My eyes flash open, pulling me out of a terrifying dream of shadowy creatures with red, glowing eyes. I try to shake off the horrific images. I'm on a sofa or maybe a bed; something soft. I can hear whispering or maybe someone praying. Mentally pushing away the layer of cobwebs from what feels like years of sleeping, I have to squint and refocus when I look to my right. The whispering is coming from Dominic, who is kneeling next to the bed. He looks up as if he knows I'm awake and nods once before taking a few steps back.Did he just bow?"How are you feeling?" he asks softly. I'm not worried about my health as much as I'm curious where we are. The stone walls are at least two stories high, with windows reaching from floor to ceiling. Totally different than the cold, damp cave we just left. "Where are we?" I ask, attempting to pull myself out of the bed."Do not try to get up. You must take it slowly," he says, coming a little closer.My brows push together before he goes on.
"Well, well, if it isn't my little niece," Uncle John singsongs from a few yards away. His demeanor is way off-as if he's gained tons of confidence and a personality."Uncle John, what are you doing here?" I ask, genuinely confused.He cocks his head and smiles sarcastically, like I've just told him a dirty joke. "Why don't you ask your-" He stops and looks up at Dominic and I swear I see his face change. Like he's actually seeing him for the first time and is slightly intimidated. "Friend." "I don't understand," I admit, craning my neck to look up at Dominic. His eyes flash with a tinge of red directed straight at the big dude standing next to Uncle John."Stay away from her, Malum," Dominic bites out.Holy shit, they know each other?The bile in his voice sends a chill down my neck and if I didn't know him so well, I would already be running. Instead, I move closer, wrapping both arms tightly around him."Ipsa morietur!" Malum growls in a deep, sadistic voice, spreading his a
A look of panic washes over Skylar's face and he holds up both hands like someone's pointing a gun at him. "Wait! I-I'm not going anywhere!" he screams in a shaky voice. "You have no choice," I say simply, hoping he doesn't try anything stupid, like trying to get away.Skylar's gaze shifts from me to Dominic as Aunt Kelly and Uncle John watch from behind us. "I-I won't go. You can't make me!" he shouts, turning around and looking for a way out. He's about to take off but Dominic is way ahead of him, grabbing his collar before he can take even one step."You will come. We do not have time for this," Dominic says, his voice calm but fierce.Skylar stumbles and yanks his body away from Dominic like a little kid who just got in trouble. "I can walk, dammit!"Dominic steps away, his glare a reminder to behave, and reaches for my hand. "We must go, now!" he says, jerking his head toward the forest.The gesture doesn't go unnoticed as Aunt Kelly, Uncle John, and Skylar follow us down a
Thunderous pounding erupts without warning, shattering my thoughts, and I snap my head toward the beating. Dominic immediately goes into warrior mode, rushing his enormous frame to the door without making a sound. His cloak practically comes to life on its own, wrapping its way around him as tiny metal looking spikes begin poking up through the fabric. Another set of deafening strikes hammer against the door; I have no doubt that someone is trying to beat it down by hand.Dominic glances back at me with caution in his eyes, advising me to stay silent, and yanks up on the latch, pulling the massive door open and protectively angling himself in front."I thought I smelled you in here." Uncle John somehow twists past Dominic, pushing towards me. His eyes are completely black, his voice not his. He leaps over Dominic as if he suddenly has super powers and lands next to me. I scramble to get to my knees. I can almost see the Demon inside of him, contorting his features like an animal.
The Demon's words are like a punch in the gut and suddenly, I want more than just answers. I want to save Uncle John's life. Not for me but for Aunt Kelly. I can't allow this monster to destroy him, no matter how horrible he's been to me.Dominic leans down and whispers, "You must demand the Demon to reveal himself. You have more power over him and he knows it. Get his name and it will weaken his hold. Separate him from his host." He pauses and takes my hand. "But be quick, we do not have much time."I nod and glance back up into the Demon's black eyes. He's still smiling back at me but I can tell he's in pain as fresh blood pools behind him, dripping from his bandaged wrist."Tell me your name," I demand in a low, authoritative tone, keeping my gaze glued to his. Laughter erupts again from the Demon's mouth but I try to ignore it. "Why are you so protective of him?" he asks, and I can tell he's trying to avoid the question. "It's not like he's ever done you any favors. Well, none
Zack reaches for my hand with a concerned smile that barely reaches his eyes. "Get some rest," he reminds me, leaning down to kiss my forehead. He whispers something in Dominic's ear, but this time I can't hear his words. "We'll talk about this later," he says, holding the door open for Dominic."Dominic, wait," I say, stopping him from going any further. "Please talk to me." His back is to me so I can't see his face, but I hear the door close. My heart feels like it's in my throat. He doesn't want to stay-I can practically smell it on him."You must rest," he whispers, but there's something else behind his tone. Something I can't quite put my finger on. Could it be sorrow? Disappointment? I'm not sure, but it feels a little like both."Please don't leave." My voice cracks on the last word and I silently pray he gives in.I feel like throwing up when his head drops but this time, it's not from possibly resurrecting a Demon. He doesn't want to talk. Hell, I'm pretty sure he doesn'
