Double Down Demons (A Ghost Adventures/Zak Bagans Story)

Chapter 69: Hatchi ups the ante

I woke early the next morning in a tangle of sheets and my robe. Poor Zak was huddled next to me completely naked and uncovered, I manage to unwrap myself without disturbing him and throw the sheet over his body and rested my arm around his shoulder as he snuggled in closer. I laid staring at the ceiling for a while enjoying his warmth and proximity. My night had not been peaceful, my dreams had been filled with grotesque images that I would rather forget and I had obviously been tossing and turning through the night. I felt tired and unrested yet still unable to sleep. It upset me that Zak's presence hadn't calmed me as it usually does, I'm jut grateful that he had slept through my restlessness. I could only imagine that I was close to uncovering the secret that bound us to the past and the demon was less than happy about it. Thankfully the protection that Father Gwynn had afforded us seemed to be working as the attack had not been nearly as severe as they had been before, this time I could distinguish reality from the nightmares. I pinched the bridge of my nose trying to ease the headache that would not abate. I contemplated getting up and continuing the research I was so close to completing but it just felt like too much effort. I turned to face Zak and as if sensing my need he reached out and pulled me to him hugging me to his chest. He murmured in his sleep as I snuggled into him. I only hoped his dreams were much more pleasant than mine. I pressed my ear to his chest and listened to the comforting beat of his heart. Finally gaining comfort from Zak I must have fallen asleep again but it was less than an hour before I was startled awake.

"Tracy!" Zak called my name urgently and shook my shoulders.

"Huh? What's wrong Zak?" I was afraid that something had happened to him as I scanned his face and body for any clues.

"Sweetie, you were having a bad dream, don't you remember?" He's looking down at me checking my face for any signs of distress, I blink up at him in bemusement.

"I'm fine hon, I didn't even realise I was dreaming. This time anyway." I reassure him.

"Really? Nothing at all? You were clawing at me as if you were fighting for your life, you scared me to death!" It was then I saw the welts on his chest where my nails had dragged across his skin almost drawing blood, the large scratch running from his jaw and down his neck made me gasp and I looked at him with wide eyes.

"Oh my god! I'm sorry! Shit! Does it hurt?" I ask gently running my fingertips over the raised marks.

"No no I'm ok." He tries to convince me but I see that he winces slightly at my touch, I bite my lip unable to stop the feeling of guilt and horror at having hurt the man I would do anything to protect.

"Hey what do you mean this time?" He asks furrowing his brow at my earlier comment. I sigh and describe the night terrors that had plagued me, he listened intently, absent mindedly rubbing my arm in comfort.

"I think I'm getting close to the vital piece of information we need and Hatchi is putting up some resistance." I shrug trying to play down the effect it was having on me to stop worrying Zak more than necessary.

"Hmmm." He hums obviously worried about it still. "You're sure you feel ok now?" I nod.

"I'm just sorry that I hurt you." I kiss the angry marks on his chest gently making him suck in his breath. "At least it was me and not some psycho demon." I try and find a bright side.

"Well yeah it wasn't a demon, not sure we can rule out the psycho though." He pretends to ponder until I hit him square in the face with a pillow. "Yep definitely can't rule out psycho!" He laughs and kisses my forehead. He eases out of bed and and is heading to the bathroom when he stops to pick something up from under the dresser. He checks his neck to find his rosary hung there as it should be, he turns slowly towards me with a familiar silver cross dangling from his fingers. I feel at my own neck and find it bare.

"Oh! It must have fallen off last night, that would explain the dreams." I say.

"No way!" Zak exclaims making me jump. "Its still in one peace, it didn't fall off over your head without you noticing and where it landed it had to have been thrown there." Zak's face screws up with worry and I was feeling uneasy too, it felt so much more of a violation in my own home.

"I don't know Zak we were being pretty energetic last night." I try to remain calm and rational, but deep down I knew that's not what happened and Zak was shaking his head in disagreement.

"We're going to have to be extra vigilant from now on honey." He warns as he loops the rosary around my neck and strokes my hair back from my face. I have to turn away, hating to see the sadness in his eyes,transforming them into bottomless watery pools. He kisses the top of my head and pads back to the bathroom, only when the door has closed do I let my own sniffle escape.