Aunt Kelly smiles like she just gave me good news and her eyes well up again. She reaches for another tissue; I can do nothing but stare. I don't even know what to say or hell, what to think. I have no idea what she's talking about.
"Okay, first of all, what the hell is a Seraph? And if you actually believe any of this is really happening, how the hell did I not know about it?"
Her face drops and she scowls, like she knows I'm not buying it.
"I mean, I know you believe it, Aunt Kelly, but..."
"Kate," she stops me, her expression now much more serious, "listen to me very carefully. Seraph is the proper noun that refers to the word Angel," she says matter-of-factly, shifting in her chair, "and that necklace you're wearing is proof that your brother, my nephew, is no longer in his coffin. If you can accept that he's actually alive, then why the hell can't you believe what I'm trying to tell you?"
Whoa. She's got a point.
"Okay, say I believe you," I begin, "and everything you've been telling me is real. That still doesn't explain how I've gone my whole life without knowing. I mean, wouldn't I feel different if I'm supposed to be, I don't know, different?"
"You didn't know because we, meaning, all of us-your mom, your dad, even Zack-thought it was over. We thought the line was dormant. There was no indication that any of us would carry the line further." She pauses and looks away before locking eyes with me again. "That is, until now. And you're not necessarily different, you just have abilities you haven't tapped into yet."
"Abilities? I have untapped abilities? What kind?" I ask, hoping I'm not going to turn into some kind of freak monster.
"I don't know, honey. Zack didn't know his abilities either. But now..." She bites one side of her lip. "I'm pretty sure if he came back from the dead he's a Seraph Master."
"Master! Yes, I've heard the Watchman call him that!"
Okay, now we're getting somewhere.
"Watchman?" Aunt Kelly repeats.
"Yeah, he was always at the cemetery when I was there to visit Zack's grave. I followed him one day..." I'm not sure how much I should tell her. "I eventually found Zack."
She tilts her head and I can almost see her wheels spinning. "Wait a second." She blinks like she's putting the puzzle pieces together. "Did you say he was wearing a black cloak?"
"Yes!" I answer, happy to finally be telling someone about this.
Her eyes drift off and she lets out a breath. "Then that means the battle might have already begun..."
"What battle?"
Aunt Kelly's face drops; she looks off in the distance and I can tell she's miles away, reliving a memory. I knock on the table and she snaps out of it, locking eyes with me.
"Do you still remember what Papa taught you?" she asks with renewed excitement.
I know what she's talking about, but why is she changing the subject? "Y-yeah, I think so. Why?"
She laughs. "Are you kidding? He spent years teaching you how to fence. Do you think that was a coincidence?"
Holy crap, is she saying what I think she's saying?
"Hold on!" My hand automatically goes up. "You're not suggesting I can fight those...those whatever those things are that the Watchman protected me from-are you?"
Her eyes go big and I remember I haven't told her about that part yet.
"You've already been attacked?" she whispers, her expression shrouded in shock.
I look away for a second, slightly embarrassed. "I...I think so. I mean, I didn't see anything-I couldn't. The Watchman had me covered with his cloak. But I could hear what sounded like flapping wings and..." I trail off because this part is ridiculous, even to me.
"Go on," Aunt Kelly insists.
"I know it sounds crazy, but..."
"Fire. You heard fire, didn't you?" she says, nodding her head.
Jesus, how does she know all this?
"Yes."
I watch her scoot back from her chair and slowly walk to the window. She pushes her brown hair away from her face and stands, looking out as if in a sudden daydream.
"What? Tell me..." I plead, hoping she's not going to drop another bombshell, but she only continues to stare. It feels like a full ten minutes go by before she turns back to me.
"It was an Earth Demon."
My stomach knots up at the word "Demon." Demons are imaginary. They aren't real.
"How badly was he hurt?" she asks and I know she's talking about the Watchman.
"Pretty badly. I mean, his back was ripped to shreds and then Zack showed up out of nowhere." I can tell by her expression she's waiting for me to keep going. "He helped the Watchman walk a few steps before telling him to 'take a crystal.'" I air-quote the last three words.
