Crimes Forbidden (The Forbidden Novellas #2)

by Dove, Raquel

  “Why would I help you?” Zoe said, her eyes narrowing on him. “And why would I trust you?”

  “Why shouldn’t you?” Jackson said. He was a master of debate, well known for his ability to twist minds as he pleased. The human would be an easy job.

  “Because you betrayed Paris,” Zoe said.

  “Is that what you think?” Jackson said, his brows pulled high on his forehead. “I would never betray my best friend.”

  Chapter fourteen

  Paris was fighting to catch his breath. Every cell in his body ached. Blood poured from every hole of his body, and he was lying, unable to move, on the floor next to the Grand Elder. The only sign the old demon gave that he was even still alive was when he began another transfer of power. There had been a number of transfers made already, and Paris could feel the increase of his power, even through the pain. The power was so strange, so unlike what he thought it would be like. It was oddly calming, warm and cold at the same time. He was struggling to adjust to it. He had lost any sense of time, but he knew he had to hurry. He wasn’t sure how long he had left Zoe for, but no matter what he would do nothing but try to get to her. Nothing else mattered to him.

  “Again,” Paris had to fight to get the word out, even as it brought a fresh wave of crushing pain across his body.

  “Wait,” the Grand Elder choked out, his voice cracked and shaky. There was so much more that he wanted to say to Paris. So much that needed to be said. This process was not meant to be rushed. He feared if he continued, they would both die and this would be a fruitless endeavor.

  “No,” Paris said. He would push through the pain. He was pulling on his newly gained power to help him tolerate it, but he wasn’t sure how much longer he could hold on.

  “There must…” the Grand Elder choked again on his words. He was so weak now, both with the massive injury and loss of blood, and the massive loss of power. He coughed, the contractions ripping through his mangled body as blood spewed from his mouth. “..understanding…”

  His words made no sense to Paris, and he didn’t really care. He only wanted to end this. He could hear the ever weakening heartbeat of the Grand Elder, while his own heartbeat was speeding up. His body was taking a toll from the extreme pressure being placed on it.

  “Just finish,” Paris grit out through clenched teeth. He tried not to move anything that wasn’t absolutely necessary.

  “Time,” the old demon croaked. His words were running short, his mind was no longer clear. He knew he had to impress upon Paris the true nature of the power he was about to bestow upon him, but he just didn’t have the strength to bring the words forth. This was not a power like the one that every demon was born with. It could not be used in the same way as a natural demonic aura. Using it in any other way would lead to nothing but ruin and despair for all demon kind. There was no way for the dying demon king to convey the true understanding necessary to properly utilize the power of the ancients and hold the kingdom together.

  “There is no time,” Paris gritted out. Every vein in his body was threatening to burst with the exertion of speaking, but he didn’t care. He only had one thought in his mind. “Do it. Now.”

  The Grand Elder began to cough again, the harsh sputtering sound echoing off the rocky walls of the room. His body convulsed. He was dying, it was now or never. He would only be able to do one more transfer. There was still so much power. So much that would be lost. Paris’ body simply would not handle much more in such a short amount of time. Paris was already severely weakened, the Grand Elder could feel it in his over taxed aura. He wouldn’t be able to take all that was left to give. The Grand Elder had a decision to make. One that his cloudy mind was not prepared to make. He would need to pass as much power on as possible, but he would have to stop before he killed Paris in the process.

  “Name,” the Grand Elder managed to cough out. He was trying to get Paris to understand that great power like this could not remain untethered. One individual could not alone carry so much weight. But he simply could not make his body speak the words.

  “Stop speaking nonsense,” Paris growled out. He was managing to gain a mild control over his breathing, trying to bring down his heart rate. He forced the pain away, forced himself to ignore it. “Finish.”

  “You,” the Grand Elder choked out. He had to convey to Paris the true nature of this power, and more importantly what he would need to control it. So much power corrupted so easily. If there was no anchor, if there was no control over it, it would wreak havoc. “…must…redemption...”

  Paris still did not understand, and he didn’t have the energy to speak anymore. He just tried to swallow the clump of blood that had lodged itself in his throat, and wait for the next transfer of power. He knew it would likely be the last. He could sense the death beginning to overtake his one-time king.

  The air in the small room once again began to crackle as the aura of Paris mixed with the intensity of the Grand Elder’s power. The last transfer of power was far greater than any of the previous ones. Paris arched his back against it, the pain overtaking him, reaching into every muscle of his body, saturating him.

  The power ripped through Paris, tearing through his already wounded flesh with vicious force. Over and over again, in waves of what felt like eternal torture, it washed through him. The raw pain forced all thought from his mind, leaving nothing but a hot, throbbing pressure in its place. His eyes slowly blackened over until he could see nothing.

  The Grand Elder shook uncontrollably, his head banging against the rock floor with every spasm. The power that floated around the room cleared, and both demons lay motionless.

