After throwing on a pair of skinny jeans and my favorite gray sweater, I brush my teeth and apply a few swipes of mascara and lip gloss. I run a quick brush through my wavy hair because I let it dry against a pillow. I'm about as presentable as I'm going be today. Unfortunately, even after several hours of sleep I'm still mentally exhausted. I should probably talk my stomach into eating. I know that's part of my problem.I grab my phone, shoving it in my back pocket as three quick knocks come from the other side of Aunt Kelly's door."Kate? I have your food," she says in a loud whisper.I unlock the deadbolt and pull open the door. The smile on her face is the first thing I see, but I can tell there's worry behind her eyes. Uncle John, the house burning down, and what the hell to do next-it's got to be weighing on her. Hell, if she knew that I have an otherworldly bodyguard watching my every move, it might actually help her stress level. Wherever he is right now. The thought of him
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 be
My eyes flash open, pulling me out of a terrifying dream of shadowy creatures with red, glowing eyes. I try to shake off the horrific images. I'm on a sofa or maybe a bed; something soft. I can hear whispering or maybe someone praying. Mentally pushing away the layer of cobwebs from what feels like years of sleeping, I have to squint and refocus when I look to my right. The whispering is coming from Dominic, who is kneeling next to the bed. He looks up as if he knows I'm awake and nods once before taking a few steps back.Did he just bow?"How are you feeling?" he asks softly. I'm not worried about my health as much as I'm curious where we are. The stone walls are at least two stories high, with windows reaching from floor to ceiling. Totally different than the cold, damp cave we just left. "Where are we?" I ask, attempting to pull myself out of the bed."Do not try to get up. You must take it slowly," he says, coming a little closer.My brows push together before he goes on.
"Well, well, if it isn't my little niece," Uncle John singsongs from a few yards away. His demeanor is way off-as if he's gained tons of confidence and a personality."Uncle John, what are you doing here?" I ask, genuinely confused.He cocks his head and smiles sarcastically, like I've just told him a dirty joke. "Why don't you ask your-" He stops and looks up at Dominic and I swear I see his face change. Like he's actually seeing him for the first time and is slightly intimidated. "Friend." "I don't understand," I admit, craning my neck to look up at Dominic. His eyes flash with a tinge of red directed straight at the big dude standing next to Uncle John."Stay away from her, Malum," Dominic bites out.Holy shit, they know each other?The bile in his voice sends a chill down my neck and if I didn't know him so well, I would already be running. Instead, I move closer, wrapping both arms tightly around him."Ipsa morietur!" Malum growls in a deep, sadistic voice, spreading his a
A look of panic washes over Skylar's face and he holds up both hands like someone's pointing a gun at him. "Wait! I-I'm not going anywhere!" he screams in a shaky voice. "You have no choice," I say simply, hoping he doesn't try anything stupid, like trying to get away.Skylar's gaze shifts from me to Dominic as Aunt Kelly and Uncle John watch from behind us. "I-I won't go. You can't make me!" he shouts, turning around and looking for a way out. He's about to take off but Dominic is way ahead of him, grabbing his collar before he can take even one step."You will come. We do not have time for this," Dominic says, his voice calm but fierce.Skylar stumbles and yanks his body away from Dominic like a little kid who just got in trouble. "I can walk, dammit!"Dominic steps away, his glare a reminder to behave, and reaches for my hand. "We must go, now!" he says, jerking his head toward the forest.The gesture doesn't go unnoticed as Aunt Kelly, Uncle John, and Skylar follow us down a
Thunderous pounding erupts without warning, shattering my thoughts, and I snap my head toward the beating. Dominic immediately goes into warrior mode, rushing his enormous frame to the door without making a sound. His cloak practically comes to life on its own, wrapping its way around him as tiny metal looking spikes begin poking up through the fabric. Another set of deafening strikes hammer against the door; I have no doubt that someone is trying to beat it down by hand.Dominic glances back at me with caution in his eyes, advising me to stay silent, and yanks up on the latch, pulling the massive door open and protectively angling himself in front."I thought I smelled you in here." Uncle John somehow twists past Dominic, pushing towards me. His eyes are completely black, his voice not his. He leaps over Dominic as if he suddenly has super powers and lands next to me. I scramble to get to my knees. I can almost see the Demon inside of him, contorting his features like an animal.
The Demon's words are like a punch in the gut and suddenly, I want more than just answers. I want to save Uncle John's life. Not for me but for Aunt Kelly. I can't allow this monster to destroy him, no matter how horrible he's been to me.Dominic leans down and whispers, "You must demand the Demon to reveal himself. You have more power over him and he knows it. Get his name and it will weaken his hold. Separate him from his host." He pauses and takes my hand. "But be quick, we do not have much time."I nod and glance back up into the Demon's black eyes. He's still smiling back at me but I can tell he's in pain as fresh blood pools behind him, dripping from his bandaged wrist."Tell me your name," I demand in a low, authoritative tone, keeping my gaze glued to his. Laughter erupts again from the Demon's mouth but I try to ignore it. "Why are you so protective of him?" he asks, and I can tell he's trying to avoid the question. "It's not like he's ever done you any favors. Well, none
Zack reaches for my hand with a concerned smile that barely reaches his eyes. "Get some rest," he reminds me, leaning down to kiss my forehead. He whispers something in Dominic's ear, but this time I can't hear his words. "We'll talk about this later," he says, holding the door open for Dominic."Dominic, wait," I say, stopping him from going any further. "Please talk to me." His back is to me so I can't see his face, but I hear the door close. My heart feels like it's in my throat. He doesn't want to stay-I can practically smell it on him."You must rest," he whispers, but there's something else behind his tone. Something I can't quite put my finger on. Could it be sorrow? Disappointment? I'm not sure, but it feels a little like both."Please don't leave." My voice cracks on the last word and I silently pray he gives in.I feel like throwing up when his head drops but this time, it's not from possibly resurrecting a Demon. He doesn't want to talk. Hell, I'm pretty sure he doesn'