky will likely enjoy their time there." Zach smirked to that. "Whats in here will help me take Raelin on a honey moon?" Acacia nodded, " yes, but you musy not let her know you have it. You two need some time away from Rhydin and whats in there will take you away for a while then bring you back."

Zach smiled. "Thank you." Acacia smiled then ushered him out. "Now go on and ge ready for your wedding." Out the door he was pushed. Moments later the coven ladies bustled by. He didnt even see Raelin in their thick.


He started down the road when he saw Skylar standing there with the men of the coven. The coven ahd been working twice as hard and now every man was able to stand on two feet and those who could shift forms did so freely. Zach shook his head as he looked over the men then to Skylar who grinned. "Its time for a bachelor party." Zach started to protest but Kan and Salis grabbe dhim by the shoudlers and they set forth.

Salis,Kan in the lead with Zalowed by Skylar then Hermes ,Adresin ,Dylan ,Jet, Shonassir, Ardul, Amosil, Ivan Ebon, Arlen , Myriil , Saevel and Quinn .

Zach could only toss up his hands and let them march him away.

Zach was in the same boat as Raelin, having no clue what the men had planned for him. As he had no choice but to be pulled into a room down the hall from the one the women had taken his soon to be wife was in. The moment he was shoved into the chair, he seen what they had planned. Gettig him to shake his head.


This had all been Skylar's idea as there were three women, whom Zach had to admit they were pretty. Before he could say a word, the party had started, with the other meen hooting and hollaring. As the women started to dance around poor Zach, getting him to smirk faintly.

"Rather see Raelin doing this." He mused to himself getting Skylar to laugh, and shake his head. Saying somethign about enjoying the view while he could.. He was going to be a married man soon!

She found that many of the gifts ones that made her blush, some of them were practical things for the loft above the shope, somethings were thingsshe would only dare wear int he bedroom, if that. She did get a few nice skirts and tops worthy of wearing out. She soon found herself having fun,these were her sisters, her family. She hoped Sky was being good. She knew her brother well enough to know he had a way with mischife. She kept wondering why Acacia kept her away from the back room. She didnt know the men had chosen the far back of the house for their own party.

Acacia had planned it thatw ay and spelled that part of the house, no sounds went out or came in. And the men had been sneaky getting Zach in.

As mid day turned to dusk.Raelin sat down surrounded by opened gifts.Tomorrow was the biggest day of her life.

She woke to the smell of waffles. She found the dinning room filled with
the coven members. Acacia smiled to Raelin. "Good Morning Raelin, come have some breakfast today is a very big day for you."

Acai Berry waffles,with honey apples. Raelin chuckled as she sat down to eat. This breakfast was one for good luck and forturne and to brighten her already love filled day. She wondered what the men were feeding Zach at this moment, perhaps something simlar.Not that he needed any love help.


Raelin ate her food and drank down her orange juice. The wedding was set for afternoon under the grove of trees behind Acacias house.Raeli was sure the women had done much to make it look perfect. But for the next few hours they would be making her look the part of the blushing bride.Which Raelin didnt need much help with.


She thought about Zach while they fussed over her.She took a long bath in herbs and magic cnand crystals,love and happiness sooked in to her very pores. The dress she was put in was perfectly Raelin,long and flowing and yes white even though Raelin snickered at the idea of her being pure. Angelica did Raelins hair, while Chry did her make up. The other made food, set up chairs and tables and got everything ready outside.

Acacia was marrying the duo. Raelin had made Angelica and Chry her brides maids and Sage her maid of honor since Sky was Zachs best man, now by default. Raelin had chsoen differently colored dresses for her ladies. Angelica wore a light blue dress,Chry wore a deep green dress and Sage wore a lavender dress. All befitting the womans own style.

The men wouldnt fuss over Zach. They would feed him and keep him busy. Salis had laid out a few suit choices,and Sky had made sure Zach didnt try to peek in on Raelin. Other than that the men were low key, helping their lovely ladies perpare.

Sky snickered when Zach walked out. "You clean up nice." Zach had chosena dark sit, something he felt familar. Sky had chosen a lighter toned suit for himself. Sky had Ivan help him usher Zach a way form the house to the end of the leaf covered asile. "No peeking, no snacking and no flirting."

Sky said as he went to go finish up the last moment preprations. The other coven ladies were all dressed to mpress, their men seemed to match them in taste and color. There would be food and dancing after ward, a massive cake sat on on table, presents for the two on another. Food filled a thrid table.

There were chairs for the members not involved in the wedding and a few extra chairs. Raelin had many old friends, many that would not come. But Acacia had spoke to one old friend of hers. Jez, the tall lanky vampire witht he twank to his speach. Acacia had found him after Raelin had spoken of him. he was one of ew friends she had here. Most of them remained in the old world. Acacia had found him with a small clan of vampires all whom ahd known Raelin some time ago. So they had been invited to join, if they wee civil.

