"Mary-Lynette will you hurry up, how long does it take for you to get ready? We need to be there in like 20 minutes!"

Mary-Lynette was getting ready she was too nervous to. Her final year of high school was over, she was graduating today. Mark, Jade, and Kestrel were already down stairs, each wearing the appropriate attire for this. She wasn't so ready. Rowan was upstairs with her calming her down enough to finish doing her hair. There was just something so comforting about Rowan that seemed to flow into Mary-Lynette.

She had to admit, Rowan was doing a really nice job with her hair. Something that Mary-Lynette could never be able to do. It was a simple pony –tail from the front, but the band was covered by a small weave of braids and somehow she had stuck small fake diamonds into her hair.

"You know if you opened up a hair salon here you would make a killing! Seriously if you do hair half as good as this you would be unstoppable." Mary-Lynnette exclaimed as she looked at her hair in the mirror. Rowan just smiled and cleaned up the bathroom that was filled with the heavy sent of hairspray.

"Well when you have had as much free time as I had you tend to get creative with simple things such as putting your hair up, now are we ready to go?"

She wanted to say no, but nodded her head and got up. Mary-Lynnette had been hoping that Ash would knock on their door at any minute. He had said that he could come back for her when the school year was over. All year that was all she could do, count the days until he could come back. After all he was her soulmate. Kestrel told Mary-Lynnette once that soulmates sometimes don't stay together because of the emotions that build up, but that was something she didn't understand and didn't want to understand.

It was hard being away from him, she missed him. But he needed to do this, they both needed to decide what they wanted. If Ash wanted to be tied down to her and if she would give up everything she knew to be with him. Right now her thoughts had been leaning toward being like him and his sisters, being part of the nightworld. To be that strong and that beautiful, that fierce; to be a hunter that was strong. It was tempting not to be weak anymore; she had already seen the strength of the nightworld's creatures, vampires and werewolves. From what Jade had said there were also Witches. She couldn't be like her twin brother, Mark, who's soulmate was Jade. She couldn't be like them, making laughs and giggles and not worry about the future of them. Neither could Ash.

Still….. She wished that he could be here.

They made their way down the stairs, the first click of the high heels on woods and everyone was up. Her father and Claudia with the camera snapping pictures and everyone else were looking anxious to get on the move and head to graduation.

"You said that I had to wear a dress! Look at Mare; she's not wearing a dress!" It was true everyone else was wearing a dress. Mary-Lynnette wasn't. She had on black boots that were covered by black dress pants. Her shirt was red like blood, which was a bit ironic since she was surrounded by vampires who live off blood; it was a low v-neck cut. The sleeves looked as if they had been cut from the shoulder and reattached themselves back at her wrists. And with the amount of make-up and hair spray in her hair Mary-Lynnette felt almost like a model or something. Or almost as pretty as a vampire, she smirked inwardly at that though.

"Well, I think that Mary-Lynnette looks beautiful!" Jade exclaimed her arms wrapped around Mark. Jade looked wonderful in her dress. It pale green that not many people could pull off, but against Jade's pale features it was absolutely gorgeous.

"I didn't say that, I just said why I couldn't wear something like that instead of wearing this?!" Kestrel said hotly. Her dress just made it to the knees and was a dark maroon color. Mary-Lynnette couldn't see why she was complaining.

Rowan followed Mary-Lynnette down the stairs; hers was just a summer dress that had the pattern of leaves swirling across the fabric. It made her more neutral features stand out and her kind eyes sparkle. It was like prom or something the way that everyone was acting, but it was something to be celebrated they were graduating and things were never going to be the same again, especially for her.

She hadn't talked to Ash since he left, but his sisters had filled her in on everything, how he was doing. What he was doing for her, he was proving himself more than she ever thought, more than he needed to. It made her miss him more.

"Is everyone ready to go? I can't wait to see you kids graduate!" Claudia bounced excitedly on her heels. Only she could get more excited about graduation then the actual kids.

So they all herded out the door; Mark and Jade went in his car, Mary-Lynnette's parents in their car, and the rest filed into Mary-Lynnette's car. But not before she gave a quick check around. A small bit of hope died, but it didn't mean all of it.

"Mare, he'll be here. He always runs late to everything." Rowan still stood there by the door. Her face smiled knowingly, but still had a bit of sadness. Ash was busy right now; they all knew that, he had joined the group circle daybreak. A group dedicated to unite the nightworld and humans so that we could all live peacefully. They all knew that he might not be able to make it.

Mary-Lynnette sighed and hoped in the car, the next few hours were going to be really eventful.

