Paramount

By Nadia Scrieva

He broke her heart. Now, it's time for him to pay...
Pax Burnson has been in love with Thorn Kalgren since she was fourteen. Long before he became the CEO of one of the world's largest tech companies, and an arrogant jerk. Their families have always been close due to their shared secret; both Pax and Thorn are descended from devas, powerful demigods with vast supernatural abilities. Years ago, when Pax lost her mother, Thorn became her everything. She depended on him as her friend, mentor, and eventually her lover. His recent betrayal was more than she could bear.
Pax has spent a lifetime concealing her goddess heritage, and trying to be normal. She has vowed not to practice her powers, but her newfound anger at Thorn has released a violence that she cannot restrain. She turns to her best friend for help with a complex plan to deceive and destroy her former lover--but this is challenging since her best friend happens to be Thorn's own sister. As it turns out, Amara Kalgren has her own reasons to crave vengeance.
The friendship and loyalty between the two girls becomes fortified as they venture down a dark and twisted path, discovering ancient magick and terrifying demons, and struggling against the consuming lust and love for the men who have hurt them. Pax and Amara soon find that they've bitten off more than they can chew...
But there's no turning back now.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nadia Scrieva
• Release date: Sep 21, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301858477

Nadia Scrieva

Nadia Scrieva is an award winning author from Toronto, Canada. She loves martial arts, travel, and getting lost in a good book. Disappearing from the world for weeks for all-consuming writing marathons is her greatest joy.For more information, you can connect with the author on Facebook or visit her website to subscribe to her mailing list:facebook.com/NadiaFansnadiascrieva.com/#!subscribe

Book preview

Chapter 1: Defying the Laws

A feminine hand clad in a fingerless leather glove pulled a hard left on the steering wheel, maneuvering to avoid a car that had swerved into the way at the last second. The woman's face remained emotionless, but she felt anger rise up inside of her at the other driver’s reckless act. She raised her hand, palm facing forward and fingers spread apart as she breathed deeply.

Oh, I could just…

She could see the flow of heat emanating from her volcanic center, obliterating the other car and its driver in mere moments—and then, perhaps, continuing on to clear out the highway for the next few dozen miles. Her windshield began to crack. No. She abruptly stopped visualizing the gratifying havoc she could wreak if she released all the pent up power which hummed at her fingertips. The temptation was too great, and she immediately closed her fist and returned it to the steering wheel.

She grimaced, fighting to control her twitching fingers, and forcing them back down onto the Jeep’s steering wheel placidly. Regret coursed through her, and she acknowledged that she would need to replace her windshield again. A foul smell reached her nostrils, causing her forehead to crease. She glanced down at the bruised, tanned knuckles visible through little oval holes in her worn gloves. Smoke was drifting up from between her fingers as her heated palms burned into the rubbery-plastic material of the steering wheel. She felt sick at the stench.

Thorn. How could you?

The heart of her anger wasn't caused by reckless drivers. It was the lingering sting of betrayal. Startling her, a cell phone buzzed against her hip, and she fought the instant urge to crush it like a pesky insect. Was it him calling? She hadn’t answered her phone in weeks. Why would anyone still bother to call?

Thorn in my side, thorn in my brain.

The sections of the steering wheel she gripped had finally melted completely. Yet another part of the Jeep would need to be replaced. Luckily, her mechanic no longer asked questions. She removed her hands from the wheel and tried to wipe the sticky substance off her gloves. Giving up, she interlocked her fingers together before resting them in her lap. She continued steering with only her mind. She enjoyed driving with just her thoughts. She liked the idea that her body was flying through the air, and direction was controlled by her mere intent. It reminded her of what made her special: this inherited telekinetic ability. The ability she had promised her family never to use. The phone rang again.

The feminine posture of having her hands clasped demurely in her lap brought a sardonic smile to her face. The only thing which had ever been feminine about Pax was her long black hair. She had taken great pride in being able to sit on the lustrous mass, and had enjoyed the competitive factor of being able to say that hers was longer than that of any woman she knew, and almost all women she met. (In retrospect, tying her ego to the length of a physical extension of her body had not been completely feminine.) Even then, it had always hung in tangled, messy waves which she had hardly ever brushed.

