The Demon's Toy Book 1: Secrets Unfold

 



The Demon’s Toy: 9

Shadows





Waking to the warmth of another body curled against his back startled Son at first the former demon started to pull away from the hard length pressed to his back. It had been a long time since he had willingly shared a bed with another, let alone fallen asleep with them, not even with the young Fae healer had he done this. Leaving Son’Arrin a little puzzled as to how that had happened before memories of the night before drifted back to him. A slow smile crept over his full lips recalling how he had tempted Faolan away from his morals and into the water with him. How they had come together, hot and needy and the hours after, spent entwined as one, devouring the other until there was nothing left but sleep.

The body behind him was Faolan. Joy spilled over his heart causing it to race away with his mind, warming him the cold dark places, pressing back into the wall of the other’s chest. Son had not thought he could be happier then at this very moment. He had all that he had ever wanted even though he had to employ a few dirty tricks to achieve that goal. It was still worth it to be snuggling a bit closer against the warmth of the other’s body.

With a soft sigh leaving his lips, Son recalled how Faolan had finally broken down and given into the desires he had been valiantly trying to deny for sometime now. The former demon should have done something like this sooner had he known that Faolan was hiding such a wanton, darker other side behind the mask of a virtuous teacher. God, had he only known…

Then again, if he had known Faolan’s weakness, all that had come before would not have occurred and he would not be feeling so full filled as he was at this point. Son wasn’t sure, but he wanted to say that he was falling in love with the Aedon prophet. Demons didn’t love and humans could…

This had to be love… Right?

Unable to resist, wanting to see his lover’s sleeping face, Son carefully turned in the arm that was carelessly flung over his waist. He wished to know what the Aedon would look like with sleep softened features that were unfettered by the worries of the day. Would Faolan look boyishly cute? Would his lips be softly parted? Long dark lashes lying upon softly tanned cheeks? Would that long dark hair be falling over the broad brow and hiding closed eyes? Ohhh… Those thoughts quickened his blood. Son hoped so, so that he could place a kiss against them to awaken Faolan. Perhaps Faolan would be in the mood for another round of lovemaking?

Twisting about carefully, soul dark eyes coming to eagerly search the face of his love, holding onto that word, the smile still tipping his lips upward, only to find cold, golden eyes staring at him. They did not look pleased to see him. There was hardness to the other’s mouth that sent a warning through the other’s mind.

Why had he not felt his cold? He could not shield Faolan from him all the other times so why did he suddenly not feel the man?

His heart skidding to a stop, slowly a frown formed over his own mouth in return. Licking his teeth, the former demon struggled to sit up, "What did I do wrong now?" Shoving a handful of violet hair out of his face. This was not the kind of wake up call he had expected, letting his hair pool into his lap hiding the evidence of his arousal and now disappointment. Regarding the other with a closed and wary expression.

Faolan slowly sat up as well, having removed his arm and leg from over Son. His words were cold and clipped when he finally spoke, "You used your powers on me." Accusing the once demon of trickery and seduction, "When you went into the water…" Finding no other explanation for why he had acted so out of character other then Son had done something to him to cause him to act in such a fashion.

Faolan had not forgotten the words that they had so easily spoken to one another the night before, he was just not sure if he believed them now. Son had used him, hadn’t he? It was hard to tell with him, what he had not expected was the heart stopping smile that had been in place on the other’s mouth or the joy that had been reflecting in those dark eyes. It was almost like a barrier had come down and Son’Arrin was really feeling for the first time.

Blinking, Son sat further back, "You think I tricked you into fu…into making love… or would you rather I do call it fucking?" Hurt that Faolan would think so little of him. Then again, he shouldn’t be all that surprised. Becoming angry with Faolan over being accused of something so low. Even though it was semi close to the truth. He had used the water to amplify his powers, but he had not directed them at the Aedon. More like filled the area with a projection of his lust and desire, like scenting the air with pheromones. It would have been hard to ignore, but it wasn’t impossible if Faolan truly didn’t wish to be with him.

