Chapter 17: The Truth About a Follower

Relief washes over me like a stream of warm water as Dominic's huge arms wrap around my waist. Closing my eyes, I take in the feel of his body so close to mine, almost forgetting that I was beyond angry only seconds ago.

Wait a minute.

"So, I need to know." My voice cracks a little. "Are you going to tell me who Victoria really is? Or is that a secret, too?" I whisper, trying to keep my emotions in check this time.

He takes a second to answer and I wonder if he's deciding how much to say. The needles are back, poking around in my gut. "She has been a trusted friend," he pulls back and his eyes go soft when he looks at me, "for a very long time."

"Yeah," I reply, swallowing hard, "she mentioned something about that." I stop, hoping he'll fill in more of the blanks but he stays quiet, so I repeat her words. "Seventy-three years, right?"

His eyes wrinkle slightly at the corners. I can tell he's not happy I know that part. "Yes, and I haven't spoken to her about boundaries yet. I wanted to ease you into this process." He strokes my hair. "New arrivals to the Realm don't happen often. It is all new to her, too." He looks away.

"Why didn't you tell me?" I wait for his gaze to come back to me. "Why didn't you just tell me that...that I'm immortal?"

"Your reaction confirms what I knew would happen. You were not ready." He gently tilts his head. "Like I said, you need time to adjust. There is a process we must abide by."

"Oh." I stop to think for a second. "So, why didn't Victoria know that? Why would she blurt things out that you weren't ready for me to know? How can you be so trusting of her?"

He shakes his head a little like he's not sure either. "This is all new to her." His lips press together. "But I think she might feel somewhat threatened by you."

"Why? Aren't you just friends?" I air quote the 'just' part.

"Yes, but..." his expression changes like it's hard for him to talk about, "she has always wanted more from me than I could offer." His words come out in a whisper but I know he's telling me the truth.

Now we're getting somewhere.

"So you're saying she wanted you two to be more than friends?"

Dominic closes his eyes and I know I've hit that nail on the head.

"Well, that explains everything," I say, louder than I should have. "Glad you sent someone you trust to coach me." I allow the sarcasm to hang in the air.

"I do not think of her in that way-I never have," he says, his tone slightly defensive. "But I stand by my decision. You can trust her and she will guide you better than any other Follower in the Realm."

I shake my head, wondering if I can do this with a woman who wishes she had the man I love-and probably has for over seventy years. How can I compete with that? She must know everything there is to know about Dominic.

"It is not a competition," he says, reading my mind. "Victoria knows where I stand and has for years but she can be...protective."

My eyes instantly go to his. "You think?"

He smiles again and pulls me close. "I have already spoken to her and she understands that you will not threaten the friendship she and I have had all these years."

"Good, because I swear, Dominic, I can't take any more secrets." I look up into his beautiful multi-colored eyes and know, without a doubt, that he's sincere-but there's still another question I want to ask.

"D-do I need to be scared?" I rest my forehead on his chest. "Is the Seraph Council going to reprimand me or something for saving Uncle John?" 

"No." His finger goes to my chin and he gently pulls up. "What you choose to do is neither right nor wrong in their eyes. They will advise you on how to handle your uncle, but for now, they are more concerned about something else. Or I should say, someone else."

"Someone else?" I let the words fly out of my mouth before he finishes. "Who? Aunt Kelly?"

"No." His face changes and I can almost feel the seriousness behind his eyes. "Skylar."

"Huh? Why?" I ask, wondering what he has to do with anything. I haven't seen him since he and Zack sent him home from the cave. I haven't even checked my phone for messages for that matter.

"The Council will discuss everything with you." He stops and takes both of my hands. "But they know where he is."

"Who, the Council?" I ask. "Why would they care where Skylar is?"

Dominic's lips tighten and I know it's hard for him to tell me. He squeezes my hands. "Not the Council," he says, and his eyes glow slightly red, "the Demons."

"What would the Demons want with-" I stop and look away because it's all coming clear. I glance back up to Dominic and he nods. He knows what I'm thinking.

"They're after me," I say, closing my eyes as I take in a quick breath. "And they'll do anything to get to me-even if they have to hurt my best friend."

"Yes, so we must act quickly." His hands cup my face. "The Council is waiting," He leans in and kisses the top of my head. "Are you ready?"

"I think so. Will you hold my hand?" I ask as a single tear falls down my cheek.

He wipes it away with his thumb and his face goes soft. "Anything you wish, my Queen."

Reaching over my shoulder, he gently opens the door, slipping his fingers through mine as he takes the lead. "Follow me. It is not far."

The dimly lit hallway is quiet and completely void of people, unlike before. Dominic guides me down another set of hallways just as quiet as the last. I'm a little out of breath because it feels as though we're climbing stairs even though I haven't seen one since we started. After a few minutes, Dominic stops and I can't believe my eyes as I stare in awe at two arched, shimmering gold doors. The intricate carvings of angels and maybe a royal crest are massive and simply stunning. Dominic lets go of my hand and pulls the hood over his head like he's gearing up for battle.

