Chapter 16: Double Crossed

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't even want to be in the same room with me.

"I'm...I'm sorry," I get out so quickly I'm not exactly sure which part I'm sorry about-saving Uncle John or pulling rank on him. Again. Either way, I can't blame him. I put his life, my brother's life, and even my own life in danger. It's obvious I'm not cut out to make serious life decisions, no matter how much I've physically changed. I can't be a ruler.

A flood of tears spills down my cheeks and I pull the sheet up to cover my eyes. A sudden hand on my back keeps me from breaking down. I look up to see Dominic gazing down at me with an expression I've never seen before. It looks a lot like forgiveness. I hope I'm right because if this is something else, like pity, I really am going to puke.

"There are things you must understand, Kate," he says, taking a seat next to me and cupping my face in his palm.

"I know." My voice is only a whisper as I lick another salty tear that somehow escaped.

He moves a little closer. "If I am to be your mate," his fingers wrap around mine and we lock eyes, "I will be your equal-and nothing less."

I know why he's saying this. And I deserve every word.

"I agree." I reach for his other hand. "I never meant to hurt you. Truly."

He grins, and my heart soars. The relief on my face must show or he simply feels it because his smile deepens. "I know," he says, accepting my apology. His face falls and he looks away as his brows push together. "I came very close to losing you, Kate. I do not ever-" He stops and swallows, the words too painful to say aloud. "You have so much to learn, but you must allow me to help you."

"I will, I promise," I answer as more tears fall down my cheeks.

He lets go of my hands and pulls me close. The incredible smell of his skin and the warmth of his body so close to mine is like coming home. I finally have someone else to rely on. I finally have someone who will always have my back.

His lips hover over my ear. "You are my Queen and I will honor you as long as I have breath," he whispers, the heat and sincerity of his words sending goosebumps throughout my body. "Let us make decisions together," he kisses a trail along the side of my neck, "as a team."

"Now, sleep," he orders. His voice is deep and hushed, like he's still caught up in the moment, and I'm pulled out of my lustful thoughts by his choice of words. It's hard to think about resting when I look up and watch his heavy lidded caramel eyes drop down to my lips.

"Can't you stay? At least until I fall asleep?" I whisper.

He shakes his head and moves to stand. "Zack and I must attend to a few things."

"What things?"

Dominic takes in a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "It's nothing you need to worry about now."

"What do you mean, nothing I should worry about...now?"

"Never mind, Kate," he says. "Sleep. We will discuss everything with you in the morning."

"Yeah, yeah." I have to catch myself from rolling my eyes. "You and Zack keep telling me that," I remind him, my frustration starting to build, "but the truth is, neither one of you has told me much of anything this entire time."

"It is not that simple," Dominic begins, pacing. "The process takes time. There are rules and traditions-but most of all, there is honor." He stops and locks eyes with me. "We all have a duty to protect the realm."

"Realm?" I ask as new questions start swirling around in my head. "It would seriously be nice if someone would finally clue me in. How am I supposed to understand my place if you don't tell me anything?"

"Now that you have transitioned, it is time."

"Good. Start talking."

"I must go, but I will discuss more with you tomorrow morning, when you will be presented before the Seraph Council." His expression becomes more intense. "The council is something you will soon be quite acquainted with."

Gulp.

I look around the room for my clothes, itching to go with him, to learn more. "That sounds pretty important."

Dominic smiles and takes my hand. He tucks the blankets in around me and I know he can already feel my apprehension. "Do not worry, you will have everything you need after you rest." His face brightens. "And you will also have an assistant to help you with the proper dress and etiquette."

"What?" I laugh. "Like a lady-in-waiting?"

"Something very similar to that, I imagine. Her name is Victoria and she has been with me..." He instantly stops himself. He probably didn't mean to say the "me" part. "She is one of many Seraph Followers who assist our leaders."

"What do you mean, she's been with you?" I blurt out, not even hearing the rest of what he just said. "Near you in the castle or 'with you' with you?"

His brow furrows and I can tell there's something between them. I try like hell not to think the worst but it's impossible. She's probably gorgeous and perfect and obedient too. I bet she never rushes headlong into anything or makes impulsive, stupid decisions.

Dominic kisses my forehead. "Sleep, my Queen. All will be clearer in the morning."