  #

  Paris didn’t know how long he was out for, but when he came to he found the cold shrunken form of the former Grand Elder, long since dead, lying next to him. Every inch of him ached, but he could feel the massive power that now coursed through his veins. It spoke to him, trying to twist his mind. The immensity was far beyond anything he could have ever imagined. It clouded his senses, and he shook his head, trying to gain control of his own thoughts. He brought his hands to his face, examining them. His body felt different, not his own anymore.

  Paris flexed his fingers, forming a fist and feeling the circulation of power flowing beneath his skin. He began to gather his thoughts, gather his memories. One thought entered his mind. Zoe.

  Chapter fifteen

  The stench of rotted flesh and old blood filled Paris’ nostrils. His eyes scanned the courtroom, taking count of the casualties. Every council member, even Ryad, lay slain where they had sat. Numerous nobility, entire families, all dead. The decay filled the room with a noxious odor and a truly gruesome sight.

  Paris was a demon like any other. He wanted power. He wanted prestige. He wanted to rule over others and crush his enemies. But this was not the way those things should be achieved. This was beyond disgraceful. This was shameful, and Paris would seek retribution for his people. The power of the ancients pulsed through him, seeking revenge for the dishonorable deaths of their descendants. He would soon see their desire fulfilled.

  His hopes were raised when Zoe was found to be absent from the pile of corpses that littered the once respectful room. She was still alive. He knew it. He could feel it in his bones. The power bestowed on him would afford him many new abilities, and he was so far finding them rather pleasant.

  Zoe was still alive, and he knew where he could find her. There was once demon in particular that was absent from the carcasses. Paris never would have thought his friend would have turned so far from his people to commit such heinous crimes as this.

  #

  Paris found Jackson alone in his apartment, and the fear began to swell in his chest. He could not sense Zoe.

  “It’s about time you came around,” Jackson said, a pleasant smile on his face as he looked up from his newspaper. He was so calm and composed, as if he had not just committed the most atrocious of crimes. Jackson’s blue eyes scanned Paris. He was filthy, covered in blood and
dirt. His scent stunk with the smell of raw power, and Jackson’s assumptions were confirmed.

  “What you have done,” Paris began, picking his words slowly.

  “Oh, come now,” Jackson said, laying his southern accent on a bit too thick. He wiggled his brows at Paris with a cheesy grin. “What we have both done.”

  Jackson was right, and Paris couldn’t deny it. Jackson wasn’t alone in his crimes. Paris had also committed a crime, although different, but equally forbidden. But what Paris had done somehow seemed not as bad.

  “Where is she,” Paris barked, barely able to contain his growing rage. He would not stop until he was assured she was safe.

  “Precisely where she should be,” Jackson said. He put the paper down, folding it neatly on his breakfast nook counter. “Why ever would you ask in such a way?”

  Paris released a small amount of his power and it crackled in the air around him. He could feel the new power in Jackson as well. It was fairly large, almost as massive as his own. But not quite.

  “Do not play with me,” Paris snapped.

  “Paris,” Jackson said, rising from his seat, his hands held out in a placating gesture, “there is no need for us to argue, my friend.”

  “Friend?” Paris said, “What makes you think you still retain that title to me?”

  “I did save your human toy,” Jackson said, pulling a sharp growl from Paris at his slight to Zoe.

  “She is not a toy,” Paris said.

  “Paris,” Jackson replied, placing a hand on his shoulder, trying to calm him. He was really hoping they could remain on the same side. He was not looking forward to a war with Paris. “I care not where your affections lie.”

  “If she is harmed,” Paris said, finally beginning to accept that he may have been wrong in thinking Jackson wished her harm, “I will make you pay.”

  “She is fine,” Jackson insisted. “Go see for yourself. But first…”

  “What?” Paris did not have patience for this any longer. He ached to return to Zoe, to finally be satisfied in her well-being.

  “You know things have changed,” Jackson said, a side smile creeping onto his face. He continued when he got nothing but a blank stare from Paris. “There are sides that need to be chosen.”

  “I will not be a part of your war,” Paris said. He had the power to tip the balance of this war, but he would not. It was a petty feud between clans that had gotten out of hand decades ago. The only thing that had stopped it for years was the Council and the Grand Elder.

  “Paris,” Jackson said again, slightly shocked at his friend’s reaction. He had thought his friend would be angry with him. Had worried that Paris may want to oppose him. But he had never considered that he would simply not participate. He had so much power now. Jackson could feel the pressure of it settling on his shoulders, standing so close to him. It was only about half of the previous Grand Elder’s, but that was enough to be a frightening amount of power. “You cannot simply step away from this.”

  “I can,” Paris said, his face blank, “and I will.”

  Chapter sixteen

  He was standing there for a fair amount of time before she finally turned around. Her heart leapt into her throat at the sight of him, bloody and dirtied.

  “Paris,” Zoe said, the bowl in her hand falling, shattering on the kitchen floor and sending a pool of milk and cheerios flowing to his feet. She stood there, frozen in place at the sight of him. She wanted to run and hug him, but there was something very different about him that rooted her to her spot. His eyes, though the same color, had a different gleam to them. His presence, though normally crushing, was particularly intense.