Relief washes over me like a stream of warm water as Dominic's huge arms wrap around my waist. Closing my eyes, I take in the feel of his body so close to mine, almost forgetting that I was beyond angry only seconds ago.Wait a minute."So, I need to know." My voice cracks a little. "Are you going to tell me who Victoria really is? Or is that a secret, too?" I whisper, trying to keep my emotions in check this time.He takes a second to answer and I wonder if he's deciding how much to say. The needles are back, poking around in my gut. "She has been a trusted friend," he pulls back and his eyes go soft when he looks at me, "for a very long time.""Yeah," I reply, swallowing hard, "she mentioned something about that." I stop, hoping he'll fill in more of the blanks but he stays quiet, so I repeat her words. "Seventy-three years, right?"His eyes wrinkle slightly at the corners. I can tell he's not happy I know that part. "Yes, and I haven't spoken to her about boundaries yet. I want
Dominic takes my hand in his and kisses it as we walk down the hallway together. I can't stop looking up into his amazing eyes when I hear someone approaching. Dominic turns his head in the direction of the heavy footsteps but it only takes another second for me to recognize my brother's walk. The expression on his face is serious and he hasn't looked at me once. His eyes are only directed at Dominic, and I can tell something's up."Gideon is waiting for you in the Great Hall." Zack finally looks away from Dominic and acknowledges me with a slight nod."On my way." Dominic kisses the side of my face turning in the same direction Zack came from and I pull his arm back. "Hang on. Don't we," I look back up at him, "get any time to ourselves?"Zack sighs under his breath, as if he's a little annoyed, and my eyes go straight to his. "Katie, time is of the essence. Skylar needs our immediate protection." "I-I get that, but-""Kate," Dominic stops my words, "Zack is right. I must go."
His forehead is lined in concern, pinging my gut and I watch his expression grow more serious. "It was not a dream, Love," he whispers, glancing down at my waist. I let out a cry and sit up, throwing the covers off of me.There's no blood, it's gone... there's not even a trace."Oh, Dominic, did I?" I can barely say the words. "Did I lose the baby?" "Our baby is fine." His smile widens and my breath hitches, the smell of sweet rosemary swirls between us as he softly kisses my lips. "you do not need to worry.""Really?" I whisper, astonished. "Really, honey?"He nods. "It is over, Love." He moves closer, gathering me in his arms. "You are safe." He kisses my cheek. "And so is or our baby." His arms pulls me closer."But how? I-I was bleeding." My body shivers, remembering. "Oh Dominic, there was so much blood.""I know, honey." He nods, gently rubbing my back. My eyes go wide. "The twins?" I pull back. "They were there...they saw everything, they saved me, I think they even
"Hello, Kate," a woman's voice calls out, and I sluggishly blink, pulling my heavy lids open to total darkness. "Did you enjoy my little gift? I sharpened the blade myself."I reach out, groggy and drunk, touching the edge of a blanket on my chest. "Yes, you are still in bed," the woman says. "But now it's time to wake up!" she shouts, yanking me up by the arm as a hard slap stings the side of my face. I yelp, more alert and duck my head awkwardly in the blackness. She laughs. "They have sedated you. This is going to be a cake walk." The lamp next to the bed suddenly switches on, blinding me, and I sluggishly shield my eyes. "Who are you?" I ask, the back of my head falling hard against the headboard as I lower my hands.I see her dress first, black, long and skintight, hands propped on her hips, hair and face still breathtaking. Olivia. Her lips curl up into a slow smile as soon as I look into her new black eyes. "Surprised to see me?" she winks, "Why yes, I can dream wa
He slowly nods. "Yes, I could tell it in her expression. I could feel her anger."My eyes go wide. "What if she tries to do it again?" I blurt out."She cannot." He shakes his head. "I have been sealed," he says, and I let out a breath of relief.Dominic holds me in his arms a few moments longer, and I look back up, "The councilman, he was sent to protect the twins from her too, wasn't he?""Mmm, hum," his voice resonates in my ear. "The Hierarchy Council knew they would be especially susceptible to her.""Because of their visions?" I ask.He nods. "And their dreams.""If they can kill a demon, they can certainly kill a witch," I smirk."It is not that easy," he says. "It is forbidden for a Seraph to kill another Seraph." I pull away and look up, "Even if she tries to kill them?" Dominic glances down at me. "Yes.""What would be her reason? Why would she want to hurt the twins?" I ask."Power," he says."Power for what?" "No one is sure, but the Hierarchy Council has
