Chapter 20: The Mighty Warrior

Gideon gives me a slow nod. His handsome, rugged features are sharp and chiseled and his hair is a thick, medium brown. He narrows his hazel-green eyes as if sizing me up...or maybe he just figured out how nervous I actually am. Every single person here is male, each is at least one double my size and they all look like they're hungry for war.

"Your Majesty, it is a pleasure to meet you." Gideon's gritty voice floods the room. He props his elbows on the table and leans forward like he's eager to hear what Dominic has to say.

Dominic shifts in his seat and I look over at him, giving him my full attention. "I have gathered you all here because we have a potential situation that will become volatile of we do not act quickly." He pauses and glances at me before continuing. "The Queen's close friend, Skylar Bennett, is being targeted by several Earth Demons. The details as to why are not important; he needs our immediate protection before they succeed in taking him."

Low murmuring breaks out amongst the other men. My eyes flash across to Gideon and then to a few other men who look completely thrilled at the possibility of confronting Demons. But I can't feel happy for them. I've seen and even spoken to two different ones up close and it wasn't enjoyable and I have a bad feeling in my gut.

"Yes," Dominic interrupts and the room goes quiet as they all look up. "I will need each and every one of you, at some point and time, to help." He looks around, specifically to the men in brown cloaks. "Fighters, Gideon has been assigned as Lead Warrior. He and I will rely on your ability to close in on the Guard Demons surrounding Skylar Bennett's house. You have my permission to do what is necessary, including stopping any attempt of a kidnapping." He takes a drink of the red wine from the glass in front of him. "In addition, you will brief him on any crucial information before the Warriors attack and vanquish the Earth Demons for good."

Holy...

I begin mentally counting the men in black cloaks versus the men in brown. There are six in black, which also means there are only six Warriors. The familiar prickly needles are back, poking away at my gut. All the rest of the men are in brown.

Gideon stands, unrolling a large map across the table and I see the word "Bennett" written in the center over what looks like the roof of a house. The men gather around him as he points out back alleys and side streets for better surveillance.

Dominic must have picked up on my anxiety because he turns to me and whispers, "Do not worry. This is what I have trained for all my life. It is what we have all trained for." His eyes have a certain glow about them-like he can't wait to fight-and I close my eyes.

The last thing I want is for him to go into some kind of battle...hell, I don't want any of them to fight if they don't have to. "Can the Fighters do what you can do?" I whisper, hoping for good news.

"No, but they can even the battleground for us no matter how many Earth Demons show up."

Gulp.

"Are you saying they can't kill?" 

"Yes, they can," he stops and takes my hand, "but only the Guard Demons. That is why it is imperative to have as many Warriors prepared as possible."

My eyes go wide. "There are only six at this table!" I hiss, trying not to draw attention as the men continue to strategize. 

"If need be, we can summon more, but we will have to get permission from the Council," he says, taking another drink of wine as the servers enter the room with trays of food.

Hmm. "Under what circumstance would there be a need for more Warriors?" I ask, barely getting the words out over the growing nausea.

Dominic's lips tighten and I can tell he doesn't want to answer. He looks around the table before whispering, "If they kill too many..." He pauses for a second. "Or all the Warriors."

Dominic clears his throat, pulling his eyes from mine as he looks back to Gideon. "I recommend you assign shifts to watch over the Bennett family home. Five Seraph Fighters at a time." He looks around the table again. "Obviously, you will need to be cloaked at all times so no one will see you. Once we know the Demons' habits and have a better timeframe of when they plan to take Skylar, a Fighter should be sent back to inform the rest of the Warriors."

Gideon nods in acknowledgement and straightens up in his chair. "If everything goes to plan, there will be no need for a battle." He glances around the table at his men, like he's warning them to use good judgment. "That will be our first priority. Dominic will stay with the Queen unless we require him."

I perk up, reminding myself not to smile because this is a serious dinner. But why the hell didn't Dominic tell me that in the first place?

Dominic's eyes flash; he wasn't expecting that last part. "The Queen can be protected by another Warrior," he says in a low voice. "It is my duty to be prepared at all times."

Gideon leans closer to Dominic, his voice low, like he's trying to keep the conversation from getting out of control. "The Council is forbidding your involvement," he says softly. "Unless we have no other choice."