Flinching a bit, Faolan gritted his teeth, he wasn’t sure what to call last night. He had thought he knew Son, could trust him. Warring with him self over how he felt about the violet haired male that sat before him. But it appeared that it wasn’t to be since the demon less then worthy. Giving a curt nod of his head, "Yes, that is exactly what I think you did, Son’Arrin. That you took what you wanted from me since I did not wish to give in to you."

Dark eyes searched gold ones; Faolan really believed that… Lips trembled a little; a sharp pain wrapped around his chest and squeezed until he thought he felt something break. Lowering his head as he spoke, "So, I convinced you to sleep with me against your will." Bitterness and bile rose into his throat. Forcing it away, keeping his voice cold and distant as he continued to speak, "Which is rape, right?" Instantly hating that word more so then ever before in his life, "So I raped you…" His voice sounded bleak, even to his own ears.

Had he really done what Faolan thought he had? Second-guessing his own actions from the night before. Had he forced him self onto the Aedon? He knew that Faolan cared for him, wanted him, in some aspect, but kept trying to fight it. Perhaps the Aedon didn’t wish to be with him since he had to been a former demon. Maybe… maybe nothing he ever did would change, no matter how hard he tried.

Looking beyond Faolan, Son saw his pants lying in the grass from where he shrugged out of them the night before and beyond them, the lake… his skin suddenly itched.

Faolan blanched, he had not meant to say that. Had he? Was that what he was saying? That Son had raped him? Forced… No, he hadn’t felt forced, just like he had lost control… but not forced. It had all just happened so quickly. Rubbing his head, Faolan drew in a long breath, letting it slowly out between his teeth.

"Son," Tipping his head back, watching as the other slowly rose to his feet to walk around him towards the shore line, "It wasn’t rape." Turning to watch Son as he made his way to the water. "I don’t know what it was…" Drawing a knee up towards his chest, resting his chin against it, hiding his own nudity from view. He was unable to pull his eyes away from the other’s back, the nagging feeling that he’d once more caused Son harm wouldn’t leave him alone.

"It was rape… you said so…" Son’s disembodied voice floated back, not bothering to look over his shoulder at the Aedon. He didn’t want to see the man right now. Not after… "Go away Faolan… I wish to be alone now…" Feeling dirty, a kind that would never come clean, no matter how hard he scrubbed at his skin. The warmth and joy he had felt completely sucked out of him. Sinking down into the cold water, he would have liked to say that he could have felt the icy cold water caressing his warm skin, but he was already too numb.



******

In the guest bedroom that Chris, Sereph’s closest friend, had lent them, Krinthen found himself alone with his own wayward thoughts. Leaning against the dresser, hands gripping the dark wooden surface on either side of his body, the Fae healer stared silently, broodingly at the image that stared back at him. Tired, pain filled eyes watching him back. They looked to have dark circles around them while his skin looked paler then normal. The pinched, expression narrowing his green ringed lips wasn’t promising either. He was not well not-by a long shot. The cooling cup of tea that held herbs from the village mid-wife was not helping either. Not when his mind was eating away at him. There was no peace to be found in the quiet little bedroom.

They had been at Chris’ for a full week now and he was just starting to feel a little better. Even though they were supposed to be here for Sereph, Krinthen hadn’t taken well to the magic that had brought them here and he had become sick. He tried to brush it off and focus on his lover, but the problem continued to plague him. It should have cleared up some days ago, finally breaking down Krin had taken a trip to the local mid-wife, there was no other healer to be had. And since she would be the one to have something for the upset stomach that kept him from holding anything down for long, that was where he had gone for a few hours.

Picking up the cup of tea, the healer forced him self to take another mouth full of the cold brew, thinking that he should have finished it off while it was still warm. It was supposed to help sooth a sour and distressed stomach, among other things. The only thing, he just needed something to quiet the circling questions in his mind. To help him sleep, maybe, that would be the answer?

Their dinner had been a quiet affair that night; Krin had excused him self after, allowing the other two men to talk while he went to clean the kitchen. Which he didn’t mind cleaning, he liked things to be neat and clean and it was the only thing that he could think of to help pay Chris back for his hospitality.