"Do you know if this Watchman has had to take any other crystals?"
"Yeah, the first time I followed him." My eyes go to hers. "It was the same day as the storm and he was somehow hurt." I swallow. "Again, he had me in his cloak so I don't know what or how it happened."
"No, that's okay. I'm just..." She trails off like she's trying to think. "That means he may only have a few crystals left."
"I don't understand. Why are these crystals so important?" I ask, trying once again to keep the pins and needles from poking around in my gut.
"Kate, those are healing crystals. They're extremely rare, so if this Watchman guy has them, he's earned them.
"Healing? Like, bringing him back to life?"
"No, they can't quite do that. As far as I know, only a Seraph Master can bring life back. And even then, only once. And, seriously, you should probably call him by his rightful title."
"Rightful title?" I repeat.
"Yes, he's a Seraph Warrior."
"The Watchman? Okay, but Zack just calls him Dominic."
Aunt Kelly shakes her head and looks back out the window. She squints when something catches her eye, trying to get a better view, and her mouth drops. She turns to me and I jump out of my chair, almost tripping on the carpet to see for myself. His black cloak waves slightly in the wind as he stands about two hundred feet away on a hill just beyond the parking lot.
"That's him!" I blurt out louder than I meant to. "That's the Watchman...I mean, Dominic." I pull my voice back to a whisper.
"Oh, I believe you," she admits. "But why is he showing himself?"
"What do you mean? I see him all the time."
"In broad daylight?"
"Well, yeah, sort of. There's usually some daylight left when I see him at the cemetery," I explain, wondering why she's even asking.
"Have you ever seen him in the early afternoon outside your motel room?"
Okay, she's got me there.
"Well, no. But I guess he's doing what he's supposed to be doing and watching out for me."
"Kate, he wouldn't be making it obvious unless he was trying to get your attention."
Shit.
"O-okay, I'll get dressed. Hang on," I say, frantically grabbing my phone as I pull my grey sweater over my head.
"Here." Aunt Kelly hands me a sneaker as I hop into my jeans.
"Thanks," I get out, rushing to the bathroom.
"Okay, he's still there," she calls to me. "it doesn't look like he's moved."
I quickly brush my teeth and apply some mascara before yanking up my shirt to swipe on deodorant, and running chapstick over my lips.
"Shit! He's gone!" Aunt Kelly whisper-shouts and I realize she's trying to keep it down because Uncle John is most likely sleeping in the other room.
I run out of the bathroom and grab my keys. "I'll drive to the cemetery," I say. "Maybe that's where he's gone."
"I'm going with you!" Aunt Kelly grabs my arm and then her face suddenly drops. I know what's going through her mind. Uncle John. She can't leave him. Not now.
"I'll be okay." I smile and give her a quick hug, "I've got a body guard now, remember?"
Her eyes already welling up. "Oh Kate. Be...be careful, honey. This isn't a game."
I smile again, trying to reassure her as I reach for the door. "I'll try to text you."
I run as fast as I can down the open hallway, practically slamming into a black shape just before making it to my car. Large hands slip around my waist and I look up to see Dominic's brownish-red eyes staring down at me. I smile at first because, if I'm being honest, I missed his smell and his touch. But before I can say a word, he swoops me into his arms and my world goes black.
Almost instantly my other senses kick in and it feels as if my body is being lifted and pulled horizontal, almost like I'm flying. Out of nowhere, gusts of wind swirl around me and I hear large wings flapping, thrusting us slightly up and down with each stroke.
Oh. My. God. This can't be happening. We can't be flying. I must be dreaming.
I'm hit with a blast of nausea and I try like hell to will the bile from creeping up my throat. No, no, no...
Calm down, Kate. You. Are. Okay. I tell myself over and over, concentrating on every word as I try to divert the overwhelming urge to hurl all over myself.
You are okay. Yes, get in a rhythm. You are okay, you are okay.
