He smiles lustfully, dropping to his knees as he gives my shoulders a playful push. I fall back and he takes me by the hips, pulling me to the very edge of the bed. He grins and closes his eyes, running his tongue along the inner part of my thigh, teasing me with every delicate kiss. I'm already so close, shaking with anticipation when at last he dips his head lower, hands hot as fire as they gently spread my thighs further apart. Cool air hits the delicate skin between my legs. I shiver, recovering quickly as I begin to relax completely into the warm demand of his mouth. I arch my hips as his hands slide underneath, raising me, making his angle closer, stronger. I shudder in response, and cry out, feeling the heat of my release grow and spread with each movement of his tongue and lips. Within seconds, I'm limp with fulfillment and gasping as Dominic rests his head on my thigh. He caresses the slope of my leg, waiting for a moment before getting to his feet and joining me on the be
Dominic thrusts him toward me. "You have to save him!" he pleads, breathless, his tone desperate and suffering. "He is dying!"I blink, startled out of my haze and reach out, taking Samuel's face in my palms. Without thinking, I lean in and cover his mouth with mine, inhaling a deep breath and immediately taste blood. It's too much. I pull away, turning my head to cough and spit. Dominic's hands begin to shake. He falls to his knees, still holding our son's lifeless body in his arms. I can feel Samuel slipping away.Dear God, noooo!Suddenly, I'm weak and disoriented, but I try again, grabbing the sides of his face, trying to keep my mouth steady on his. I somehow muster more force, sucking in his pain and trauma, the same way I did for Dominic so long ago. Several sharp blows plunge into my ribs, and then my shoulder and my thigh. I ignore the agony piercing through my body and turn my head to cough, going back, again, again, again..."Kate," Dominic whispers, his hand gently cups
The twins have started helping in the fight as their abilities have sharpened. They are now able to inform us the moment they sense demon activity outside the castle. Their training is ongoing. They've learned so much, but it feels like it's happening at warp speed. I miss the days when Samuel and Laila were little, and I had more control over them. I'm afraid that, soon, they'll be attending their father's meetings with the Warriors and Fighters. They're so young. They have their whole lives ahead of them, and I want them to enjoy what's left of a normal childhood. Who am I kidding?Samuel and Laila aren't normal. They will never be normal, and I may have to loosen my reins, or in the very least, stop worrying so much. They've proven they can handle themselves as each new ability surfaces. They have the potential for so much more. I just have to accept it.Dominic glances up from his map and moves closer to me."What are you doing?" he asks, his hands resting gently on my shoulde
I open my eyes, shocked and frightened.Holy shit.'Deumus'... that word has been in my head for hours, I'm sure of it, now. How am I just now remembering? What the hell is going on?Dominic is sitting next to me, his arm around my back as he leans in closer, a heartbroken look on his face. He read my mind. He saw the whole thing."I am sorry, Love," he whispers, fingers brushing my wet cheek. I nod, reaching up to him. He immediately gathers me in his arms, holding me tightly as I begin to cry."I don't know what's happening," I mumble into his neck. "How could I forget, how could I...?" "The demon did not want you to remember," Dominic interrupts, letting out a heavy sigh. He squeezes me harder, and I pull back, looking up at him, his eyes blazing in caramels and yellows. "What do you mean?" I ask, confused. "Why even bother?""Because that is how demons get into your head. That is how they know what scares you the most." Dominic says, disgusted. "They enjoy watching you
Dominic sighs, pulling me tightly to him and leans down. "I am afraid these dreams are.""What?" I blurt out loud, covering my mouth as I glance over to the Council members. The three of them immediately turn their heads toward us, and I swallow as the room falls silent. "Forgive me," I say apologetically in a much quieter tone.The male sitting on the far right shifts slightly in his chair. "Are you certain Deumus is the name you heard?" he asks."Yes." I nod, watching them huddle together. Again, I can't make out what they're saying, but I can tell something is definitely happening. The atmosphere in the space around us is changing somehow, getting colder, and my ears begin to pop, first my right, then my left.My eyes dart all around and then up to Dominic, confused. His forehead is knitted as he stares ahead at the council members, clearly deep in thought. He feels it too.The female in the middle glances over to us. "If what you say is true, we must prepare," she says, a
Later that evening as we lie together in bed, I let my mind rest and gaze out the floor to ceiling windows into the night sky. So many stars, brighter than usual, sparkle and twist, the lack of a moon highlighting their carefree dance.Why can't we be that far away? Where nothing bad can find us?Dominic's warm fingers move down on my back, urging me closer to him. He bends his head, brushing his lips delicately across the top of my ear, his touch innocently arousing."Try not to worry," he says softly. "I will not let anything happen to you-," He breaks off to kiss my cheek, "here or in your dreams."He holds me closely and I snuggle my head under his chin."Not gonna lie," I whisper, "that part makes me feel way better." "Accompanying you in your dreams?" he asks, stroking my back gently."Mm, hum" I murmur, looking up at him. "How is that possible?" He hugs me tighter. "Ah, I was wondering when you were going to ask." His chest quivers with a slight chuckle."Well, it wou
"Dominic," I sigh, pulling the covers back up, "last night was incredible." I give him a sideways smile. "And, I definitely encourage you to do that again.""You cannot be serious." He gets to his feet and turns away, running a hand through his thick, wavy hair.I laugh, and he whips around, astonishment shadowing his face in the early light, and I laugh again."What is so funny?" he demands in a whisper. "You." I answer, shaking my head.His brows go up, looking at me like I've lost my mind. "What I did to you was shameful!" He comes closer. "And, there is no excuse!""Oh, there was an excuse, alright," I say, giggling out the words.Dominic leans down, pulling back the covers and points. "There and there...dear God, there too!""What, I have more?" I look down."God in Heaven, forgive me," he whispers.I look up to a face devoured in self-torment and reach out. "Come here," I say, trying to be more empathic. "You're taking this way too seriously. I'm fine. You're being r
Samuel leaps up and rushes to Zack's side, pulling him away from Laila as the three of them laugh and tickle each other. My brother has been gone for several days, working with the Seraph Council at their request. He wouldn't, or most likely couldn't, give us details as to why, just that he had to go, and it was necessary. "Hey big brother!" I move closer, giving him a hug as Laila continues her death grip on Zack's arm, Samuel being dragged by his leg. "It's good to see you," I whisper in his ear."You too, sis," he says, hugging me back before holding his hand out to Dominic. "Care to join us?" Dominic asks, pulling a giggling Laila away and placing her back in her chair. He eyes Samuel, who quickly lets go of Zack's leg and sits back down. "Just coffee for me," he grins, his face going slightly red. "Victoria and I have already had breakfast."I smirk, the only one catching Zack's subtle innuendo as he pulls out the armchair like he just had the best sex of his life. Gro
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,"