Krin had said he didn’t wish to intrude on the pair, Sereph had tried to reassure him that he wouldn’t be but Krin could tell that whatever Chris wished to talk about with his lover, that it was a private matter between the two of them. With a smile, he gently told Sereph to go catch up and that he could spend the next few hours making it up to him in other ways. Sereph had given him a look that left him blushing before walking off with Chris into the library. Once he heard the door close behind them, he set about making the herbs he had been given into a tea while he cleaned the dinner mess.

Krin worried that Chris didn’t like him, it was like the other could tell that he was hiding something from Sereph, but it wasn’t what the other angel thought it was. He had nothing to do with what happened to Sereph in the woods. Well, other then saving his beloved from whatever that mad man had in mind.

Ink black hair cutting off his vision on either side of him as the long length tickled against the tops of his hands, his thoughts chased themselves around in gut wrenching circles over and over always coming back to the same thing, how was he going to tell Sereph? How? What if Sereph didn’t want children? What if the angel didn’t want to stay with him? What if Sereph couldn’t stay with him? Then what was he going to do? How was he going to get through this? This was worse then being the prisoner of the demon lord.

With his dark hair framing his face as it was, Krin thought he looked washed out and tired. Like he hadn’t slept in a few weeks. Though, they had only been here for a little over a week now. Rubbing his temple, the healer drew in a slow breath and let it back out again, while his other rubbed against his stomach, ordering himself not to be sick again. He’d just eaten; he wanted to hold this meal down for a little longer then 15 minutes.



*****



Walking into Christian’s library behind the former General of the Adachiel, it almost felt like old times again, following behind Chris into this room. Running his fingers through his long white hair, a sigh parting his lips, "The spell isn’t here, like you said it wouldn’t be." Gritting the words out as he closed the door behind them and leaned against it for a moment. "And there isn’t anything close to it." Shaking his head, the need to have a cigarette over taking him, that and a good stiff drink. Walking into the room, he flopped down on the couch, sprawling over the length and kicking his feet up over the arm on the other side.

Slumping into the large, overstuffed chair, Chris studied his long time friend, "I tried to tell you that much, but you had to find out for yourself." Muttering slightly under his breath that Sereph was too stubborn for his own good. Shaggy brown hair falling into his ruined eyed, hiding it from view. Clearing his throat, Chris regarded the tainted angel as he spoke to him in a soothing tone, " Could the Fae have done it? He’s been rather distant and distracted while the two of you’ve been here."

Shaking his head, Sereph denied that Krin would do something to harm him. The man just wasn’t like that, he knew what Krin was feeling and there wasn’t anything bad in him, "I’ve been inside of Krin’s mind and heart. He’s a warm and loving person, he’d never do anything to harm me like that." Drawing out a long sigh as he brought up the unlit cigarette to his mouth, "But he hasn’t been him self." Admitting that much got him to think about the Fae. Thinking and worrying.

"Are you really sure? You’ve been fooled before by a pretty face and a shapely body." Lips twitching a bit, "Not that I blame you with Krin. He just seems too good to be true."

"Krin’s not just a pretty face." Seeing the look Chris was trying to hide, "Get your own Fae…" Twisting the cigarette in his fingers before setting it against his lips, "And he’s been through hell… well… not really. Close enough. He’s seen both sides and has made the hard choices." Taking a moment to light the white cylinder and drawing in a lung full of smoke, letting it sooth and relax him a bit before letting the cloud of smoke go.

"Do you have to do that in here?" Glaring at Sereph from beneath his bangs, Chris didn’t mind that the other smoked, he just wished that Sereph didn’t do it in rooms that he frequented.

"No," drawing in another lung full of smoke and exhaling it into the room, "But Krin’s starting to pitch a fit when I do it in our room."

Waving a hand in front of his face, Chris let the one matter drop and went back to the former topic, "All right. Fine. The Fae’s a saint." Tossing a hand in the air as if in mock surrender, letting Sereph have his way. His heart and mind seemed to be set that Krin could do no wrong. Going back to the matter at hand, "That still doesn’t change the fact that someone tried to pull the demon out of you."

