Chapter 19: It's Personal

"I was afraid you were gonna say that." I look down, wondering if I can go through this again. It's not like Uncle John's been a standup guy. The asshole did make several passes at me and I never told Aunt Kelly-there's no way I could break her heart with that kind of information. Thank God he was always too drunk to get any further than a forced kiss or a grab at my boob. Otherwise, I'm not sure I could have stopped him. The more I think about it, the more I don't want to help him at all. Maybe Aunt Kelly would be better off with him dead. He's never been a good husband and there's no telling how low he had to sink to meet a Demon in the first place or how long it's been going on. Which brings me to the million dollar question...

"How did he even get involved with a Demon, anyway?"

"It's hard to say," he says, leaning against the mantle. He scratches his forehead. "He's always been kind of a jerk."

"Well, duh-" I say with such disgust he instantly looks over to me.

"What?" He narrows his eyes and I can practically see the wheels turning in his head. "What are you not telling me?"

"Nothing!" I blurt out, but Zack knows I'm hiding something. My quick reaction was a dead giveaway and now I can't even look him in the eyes.

Shit, shit, shit!

"Did he hurt you?" he asks with a fury in his eyes I haven't seen before.

"I...I..."

"Katie!" he shouts, "Did he-?" he stops himself before saying it aloud, somehow figuring things out before I have the courage to tell him.

"No!" I get out. "He...he didn't technically hurt me at all." I close my eyes. "Well, not really."

"Katie," his eyes go wide, "what did he do?" He gets closer to me, reaching over to touch my arm as his anger builds.

I shake my head, pulling away from him, covering my face with my hands. I'm not ready to tell him. It's too painful to think that someone you're supposed to trust, someone who's supposed to love and protect you, could do such a thing. I've held it inside for so long that it feels safer to keep it there, tucked away so no one else can see the ugliness of it.

"That son-of-a-bitch," Zack whispers, walking back toward the mantle as he starts to pace.

I look up, trying to deny his words. "He-I mean, we..." I stop to wipe the tiny rivers already flowing down my face, "It-it never got that far."

"How does that matter?" he shouts, slamming his fist on the mantle. "The fact that he tried-" His fist smashes down again, his other hand racing through his hair. "I'm so sorry, Katie," he says, rushing to my side and lifting me into a tight hug. "I didn't know. Why didn't you tell me?"

I'm not sure if it's because I sometimes felt responsible or the fact that it's finally out in the open, but now, I'm crying on my brother's shoulder like a little girl.

"I couldn't tell you. I couldn't tell anyone." I hiccup.

"How long?" Zack's voice is only a whisper. I can tell he's trying to be careful with his words and I cry a little harder.

"I'm...I'm not sure. Maybe a few months?" I barely get the last word out and feel the wetness from my tears on Zack's white shirt. "He only came in my room when he was drunk but I tried to be nice anyway. I didn't want to make a big deal of it. I didn't want to make things worse for Aunt Kelly."

"I want to kill him myself." He bites out his words, still holding me as I continue to sob. "But it makes more sense now," he whispers after a few moments. "The more corrupt the person, the easier it is for a Demon to manipulate."

I pull back, wondering what he means. "How?" I sniff, wiping away more tears.

Zack lets go but keeps my hand in his. "Uncle John and I have never gotten along, you know that. With me he seemed to always have a chip on his shoulder, like he resented my success or something. I always knew Aunt Kelly was way too good for him." He guides me over to the wingback and I take a seat. "When his drinking got worse and he kept going out at night, I knew he was headed for serious trouble."

"So you're saying the more screwed up a person is, the easier it is for a Demon to possess them?"

"That's exactly what I'm saying."

Zack resumes his spot by the mantle and turns to face me. "You know," he begins, "if we, I mean, you, determine that Zull is still controlling Uncle John, we just might be able to get some valuable information out of him."

"What do you mean?"

"We might be able find out what these Demons are up to." 

"Isn't that pretty clear? They're after me."

Zack scratches behind his neck. "True, but if we could get Zull to talk about what they know concerning you or Skylar, and how they're planning their strategies-"

"You think Demons seriously care about strategies?" I interrupt.

"I'm pretty sure they're capable of a lot more than we think-including planning some kind of attack."

My stomach drops because the first person I think of is Dominic and how that would most likely involve him. Hell, he'd be the one leading the Warriors straight into battle.

"Theoretically, of course," Zack finishes his thought.

"Okay, I mean, yeah, it would be good to know if they're planning something. Especially if it can help Skylar."