I barely have time to appreciate the relief before a hard thud to the ground pushes my body forward. I feel the Watchman's arms slip a little tighter around my waist, keeping me securely pressed up against him until we're steady and in one place. Clearly, we've landed. At least I freaking hope we have. The urge to vomit subsides now that I'm standing on my own two feet.
"Kate," he says a few seconds later, startling me out of my thoughts. He's warm, almost too warm, his scent intoxicating.
I finally open my eyes, looking up into his warm, brownish-red eyes and for the first time since I saw him five months ago, I'm not at all afraid. He's looking back at me with the same intense gaze and without thinking, I reach up and cup the right side of his face. He closes his eyes. His unshaven skin feels rough and masculine against my palm and that's when it hits me. I want him, more than I've ever wanted anything in my entire life.
"Kate," he says again, "are you able to stand on your own?"
I don't think I could answer right now if my life depended on it. Our eyes are still locked and I don't want to let go. And I sure as hell don't want him to either. Words have escaped me. I stand completely still, frozen in his embrace, hoping this moment never ends.
"We must talk," he says before gently taking my arms and guiding me to a seat. Or, I should say, a flat, cold rock.
Where are we?
It's cold, damp, and under-lit. The cave. The cold, damp, under-lit, wonderful cave.
He walks away, his hood falling back, black hair spilling around his face. After a few steps, he turns back to me. "Forgive me. I-I could not stop this from happening." He looks down and then away. "Forgive me," he says again.
I'm so mesmerized by his sheer masculine beauty I can barely breathe, but his words somehow pull me out of my revelry. "What do you mean?" I ask, genuinely confused.
He turns his gaze back to me and takes in a deep breath, as if preparing me for the worst. "I am afraid I have marked you."
"Marked?" I repeat, pushing up my sleeves for some sign of bruises, but there aren't any. "What are you talking about?"
The Watchman brings his hands together, raising them to his face as if he's tortured by his own guilt. The prickly sensation is back, poking around in my gut. It's almost like I'm feeling his torment.
"It means I have claimed you," he pauses, "for myself." His eyes meet mine with a new intensity.
"Claimed me?" I repeat him again because I'm not seeing a problem here. "Makes sense, I mean, Zack said you're my protect-"
"Not that kind of protector!" he interrupts and the needles prick a little harder. My hand goes immediately to my abdomen and he cringes.
"Then what? What the hell are you saying?" I ask, matching the volume of his voice as it echoes throughout the cave.
"I have chosen you." Frustration washes over his features as he stands only inches away.
"Okay, I get that..."
"For my mate!" He shouts again but this time he pulls me close, wrapping his massive arms around me.
Whoa, I wasn't expecting this-and I'm pretty sure he knows it.
I can't deny that I'm attracted to him. I knew that from pretty early on, but the idea of him being more to me than a fantasy is something entirely different. I know nothing about him, only that he makes me feel safe. But where did he come from? And what is a Seraph Warrior?
"Say something," he whispers, still holding me tightly to his chest. "Please."
The desperation in his voice hits me like a crashing wave and I regret how clueless I've been as hundreds of questions slam into my head at once. It's hard to know which one to ask first. But there's something I need know before anything else. Something he needs to explain.
He pulls back but his arms are still wrapped around my waist. I slowly lift my head and look up into the eyes of an incredibly handsome, rugged-featured young man. The wisdom behind his gaze is clear and it's getting harder to concentrate.
"I...I hardly know you," I finally get out. "How could you feel so much for me-so quickly?" I ask, trying to keep firm eye contact as I wait for him to answer.
He closes his eyes but doesn't let go. He nuzzles my neck, breathing a soft sigh before the words pour out of his mouth. "It was not Zack who sent me to watch over you, it was the Seraph Council," he admits, "I have known you longer than you realize and have been your Watchman since before you began fencing with your grandfather." He swallows and keeps going. "He knew even back then that the Seraphian battles were inevitable-he just did not know when they would happen or even if anyone would be chosen." The corners of his eyes bunch up and for the first time, I actually see his face brighten up into a slight smile.