Rolling his shoulders, "Hell, if it were that easy, if it would work, I would have tried it years ago. But it’s not likely and someone… Fuck, Chris, I need to find this asshole before he tries again." Washing his face with his left hand. Sereph got to his feet and started to pace the room, no longer able to sit still. "I do not want to think what Salloes would do should he escape."

Chris sighed and sunk back into the chair, "I don’t want to see that other side of you escape either. I like you just the way you are, Sereph." Closing his eyes, he thought over the story one more time and winced. "There is nothing we can do right now." Giving a small smile, "Why don’t you go check on Krin? He was looking rather upset after dinner. Maybe some together time will help you both?"

Feeling the shift of subject, the corners of Sereph’s eyes tensed, "And what are you going to do?" Not bothering to questions Chris’ sudden change of feeling towards Krinthen. He knew that Chris didn’t really blame the healer for what happened, he just wanted to test his own feelings for the dark haired male in the next room. Perhaps he had even done this to Krin? Huh? Maybe that was why Krin felt so uncomfortable around the other angel?

"There is something I can do, I just need a few days more to know if I have enough contacts left to pull it off. I am not as popular with certain people as I once was." Getting to his feet as well, Chris took a hold of the cigarette and stabbed it out in the ashtray, "That is bad for your health. Now go play with your pretty Fae before I steal him away from you."



*****



"What’s wrong? You have been distant all night." Sereph asked in a low tone, not wanting to startle the upset Fae as he moved into the room. Watching Krin carefully. He knew that his love hadn’t been well, that it had something to do with the magic that he had used on them to transport them from the cottage to Chris’ home. "Talk to me, Krinthen. I promise, whatever it is, we can work through it." Reaching out to stroke the dark hair out of Krin’s eyes, searching them for whatever it was that was troubling the Fae. He didn’t want to believe that Krin was the one behind the attack as Chris had suggested.

His friend had noticed that Krin has been ill and withdrawn ever since their arrival here. Sereph had finally broken down and told Chris why it was that Krin might be that way around strangers. He didn’t like having to be the one tell his friend Krin’s sorted past encounter with the demon, Son’Arrin, but there was no help for it.

Chris had understood and didn’t question further, but Krin had been acting weird all day and it was time to get to the bottom of it. He had felt the Fae looking at him sideways all day, as if something was weighing on his mind but he wasn’t sure how to ask whatever it was that was troubling him.

Licking his lips before he began the task of worry his lower lip for a long moment. Finally reaching some sort of decision, Krin spoke in a soft tone, "I am worried about the future… our future together." Tracing the curve of the angel’s cheek, "I know we have never spoken about it before now. But back at the little cottage, it was nice, just you and I with out the outside world intruding in on us and now…"

He should have seen this coming. Sereph sighed as he gathered Krin into his arms, "What can I say that will set you at ease?" Continuing to pet the long silky black hair, forcing back the images of Krin lying dead on the floor of that tower. It was only a nightmare, he told him self, feeling his hand shake as he stroked the other’s hair back. His own problems were shoved aside, he was here for Krin now, there was more to Krin’s worry, this was only the surface, and Sereph could feel that much even without his empathy nagging at him.

"I don’t know, Seph," Looking away from the angel to stare at the man’s broad chest. Moving his hand so that it rested over his lover’s beating heart. "I want a home, children, some place safe away…" Sinking teeth into the ripe line of his lower lip, gathering his thoughts before he could finish speaking in a controlled and even voice, "from the dangers that seem to plague us both." Lifting his eyes to study Sereph’s very blue gaze, "I want these things with you, if I can have them. If not… Just tell me now. So, so I don’t get my heart too badly broken, ok?"

For all their hours spent together at the cottage away from the world, they had never really discussed the future until the real world intruded upon them and forced them out of hiding. Krinthen hadn’t given much thought about the time after they would leave the place. Maybe it was childish of him to hope that they wouldn’t leave it, that he would continue to have Sereph all to him self, that they would be together like in some kind of childhood fairy tale where they was a happily ever after for them to share. But it didn’t seem like that was bound to happen, not after the attack made against his lover. It seemed that he still had his demons to face down.