Dominic rubs his jaw, frustrated. He wants to join them, he wants to fight, that much is clear. He takes another drink as Gideon leans back in his chair.

"After dinner, we will meet in the Great Hall for shift assignments," Gideon announces. "We will begin protecting the Bennett home straight away."

Once the last course has been placed on the table, I can practically slice the tension between Dominic and Gideon. I'm beginning to wonder if something else is going on between them.

The low murmuring in the room goes quiet when Gideon places his napkin on the table and scoots back in his chair. "Your Majesty," he bows his head, "it was a pleasure."

Dominic quickly responds, tossing his napkin down and glancing over to me for the first time since he and Gideon had words. It's as though he forgot I was sitting next to him and my heart drops. Is he seriously that focused on fighting that he can remove me from his mind so easily? I can feel the heat rushing to my cheeks and his eyes instantly go to mine. His face tightens, like he's just realizing the error of his ways and he offers me his arm. I take it because it's what I'm supposed to do but it doesn't matter now because I'm no longer hurt, I'm freaking pissed out of my mind.

"I need to have a word with Gideon. I will not be long," he says as soon as we leave the dining room. He drops my arm before I can even say anything and I watch him stop Gideon.

"I will speak to the Council and-" Dominic gets out but he's interrupted.

"It has already been decided," Gideon says in a warning voice. "I will only tell you this once because I am not sure my tongue could acknowledge it again." He takes in a deep breath like he's trying to stay calm. "You have proven to me and to everyone here that you are our best and most fierce fighter. You are too valuable to the Realm. We have other capable men willing and qualified to do the job."

Dominic stares at him for a few seconds as if contemplating his next move or maybe what his next words will be. "I only did it to teach you," he bites out, clearly talking about something entirely different.

Gideon's eyes dart to the men walking by and then back to Dominic. "And as much as I hate to admit it, you made me a better Warrior because of it. Now allow us to do our duty. Your Queen needs your protection."

Dominic whips his head to me, tightening his lips, before looking back to Gideon. "You are right." He closes his eyes and bows his head, finally realizing what a complete jerk he's being. "Brief me before the Fighters leave."

Gideon gives him a quick nod and Dominic turns back to me. I can already see the apology in his eyes but I'm so mad I can't even look at him.

He takes my arm gently. "Forgive me," he whispers, and the sincerity in his voice practically punches me in the gut. "I...I do not have an excuse for my actions." He moves his head, trying to get me to look at him. "Kate, please." His voice is soft and pleading, like his life depends on it, so I finally allow my eyes to go to his. "I am a Warrior and the need to fight with my men is strong. You know this. It is all I have ever known, all I have ever wanted to do." He reaches for my hand. "But now," he blinks and I swear I see wetness on his cheek, "it is clearer to me now than ever. I must put aside my ego and place you and your needs even before my own." His fingers reach up, tenderly pushing back the strands of hair covering the side of my face. "I will never deny you again. You have my word."

Well, shit...

The anger that consumed me only seconds ago washes away like it was never there. I'm not sure if he did it or I just forgave him on my own but he meant every single word he said. There's no way I can stay mad, this moment is suddenly too special. I have to break down my walls too and kill the ridiculous pride that has led me to so many stupid decisions and unnecessary heartache. 

It's time. It's just time.

Reaching up, I touch his face and watch his eyes close as he turns in to kiss my palm-and that's when I feel it. A shift, or maybe a transformation somehow in our relationship. It feels stronger, deeper, even more compassionate. Almost like I've finally broken a wild horse that no one else could-and he's finally mine, all mine.

"Guess I'm not the only one who has some learning to do." I give him a slight grin and the relief in his eyes completely changes his expression, making my forgiveness even sweeter. All I want to do is make this man happy. I don't care if I'm giving in too easily and I don't care if we still have so much more to learn because if I can get him to look at me just once more the way he's looking at me right now, every single thing I've gone through in my life will be worth it. 

He pulls me close and I slip my arms under his warm cloak, breathing in his amazing rosemary and musk scent. We stay like this for a few more blissful seconds before he whispers, "Come on, my love, I will escort you back to our quarters." 