  It had been a week since the incident, since the last time she saw a demon, since Jackson had saved her. She had thought the worst for Paris, had spent the last three nights huddled on the couch with tears streaming down her puffed up cheeks.

  He could see the symptoms of her mourning for him, and his chest constricted on his heart at her sincerity. There was something so special about her that no demoness could ever match. It was her humanity. He knew that now. Maybe one of the effects of his new powers. He could see things from such a different angle now, his understanding was so much deeper. The things he thought were important before seemed to be less so. Oddly, his emotions had become much more intense.

  “I had to see that you were ok,” Paris said. His face was emotionless, but his voice held tenderness and concern.

  “I thought…” Zoe couldn’t finish her thought. Couldn’t say that she thought the worst for him. She ran the short distance to him, falling into his arms. She pulled back to look up at him, forcing her tears back. “Where have you been?”

  He pulled her tightly back into his chest, reveling in the feel of her warm body in his arms. He didn’t feel the need to answer her question. He inhaled her scent deeply. Even through the stench of her tears it was the most calming scent he ever experienced. No sooner than Zoe could blink, she found herself in the bathroom. It wasn’t too long ago that would have shocked her. Now she was used to the way demons preferred to get around. She was just happy that Paris was alright.

  “Everything will be alright,” Paris said, looking down at her, tucking a lock of soft yellow hair behind her ear. He had the power now to protect her from anything, or anyone, except for himself. The danger he had put her in, all for his own selfish reasons was just too much. He refused to do it again.

  Without another word, his hands reached for the thin strap of the yellow sundress she was wearing. Zoe’s eye’s met his at the garment slipped easily off her body. She could see the desire swirling in his grey eyes, and it matched her own. She reached up, beginning to unbutton his now dingy dress shirt, revealing a muscular torso that seemed even more ripped than before.

  The water trickled down Zoe’s body as Paris pushed her back against the tile wall of the shower, lifting her up. Her legs wrapped easily around his slender hips, her mouth eagerly fighting with his. A clawed hand found her breast and she arched into his grasp, eager to feel his touch on her flesh. She let out a breathy moan of desire, growing weak with the need for him to fill her. She needed him inside of her, his hot flesh rubbing so deliciously against her walls. He had no plans of making her wait too long, but he did want to enjoy himself, knowing this would be the last time he would see her, hold her, taste her. He didn’t want to tell her, couldn’t bear to see the sadness in her eyes. He wanted to remember her in the throes of passion. It would make for a much better memory.

  His lips latched onto a small pink nipple and he sucked at it with enough roughness to send a delightful tingle through Zoe. Her fingers tangled in his short black hair, pulling him into her body, letting him know how much she was enjoying his affections. His fingers trailed lower, feeling her feminine curves as they went. A hiss broke through her lips, quickly cut off by a crushing kiss, as he slid inside her. Her tongue fought against his as he reveled in the feel of her flesh wrapped so tightly against him.

  His hips pushed frantically against hers, feeling the growing contractions of her pleasure. He wanted so much more from her than just this. He wanted to make her his, forever. But he knew that was not an option. For her own good, he had to let her go. As he pushed into her one last time, releasing his own pleasure with a garbled growl, he seared the memory of her ecstasy into his mind. It was the only thing that would keep him sane over the centuries to come.

  #

  There were few demons still alive that Paris could trust. He could feel their aura’s when he searched for them. It was incredible, the extent of his new power. As more time passed, he could feel it growing stronger. There was one demoness in particular that he was looking for. One demoness that he needed to help him. He may be powerful, but he certainly wasn’t all powerful, and there were limits to what he could do. He finally found her aura. She was running, trying to hide. She had a barrier up, a strong one, but Paris could easily break through it.

  “Athena,” he said, appearing in the modest apa
rtment she had taken to hiding in. The demoness was clearly startled by his sudden appearance, her jaw hanging open as she tried to register what was going on.

  “Paris,” she said, looking at him in awe, “we all thought you were dead.”

  “I am very much alive,” Paris said, his face showing no emotion. Athena could feel the massive increase in his aura and she knew what had happened. She knew why Paris had been absent for so long. He wasn’t dead, he was the new Grand Elder. She fell to her knees before him, bowing her head.

  “My Lord,” Athena said, “I am so happy you are alive. We desperately need you. There are others with me. Now we can crush the rebellion and restore our laws.”

  “I will not involve myself in such affairs,” Paris said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

  “But you must,” Athena argued. “You are the Grand Elder. There is no one else that can. We will unite behind you and crush this rebellion for good.”

  “No,” Paris said, “I have only one task, and I require your assistance.”

  Athena would help him, whether she wanted to or not. As she said, he was the new Grand Elder, he could do as he pleased and others answered to him. Paris would never see Zoe again, but he would make sure she was well taken care of for the duration of her human life. She would have no memory of him, of any of their encounters. And she would be protected, even from himself. That was the best that he could give her.

  The end

  Authors Afterword

  I hope you enjoyed the story. I love to receive feedback of all kinds, so please feel free to leave a review! Also, if you would like more information about future books, release dates, and sequel notifications visit my website at www.raqueldove.com

  Other books in this series: