We stand in silence for a moment, allowing the excitement of events to fade away like an early morning moon. But tonight is ours; no more worries about Zack or Dr. Mansfield or even Zull-at least for a little while. Dominic pulls back, releasing his hold around my waist and reaches out, picking up a glass of champagne he placed on the table next to us, "I would like to make a toast to my beautiful new bride." He hands me the glass and leans down to kiss my forehead, "To eternal love." He says with a slight crack in his voice. I can tell he's struggling with his own emotions but he doesn't try to hide it, his eyes suddenly glassy."To putting up with me for the rest of your life." I giggle, taking his hand. He smiles briefly, then his eyes down to my breasts and a warm flush travels straight to my core. I don't have to say a word. I don't even have to think it, because he knows. I'm ready."You may want to guzzle that because I'm taking my new husband to bed."His mouth turns in
I want him.I want him now.Desperately feeling around, I find a loose strip of cloth and yank, instantly releasing the weight of him dropping to my thigh. Instinctively, my hand wraps around his warm, solid penis, stroking up to a slightly wet tip. I scoot down, trying to get closer. I want to explore and smell and taste everything."Are-are you sure you want to do that?" He looks down with a troubled face."Don't you want me to?" my hands move up the tops of his thighs."Well, yes, I just..." he stops because I brush my nose over his stomach, inhaling deeply and his skin ripples with gooseflesh. He grasps my head hard, fingers twisted in the thick of my hair-God he's warm. My tongue travels the length of him and I kiss and suck along the way. Dominic quickly pulls away before I can stop him and lifts me up, turning me over on my back. He breathes in deeply, kissing his way down my torso and stops just above the edge of my curls."Damn," he says."What?" I ask, alarmed. "
His massive hands cover me back up and I study the shape of his long fingers. "I guess Emily has to be dealt with sooner rather than later."He nods in reply, "I also have to arrange for her room to be moved next to ours.""I think it's the only way, Dominic. The only way we'll for sure be able to watch her every move.""I agree," he pushes off the bed and stands, "Although, I doubted it at first. But you allowed your instincts to guide you-as you should have.""I just did what the Council told me to do."He walks over to the door, "You trusted them, and you trusted yourself. That is the first step in leading your people with honorable intent-the way a true queen should." He pulls up on the latch, "Go back to sleep," he says, his voice slightly louder than a whisper, "Victoria will be here at 7:30 with your breakfast. With any luck, I will be back to join you."He quietly dashes through the door, only his cloak making a swishing sound before it closes. The room goes silent and of
"Your new quarters will be located down the hall from ours," I glance up at Dominic, trying to ignore the slight grin on his face, "Until further notice, you will be placed on probation. And, you will no longer have access to our medical facility or our staff."Her eyes pop up at me, "You can't be serious!" she laughs, but it's clear she's not amused. "I'm a doctor, I have patients and prescriptions to fill!""What part of probation do you not understand?" I tell her, watching her breathing become more labored."Why? So you can track my every move?" her hands go to her hips, "Are my bathroom habits that interesting to you, your highness?" her intentional sarcasm practically slaps me in the face.She's trying to piss me off but it won't work."Yes, as a matter of fact," I take another step toward her, "Every single thing you do interests me."Emily's lips tighten into a thin line but she doesn't back away. She just stands there, facing me as if gearing up for the next round. "Th
Emily's eyes go wide and she immediately tries to scoot away, grotesquely, forgetting one arm is badly broken. She shrieks in pain but Dominic follows her, his unrelenting chase ending with her pinned against the wall and panting like an animal."I already told you!" she yells, still not backing down as Dominic brutally thrusts her up by her good arm like she's a rag doll. "Do not be stupid, doctor," his enormous fingers wrap around her forearm, tightening their grip, "You will not win.""Zull!" she shouts, spitting in his face and he drops her, causing her to scream in pain as he knuckles away the wetness.Heavy footsteps sound to my right and Gideon fades into view, charging toward us. Dominic takes a single step back still glaring at Emily, "Take her to the infirmary." He commands, finally pulling his eyes away from her to look at Gideon. "And assign two Fighters outside her door."Without hesitation, Gideon leans down, reaching for Emily but she ducks, scurrying away from h
"Don't you understand you can't get rid of me? I mean, sure, you can kill the vessel," she holds out her arms, the broken one now thickly bandaged up as she glances at their movement like she's seeing them for the first time. "But I believe I've made the game a little harder." She smiles, cranking her head oddly, "Because killing a woman, especially an innocent one, would be unbearable for you." Her lips curl into a smile, eyes glowing with a hint of red, "Am I right?""This is not a game, Zull, release her! Now!" Dominic's thunderous voice shouts back at her and she stumbles slightly, a sibilance of fear behind her expression. I wonder if the real Emily, the woman I don't know, is hiding somewhere deep inside."Sweet bleeding Jesus, you are feisty when you get angry!" She laughs, staring up at Dominic regaining her sick humor.Dominic leans into her, somehow totally calm, "I will only ask you once again, release Dr. Mansfield."Laughter erupts again and she cranes her neck, look
I don't know what to say so I say nothing for a while; letting his words linger in my thoughts as my fingers run along large, hard knuckles. It is a Warrior's hand-but he is not a Warrior, not at this moment. He is my supporter, my friend and my husband. Everything else is secondary. Only the lives of the Seraph Realm come before either of us. Which brings me back to my original thought, so I turn to Pastor, "We must do everything we can to keep Emily alive."He nods slightly, "Agreed.""What's the next step?" I ask."We must receive approval from the Seraph Council.""Approval? For what?"Pastor steps away, rubbing his palms together, "For permission..." he pauses and locks eyes with me, "to involve the angel Michael."Gulp."Whoa, whoa, whoa...do you mean, THE Archangel Michael?""He is the most powerful of all the Seraph Kingdom. It is the only way to destroy Zull. For good.""Oh my God..." I whisper under my breath, grasping Dominic's fingers a little harder.Pastor notic
But he doesn't answer; he simply leans down, effortlessly picking me up. He's huge, not Dominic huge, but no match for me. I don't dare struggle too much; the pain only gets worse when I do. "Where are you taking me?" I shout again as loudly as I can, my voice cracking on the last word. He stops suddenly, tugging me tightly and I scream in pain. Heavy footsteps echo to my left and I squint in the dim torchlight, trying to get a better view. Two more Fighters are fiercely approaching and like a trapped animal, I yank my wrists back one last time, trying to free myself as the intense pain takes my breath away."She is ready." One of them says to my captor, his voice gutteral and deep. My mouth goes dry and I try to swallow. I know who he's referring to, I can sense her evil all around me. I keep trying to focus on Dominic but feel nothing-like our connection has been lost, or maybe blocked? I don't have time to analyze it before I'm violently shoved forward by two additional Fig
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,"