Zack sits in a wingback next to the fireplace, engaged in a concerned conversation with someone I can't see.

Holy hell, what now?

"Kate!" Aunt Kelly leaps out of the chair and throws her arms around my neck. "I...I'm so sorry! So very sorry, honey." Her breath catches and she whispers, "I...I didn't know."

I pull back because I have no idea what she's talking about, and before I can ask she says, "Zack told me." She looks to the ground and then back up at me. Her eyes are wet and bloodshot. "He-he told me about John a-and, and," she stutters before finishing her thought, "what he did to you."

Oh shit, is she talking about what I think she's talking about?

The guilty look on Zack's face says it all. He told her about Uncle John's perverted, late night attempts to have sex with me. I'm not sure if I'm more upset that he betrayed my trust or if I'm simply mortified that the man I love is about to know. I'm not ready for him to find out. Not yet, and maybe not ever. He'll think I'm disgusting or worse, just as big a monster as Uncle John himself. I have to convince Zack to take it back. I have to make him say he misunderstood me. Yes, that's it, he heard me wrong. People make mistakes all the time. Besides, it's not like Uncle John ever got very far, and sometimes he was really nice to me. When he wasn't staggering drunk. 

But still.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I blurt out, giving Zack my best "how could you" look. He walks toward me and I shift my eyes back to Aunt Kelly, "He's lying; he's always hated Uncle John."

"Kate," Zack says so low it barely reaches my ears.

"No, it's a lie," I bite out, trying like hell not to look at Dominic. "He's never gotten along with Uncle John, you know that! And now he's just being vindictive!"

Aunt Kelly's eyes spill over as she pulls me into a tight hug, the same tight hug she's always so good at giving. That's when it happens. That's when I fall apart and begin sobbing like a five-year-old kid.

It's out in the open.

They all know.

"Oh, sweet girl, why didn't you come to me?" she whispers in a shaky voice that only I can hear. "Honey, I could have protected you."

My eyes are still closed. I pretend Aunt Kelly's arms are my mother's and more tears stream down my cheeks. I can hear my brother and Dominic murmuring only steps away and I finally look up to see a blurry Dominic staring at me as Zack fills him in. The look in his eyes is pure rage. Now his image of me is forever changed. He must think I'm damaged goods and honestly, I wouldn't blame him for wanting a do over in the love department.

Swallowing a hiccup, I pull away from Aunt Kelly. The second I do, Dominic rushes over and takes me in his arms. "It is not your fault, Kate," he whispers, his palms cupping my face. "You must remember that. Your uncle was a monster before he was possessed by one." His words cut at my heart but the relief is somehow sweet because I know he's right. The fact that Uncle John was so easily influenced by the Demon makes perfect sense. "You must convince your Aunt to allow us to interrogate him again," he says in a low voice. "If the Demon is indeed still inside him, he could still be of use to us."

"Oh, I give you my full permission," Aunt Kelly cuts in. "And I want to be there when you do. That son of a bitch is already dead to me." The pure hatred in her voice like nothing I've ever heard from her before.

"No!" Zack whips his head at Aunt Kelly. "You can't be there, it's too risky."

"Why?" she asks, her confused expression revealing her tempered frustration. "I'm not kidding, Zack, I want the asshole to rot in hell!" Flames practically shoot out of her mouth. "It was bad enough he drained our bank account and treated me like total shit. But it's an entirely different thing to molest an innocent girl," she wipes the spit from her mouth, "who also happens to be my...my fucking niece for Christ's sake!"

"You can't handle it, that's why! You'd be way too emotional!" Zack bites out, looking around the room as if suddenly realizing he's shouting as loudly as she was. "We can't have you changing your mind. You're too close to him." He begins to pace. "I'm sorry, but you haven't seen him the way we have. If Uncle John really is still possessed, the Demon will quickly pick up on your indecisiveness and your emotional weakness." He stops where he is and looks her dead on. "That's how it works with them. That's how they gain their power. They'll play dirty and use everything they can to manipulate you and everyone else in the room." 

"B-but," Aunt Kelly hesitates for a second like she's just been punched in the face by reality, "I-I'm sure now." Her voice only a whisper and it's clear even to me she's not as strong as she needs to be. At least not when it comes to Uncle John. Hell, forty-eight hours ago she begged me to bring him back.