I grab his arm, holding tight. "I'm afraid," I admit, staring into his warm, beautiful eyes.

He takes my hands in his. "There is no need for you to be frightened." He gives me a light smile. "Although, there are some things I should tell you before we go in."

"Okay," I say, trying to keep my stomach from doing flip-flops. "I want to be prepared."

"You must remember your answers are neither right nor wrong. They will know if your words are truthful and of honorable intent," he says, taking in a breath. "This is the most holy place you will ever be."

Gulp.

"It is an honor to be called before the Seraph Council. Remember that." He steps forward and slowly opens the door. "Behold, my Queen," he whispers and bows.

I take one last look into his amazing eyes before taking a step.

The gold carved doors are nothing compared to the inside of the room and I have to catch my breath to hold it together. If someone can be physically punched in the gut by sheer beauty then I've been hit hard. Every single thing is white-the floors, the ceiling, the walls-but it's as if everything is alive somehow, spreading what I can only describe as comfort and reassurance. Billowy white clouds surround my feet and it feels like I'm barely touching the ground, almost as if I'm floating.

"Hello, Katherine Elizabeth," a male voice calls out.

I look straight ahead to see three people in pure white cloaks sitting side by side, fading in and out of more wispy, beautiful clouds. Dominic stops and kneels immediately and I follow suit, shaking the whole way down.

"There is no need to fear us," the male voice says. "We are only here to advise."

I can only nod. Three of them sit together at the other end of the room in pure white cloaks. I'm pretty sure my vocal chords aren't working yet. Dominic slips his fingers in mine, sending a soothing rush through my body. No doubt he's feeling my butterflies too.

"We do not have much time, so let us begin with your uncle," another, deeper male voice says. "What made you feel the need to save his life when he tried many times to take yours?"

I swallow, trying to think of the best answer, but I'm interrupted by another voice. "Do not try to think of the right response, you need only to give us the truthful one."

I take in a deep breath, realizing Dominic was right. They will know if I'm not completely genuine so I give them what they want. "Because I couldn't stand watching Aunt Kelly grieve." I glance down at our intertwined fingers before looking back up. "Even if Uncle John tried to take my life, it wasn't his fault. It was the Demon inside of him."

"So you risked your own life again to save him? Even though you were not certain the Demon was truly gone?" a female voice calls out.

"Y-yes, well, I thought he was back to being Uncle John again." I swallow hard. "Aunt Kelly was hurting and I knew I had the power to do something about it," I answer honestly, hoping it's enough.

Silence follows and I'm back to being scared to death. I can tell they're talking amongst themselves, even through the heavy clouds because I hear whispering. I just can't make out the words. 

Eventually, the male on the right says, "We understand and accept your actions."

Dominic squeezes my hand and I smile up at him.

"We have another matter to discuss with you." The first male voice interrupts my small victory. "Your friend, Skylar-he is in danger."

"Yes," I answer, "Dominic told me the Demons have found him."

"We must keep him safe," the female says.

"I agree. But how?" I ask, finally starting to feel a little less nervous.

"We will assign a Warrior to watch over him."

I glance up at Dominic, hoping the Council isn't talking about assigning him as Skylar's Warrior. I'm pretty sure I'd go completely insane if he were gone. Not to mention I don't want to deal with Victoria on my own.

"We have no intention of separating you from one another," the female says, reading my thoughts. "We have accepted and approve of your bond, although Seraph Warrior Dominic will be required to advise and assist the new Warrior when the time arises."

Wait, what?

"Assist?" I ask so quickly I barely realize the words have flown out of my mouth.

"Yes," the male on the left says, nodding. "Seraph Warrior Dominic is our most skilled and qualified fighter."

I glance back to the three Council members as fresh needles poke at my gut. "I...I've seen what these Demons can do. Dominic almost lost his life saving me." My eyes start to tear. "There are many other Warriors in the castle; let them handle the Demons," I practically beg them to keep him out of it.

Dominic loosens his grip on my hand and pulls away. I don't have to be a mind reader to know he's pissed. Really pissed.

"This is not your decision," he bites out through the side of his mouth.

"We understand your concern," the male on the left chimes in, "though our decision has been made."

Before I can say another word, the female starts talking. "Seraph Warrior Dominic," she says, and his furious eyes pull away from mine, "the Council has decided to award you three additional crystals. Each will perform to your will at the time of their use. Your bravery and your honor to our new Queen have been most impressive."

Dominic bows his head, ignoring the fact that I'm still staring at him. "The honor is all mine. I will do everything within my power to use them wisely and to protect the Realm," he finally looks over to me, "and my Queen."

"We are pleased to hear it," the female says, then turns to the other Council members. They whisper amongst themselves for a moment, then look up.

The male on the left says, "We have appointed Seraph Warrior Gideon as Skylar Bennett's protector. Seraph Warrior Dominic, please inform and advise him of everything that is required."

"It will be my pleasure," Dominic says as he bows his head again.