Hunter Red Fern opened the side door of the limousine and stepped out into the glare of the sun; His daughter lily following obediently by his side. There were plans that needed to be carried out, revenge against his so called family. The lamia name was turned into a disgrace by his own family members. First James, then Ash, his sisters, Quinn, and even the witches of his family were now becoming a disgrace. It was time they learned to respect their elders and the laws, that humans were vermin. They did not deserve to be on the same playing field as the nightworld. They were weak in all senses, strength and the 5 senses. They were simply a food source and they should know this! But he would get them to understand; otherwise they were going to know the full wrath of their family. And if they didn't want o cooperate, well there were other ways of taking care of them, striking at the heart…..or striking at them.

Many of the graduating class had been nervous beyond belief; they had practically stumbled off the stage when they got their diplomas. Mary-Lynnette was just happy that it was over, that and the fact that she could shed that uncomfortable robe. She had looked over in the crowd and tried to get a glimpse of someone other than her parents and Rowan in the crowd. But she didn't and it hurt a little bit.

But Mary-Lynnette still smiled and snapped so many pictures with family members she swore that she was going to go blind. It was driving her insane! The after party was the worst; every parent was asking every graduate where they were heading. What could she say? "Well…. I am not sure if I want to go to college or become a vampire like my soulmate. It's a hard choice to make" Oh yeah that would go over well with everyone.

She sat at the farthest table and gazed out at everyone. Mark and Jade were joined at the hip; they were talking to all these different people. Mark had become so such popular with everyone. Jade had opened up the shy kid that he had once been and left him open to the world. She was able to do what Mary-Lynnette was never able to do and she was thankful. It was wonderful that Mark was able to get out there and it was all because of his soulmate.

And there was Rowan and Kestrel, surrounded by a whole bunch of boys. Not that they looked like they were interested; Rowan put on a pleasant and patient smile and tried to ignore all the invitations and flirting. Kestrel just looked bored, plan bored. Everything was a bit too tamed in this town for her. And it was true, nothing ever happened in this boring town. The most exciting thing you could do here was probably watch the rat races that were held at the local bar.

Mary-Lynnette heaved a heavy sigh and swirled the remaining liquid in her glass around. Maybe if she kept back her for a bit longer she could make her break……

And that's when Mr. Unwanted sat down right in front of her.

"Hey there girl" He tried to make his voice smooth like butter, but it was just a big annoyance. She wasn't interested in his phony New York City accent or his bleach blonde hair. For the last year he had been chasing her, granted he was going out with other girls in the process. She wasn't sure why this was happening. It seemed like after last summer people looked at her differently, almost as if she knew that she wasn't the old Mary-Lynnette that she had been. Jade said that it might have had to do with the fact that she had two blood exchanges. But they weren't sure.

"What do you want Jordan?" I really did not want to deal with him right now.

"Aw, come on Mare, can't I hang out with a beautiful girl?"

"Don't call me Mare" she growled

"Your brother and his girlfriend and sisters call you mare. Your whole family calls you mare."

"Which should give you a big enough clue?" Please let him get the clue. She rolled her eyes when he gave her a stupid grin and leaned back like he was something. That was when she saw something that made her heart stop. A lithe figure was walking out into the garden, a lithe figure with ash blonde hair.

She stood up abruptly and walked away; leaving Jordan to work out his own problems with his ego. Right now her mind was set on the boy with the ash blonde hair.

Her boots clicked against the pavement of the garden. Her heart had swelled. She had to have seen him, but no matter how much she wished and prayed he didn't walk out from behind a tree or a wall. It was her imagination that could be the only reason. Mary-Lynnette was furious with herself, she was being selfish. Ash was proving himself for her and was doing so much good and all she could do is pout and act like a little kid when he wasn't there. I just miss him so much, she thought. But still that was no reason for her to act like a little girl.

There was no other choice but to go back to the party, but she didn't want to. She was annoyed with the constant snapping of cameras and all the questions about the future. She couldn't even answer her own mind when it asked her, so how could she answer everyone else? Mark and Jade both had scholarships to multiple colleges, but more than likely they were going to stay together. Rowan would take of her Aunt Opal's house and Kestrel…..well no one was really sure what she was going to do, not even her sisters knew. And they could read each other thoughts. And Mary-Lynnette was debating on becoming a vampire like Ash. The closer graduation came and people started going there ways the more Mary-Lynnette leaned toward being part of the nightworld. She had turned Ash down the last time because she hadn't been ready, she didn't want to leave behind her family and friends. But things were different now. Many people she was never going to see again because they had their own live to live. Her parents were a different matter though; maybe they would except what she would become. Claudia was into that sort of thing anyway, but being into it and seeing it are two different things thought. Mary-Lynnette was torn. She growled and slumped onto the nearest bench and gave up for the time being. She was tearing herself apart for a decision that she didn't need to make yet.