When the door opens, a young, beautiful woman looks up at him with a smile. I watch with relief as he walks past her without interacting. The door gently closes and my mind overloads again with questions. Who is she? And, was she actually waiting for him? It sure seemed that way. Is she Victoria, the woman who has been "with him"? Is she someone else entirely? Another admirer?

Shit, it's going to be a long night...

Without warning, the thick curtains flash apart, daylight flooding the room. I open my eyes blearily, finally making out a petite, light-haired woman. Her hands are loaded and she darts from one side of the room to another, picking things up and setting things down.

I spent hours last night letting my thoughts torture me about some chick Dominic may or may not have had a thing with and hopefully, I'll get some answers from him today. Right now I'm just plain exhausted and not in any mood to meet new people. "Excuse me," I whisper, my voice still groggy. "Who are you?"

The woman whips around, startled. "Oh! You're awake!" she yelps, bending into a full bow as I awkwardly sit up, gathering the covers to my chest.

"Good morning, your Majesty." She smiles, her amazing blue eyes lighting up.

Holy crap, it's her. The same woman I saw outside my door when Dominic left-and she's even more gorgeous close up.

"My name is Victoria," she says, and her delicate, beautifully shaped brows push together. "Did Dominic not tell you I have been assigned your Follower?"

I barely register the words coming out of her mouth and when she stops talking, I'm scrambling for my own words. "Y-yeah, he-he told me," I get out, shading my eyes because the room is so bright. "It's...it's nice to meet you."

She rises up out of her deep bow and I watch her long, wavy blond hair fall off her shoulder in slow motion, like I'm watching some kind of Vogue fashion shoot. She's unbelievably stunning and I'm jealous of her all over again.

"The pleasure is all mine, your highness," she says, her face brightening. "I am here to prepare you for your meeting with the Seraph Council."

She opens the double doors to the armoire and I have to catch my breath. It's fully stocked with shimmering jewelry, strands of pearls, breathtaking beaded gowns, brilliant tiaras dripping in diamonds, and an assortment of high-collared fur capes.

I have no idea my mouth is slightly open until I try to swallow the tickle in my throat.

"Come on." She motions me to come over. "We do not have much time."

I have no words. I obey without thought, throwing my legs over the side of the bed and stumbling across the room.

"You are still weak from saving the Dem-I mean, your uncle," she corrects herself. My eyes narrow, but before I can say anything, she continues. "It is my duty to know everything about your life, your family, and your demeanor."

She smiles and chuckles a little; I have no doubt my expression is the cause. I'm stunned and barely awake and now some stranger has just admitted she knows everything there is to know about my life.

What the...

"I have chosen this one," she holds up a gorgeous full-length, sleeveless, burgundy gown, "for your meeting with the council."

She drapes it over the bed and immediately begins pulling off my nightgown. I shyly fold my arms over my chest. I only have my underwear on at this point and without warning, her arms come up from behind me.

"Lift, please," she instructs and I do, trying not to shiver when she wraps something around my midsection. It's stiff and reaches from my waist all the way to my breasts. Her hand cups one of my shoulders and she starts to gather the strings along my back, yanking them tightly.

"Ouch!" I cry, not meaning to raise my voice as much as I do. "What are you doing?"

"It's called a corset, silly," she jokes. "And you will need to get used to them."

I don't know her well enough to know if she's being funny or sarcastic but I figure I better set the tone of our relationship now instead of later.

"Loosen up the strings, please," I say over my shoulder with more authority than I feel. "I'll need to be able to breathe if I have to talk to a group of strangers."

She stops tugging, loosening the strings and retying them. Almost immediately, I can take a full deep breath.

"Thank you." I exhale as she walks past me and picks up the grown.

"Of course," she says, her tone not nearly as cheerful. "Lift again, please," she instructs, only this time her smile is way less authentic.

Good. Let's not forget who I am, sister.

Lifting my arms, I allow the gown to slip down my body. It fits like a glove. Victoria quickly takes my arm and guides me to the full-length mirror on the inside of the armoire door. My eyes go wide when I see my reflection. The floor length, silk and satin gown is beyond stunning, with scrolled gold and silver beading coming to a point at the center of my chest. I'm so taken aback by the dress that I barely notice the fact that there's hardly a need to fix my hair or apply any makeup. Because of my transition, those things are almost entirely done.

