A Devious Descent (The Deviants #1)

CHAPTER 15

Frankie

I hop off Zarreth’s lap. “What the fuck, Zarreth? Why does Dante think I’m involved with any of this?”

He reaches for my hand. “I promise I will tell you when we get out of here.”

I pull my hand away, placing it on my hip. “I’m not going anywhere until you answer me.”

Standing, he runs his hands through his hair. “Please, Frankie. You don’t want to hear what I have to say. Let’s wait until we get home where you can be more comfortable.”

I raise one eyebrow, continuing to stare at him. I’m not leaving until he tells me what’s going on.

He walks to the edge of the balcony and rests his elbows on the ledge, staring blankly at the fire performers. Finally, he turns back toward me. “How much do you know about your biological father?”

Why is he asking about my father? “Nothing. My mom never talked about him.”

“Have you noticed anything weird happening to you lately? Increased appetite, increased sex drive, increased tolerance for alcohol?”

“Yes, but what does that have to do with my dad?” God he’s frustrating. I wish he would just tell me what’s going on already.

“Do you know your eyes glow when your emotions heighten? Do you ever pay attention to the impact your emotions have on those around you?”

I walk over and lean my hip against the balcony ledge, facing him. “What are you talking about? My eyes don’t glow. Just tell me what’s going on,” I plead.

Zarreth releases a sharp exhale. “Fuck. I’m so sorry. Your father was a demon.”

What? I take a step back. That doesn’t make sense. My dad may have been a lot of things, according to my mom, but he was not a demon. Why is he making this up?

“Stop messing with me, Zarreth. I’m not in the mood.”

“Frankie.” his voice softens as he reaches for me again. “I’m not messing with you.”

I understand his words, but they don’t make sense. My brain won’t process them. My father couldn’t have been a demon. That would mean I’m half demon.

My mind goes back to when Dante called me halfling. I think I’m going to be sick. This is too much to handle.

“I need to get out of here,” I mutter before bolting from the room.

The door closes behind me, leaving me in the dark. Oh no! I forgot about the narrow stairwell. My breathing grows more rapid. Tears gather in the corners of my eyes as my legs begin to wobble. Luckily, Zarreth is right behind me. He lifts me up, taking the stairs down two at a time as I bury my face in his neck.

He pushes the door open and sets me down. “Are you okay?”

“No, I’m not okay. I want to go home,” I yell before stomping past Ronin who’s standing just a couple feet away from me.

Ronin looks at me questioningly. “Trouble in paradise?”

Zarreth answers, “Fuck off, Ronin. We’re fine. I’m taking her home.”

Ronin chuckles. “Like you have a choice.”

I storm out the door, running toward the Jeep. Zarreth and his stupid superpowers are there before I am. He opens the passenger door, waiting for me to get in. Ignoring him, I hop in the back seat.

Huffing, Zarreth crawls into the driver’s seat, and slams the door before turning to face me. “ Melita ?”

I stare out the window.

He tries again. “Frankie, talk to me.”

I don’t feel like talking. “Leave me alone.”

He sighs and starts the Jeep as I close my eyes, resting my head against the window. This is ridiculous. I’m not a demon, and I’m definitely not some sort of secret weapon Realm Eater.

Zarreth tries getting me to talk a few more times, but I ignore him the entire way home. I know it’s not his fault, but I need to be mad at somebody right now, and he’s conveniently here.

I check my phone to find twelve missed phone calls and twice as many messages from Jess. I send her a text.

On our way back. It was a bust,

but we’re safe. I’ll update

you in the morning.

Okay, I love you. Call me

when you wake up.

I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I know we’re parked in my driveway. Zarreth shuts off the Jeep and turns to me, looking genuinely concerned. “I’m sorry, Frankie.”

My eyes burn from holding back tears. I feel so overwhelmed. Within seconds, he’s helping me from the Jeep. He wraps his arms around me, letting me cry into his chest. “Why is this happening to me? What’s a Realm Eater?”

Zarreth cups my face, using his thumbs to wipe away my tears. “The Realm Eater is just a made-up fairytale demons tell their young to make them listen. You’re not a Realm Eater, Frankie. Dante just enjoys watching people squirm.”

I pull away from him and sit on the porch. “Does that mean I might not be part demon either?”

He sits next to me and rubs his hand over my back. “You’re part demon, Frankie. I wouldn’t lie to you about that. I feel your magic every time I’m near you, and you don’t smell human.”

I feel numb. I think I’m in shock. I don’t want to have this conversation, so I go inside, head straight to my bedroom, and collapse on my bed. Zarreth follows me. He helps me change into an oversized t-shirt before pulling the blankets over me.

“Do you want me to stay with you?” he asks.

I nod my head.

Without saying another word, he strips down, crawls under the blankets, and holds me.

I snuggle into his chest and inhale deeply. He smells like burning cedar. His scent relaxes me, and I quickly fall asleep in his arms.

The next thing I know, I’m dreaming of giant plants with demon horns chasing me when a guttural scream startles me awake. Shooting up, I grab my chest in a panic. Zarreth is asleep, but his face is contorted into pure agony.

“Not again! My wings.” His voice cracks. I shake him gently, trying to pull him from his nightmare. “Frankie,” he mumbles as he reaches for me.

“I’m right here.” I position myself so his head is in my lap. His breathing returns to normal and he soon begins snoring.

I rub his horns, surprised to find they have grown since yesterday. They are dark like his hair and start just above his temples, curling backwards, close to his head. I wish I could kill the bastards who cut them off.

My mind wanders as I try not to think about my future and focus on something else instead. I think back to when Dante said I was Zarreth’s mate.

I know we just met, but I can’t deny the attraction between us. Closing my eyes, I rest my head on the headboard.

I continue stroking Zarreth’s horns, thinking about the way he looks at me, like he can’t breathe without me. Like he would do anything to protect me. Soon, I’m thinking about how good it feels when he swirls his tongue around my nipple or bites my clit.

“Honey,” Zarreth mumbles, still asleep. His voice pulls me out of my trance, and I look down to see his horns have grown at least two more inches since I started touching him.

My hands are buzzing with that weird energy again, and I wonder if I’m the cause of it. It seems crazy, but weirder things have happened. You know, like finding out I’m a demon.

Looking out the window, I see the sun shining and decide to get out of bed. There’s no use laying around feeling sorry for myself. That won’t help anything.

I take a quick shower and blow dry my hair before dressing in a cute top and a pair of jeans. Zarreth is still sleeping, so I drive to the coffee shop, getting two coffees and a bag of donuts. I know he doesn’t eat breakfast, but I will devour the entire bag by myself.

When I return, Zarreth is sitting on the couch playing with Ms. Kitty. He must have showered because his hair is wet, and he’s wearing only sweatpants. I don’t think I will ever get used to his sculpted chest and six pack abs. His biceps flex as he runs a hand down Ms. Kitty’s back. Lucky cat.

I set the donuts on the counter before handing him a coffee. “I know you don’t eat, but everyone likes coffee, right?”

He looks at me, his eyes full of distress. “Can I hold you?” He whispers, “Please.”

Woah. That nightmare must have really affected him. “Of course.”

Setting down the coffee, I straddle his lap. He wraps his arms around my waist, pressing his nose to my hair. The tension leaves his body as he inhales my scent.

I rub my hands up and down his back. His body radiates so much heat. I wonder if all demons are this warm, or if only the ones with fire abilities are.

He takes another deep breath and leans back, his hands resting on my hips. “How are you doing with everything?”

“Me? I’m good.” I’m not sure if I’m trying to convince him or myself.

He tucks a curl behind my ear. “Last night was rough, Frankie. I know you’re strong, but it’s okay to be scared or confused.”

“Honestly, I don’t know how to feel. I keep thinking, ‘ Hey, at least I’m not a racist homophobe.’ That would be way worse, right?”

He chuckles. “Well, that’s true, but we should still talk about it.”

I know I need to process this, but I don’t want to right now, so I change the subject. “Thank you for staying with me last night.”

Zarreth presses his forehead to mine. “I wouldn’t have left, anyway. I can’t seem to stay away from you.”

“Really? Have you had many girlfriends before me?” I know how pathetic I sound, but the words already left my mouth. Too late to stop them now.

“Um, well,” he stammers. I instantly regret the question and stand up. I’m so embarrassed. He chuckles, pulling me back onto his lap.

Now I’m pissed. I cross my arms, glaring at him. “You don’t have to laugh at me. I’ve never had a boyfriend longer than six months. Not like I would consider you boyfriend material anyway.”

“Frankie.” He tries keeping a straight face but fails. “I’m over six hundred years old. Even if I had one girlfriend for every decade of my life, that would be sixty girlfriends.”

I’m suddenly very nervous. How can I compete with that? I’ve only had sex with two guys. Even for a human, I’m inexperienced. There is no way I could satisfy him.

As if he can sense my insecurities rising, he holds my chin, tilting my face toward his. “Look at me.” I open my eyes. He’s no longer smiling, his expression now sincere. “You’re different. I’m drawn to you in ways I can’t understand. Every ounce of my being calls to you. I’ve never felt this way before.”

My anxiety softens and I feel dumb for being jealous. “Okay, you’re off the hook.”

He smiles, lifting my hand and kissing the inside of my palm. I love when he does that. It’s starting to become my new favorite thing.

“So, I’m not boyfriend material, huh?” he teases.

I look at him for a minute, pretending to think hard. “I don’t know. I mean, I was thinking Ronin was boyfriend material, but if he’s not available, you’ll do.”