"There you are, I was looking for you" Jordan sat down next to her. His cool mete high, meaning his ego was higher.

Mary-Lynnette placed herself in a hostile pose. Her arms crossed over her chest and her face pointed away from his. It didn't stop him, his arm stretched out over the back of the bench, his hand only a few inches from her shoulder. It was closing in, "Listen, Bunny is having a party at her house and I was wondering if you and me could—"

Mary-Lynnette stood up as his hand was about to clasp her shoulder. "I told you I am seeing someone. The answer is no."

He jumped up and followed her as she walked off. God, can this guy know the definition of no, Mary-thought bitterly. What made her angrier was that he was still playing it cool, like she was playing hard to get or something that was a gross thought.

"Look I know your shy, it's ok. We can take things slow if you want. Besides its going to be an awesome party you can't miss out on."

"Did you completely miss the part where I said I was seeing someone? Or did it just bounce off that thick skull of yours; I told you I'm not interested."

That easy going smile left his face, "You've been saying you're seeing someone for the past year and no one has seen him at all. This is a small hick of a town but anyone knew to these parts doesn't go unnoticed. Even if you did have something going on with him it's over and you know it. He's already forgotten about you."

Mary-Lynnette gave him the coldest stare that she could and tried to hide the pain from those words. "You don't know anything. Your ego blocks out any smarts you may have had."

"I know that you've never dated anyone from this town. That you spend all your time with your asthmatic brother and his way too hot girlfriend. You waste your time gazing at stars and waiting for a guy who's never coming back." He moved closer until her back was against the way and he was leaning over her. "Especially since there is a guy right in front of you that could show you things a hell of a lot better than gazing at stars and I bet show you things that guy never could show you."

That was when the rest of her patience snapped and Mary-Lynnette slapped his as hard as she could across the face. He didn't miss a beat though. Jordan grabbed her wrist and pulled her so that her face was only inches away from his. Jordan was not nearly as strong as a vampire but he was strong enough to keep her where he wanted, even when she struggled against him grip.

"Jordan, let go!" She yanked on her wrist, but she wouldn't budge, his grip became tighter. His face no longer easy-going, it was hard and angry. He hadn't even paid attention when she snapped at him. "You know I've been very patient with you Mary-Lynnette because I knew that you were shy and have never been dumped before. It's had to process, I get it, but I don't like that you slapped me," His hand tightened around her wrist making her wince, "I really don't like that you slapped me."

"Jordan, let go of my wrist." Mary-Lynnette kept her voice steady, but she was getting nervous. Jordan had been a spoiled rich kid from the moment he was born and got everything he wanted. His temper wasn't uncommon but it was something that people should be wary of. He didn't listen and wouldn't budge when she tried to free her wrist.

"I think you should listen to her." The voice was cold and steely, but it made Mary-Lynnette's heart stop and swell. She tried to turn and get a glimpse of him, but his face was blocked by the girth of Jordan and saw that his face twitch with annoyance.

But he didn't bother to move his eyes from Mary-Lynnette's while he called over his shoulder, "This is none of your business, why don't you head back to the party?"

"This is my business"

Jordan growled, "Says who?" He challenged

"Says the boyfriend" that word sent chills down her spine and a smile to creep across her face. That word boyfriend wasn't like soulmate, but it was still a wonderful word to hear.

What was wonderful to Mary-Lynnette was pissing off Jordan completely. He spun around, his hand still gripping her wrist hard. Jordan was ready to fight, at least he seemed ready to until he got a good look at his face.

"Ash" Mary-Lynnette smiled at those words. Ash's eyes met hers for a moment at his name and she watched his eyes soften. But they changed the instant they left her and landed back on Jordan. "Are you going to let her go?" it wasn't so much a question as it was a challenge, one that Jordan wasn't so confident in as the moments went by. Finally Jordan dropped Mary-Lynnette's wrist and threw up his hands as a sign of surrender, that stupid smirk back on his face. "Sorry man, I didn't know she was taken." He walked away then like had won the battle, but not before throwing Mary-Lynnette a cold stare. She glared at him as he walked off angry at him, but even angrier at herself. Last year she had fought and killed a werewolf, this year she couldn't even protect herself from an over horny jock.

"You alright?"

She snapped out of her thoughts and found Ash right in front of her. His cold hard face was replaced with soft and kind eyes. Almost like the old Ash had never existed. His eyes were on her wrist and Mary-Lynnette realized that she had been rubbing the area absently. "Yeah, I'm alright. I told you I can take care of myself."