Raelin had no idea of any extra guests.


Acacia walked over to Zach as he waited for the ceremony to begin, she knew he had seen the extra chairs.

" Raelin doesnt know , but I spoke to her friend Jez."Zach knew him to, if he could recall that time. "He said he might come. Along with Jesse,Georgia and Harely." The three names he would know as well.Jez had long been the one male vampire amoung a clan of many females.

Acacia wandered off to inform the muscians that it was enarly time.


Inside the cottage Raelin looked herself over, Chry and Angelica had done an amazing job. She heard the music start.It was time.


The other members of the coven took their seats, save for Hermes,Adresin and Sky who all stood beside Zach.

Acacia stood in the center behind them. The music picked up and down the asile came Angelia first, stepping in time to the music. Hermes smikered at his lady love as she blew him a kiss. Chry went next around the corner down the asile. Adresin smiled to his beloved wife as she took her place beside Angelica. Now Sage and Raelin stood side by side behind the tree line waiting.

Sage went next around the corner. Skylar thought his heart might burst. Sage blushed as she took her spot.

The music changed and the coven rose, and there came Raelin down the asile. Her eyes met Zachs.He looked like Zaos would have, dressed in dark colors, a god amoung men.

But his face was awed by her. Dressed in white, her hair down inf lowing waves filled with small white roses, in hand hand a bouquet of red and white roses,she wore no veil so he couldsee her face. Not done up, but naturaly beautiful, with hints of color over her eyes and lips, her cheeks blushed naturally. Raelin walke din time witht he music though she wanted nothing more than to rush down the asile at Zach.

She did see one chuckling face. Jez stood out amount the coven members,hed come with Jesse.Both dressed in dark colors.

Whens he reached the end of the asile she ahdned ehr flowers to Sgae and took Zachs hands in hers.


"Welcome my friends." Acacia began and the company about sat. "Today is a fine day,two people I have come to know are being wed. I know this joureny has beena long one for both Raelin and Zach. I am sure neither one ever thought this day would come. And before I have them recite their vows, I know they have a few things they wish to say." She looked to Zach

Acacia smiled and watched. The crowd was stunned,shocked and Sky was sniffling already. With the shimmering ring on her hand once more Raelin looked to him. She had so much to say. Acacia nodded to Raelin.


Zach it was ages ago when we firsts et eyes upon one another.A different time, a different place. It wa slike lightining or wild fire. When our eyes met. And for eyars you followed me or I you. And even through death we survived. Nothing could take you from my toughts.I thought so much about you in the hours of the darkest night. And its taken long to get here. But now I am all yours and you will be all mine. I was fearful for so long that this day would never come. But I am no longer afraid.

She pasued and looked in to his eyes.

It seems oddly cliche to say that our love will be forever. But its lasted over six hundred years now. So it will last forever. I wish I could pasue this moment,for a while.To let it linger on. I've been waiting for this day or so long, through so many trials. I know its not eben easy for either of us, but even through it all you've never let me down.Never allowed me to fall. You've loved me honestly, and fully. Even though at times you had so much weight to carry. You still held me up with out faultering. I could stand here all day and tell everyone everything you've taught me over the many years. Honor,trust, friendship,loyality, faith, hope, strenght. But out of all the things, it is that love,honest and true love is worth the wait, the not knowing, the danger and sacrfice. Its worth every moment, to get here. With you.

She pressed her hands to his chest then slid the simple silver ring on to his finger.

I will love you forever honestly, and faithfully. I will be there for you in the great times and the bad. This I vow.
She leaned up on her toes and kissed his cheek back.



Acacia looked between them both. "These are your vows, I am happy to announce to the coven and those here. Raelin and Zach as man and wife,for as long as they both shall live, may they be blessed. "She bowed her head tot hem both. "Blessed be."

Raelin smiled. Now the crowd was full of teary eyed faced. Rae wasnt surpised to see her own brother crying though he tried to hide it.

Over the next few weeks, Zach would busy himself for a couple of hours each day. Getting new furniture, and placing it where the old had been, with his nights being spent with Raelin. Going for walkas at night, as the pair would recall and tell the other stories about the past.

With their being times that Zach would tell her about the time he had been dead. As well as telling her that a mysterious force seemed to have granted him a second lease on life. Yet for the most part, it would be with them sticking to their stories of their past life together.

After those long weeks of being together again, catching back up on what the other had been up to. Zach was currently laying on his side watching Raelin as she slept beside him. Moving one hand up to lightly brush some of her hair from her face, as a grin crossed his lips.

A thought then crossed crossed his mind, as he leaned down to ever so softly whisper in her ear. "I just want you to know that you are my only one that I have ever loved." Leaning back to press a light kiss to her cheek, before slipping out of the bed. Moving over to the window to look out at the moon.