"Me?" I whisper, still holding his gaze.
"You," he confirms.
"Chosen for what?" I ask, and my voice cracks a little.
"You are the chosen sovereign."
"Huh?" I giggle because even in my head it sounds ridiculous. "What do you mean, like a queen or something?"
He nods and when my eyes go wide I can actually see his face brighten into a genuine smile. "And please, Kate. Call me Dominic."
I can't help but smile back. I've never called him by his first name to his face. Even though I know it, he's only ever been "The Watchman" to me.
"I think I can do that," I whisper, looking up into his incredible eyes. His massive arms wrap a little tighter around my waist and suddenly, I don't care how crazy this is or that I hardly know anything about this man-because truth be told, he's captivated me from the beginning. And right now the safety and peace I feel when I'm around him is enough.
He leans down and I'm sure he's about to kiss me. An intense pulse between my legs nearly shatters me and I almost lose my breath. The closer we get the more I can smell his delicious, sultry musk mixed with sky and a touch of evergreen or rosemary-we're only inches apart and I can almost taste his masculinity.
My eyes flash open at the sound of movement behind me. I feel Dominic's body tighten; he pulls back, putting space between us.
We're not alone...
"Hello, Katie," Zack says, startling me out of the sheer bliss I know I was about to experience. "I see Dominic brought you back to me as I instructed."
Dominic loosens his hold, allowing me to turn around. Zack's timing totally sucks, I'll admit, but the second I see my brother again I don't try to stop myself and run straight into his arms.
He hugs me tightly but lets go before I'm ready and locks eyes with me, holding me steady with his hands. "You can no longer be without our full protection," he says firmly, then looks up at Dominic. "They can't know where she lives for the sake of the other family members."
Oh God, he's talking about Aunt Kelly and Uncle John.
"I agree," Dominic says, quickly glancing over to me before pulling up his hood, back to being on guard again.
My heart drops when he turns around and walks through the cave's arched opening and doesn't look back. Not even once. I want to run after him. I don't want to be apart from him ever again. I can't explain the sudden intensity, even to myself. I've never felt this way about anyone. Ever. My mind is racing but before I can fully grasp why I'm so bipolar about Dominic, Zack takes my hand.
"He has bonded with you, but do not worry. He will be back." He pauses, patting my hand. "You and Dominic are now one."
Okay, wait a second...
"Marked," I insist. "He said he marked me."
"Yes. Which means you will feel his thoughts and emotions and he will feel yours. That is why you longed for him to stay."
"H-how did you know?"
"It is how being bonded with someone works in our world," he explains. "It's all right, Katie. I could see it in your face, even in your body language."
"Wait. Are you saying we're, like..." I pause because I can't believe what I'm about to say out loud, "married-or something?"
Zack smiles and squeezes my hand. "Sister, this goes way beyond simple mortal marriage. You are eternal mates."
Holy.
Crap.
On.
A.
Cracker.
"What in God's name? Hold on, Zack!" My hands go up in surrender. "I'm only seventeen!" I shout, tearing up because I hate the words coming out of my mouth. I want Dominic. Badly. But this...this is too much.
"Katie, calm down. It is your destiny. You have no choice in the matter."
"But, but-" I lock eyes with him again. "I thought it...or, I mean, me dating Dominic...or shit, whatever this is, was forbidden! Last time I saw you, he specifically said 'it's forbidden!'"
Zack cocks his head and smiles slightly. "Typically it is. Seraph Warriors are not to mate with anyone who is only half Seraph."
"Why?" I ask, not sure if I want the answer.
He sighs, pushing his brows together, "Because Seraph Warriors are not human."
Gulp.
You don't need to worry, Katie." Zack tries to console me, "It's clear that your destiny was set a long time ago-you are our Seraph Sovereign now. You may mate with whomever you please."