He chuckled, "Well I came anyway. And……haven't I heard that before?" It was basically her famous saying last year. I can take care of myself.

Her smile was wide now and her eyes ended up at the sky. It was almost dark out now and the stars would be out. "It will be dark soon. You want to take a look at the stars?"

"You know something, that's all I have been wanting to do for a long time. But you sure you want to leave this after graduation party?" His tone was mocking.

Mary-Lynnette took one look back over her shoulder and back at Ash. "I'll get the car keys."

"Ok…..and that one right there…..yeah, that Cassiopeia…..and that one, that's Betelgeuse…..no the one on your right" Mary-Lynnette guided his hand for him because for some reason we couldn't point out the star for himself. But instead of letting her guide his hand, he took hers in his own. Their fingers intertwining and he pulled their hands toward him, looking at their hands and fingers like they were works of art.

They were laying in the bed of the truck, a blanket spread under them. It hadn't been the car that she would have wanted, but right now at this moment it was perfect. Right now, gazing at the stars with her soulmate, just sitting there with him, she couldn't think of anything that she would rather do.

"I'm making you proud of me Mary-Lynnette. I'm bringing you dragons."

"Ash, I'm already proud of you. You already did more than anyone would do or even could do. I really am proud of you" She turned her head away from the sky to look at him. She could see in his eyes how much it mattered to him, how special it was that she was proud of him. It made her stomach do flips and her hear swell even more than she thought.

But even a moment like this couldn't last forever and even though she wasn't a mind reader she knew that he was holding back something. Whatever it was, it was bothering him. Ash was struggling to tell her something, but like her he didn't want to ruin this moment. They hadn't seen each other in over a year….. And now something was going to change this. Mary-Lynnette was almost afraid to ask him, "Ash what's wrong?"

He sighed, defeated. "I can't keep nothing from you can I?"

"Nope, I'm your soulmate, you're stuck with me. So that means that you better spill" He raised on eyebrow at her when she gave her command. "And what if I don't?" He challenged. This time it was her turn to raise an eyebrow, but this time her eyes grew confident and teasing. "You won't be allowed to kiss me."

That got him good. He sprang up onto his elbows and frowned, "Says who?"

"Says me" She shot back. But he matched her smile with his own. "You know I am a lot stronger than you. I don't think you would win" he mocked.

Mary-Lynnette's smile grew wider, her muscles tensed and her hand gripped the rail of the truck, "Try me" As fast as she could, the girl sprang up and jumped off taking a running start. Behind her she could pick up the sounds of scrambling as Ash took off after her, but not before hearing him call her a cheater. "You didn't say anything about rules!" She called back.

She suddenly she felt warm breath in her ear and an arm wrap around her middle. "Then you can't say I cheated" Ash lifted her up off the ground and turned her so that she was facing him. His lips pressed against her, they were soft and warm. His lips moved against hers, he was gentle and the kiss was sweet. They needed each at that moment and were lost in it. Mary-Lynnette was filled with love, comfort and joy.

They broke apart, both slightly dizzy and light headed, but so happy at the moment. I don't think I could ever be happier than I am at this moment.

"Cheater" She mumbled. He laughed as her feet touched the ground again and their foreheads pressed together. They stood there for a moment lost in their thoughts of one another, each loving the moment that was so perfect…. And yet so troubled.

There's that feeling again. He's not telling me something. But then she knew and it broke her heart almost. Mary-Lynnette was afraid to ask the question she knew would have no good ending. "Ash, when are you going back?"

Ash gave a defeated sigh and pulled back to look at her. His fingers came up to brush hair away from her face. She watched his eyes go from soft tenderness to pain. "I have to leave tomorrow night."

"But you just got here" Her voice cracked.

"I know……but things are getting….intense right now with circle daybreak and…..they need me there. Besides its not safe if I stay here too long. Something may come here and if anything happened to you……." He struggled with his words, lost in a nightmare that played inside his head over and over. Mary-Lynnette pulled herself to him, trying to comfort him with something warm and real. His chin rested on the top of her head and he spoke now that he had something real to hold on to. "I saw what it did to someone who lost his soulmate countless times. She came back to him, but…… I don't think I could even deal with that once. He had always looked so lost and hurt without her. I can't lose you. I want you safe and I am going to make it safe." From starting off broken, the ending of his words ended strong. He meant everything he said and it made her heart ache.

I could never love someone more than I love him.

"Well, we have a lot of stories to catch up on tonight." This time she pulled back from him and pulled out her bravest, strongest smile she could, "Tell me about the dragons you slay and I'll tell you the stars I counted"