Krinthen had not counted on the fact that his Knight in Shining Armor just might need saving as well. If things were different… Drawing in a long, sharp breath, he would have been more then willing to stand up and shoulder some of those fights. Stand back to back with Sereph, do whatever it took to save the man that had saved him.

Feeling Krin’s fingers tense over his chest, there was a line of worry that creased the Fae’s brow, Sereph could feel the man’s need and sorrow all at once. There was a desire to help and yet a growing reluctance… no, not reluctance, but fear. There was fear in Krin about becoming a target for his enemies and yet a fiercely protective streak that came from no where. Though, it was hard to tell at whom it was directed towards.

Certainly it had to be him? Right? Who else would Krinthen wish to protect?

Pulling Krin into his arms, Sereph held him closer, taking the Fae with him to the bed, "You do not have to fight my battles for me…" Burying his fingers in the long black hair, "If that is what has you worried. Don’t. I can handle whatever is thrown at me." Shifting his hold so that he was hugging Krin to him. The thought of sharing a home with Krinthen was not that bad, he liked coming back to the small house and finding the Fae waiting for him. Though, children? He was not so sure about them. Nor was he so sure that he could actually give Krinthen children…

Picturing Krin rounded belly, the angel’s lips curved into a smirk as a light chuckle slipped past his lips.

"What do you find so funny?"

"You well rounded with child…"

"What’s funny about that?"

"I don’t know… It just is. It’s not like it could ever really happen."

Sitting up on Sereph’s chest, a leg on either side of the angel’s lean body, "Oh, it couldn’t? And what if it did? What if I were to become pregnant with your child, what would you do then?" Crossing his arms over his chest while casting a death glare at his partner.

Rolling his eyes, Sereph set his hands on Krin’s knees, "If you were to somehow to magically become pregnant then I would do the right thing." Gripping the Fae, he suddenly flipped Krin onto his back and pinned him to the bed, "But since that isn’t very likely to happen, why worry about it?" Giving the man a wicked grin, "Besides, there are much more appealing things I would like to do to you," nibbling on the Fae’s ear, working his way to Krin’s neck, thinking of sinking his teeth in and marking this man as his.

Pushing at Sereph’s chest, "I need up!"

Sitting back Sereph frowned, "What’s wrong?"

"I am going to be sick!"

Frowning harder now, Sereph watched as Krin shot off the bed and out of the door. What the hell… Brows furrowed he went in search of his Fae only to hear Chris make his high pitched protest from the bathroom. Wiping his face with his hand, Sereph bit back a bout of laughter.



*****



Tufted ears tipped back as bitter words were uttered from the violet haired male. Swallowing hard, Faolan rose to his feet, walking after Son, he had to set this right. Stepping into the icy water, he felt his body shudder in response to the cold lapping liquid. "It wasn’t." Teeth clicking together as he moved further into the water after Son who seemed to be showing no signs that he was cold or being effected by it, "Please, come out of the water before you maker yourself ill."

Son’s back stiffened a bit, never turning to face Faolan as he sunk down into the water up to his chin, the cold water numbing him to the core. Gritting his teeth together, the former demon snarled, "Go away." Uttering the words again in the hopes that Faolan would just leave him. There was no hope, nothing but the void of emptiness opening before him. He would be alone until his death; no one wanted him beyond his powers or body. And Faolan didn’t even want that much from him. "Why continue to pretend, Faolan? I know how you feel. Don’t forget that you gifted me with empathy. The disgust, the betrayal, the hurt, I can feel it all, thanks to you."

"Son…" Breathing the name out, reaching outward to tug the man out of the water if he had to, being Aedon made him stronger then mortals, it should have given him a buffer as well against Son’s advance last night. And it hadn’t.

Shooting to his feet, Son slapped Faolan’s hand away, "GO AWAY!" He roared, "There is nothing I want from you! EVER AGAIN!" Stepping out of Faolan’s reach, shaking his head slightly, "I gave you my body. Do you have any idea what that means?" Blinking a bit before batting at his eyes. "I have never given myself to anyone. NEVER! Not once. Not ever. I trusted you! I loved you! I wanted to be with you! To give you my heart…" Shaking his head again, stepping further back, "But I am just a disgusting demon, unworthy of love, of you… thank you for giving me this." Placing a hand over his heart, "I will never forget."