"Exactly. We have to stay one step ahead of them. It's imperative." He rubs his jaw. "And getting inside the head of one of the most evil Demons out there could be a huge advantage for us."

A slow creak from the other side of the room echoes off the stone walls. I see his black cloak before I see his face, whipping around his body like a second skin-it's almost embarrassing that I'm fangirling over him like he's some kind of hot rock star.

"Excellent, I'm glad you're here," Zack says, gesturing him to join us. "Come, sit down."

I knew, but I guess I didn't realize just how intense our mental bond was because I can feel Dominic's urgency. It's practically oozing from his pores-something's definitely up.

"What?" I ask without thinking.

"The situation with Skylar is worse than we thought," he says. I notice the hint of red in his eyes is more prominent now.

"What do you mean?" Zack immediately chimes in.

"Apparently the Demons have been tracking Skylar since he came to the cemetery to find Kate." He nods to me. "He has no recollection of it but unfortunately, he left a trail for them."

My heart starts to pound. "I thought you said he was safe?" I glare at my brother as goosebumps rush down my arms.

"Wait." Zack shakes his head, ignoring my last comment. "How did you find out?"

Dominic's eyes shift from me to Zack. "Two days ago, the Council decided to watch Skylar, mostly because they were concerned the Demons might have locked in on his scent," he looks back at me, "so they sent a Fighter to evaluate the situation. Their suspicions were correct."

"Dammit," Zack says under his breath.

"There is more." Dominic pulls back his hood. "While I was preparing Gideon for his duties, the Fighter returned, informing us that there are several Demons surrounding Skylar's house."

Oh shit!

"How many?" my brother instantly rises from his chair.

"Three, but there could be more," Dominic says.

My stomach practically leaps to my throat. He'll have to go and fight-if my heart could make a noise, they both would have heard a loud scream. Not only is my friend in danger, but the man I love could be too-and it's all because of me.

"We may need to speak to the Council again and request permission to assign more Warriors," Dominic says.

"Does that mean you won't have to go?" I blurt out.

He closes his eyes and I feel like I want to throw up. He's the best Warrior in the Realm, of course he'll be there. 

"I am sorry, my love." He kneels down in front of my chair, reaching for my hands. "Even if I had a choice I would still choose to fight."

I'm not sure if it's the expression on my face or if he's feeling my anxiety, but Dominic looks past me to Zack and says, "We need a few minutes," his voice almost a whisper. Footsteps, followed by the gentle click of the latch, confirm we're alone as he reaches up and cups my face. "You need to trust me, Kate. I have no intention of dying now, or anytime soon."

I blink, spilling new tears down my cheeks. I have to hold in a sigh when he wipes them away with his thumb. "It's my fault that you have to go at all," I whisper. "I'm so sorry."

"If I have to fight, it should be for the woman I love," he says, his voice hushed.

I reach out, pulling him into a hug as his huge arms wrap around my waist. "I'm so afraid for Skylar. What if-what if..."

"I will keep him safe," Dominic whispers in my ear. "You have my word."

"That's just it. I don't doubt you at all. I...I doubt those bastard Demons, watching his every move."

Dominic pulls away, his expression serious. "That is why it is so urgent to act now," he pauses to wipe another tear under my eye, "so we can prepare before they attempt to take him."

"Holy...take-take him where?" I ask, not really wanting to know. I'm already nauseated just thinking about the possibilities.

"They will try to remove him from his environment and take him into theirs." His caring tone is riddled with caution and I can't help the shiver that creeps up my back.

I swallow, trying not to think about the bile churning in my gut. "W-where would they take him?"

His eyes pull away and he whispers. "Somewhere..." he trails off. "Somewhere we can never allow him to go."

Holy...

"W-w-wait, are you-" I stumble over my words because I'm pretty sure I know the answer. "Do you mean like-like, Hell?"

Dominic nods slightly, making me realize something and I respond without thinking. "Oh my God, hang on, are you telling me that Uncle John-"

"Yes," he interrupts, "And once they go, there is virtually no hope."

I don't have to say a word because he already knows my next question.

"There is only one way a soul can be saved once they enter the depths of Hell," he says, dropping his hands from my waist. "They must want to be delivered from the darkness more than they want to live." His face brightens a little. "That is when you will know if there is a shred of goodness left inside."

"And that's what I'll have to figure out when I talk to Uncle John." I whisper, a feeling of dread washing over me. The last thing I want to do is face that horrible Demon who seemed to know so much about my life.