"Seraph Sovereign?" I repeat, trying to wrap my brain around the non-human thing but also, remembering what Aunt Kelly told me. A Seraph is actually...an Angel? Yeah, that was it. I try to swallow but can't get past the dryness. "And now I'm Dominic's mate? Can this possibly be real?" I begin to tremble, part of me hoping-no, praying-Dominic shows back up and flies me the hell out of here.
Zack must have clued in that I'm about to lose it and guides me over to the flat rock. "Sit down and breathe, Katie," he says, rubbing my shoulders as my heart pounds in my chest. "Allow me to explain."
"I'm good," I say, holding up my hand. "I'm pretty sure I don't want to know any more details of this madness."
But when I gaze back up into Zack's new blue eyes, the realization slams into my body that this is real. All of it is real and I can no longer pretend my life will ever be normal again.
My nervous attempt at sarcasm makes him chuckle under his breath.
"It means you have a great deal of responsibility." He walks around to face me with a smile that's too serious to fully reach his eyes.
"Okaaay." I stretch out the word trying to slow down the insanity of our conversation. "So, um, what does being the Seraph Sovereign mean-exactly?" I ask, bracing myself for more unbelievable news.
Impossibly, Zack's eyes seem more intense, like the cobalt blue is somehow swirling, accentuating the severity of what he's about to tell me. Or maybe it's just me seeing things.
All I know is I am so not ready for this.
"It means that you were chosen, this is your destiny and you must take it very seriously."
"Zack, if you don't start making sense right now..."
"You are the fifteenth female born of our ancient FitzRobert lineage," he continues, taking a seat next to me.
"Hang on," I stop him, "does this have anything to do with that William the Conqueror dude?"
"Yes," he smiles, nodding his head, "it has everything to do with him." He shifts to face me. "Some referred to him as William the Bastard because of his father's affair with a woman named Herleva. Her background and the circumstances of William's birth have always been shrouded in mystery but we're pretty sure her blood, or I should say Seraph blood, is what started our line."
Holy...
My hands are shaking even more than they were a moment ago. "Aunt Kelly... She said something about the line being dormant, or maybe something skipping a generation? Is that why she and Mom weren't affected?"
"That's exactly right." Zack confirms. "When William, our 31st grandfather, was knighted in his teens by King Edward the Confessor, that kickstarted his Seraph Warrior blood. Once he became the King of England, our royal ties were set in motion."
"Wow," I whisper, trying to take it all in as nausea begins to churn in my gut. "So he was a Warrior first?"
Zack nods.
"That's why I was so attracted to Dominic, even from the beginning...because I'm part Seraph, too." I try to swallow again but my mouth is still too dry.
"Yep, you're getting it." Zack stands up, walking a few steps away before turning around to face me. "As you know, we thought our Seraph line was in dormancy but after I came back, it was obvious the legacy didn't skip me or you. But in my mind, that still didn't mean any of this would involve you until I did more research. That's when I fully understood and realized that you happen to be the fifteenth FitzRobert female. The one, according to the research, who would be appointed to lead the Seraphians." He pauses. "And looking back throughout our entire lineage, the numbers work," he kneels down, "that you, my dear, are our new Queen." He bows his head.
He knelt. And bowed his head. To me. Me!
I must be having a nightmare or perhaps I just dropped dead because I can't feel my body. My limbs feel stiff and it's getting harder to breathe and all my senses have left me. Shuffling feet and what sounds like conversation surround me but I can't make out the words. My heart is still pounding, I know that much, but my fingers are cold and numb.
"Katie!" I hear my name, but it sounds like it's coming from far away and I can't move. A burst of air swirls heavily around me like there are a hundred people sprinting by.
"Dominic, take her to the castle!" the familiar voice demands. "And hurry! I think she might be in shock!"
Out of nowhere, incredible warmth engulfs me and everything goes away. It's as if I'm tightly shrouded in a fresh-out-of-the-dryer black feather comforter-it's pure heaven. Maybe I did die. Maybe this is what it feels like...and, if it is, I don't ever want it to end.