Distress filled him, he hadn’t known, no, that was a lie, he knew that Son had carried some sort of feelings for him, he just wasn’t sure how deep they had run until now. Son had claimed he couldn’t get rid of him, but he had, he’d turned on the man, and sure enough, with a few wrong words he had destroyed the fragile thing that had began to bloom between them. Staring at the former demon, his hand dropping away from its out reached position. What could he say? Words didn’t seem to be able to mend this tear.

Shivering again, Faolan ignored his body as his gaze slipped away from Son’s naked flesh, looking out beyond the small pond they were standing in, hell, freezing in. Clenching his jaw to keep his teeth from chattering, his tail held high and out of the water, wading into it a bit deeper, Faolan bowed his head, feeling Son step back from him, but he didn’t stop. Not until he was in touching distance of the former demon. Glancing up at Son then back down, coming to lay his head against the man’s chest.

Son was so cold, had he done this to him?

Drawing in a slow breath, he let one of his own out, "It wasn’t rape…" Putting everything he felt for Son behind the words. "I care for you, I do." Looking up into those dark eyes, "I am used to being part of things but not apart of them. Love was not something I was allowed because I would end up having to hurt those I cared about. Shoving others away has become nearly second nature to me, it has nothing to do with you, Son." Reaching up to take a lock of the damp violet hair and wrap it around his fingers, "Please, don’t go." Setting his other hand over the one that was still over Son’s heart.



*****



Finding Chris standing in the hall, fiddling with the belt on his pants, the white haired angel arched a brow, "Sorry about that…"

One brown eye glared at him from under the wealth of shaggy hair; "You are not! Don’t lie!" Gritting teeth together as he got his pants refashioned. "You sent him in there on purpose."

Laughter bubbled into his throat, "No, had no intentions of letting Krinthen leave." Leaning against the wall that led into the bathroom he started to knock on the door when it was opened.

Krin’s face was washed of color, a touch of blood slipping from the corner of his mouth, "Sorry Chris," Slurring his words slightly before looking over at Sereph. There was a painful white haze around the both of them, wincing, Krin ducked his head. Swaying on his feet, "Sephy, I don’t… don’t… feel good…" Reaching out to clutch at the white haired angel’s front as his knees buckled under his weight.

"Shi!" Catching Krin easily, he swung the small Fae up into his arms, cradling the weight easily, "Chris…" brushing his cheek against the side of Krin’s face, "What just happened?"

Placing his hand against Krinthen’s pulse, he could feel it throbbing, racing under his fingers, "I don’t know." Coming to check Krin’s pupils, there were wide and dilated, unresponsive to the light, "Go lay him down." Stepping back into the bathroom while Sereph carried his burden down the hall, Chris thought he could hear the man chanting under his breath.

Back into their room, Sereph curled onto the bed, holding onto his lip lover, reaching up he petted the too pale cheek, "Krinthen… please… wake up… Don’t do this to me. Wake up!" Giving the man a shake, "Wake up!" Commanding the Fae to open his eyes and be all right as he watched Krin’s head lulled to the side against his shoulder. He had to be all right. Flashes of blood and sightless eyes staring back at him passed through Sereph’s mind while he held the Fae.

Panic rose swiftly, he turned his head, "CHRIS!"

Appearing in the doorway like Sereph had just summoned him, Chris walked swiftly over to the bed, and "Panicking won’t help matters." Stepping to the side of the bed, he laid the cold compress against the Fae’s forehead and pressed his hands to either side of Krin’s face, "He’s too hot, Sereph." Chris spoke in a worried tone, unsure what was wrong with the Fae, but he could feel something. Had been able to feel that there was something was wrong with Fae ever since Sereph brought him here. Not that he knew Krin before Sereph had to know that there was something wrong with him. "We have to get his fever down. Help me get him undressed and into the cold bath I just started for him."