"Not at all, Victoria, it's okay," I assure her, attempting to ease her guilt. "I know Dominic had a life before me." I push back my chair and stand. "So, if Olivia stayed, she must have met her husband a few years after Dominic left?" "Yes, her husband was already a Warrior for the Seraph Realm, but eventually, Dominic took his place.""Why?"Victoria shrugs. "Dominic was more skilled and introduced new strategies to fight the demons.""Oh...," I whisper, suddenly impressed as I make it out in my head. "And Olivia's husband was sent to the Hierarchy Realm then? "That is correct." Ah, now we're getting somewhere. Demons can't touch this place, it's too holy. "Did he come here for more training?"Victoria nods. "Yes, among other things. Henry was injured pretty badly in battle and was in need of physical and mental rehabilitation.""Olivia must have spent a lot of time with him.""Indeed.""How long were Olivia and Henry together before he had to leave, do you know?""Ma
Still panting, he quickly recovers and lifts himself above me, focused as he begins to slowly move his hips, thrusting himself in and out. His blazing hand cups my breast, and he leans down, teasing my nipple with a firm tongue. My body tightens. "Harder," I whisper, so close to euphoria I pull him down, arching my hips before wrapping my legs around his waist. He continues to hold back, keeping himself from going any further. He's knows I'm on the edge, and he knows how to drive me crazy."Dominic, please!" I whisper, trying to pull him closer but he stops and moves lower, tossing the blankets back before pausing between my legs."Not before I get a taste of you," he whispers, pressing down on my legs as he leans in and runs his warm, slick tongue gently over me, sucking and moaning before doing it again. "So good," he murmurs, his breath like fire. He raises himself back up, his length drags along my thigh, wet and firm. I tremble, reaching out to wrap my arms around him as he
"This place," he ignores me, eyes darting around the room. "It is not our realm...it must be having an effect on me, on us. Maybe even the children."I squeeze his hand, but he's lost in thought, agonizing. I can't let him take the blame. He needs to know the truth about her. I reach up, pulling his face toward me and we lock eyes. "The only thing affecting you is Olivia's fucking witchcraft!" I blurt out."Kate!" he shouts and yanks himself away. "You mustn't speak like that!""It's true!" I plead. "The twins know it too!" He glares at me, fury in his eyes, and if he weren't my husband, I'd be frightened. "They are mistaken! And so are you!" "No!" I shout, standing up to him, "Olivia, she's cast some kind of spell. There's no way you would have allowed her to kiss you otherwise."His face clears, nostrils flaring with each breath as he stares down at me."I wanted to wait," I whisper. "I wanted more time to prove it, but we don't have time." I move closer to him. "Laila is
Laila whimpers, and my eyes go straight to hers. I have to be strong. I won't let this woman hurt my children or tear my family apart. "Listen to me, honey," I squeeze her hands tightly. "I promise no one will come between your father and I," I say, trying to reassure her, "In the meantime, do your best not to worry about this right now and get some sleep, okay?" She nods, wiping the wetness from her eyes. "Samuel told me the same thing.""Samuel knows?""Yeah."I take in a breath, scanning the room and lean in, "Okay, but let's keep this just between the three of us." "We will." She sniffs. "Samuel and I have a plan, anyway." I turn my head to the side, eyeing her. "What kind of plan?""I'll tell you in the morning.""Laila," I whisper, moving closer, "are you and Samuel planning to enter Olivia's drea...?""It's the easiest way, Mama," she interrupts. "Dreams are more truthful than real life.""I don't want you two getting involved." I say, brows pushing together. "I c
From that point on, I watched Olivia closely. Her eye movement, her facial expressions, anything that might reveal that I'm completely wrong about her, and she's just an innocent woman, waiting desperately for her husband and children to return. An hour went by and nothing. Olivia was cordial, considerate and even friendly toward me as though she were a different person or, somehow aware I was on to her, I can't be sure. When dinner was over, Olivia invited the four of us to stay for a couple of days to help the twins settle in, and we agreed. It was a nice gesture, and I appreciated her generosity.After dinner, we toured Samuel and Laila's rooms, located on the second floor of the castle, directly next to one another with an adjoining door. The twins couldn't wait to show off all the books, gadgets and games they discovered earlier, dashing back and forth while Olivia smiled with pride. She did it all. She completely customized everything to their individual likes, even down to th
I catch a glimpse of Olivia, standing with Zack and Victoria as she stares in my direction, but not at me. She's fixated on Dominic with an expression of yearning, no-it's more like pure lust. I can feel the blood rushing to my face, hot with anger as I glance up at Dominic. His eyes focused on hers with such intensity, I jerk away and gasp, trying to keep my composure. "Kate," he says, reaching out to me, his connection with Olivia broken. "Are you all right?"I glance up, surprised by his expression, suddenly draped in love and concern and I stumble, tripping on my dress. "Yeah," I answer, taking his hand, strong and tight as he steadies me."C'mon, you two," Zack calls over his shoulder, hand in hand with Victoria, "Didn't you hear? It's time for dinner," he says as they follow Olivia into the hallway.Dominic lets go, and I smooth out my dress. Its champagne colored beads glistening under the brilliant light of the sparkling crystal chandeliers."As always, you are a vision,"