I jump up, running away, but only make it a few steps when Zarreth grabs me from behind and pulls me against his chest.

Wrapping his hand around my throat, he places his mouth to my ear. “Do you want to repeat that, little one?” he growls.

I enunciate every word, so he hears me loud and clear. “Ronin. Is. Boyfriend. Material.”

Zarreth squeezes briefly before releasing my neck. He pulls down my pants, bending me over the couch before I realize what’s happening. “Oh Melita , you’re going to wish you never said that.”

Half the butterflies in my stomach do a happy dance while the other half hides behind one another. Shit! Maybe it’s not smart to tease a demon like that.

“Hold on to the couch cushion and do not move until you’re told,” he orders.

Taking a deep breath, I dig my fingers into the cushions. My knees tremble in anticipation.

He massages my ass cheeks with his warm hands, preparing me for what’s about to happen. “Your skin is so perfect. I can’t wait to turn it bright red.”

One hand presses into the small of my back, holding me in place, while the other pulls away, leaving only cool air in its wake. Okay, this is really happening.

Bearing down, I tighten every muscle in my body, waiting for his palm to make contact. My panties are soaked. I can’t believe I’m wet already.

“Count!” he growls.

“What do you mean, count? What am I supposed to count? The number of times I thought about Ronin last night?” I instantly regret saying that. What is wrong with me?

A low grumble escapes Zarreth’s throat. I turn my head so I can see his face. His eyes are not the black ones I expect to see. Instead, they’re glowing orange and red like hot embers. I begin to shake. Oh no! I pushed him too far.

“I’m sorry. I was joking.” My heart pounds against my ribcage. I take a couple deep breaths to calm down. I’m so stupid.

“Frankie, look at me,” he orders.

My eyes immediately snap to his as a sense of calm washes over me. His confident presence pulls me from my thoughts before my anxiety completely takes over.

“Pull your panties down,” he demands.

“What?” I ask, shocked at how intimidating his voice sounds.

“Pull your panties down, now,” he says, slowly articulating each word. “Don’t make me tell you again, Frankie.”

I do as he says, pulling my underwear to my ankles. He bends me over the couch again.

“This will be much easier for you if you don’t move.” He bends down and bites my butt cheek, hard. I’m not sure if I jump because it hurts or if I jump because I’m surprised.

“Remember to count after each spanking. You owe me five. Do you understand?”

I nod my head.

“Say it,” he demands.

“I understand,” I breathe.

The next thing I know I hear a smack. It’s harder than I expected, and my left ass cheek is stinging.

“One.” My voice shakes.

“Is Ronin boyfriend material?” Zarreth asks.

He’s not seriously jealous over his best friend, is he? I want to say yes so badly, but my common sense is actually taking over for once. “Yes.” Shit! I guess my common sense left the day I invited a stalker into my house.

He chuckles. “Your smart little mouth just earned you five more.”

I hear another smack, and my right ass cheek is burning this time. This one hurts more than the first.

“Two,” I cry.

I feel his breath on my ear as he whispers, “Just tell me to stop and I will.”

The next three spankings progressively get harder. My entire ass is burning, but I feel like I might come at any minute.

“Your ass looks incredible when you’re bent over like this,” He says, causing my thighs to clench tighter as a whimper escapes my lips.

I hold my breath waiting for the next blow. Instead, Zarreth moves a finger up and down my slit before sliding it into me. I feel myself tighten around his finger as he moves it in and out. Pressure builds in my lower stomach, my knees begin to tremble.

Smack! The next one is harder than I expected, and it takes me by surprise. I gasp, holding back a sob.

“S-six,” I stammer as a tear rolls down my cheek.

He rubs my ass. “You’re doing so good, baby.”

He spanks me three more times. The only time he stops moving his fingers is when I’m close to coming.

The sensation is too much. The pain, the pleasure. My body doesn’t know how to process it. Another tear runs down my face. I catch it with my tongue, smiling when I taste how salty it is.

I prepare myself for the final slap. I’m not sure what to expect, but it isn’t to come as hard as I do when he lands the final blow.

Waves of pleasure course through my body, pulling a scream from my lips. Zarreth’s fingers continue to move in and out until the trembling stops.

“You’re so fucking beautiful,” he says before planting a kiss in the middle of my back. He scoops me in his arms before laying me on the couch. “I’ll be right back.”

I give him a lazy smile. “I’m not going anywhere.”

I can’t believe that just happened. I can’t believe I actually got spanked. Me! Jess will never believe it.

Zarreth walks back into the room. “This will help with the sting.”

He holds up the coconut oil, indicating for me to roll over. He rubs it over my tender skin, soothing the pain just like he promised. “Are you okay?”

I feel like I’ve just released the breath I have been holding my entire life. I feel alive. “Is it weird I enjoyed that?”

Chuckling, he helps me sit up. “My little freak,” he says before planting a kiss in the middle of my forehead.