"If he has been fully immersed in the darkness, your uncle will have no recollection of love, only power and hate."

I let out a breath. "Hopefully I can tell the difference before it's too late."

"You have the gift of discernment," he says, running a finger down my neck. "Like a Seer, if you will. Your abilities are more powerful than you realize."

His voice is low and hushed and instinctively, I take his face in my hands and kiss him harder than I've kissed him ever before. I feel his arms wrap around me as the slight wind from his cloak breezes back my hair. His delicious mouth moves with mine as his lips, his tongue and the feel of his warm body against mine completely intoxicate me. I press harder against him, allowing my mind to escape. I'm in total bliss and so close to ripping off my clothes when suddenly, he pulls back and I let out a whimper.

"You have no idea how hard it is for me to stop," he whispers, his eyes hooded and the perfect mix of reddish-brown. "But we must stay focused for now, my love."

I close my eyes, pulling in a deep breath of his rosemary skin and suddenly, I don't care what lies ahead. If this is how I'll feel every time we get close, I can face anything. I smile and look up, still mesmerized by his incredible eyes. "Then it looks like we have some ass kicking to do."

Dominic chuckles under his breath. "Not so fast," he squeezes my hand, "we are expected at dinner."

My brows automatically push together because this is something new. "Wait, we're not having it here?"

"No, not this time-I would like you to meet someone." His face gets serious again. "Someone I am sure will have questions about Skylar."

Gulp.

"Okay, but I'm not sure how much I can eat."

"You must learn to ignore your concerns and try. You will need to keep up your strength," he says, letting go of my hands as he walks toward the door. "Victoria will assist you," he instructs as she walks in, "and I will meet you outside the banquet hall in fifteen minutes."

What the hell? Was she standing outside listening for her cue or something?

"I know just the thing, Your Highness." She drops to a quick curtsy and rushes over to the armoire, pulling out a gold beaded gown with embroidered flowers cascading down one side. "Yes, I think this will do nicely."

I look over to Dominic, who's already headed out the door; our eyes catch and he gives me a slight nod before walking out.

I think he actually enjoyed that.

"Your Majesty?" Victoria comes up behind me, startling me out of my thoughts. "We do not have much time."

She's holding up the gown and I have to admit, it's stunning. "Yes, of course, thank you." I hold up my arms up as she pulls off the dress I had on, placing it on the bed, and then slips the new dress down my body. I know there's no reason to be upset with her or her connection with Dominic. I understand that he doesn't see her that way, but I'm still a little envious of their long history together

"And here you are." Victoria shows me two sparkling, yellow diamond, tear-drop earrings. "These will go perfectly."

She smiles up at me as I put them on. She's right. They're perfect. So are the darn shoes. She's definitely good at what she does. I'll give her that.

"You look amazing, Your Highness." She smiles, standing back to admire her work. She means it, and I feel the awkwardness between us slipping away.

"Now, just a couple more things," she guides me to the bathroom. I take a seat at the vanity table and watch her perform a quick touch up of my makeup. She then runs a brush through my long, wavy hair a few times, taking the sides and clipping them in a gold barrette before rushing me out the door.

She takes my hand, placing it through her arm. "Okay, let's go find Dominic."

People are everywhere, scattered along the hallway or in groups as if they were waiting for me to make an appearance. Every single person immediately kneels down. I'm still not used to it, trying to remember to nod in acknowledgement of each and every person as I walk by. Thankfully, it doesn't take long before I see the familiar cloak, and the man in it, just outside another set of beautifully carved double doors. I see him take in a breath and bow as I approach.

"Your Majesty," he says in a low, almost seductive voice and if I could jump him right here I would. He rises, extending his left arm, and I take it, trying to hide my arousal. "You are a vision," he whispers, placing his hand over mine. "Are you ready?"

His eyes are instantly comforting, giving off a feeling of reassurance as we walk together into the room. The heavy sound of chairs scooting away from a table startles me as everyone stands at once.

There have got to be at least thirty oversized men in mostly brown cloaks but some are in black but I don't see Zack.

Dominic guides me to the middle of the table, escorting me to the only high back chair, waiting to pull it out from behind me. I look up and he nods before I take a seat, then he pulls out his chair next to me. I notice filled wine glasses and bread at each setting and if I could will the wine to be directly inserted into my vein, I would.

"Thank you for joining us," Dominic says, turning his head to the left and then again to the right before looking back at me. "Your Majesty." His eyes go to a man directly across from us. "Allow me to introduce Seraph Warrior Gideon."