"Oh, your highness," she gives me a curtsy, "you're absolutely breathtaking." The adorning look on her face makes me feel like crap for thinking the worst about her.

"Thank you," I reply, wondering if we got off of the wrong foot.

Her eyes light up at my words and she smiles, proud of the job she's done. Maybe I'm wrong about her. Maybe I need to relax. I'm bad about judging people before they even have a chance to get close to me. I should probably work on that. 

But there's still a lingering question I need to ask. What is her connection with Dominic? And do they still have one? This might be a good time to ask a few questions.

"So, how long have you served as a Follower?" I ask, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.

Victoria stops searching for the perfect earrings to match my dress and looks at me as if I've surprised her. "Oh, um-let me see." Her brow creases like she's calculating. "Seventy-three years."

Wait, what?

I'm at a loss for words because now I'm clearly the one who's surprised. Floored is more like it. Did she really just say seventy-three? Years?

"I don't...wait, that's impossible." I stumble through my thoughts, "You're just messing with me, right?" I manage to smile even though this isn't the least bit humorous. "I mean, you can't be much older than me."

She tilts her head and gets a funny look on her face like she's starting to realize something. "They haven't told you," her brows push together, "have they?"

"Told me what?" I ask, dreading whatever she's referring to. What other secrets haven't I been told?

"Dominic will be here soon." She smiles. "It will be better coming from him."

Holy hell, maybe I really was right. Maybe there actually is something between them. I feel the blood rushing to my face before I can gather my thoughts and suddenly, I don't care what I say or who I offend. "Tell me now!" I shout at her, completely letting go of my emotions.

The huge wooden door to the bedroom flies open with a crash. As if on cue, Dominic rushes in with an urgent look on his face. He's furious.

"Victoria!" he calls. "Leave us!"

Her eyes go up to him, the hurt behind them clearly visible, and she rushes out, stopping to shut the door quietly, looking quietly defeated.

"What did she tell you?" Dominic shouts, and I wonder if he's mad at me too.

"Nothing!" I shout back, frustrated by his tone. "She told me it-whatever it is-would be better coming from you!"

His face drops and I can't help wondering if I've told him a totally different story than what he assumed. Without warning, he turns around and storms out the door. 

What just happened?

I'm breathing like I just sprinted a marathon and it takes me only a second to realize that Dominic just ran after Victoria, my Follower. The girl I've been insanely jealous of since I learned about her existence. What is it between them? And what else has he not told me?

My mind is about to explode with questions as my hands nervously begin rubbing together. Is he coming back? Doesn't he know I'm freaking the hell out? Am I going to have to face the stupid council on my own?

I pause when I catch my reflection in the mirror; it's like looking at a completely different person. Physically, I've changed into a woman. There's no question I've gained some confidence but if I'm being honest, mentally I'm still a scared teenager who doubts herself and everyone around her. And why shouldn't I? Nobody's given me a straight answer about anything and now I'm seriously about to lose my shit.

A slow creak of the opening door jars me out of my thoughts. Zack nods in appreciation, closing it behind him. "We need to talk," he says, walking past me with a look of intense concentration.

"Where's Dominic?" I yell without thinking, and I know he can hear the worry and even the jealousy in my voice.

"He will be here shortly." He pauses, looking at me with his new blue eyes. "It's important to stay calm, Katie."

"Calm? You tell me to stay calm when I wake up to a woman I don't even know rearranging my bedroom like she owns the place?" I take a breath, ready to go on. "Then she tells me she's been a Follower for this place for seventy-three years. She hardly looks older than me. And what is she to-"

"It's a little more complicated than that," he interrupts.

"It always is, Zack!" I shout. "But it doesn't matter right now because you need to tell me what she thought I knew and why she ran out when Dominic barged in." I pause, narrowing my eyes. "I swear to you, if you don't tell me, I won't leave this room and that little council of yours can go straight to hell."

Zack's eyes close on my last word and he takes my arm, guiding me to one of the wingback chairs in front of the fireplace. "Sit," he instructs, taking a seat across from me. "This information should be coming from your betrothed, but under the circumstances, I will answer your questions." He swallows and looks miserable, like this is the last discussion he wants to have. "First things first, it's true. Victoria has been with us for a while."

I shift in the chair, trying my best to calm down and let him talk.

