Graveyard Watchman (Book 2) The Demon Wars

Chapter 16

Victoria already has my gown draped across her hands as she walks toward the bathroom and I follow her, closing the door behind us.

"Thanks," I say, quickly taking off the bathrobe as she hands me a clean slip, "he's awfully early. I wonder what that's all about?"

Victoria doesn't say a word as she looks up with a nervous smile, holding the emerald gown at me feet and sliding it up before zipping the back, "take a seat, your Majesty" she reaches her hand out and I walk over to the vanity chair, "I will put on your jewelry and brush out your hair."

A few minutes later, I stand and stare into the mirror. For the first time, I actually see myself--not as the girl I was only weeks ago, but as the woman I've now become. I don't know if it's the incredible jewelry and gown or my physical transformation but suddenly, I want to do everything I can to make Dominic proud. Even if he can't be with me.

"You look beautiful, your Highness," Victoria smiles behind me in the mirror, "I will be back soon with your breakfast," she bows and turns around to leave.

"Sounds good. Thank you Victoria," I say, following her into my room.

Zack is already sitting in one of the wingbacks staring at the fire Victoria made earlier. I can tell he's deep in thought so I keep my voice low when I call his name, "Hey Zack."

He instantly looks up and smiles, "Hey--you clean up well."

I grin and shake my head, taking a seat across from him, "thanks, I had a little help."

"Yeah, Victoria is great, huh?"

"Yes she is," I pause and tilt my head, "but she's not why you called this little meeting," I catch his eyes, "is she?"

Zack laughs a little to himself, "you know me so well."

"Why, Zack?" I blurt out, "why didn't you tell me about Emily?"

He immediately stands and walks over to the mantle, "I don't know. Maybe because I thought you might not take her seriously if you knew we were dating."

"You mean because she's also a shrink?" I bite out the last word.

"Yeah, Katie, because she's a licensed psychiatrist and can help you, if you'll let her."

"Who says I need help?" I squeeze my hands together because he knows how I struggled after Mom and Dad died.

He runs his fingers through his hair, "you can't keep bottling up your emotions, Katie." he locks eyes with me, "and from what Emily tells me, eventually, that bottle will burst."

Instantly my face goes hot, "Wait! What did you tell her?"

Zack takes a seat across from me, "I'm worried about you, Katie," he says in a concerned whisper.

"Oh, my God, you told her, didn't you?" I spit out and he closes his eyes for a second, "You told her what Uncle John did to me."

"Yes." he admits in barely a whisper.

"Dammit, Zack!" I shout, "How could you? That is private information! How could you tell a stranger about my life?"

"She's not a stranger." he blurts out and I cock my head, "Oh yeah? Tell me about her, Zack. Where is she from? Why was she, of all the freaking psychiatrists on the planet, why was she selected into the Realm?"

He stands up again and turns his back to me, like he's trying to take a moment to calm down, "Because I wanted her," he admits in a low voice, "I can't explain why."

"Hold on, what do you mean?" I ask and he turns around, "I--I don't know, I mean, we needed a few specialized in-house doctors and when I began searching, her photo was one of the first ones that popped up."

"Are you freaking kidding me? You Googled her?"

"At first, yeah," he admits, "But then, during our video conference, I had an overwhelming feeling about her. I knew she'd be the perfect fit. I even knew right away that you would like her too."

"Well I've got news for you, brother," I get out, watching his nostrils flare as he breathes, "All I see are bleeding red flags--and they're all over the place."

"Emily had to undergo a scrutiny of tests and evaluations, not to mention a thorough credential background before she could even be considered. This place isn't exactly mainstream. If there were any issues, believe me, we would have found them," his defensive tone making him sound even more desperate.

"Okay," I hold my hand up, "let's put all that aside for a second," I shift in my chair, "How is it that the second she arrived, you dropped Victoria and instantly became a couple? Hell, you're already engaged!"

"Wait a second, you know about me and Vic..."

"Of course I do!" I don't let him finish, "She didn't even have to tell me. I could see it all over her face and finally forced it out of her!"

Zack lets out a heavy sigh, "She and I," he stops and rubs his jaw, "I guess we just weren't meant to be."

"Says who? Emily?"