Pastor eyes go past me to Zack before looking up at Skylar, who's watching us from a few feet away. It's obvious he's considering what to say me, every line in his face showing indecision. I take another sip, getting nervous with each second and he rubs a hand over the balding spot on his head."What are you hiding?" I ask reluctantly. Jesus, do I even want to know?"We had to be sure." Pastor's voice is low and steady. "Be sure?" I tilt my head, "Of what?"He squeezes his lids shut like he's in physical pain before finally looking over to me, "Gideon returned an hour ago." "Yeah, so?" I ask abruptly, remembering he was supposed to bring back Dr. Mansfield's husband and son. "Oh, wait, yes-Peter and Jason. "Where are they?"Zack shakes his head and I put my cup down on the pew and wait. A few seconds go by like hours and I can no longer stand it."Zack! What?!" I blurt out."Katie," he reaches for my hand, "they're both dead."I shake my head, not wanting to believe it so I
A quiet stir from behind pulls my attention away and I look back. Skylar and Victoria are walking toward us, their expressions both serious yet calm as Pastor immediately goes into action, placing white cloaks over each of them. Zack moves closer, facing Victoria and I watch their eyes meet. Victoria stares approvingly up at my brother and he touches her cheek"You are a sight for very sore eyes." his voice kind and soft as they walk over to the trough of holy water. I glance over to Skylar who is standing very still as he watches them, his face a blank mask, no doubt hiding strong feelings. Pastor moves toward him, a white cloth draped over his forearm and he whispers something in Skylar's ear. He gives him a slight nod as they join Zack and Victoria at the trough. Once again, Pastor quietly begins a prayer while the yellow glow of candlelight flickers along the stone behind them. Another minute goes by before Pastor raises his head, glancing at each one of us."It is time to go,"
A flush of relief calms my mind and Dominic reaches out, clutching me tightly to his chest. I can hear the thump of his heart loud against my temple and he turns, still holding on to me but I don't look up. I know my brother, Victoria, Skylar and Pastor are close behind. I can hear their footsteps as Dominic walks me through the golden doors. We move at a steady pace, farther into the dim corridor and I feel exhausted, the adrenaline pulsing through my veins only moments ago, clearly subsiding. I look up and notice several Seraph Fighters standing at attention along our path, each one bowing their heads as we walk by. A tribute of some kind, or maybe they're guarding our walk? It doesn't really matter; I'm more than relived to see a few Fighters still left that Dr. Mansfield hasn't managed to infect. It doesn't take long before the fiery torch hanging outside the door to our quarters catches my eye. Dominic moves in front of me with Gideon to his side, their actions so quick, the doo
I whip around, relieved for the interruption and see a single white crystal in Dominic's open palm. "Take it," he reaches out, placing the cool stone in my hand, "now squeeze."Without warning, the crystal begins to heat up, almost too hot to keep holding. I look up, eyes squinting from the burning sensation."It's working, keep going." He instructs.I glance back down at my fist and actually witness the bruises along my wrists begin to fade and the broken skin, now completely healed. "Better?" Dominic asks, still holding a look of concern over his face."Much." I smile and he lets out a breath."Good," he leans in, kissing my forehead, "Come on, let's finish that glass of wine."The heavy darkness of the night slowly begins to fade and the morning sun casts an orangey-yellow light along the ancient stone walls. The room felt unusually cold all night and Dominic held me close, keeping me from shivering. I barely slept and when I did, visions of Uncle John's contorted, decayin
Up ahead, two figures in white come into view, standing just outside the thick door to the metal room. It's Pastor Ezekiel and Zack, deep in conversation, but when they hear us approaching they both glance up. Zack moves closer, waving me to go in. "The Archangel will appear when you enter the room.""Wait," Pastor interrupts, "hold out your hands." He tells me, pulling out a white bottle from his pocket. He sprinkles holy water into my palms, "rub it in," he instructs, holding my hands in his with his eyes closed, his mouth moving in silent prayer. Seconds later he glances down at me, "Now stand still for a moment." He squeezes several more drops on each side and then down the front and back of my cloak.I look up at Dominic and he nods, "I will not leave this spot." His fingers wrap around the doorknob and I reach up and kiss his lips, "I love you," I whisper in his ear. "I love you." He kisses my cheek and opens the door.Without warning, the stench of rotting flesh hits
"You'll have to catch me first, little queen." He says, laughing with an almost renewed sense of confidence.My eyes dart around the room, looking for the Archangel but he's nowhere in sight. Why would he vanish at a time like this, I don't know what to do. Becoming increasingly desperate, I glance down at the crystals still glowing in my hand and close my fist, squeezing them tightly. I concentrate, envisioning a protective dome around myself when Zull suddenly crashes into it, ricocheting his body hard against the wall. Instantly, pieces of putrid, bloody flesh drop down followed by the sickening thump of his badly damaged arm that took the initial brunt. He slams to the floor and the metal chair impossibly scattering into pieces. His roaring shrieks seem to rip through my head and I reach up with my free hand, wiping away the cooper smelling wetness before I see fresh blood on my fingers. I pull my eyes away when Zull moves straight for me, somehow managing to free himself from t
I awaken to the sound of a crackling fire in a dark room, our room; only the reflection of half a moon casts its shadowy light over me as I look to my left. Dominic is sleeping, his breathing strong and steady and without thinking, I touch my ears; padded with something that feels similar to gauze. I no longer have the searing pain like before so I start to pull them off but stop myself. I can hear just fine with them on, maybe I need more time to heal?A light breeze coming from the ceiling fan above sends chills to my uncovered shoulders and I scoot down, snuggling closer to Dominic's masculine, rosemary scent. He jerks up, scanning the room and I catch a faint twitch of his mouth; as if realizing where he is and his eyes capture mine."You are awake." He whispers and smiles, tenderly kissing the side of my face."Yeah," I say softly, "What happ..." I shake my head, remembering Zull and the horrific sight of body parts and stench and blood. "How long have I...""Four days," he in
He doesn't say anything for a few more seconds but then gets to his feet and comes over to my side of the bed, his expression warm and assuring."The Archangel knew all along," he whispers, "so did the Seraph Council.""Knew what?" I sigh, rubbing my hands together, confused. "I swear Dominic, if I didn't know you any better, I'd think you were enjoying this.""On the contrary, I have no intention of teasing you," his brows go up, "I just wanted to tell you at the right time.""Dominic..." I glare at him; swinging my legs over the side, "tell me what is going on, you're killing me."He gets down on his knees in front of me and takes both of my hands, giving me a gentle smile. Tightening his grip, warm fingers rubbing my own, his eyes glow a beautiful combination of amber-red. I'm not sure what he's about to say but fresh needles are beginning to prick at my gut. Thankfully, the look on his face is calm, even proud somehow. Whatever it is, I think it must be something good.Please
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,"