"Like you, she is..." he stops as I hang on his every word, "immortal."

I only hear one word."Immortal," I repeat. "Like, she can't be killed?"

He chuckles under his breath as if I said something funny. "Well, there are a couple of ways we, as immortals, can die, but essentially, yes."

"Hang on, you said, 'we' so that means," I pause, taking in what he just said, "I am too?"

Zack nods and I can actually feel the blood draining from my face.

Holy shit.

"But-but, how?" I barely get out.

"Your transition," he continues as I attempt to wrap my brain around another round of unbelievable news, "is when it happened."

"That's why Dominic was so upset with Victoria? Because he's the one who's supposed to tell me I'm-I'm immortal?" I ask, trying to piece it together.

He nods.

"But, she didn't," I say, wondering why I'm now defending her. "She didn't tell me anything. Well, nothing I didn't actually ask."

"She almost did, and Dominic picked up on that," Zack explains. "We have rules to abide by." He looks down, rubbing the scruff on his chin. I can tell he already knows what my next question will be. "Dominic and Victoria have a unique connection," he continues, locking eyes with me. "But the rest of their story will have to come from him." 

"Zack..." I say in a warning tone and his hands immediately go up.

"Katie, I-I'm serious." He shakes his head. "It's not my place." 

Without saying a word, I walk straight toward the door.

"Katie!" Zack calls after me. "Where are you going?"

I ignore him. I'm on a mission to find Dominic as rolling hot lava begins to burn its way through every vein in my body. I've had it. I've finally lost every ounce of patience I had left. Why didn't Dominic explain everything to me up front? What's with all the ridiculous secrecy? Does he think I can't handle it?

The torch-lit corridor is cold, but I hardly notice. My four-inch heels amplify my rising temper as they echo off the stone walls. Several people stop to bow or curtsy as I rush by on my quest to find or maybe, catch the two little lovebirds. The hallways seem to multiply; it's confusing to know which way to go and I wish like hell I'd paid more attention or at least someone had shown me around before now. 

"Your Majesty." A man in a brown cloak catches my eye, stepping to the side of the hallway to bow.

I smile, as something catches my attention and I look past him. It sounds like low conversation and it's getting louder the closer I get to the end of the hall. Maybe it's him. Maybe it's both of them doing God knows what. I stop just outside the door, my body beginning to tremble. I'm startled when a hand gently takes my arm. I whip my head over my shoulder to see the familiar black cloak shrouding the man I love. He pulls me with him into a room across the hall, shutting the door quietly before glaring down at me.

"Why are you without a chaperone?" His tone is low and heated.

Hold up, he doesn't get to be mad.

"What?" I whisper-shout, pointing my finger at his chest. "You left our room without a word or explanation to chase after a woman you're clearly involved with and you're pissed off at me?"

Dominic's brows push together and he scans the room like someone might be spying on us. His eyes narrow back at me. "It is not the time or the place to have this conversation."

"Seriously?" I shout, placing my hands on my hips. "When will it be the right time or place, Dominic? Never? Because all the secrets, all the things I still don't know... They're exactly why I'm about to lose it!" I pause to take a breath. "I get nothing, no explanation, nada! I'm starting to feel like a Goddamned hostage!"

"Lower your voice!" he growls in a whisper so close to my face, I almost forget how upset I am. "This place, our Realm," his eyes move around the room, "is sacred and there is no tolerance for schoolgirl drama."

He did NOT just say that.

I take in another full, deep breath, attempting to calm myself, but change my mind and decide to let him have it. "You don't want drama? You don't want my immature schoolgirl bullshit? Fantastic, because I'm done! You can have your precious little girlfriend and her perfect freaking petite body and everything else in this Godforsaken place and shove it straight up your ass!" I say, managing to keep my voice under the shouting threshold.

His jaw tightens as I speak, my eyes dropping down to his lips as they slowly curl into a mischievous smile. "You think Victoria and I are..." He laughs like I've told him the funniest joke on the planet.

"What's so funny?" I ask, trying like hell to keep from smiling because it's true what they say about genuine laughter. It's contagious.

He pulls me close. God, he smells so good. I try to wiggle my way free, remembering how furious I am, or was, but he tightens his hold as his soft lips touch my ear.

"You are mine. You will always be mine. And trust me, you have absolutely nothing to worry about."