"Excellent," the female says, then whispers something to the other Council members. She nods to me next. "Queen Katherine Elizabeth." Her face is shadowed by the hood of her cloak but I can tell she wants my full attention. "Every decision you make within the Realm must be accompanied with pure intent. The responsibilities you now have as our Queen depend on your wise and thoughtful judgment."

I nod, swallowing so hard I'm pretty sure everyone heard it and drop down into a bow in acknowledgement.

"As you grow to know the Realm," the female voice continues, "you will begin to understand our advice and how vital your actions will be. First you must let go of the life you once had, so that you may accept the one you have been rightfully given."

Before I have time to think, the wispy clouds surrounding them suddenly thicken up, curling around in waves and completely shrouding the Council members until they're no longer visible.  

"We must go," Dominic says.

I pull myself up to stand, turning to follow him through the now open golden doors. The second we cross the threshold they automatically close and my eyes quickly readjust to the dimly lit hallways. Dominic is ahead of me and I practically have to run to catch up to him. Reaching out to touch his arm, I manage to grab part of his cloak but he keeps going.

"Dominic, wait!" I call to him.

He flashes around to me and I swear the wind from his cloak moves my dress. "I am a Warrior!" he whisper-shouts. "I have always been a Warrior and I will not allow you to try and persuade the Council to keep me from my duties. Or my honor."

Holy crap.

"I...I only..."

"You may be my Queen, but I decide who, when, and how I fight." 

I watch Dominic's eyes shift from brownish red to a deeper combination of the two. I don't know what to do or even say. He's clearly still livid with me and I'm not sure if it's because I asked the Council not to have him advise Gideon or not to let him fight. Either way, it doesn't matter now because I need to fix this.

"I'm sorry!" I blurt out, reaching up to touch his arm. "I just want you to stay with me," I say, my voice falling into a whisper. "I want to know you're safe."

He's still breathing heavy but something I said or did must have worked because he's no longer trying to get away from me. He's actually listening. "I am a Warrior first," he says, his voice much calmer than before. "Everything else in my life is second."

His words practically punch me in the stomach and I have to take in a quick breath. What am I doing, falling in love with a man who can't, and from what it sounds won't, put me first?

"You do not understand," he says in response to the thoughts running through my head. "The Realm, the Seraph Council, fighting Demons to keep everyone safe, especially you-all of that has to come first."

When you put it that way...

Dominic pulls back and takes me by the shoulders. "Since I was a young boy, I knew I was a Warrior-a fighter for good." His eyes drift off like he's reliving a memory. "Once I transitioned, defending the Realm is all I have ever known." He looks back down to me and his two last words come out deep and hushed. "Until you."

"So hang on, you've always just trained to be a Warrior?" I clear my throat. "You've never dated or you know, had a relationship with a woman?" I look away, embarrassed that I even allowed the words to come out of my mouth.

His expression softens even more. "My attention has been diverted a time or two." He grins, enjoying teasing me. "Although, nothing more. You must understand, Seraph Warriors mate for life and I knew pretty quickly when a woman was not right for me." He cups my cheek in his palm. "I knew better so I never let things go too far."

"None of them?" I interrupt, instantly wishing I would just keep my big mouth shut.

"Kate, I have been here for seventy-six years."

Oh my God, that's right.

"So, you've never...?" I regret my words the second they come out of my mouth.

His face becomes a little more serious. "If you are asking if I am a virgin," he pauses for a second, "the answer is no." His hand slips from my face and he looks away.

"I...I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked." I reach up to touch his arm and his eyes come back to me.

"It is something I regret every day," he says, his voice barely a whisper.

"Why?"

"Because it went against everything I was taught, everything that I am."

"Dominic, come on. You've been here for a long time." I shake my head. "I'm surprised it only happened once."

He lets out a deep breath. "I think it is part of the reason I thought of myself as a Warrior above anything else."

I can tell this is a difficult conversation for him and if I'm being honest, I really don't want to hear any more about his past girlfriends.

Except.

"What about Victoria?" I ask, hoping he'll tell me what I want to know. "Was she the one..."

He shakes his head again. "She was different," he admits. "I never thought of her in that way and I do not know why, but I am grateful for it now." The corners of his eyes wrinkle slightly, "I knew pretty quickly that I could trust her, even though I was aware that she wanted more from me." He scans the hallway before continuing. "And I was careful not to be cruel about it; she was and still is extremely sensitive. But from the beginning, Victoria has always been like a sister to me."

"So, that's why you ran after her?" I ask, knowing it's a rhetorical question.

Dominic nods and closes his eyes for a second. "She means a lot to me and I never want to hurt her," he admits, staring into my eyes. "I love her, Kate." He leans down and gently kisses my lips. "But it is not the same kind of love I have for you."

Wow...

If mere words can actually make someone fall deeper in love, then Dominic just succeeded. The unveiled honesty behind his eyes alone is enough to make me melt into a puddle, right here, right now.

Without hesitation, I pull him into a hug and sigh at the feeling of his arms wrapping around my waist. Tears are already welling up my vision and I'm not sure I could be more grateful for him than I am at this very moment. This is where I'm supposed to be and it's clearer than ever before that he is my destiny. In his arms it finally feels like I'm home.