"But what about the Archangel?" I cut in. "They brought him in to help."Zack raises a brow. "He is the most powerful Warrior Angel. Of course they would want him to step in and help.""Not that kind of help," Dominic says. "He gifted me with the power of dream-walking."Zack's expression clears. "So you can go with Kate," he smiles, eyes widening. "That's brilliant!" "It must be what the Archangel was talking about," I say quietly and look up. Dominic nods in agreement."Come again?" Zack asks, tilting his head."The Archangel," I say, looking up at my brother. "He said it would take all of us to fight Deumus.""It will," Zack says, like it's obvious.I let out a long breath, letting it sink in. "But we'll have to do it in our dreams.""Dear God, you're right," Zack says, a hint of shock washing over his expression. "Which means, no one else can help. Not me, the other Warriors, not even the Fighters this time."Zack's realization hits me hard in the gut. I haven't gotten t
"Skylar should be here soon," Zack says, taking a seat at the table, looking up at Dominic and me. "Apparently, he has news." "About what?" Dominic asks, pulling out my chair. "Is he joining us for dinner?""Yes," Zack answers. "Both he and Gideon.""It'll be good to see him," I chime in. "Does Rachel know?""Oh yeah," Zack chuckles. "I think she and the twins made him a welcome home banner."Rachel, Laila's Follower, and Skylar hit it off right away, but there was a problem. Skylar is one hundred percent human, typically not a problem if you've been selected as a member of the medical or kitchen staff. Although, he would need approval by the Council if he wanted to stay full-time. Their relationship quickly blossomed, proving that even if Skylar had to face demons tracking him, nothing would keep him away from her. And stay he did, learning the ways and strategies of being a Seraph Fighter. Gideon, his Watchman, continues to diligently train him, running drills and different sce
He glares down at me, running a hand through his hair. I watch his internal struggle whether to go through with it. He's not used to giving me anything but honor and respect, but he needs to know how I feel without a shadow of a doubt. I won't be satisfied until he does. So, I take his hand and place his palm on the side of my face."Go ahead," I try to smile. "Do it for me."Dominic lets out a sigh, nodding slightly and leans in. His eyes lock on mine, and I'm instantly captivated, watching him quickly scan from my left eye to my right. A peculiar sensation of heat runs up my neck, then my cheeks as they flush hotly against the corridor's cool air. I'm lost in his gaze, unable to move. It's clear he's made it in, his concentration palpable. But this is different-he's deeper in my mind than he's ever been. Several seconds go by, and he suddenly looks away, unlocking our connection. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding as he whispers something in Latin, I think. "Holy...yo
"Mama?" Laila whispers in my ear, and I open my eyes. "Wake up," she says, leaning back, smiling down at me.I blink, trying to focus. "Hi, baby," I whisper. "Where's your father?" I lean up as rays of sunlight pour through the windows and glance down. I'm still wearing the gown I had on last night. "Oh, he's in the hallway talking to the doctor." She says, playing with the gold sequins on my dress. "Daddy wanted me to stay with you.""Doctor? Who's sick?" I ask, tossing the blankets off my legs. "Where's your brother?""He's with Jonah," she says, "getting ready for lunch.""Lunch?" I blurt out. "How long have I been asleep?" I say, stumbling on my feet. "Whoa.""Mama!" Laila cries, grabbing my waist to steady me."Kate!" Dominic calls out, the sound of a slamming door and heavy footsteps fast approach. I see the edge of his black cloak before he rounds the corner toward our bed, eyes going wide when he sees that I'm holding Laila for support. "You should be in bed." He rush
There are three knocks on the door before it slowly opens. "Come in," I say, smiling as Dominic and I stand together next to the table. Skylar spots us and grins. "Hey Kate," he says, bowing his head slightly then looks to my right. "Dominic," he acknowledges, his hand goes out and they shake. "Thanks for seeing me on such short notice.""Of course," I answer. "I have to apologize for...""Please," his hand goes up. "I should be the one apologizing.""Why," I say, confused."First of all, I kind of sprang everything on you guys at once. I should have spoken to you two in private first."I let out a sigh, shaking my head. "Skylar, you and Rachel have been together for a long time. We expected you to marry sooner or later." "Oh," he says. "So you're not upset about it?""Certainly not," I assure him. "In fact, we're extremely happy for you both.""Then why did you...?""I wasn't myself last night," I interrupt. "I didn't feel well," I lie, keeping my eyes on his. "I'm sorry
Dominic nods approvingly, when his face abruptly goes stone cold, eyes going past me down the dark hallway. I glance over my shoulder, only hearing the fury of heavy footsteps making their way towards us.Dominic moves with lightning speed in front of me, shielding my body, but I manage to peek around his black cloak, watching the dark hallway eventually spit out my brother. Relief washes over me before I see the anger blazing in his eyes."Have you two lost your ever-loving minds?" Zack says, throwing up his hands, "And you," he scowls at me when I move to Dominic's side. "You actually approved Skylar's insanity?" "Stand down, Master," Dominic commands and reaches out, preventing Zack from getting any closer. Zack takes a step away in surprise, his expression clearing when he looks up at Dominic, towering over him. "You cannot approach us in that manner. I could have taken your head off without a thought."Zack shakes his head. "Yes, of course...I, I apologize," he says, smacking
Determination or maybe anger grabs hold of me, and I rush at my husband. "You don't know!" I shout, hitting his chest with my palms. "You can't say that!"Dominic stands stoically, my hands giving blow after blow as warm tears stream down my cheeks. I can't bear the thought of losing Rachel, someone so dear, someone who has been in our lives and become such a vital part of our family. "You are right, Love," Dominic whispers, gently taking my wrists as he pulls me close with the other. "We will keep looking."I close my eyes, relieved and breathless, heart pounding in my ears as he gently strokes my hair. "I'll go to Skylar," Zack says, looking up at Dominic, "Have him show me where he's already looked." His tone is soft, and his words meant for me.Dominic nods, his chest rocking slightly, and I pull back. "Do you really think...?" I pause, hardly able to say the words. "Rachel is gone?" I ask, looking up as Dominic's jaw tightens.His hands go to my shoulders, forehead creas
"Stasis?" I ask, confused. "Like in a coma? Hiding in some kind of hidden closet somewhere?""No," Dominic says, his voice low."Not exactly.""What are we waiting for? Let's go get her! Skylar must be out of his mind right now!""It is not that simple, Kate." Dominic reaches out, touching my hand. "Once a Seraph is in stasis they have to come out of it on their own.""Okay, so, we help her wake up." "You are not understanding me." Dominic shakes his head. "Coming out of stasis is an individual situation. It could take days," he clears his throat, "or more likely, weeks, months, sometimes years.""What?" I blurt out, glancing frantically back and forth between the two of them. "She could stay this way for years?"I stare at Dominic, stunned, bewildered yet relieved Rachel is still with us. Or is she, really? My mind begins to race, contemplating on how we got here and what we should do next. I have no idea, but I do know I need to see her."Where is she?" I whisper. Samuel lo
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,"