"He's right, Aunt Kelly," I whisper, watching her face fall at my words. "This is something I need to do," I walk closer and take her hand, "for me."

She looks away and blinks madly, like she's trying with everything she has to hold back new tears. "Then promise me something," she says, her voice cracking. "Make sure that bastard suffers for what he did to you."

I give her a slight smile, the kind of understanding smile you give someone whose heart is breaking. And not for the man she's been married to for fifteen years-it's breaking because of her love for me. "I'm pretty sure he already has," I whisper, squeezing her hand.

Aunt Kelly squeezes my fingers back before letting go and robotically takes a seat in front of the fireplace again. The dazed look on her face showcases just how defeated she must feel and I'm sad for her all over again. 

"Then it's settled," Zack interrupts, focused on the mission. "We'll interrogate the Dem-" He stops himself. "I mean, Uncle John, and hopefully get some answers once and for all."

Dominic has been silent for a while, so when I feel his hand slipping around my waist I'm comforted by the warmth of his body so close to mine. "In the morning," he says in a low voice, looking directly at Zack. "The Queen needs to rest-we all do." 

"Yes. Yes, of course," Zack says, stopping his pacing long enough to look up at Dominic. "Before I go, I understand there was some tension between you and Gideon at the Warrior meeting."

Dominic looks from me to Zack before answering. "It has been settled," he replies, his clipped words sending a message that he doesn't want to discuss it.

"Good, we need to keep our wits about us at all times. There's no room for personal ego." I can tell Dominic didn't like that last part-not even a little bit-but he wisely stays quiet. "When will Gideon send the Fighters to start their surveillance on the Bennett House?"

Dominic walks over to the door and pulls up the latch for Zack to go. "Soon. He will inform me the moment they leave."

Zack nods, letting out a slow, deep breath. He must have taken the hint because he looks over to Aunt Kelly, still sitting in the chair staring at the wall like she's in deep thought.

"C'mon, I'll escort you back to your quarters." He reaches for her hand, pulling her out of her daze and guiding her towards the door. "See you in the morning," he says to me, then nods to Dominic, who nods back, still holding on to the latch.

"Goodnight, brother."

Zack offers his hand in apology and Dominic takes it, shaking twice before letting go. Aunt Kelly looks back at me over her shoulder. I wave, watching her smile, but the worry is already there. It's pretty clear we both know how hard tomorrow will be.

I watch as she and Zack fade down the hallway. Dominic gently closes the door and looks over to me. The expression on his face is drenched with confusion, or maybe concern, like he's troubled about something else. 

"What is it?"

Oh, no.

"You can't stand the sight of me now." I whisper, walking away from him.

"No!" he yanks my arm but I can tell he didn't mean to do it so forcefully. "What your uncle did to you wasn't your fault. You have to know that."

"All I know is he made me feel dirty. How can you not think the same thing?"

"Kate," he cups my face, "Look at me," my eyes slowly meet his, "You have and always will be my first and true love. Nothing, not your uncle or even a Demon can ever change the way I feel about you. Ever.

He steps closer, taking my fingers in his and draws me close. "Please," he kisses my lips, "Do not ever doubt me."

He means every word he just said and I hug him hard. I needed to hear those words. I needed to have his reassurance. I look up into his eyes and he smiles, but there's still something troubling him. I can feel it and without thinking, I pull away. "What is it? What else is wrong?"

"It is nothing."

"Dominic."

"All right." He keeps his eyes on me, "I am used to planning strategies with my men, I cannot lie." He pauses and his brow furrows as he tries to find the right words. "Although I-" his face lightens up, "I want to be by your side...more." He accentuates the last word in a hushed voice, like he's just had an epiphany.

Relieved, I slip my hands around his waist again. "Are you saying I've finally tamed your constant need for battle?"

He grins slightly. "Maybe. I am not completely sure." He leans down and kisses my neck. "I think you know I will always be a Warrior. It is in my blood." He kisses the other side of my neck. "But maybe the only battle I will fight from now on will just be for you."

I chuckle under my breath. "I'm not sure you can handle it. I'm pretty tough."

"Yes," he tenderly kisses my lips, "I noticed."