It was only a month ago that she had shorn it all off. She still felt awkward when she turned to check her blind-spot and did not have a pound of tresses rolling over her shoulders comfortingly. She still felt like something was missing when the window of her Jeep was open, and the harsh wind did not whip unruly strands into her eyes. She felt naked without these little luxuries. Pax had not realized that her hair had been her security blanket—and once she did realize this, she had quickly introduced it to a pair of garden shears.

Pax wanted to stop depending on external substances for strength. She was sure that she could find a greater confidence inside her that had nothing to do with her hair, her car, or her lover.

She had depended far too much on him.

Her phone was still pulsating against her hip annoyingly. She did not want to look at the name on the caller ID, but her mind was already sliding the phone from its holster and lifting it to hover at her eye level. She glanced away from the road for a moment to warily read the letters. Amara Kalgren. It was only half of the name that she most feared seeing. It was the sister of the man who betrayed her.

She had no wish whatsoever to speak to the blond woman. It was a pity really, since she loved and respected Amara. The two had been very close when they were younger, and in recent years they had occasionally double-dated since Amara was also seeing a relative of hers. Pax felt a bittersweet smile tug her lips as she thought of her silly uncle Asher. Their families had grown up together, and the Kalgren kids had always been loyal friends. When families shared secrets such as theirs, they tended to stay together. Pax had not spoken to her favorite couple in far too long, because her uncle was exceedingly close to her ex-boyfriend. She could endure no reminders of what she had lost. Any contact with Amara or Asher would be chock-full of painful reminders and would inevitably lead to contact with exactly what she was trying to avoid.

Releasing her focus on the phone, she allowed it to fall against her thigh. She looked ahead at the highway, and cursed when she saw the sea of red brake-lights appearing. She willed the dial that controlled the volume of her speakers to turn up the music to the maximum. She closed her eyes and let the sound bombard her ears as she sat still in traffic. Pax did not really have anywhere to go, but driving endlessly along the highway made her feel like she was going somewhere. It made her feel like she was getting away, although she was quickly finding that the continent was not large enough to escape the older Kalgren sibling. She had been sleeping in her car and on uncomfortable motel beds as she tried to escape her disgrace, but her rest was littered with fitful nightmares while her waking hours were tormented with frequent involuntary memories.

A vibration against her thigh caused her to peer down. She scowled at her phone. Amara hardly ever called at all; this was an old signal from their youth. Double-calling. Twice in a minute was a true sign of emergency. Pax jabbed her canines into her bottom lip, chewing as she considered taking the call. There might be a crisis. Something could have happened to her uncle Asher. She turned off the music telekinetically. Unlocking her hands and sliding her pinky finger tentatively across her thigh, Pax used the tip of her nail to press the green button.

Yes? she asked curtly. For a moment she was seized by an intense panic that it might be Thornton calling from his sister’s phone. She held her breath, reassuring herself that he would never stoop that low. But then, there was precious little she knew about the depths to which he would stoop.

A small voice on the other end whispered a usually-upsetting diminutive of her name. Paxie…

Pax slammed her skull back into the headrest and cursed. Although she had not been especially close to Amara in the past decade, she could recognize the helplessness and despair in her friend’s soft plea. They had been infants together, followed by childhood playmates. She knew Amara’s every emotion as though it were her own, and although she had no inkling of what happened, she instinctively knew that this must be the worst kind of disaster. Her heart leapt into her throat as she imagined the worst case scenario—had her foolish Uncle Asher somehow gotten himself killed?

I’m on my way, Pax said into the phone before hanging up. She glanced at her GPS to get a sense of her location, and cursed again. Her aimless, wandering circles had taken her three states away from Amara’s beachfront home. Three states and at least fifteen hours. An idea struck her: the Jeep was a mess anyway, so perhaps she could abandon it and travel with her mind.

Pulling over into a ditch, Pax took several deep breaths to concentrate. She had only successfully done this a handful of times in her life—usually in emergencies when it was most necessary. This was an emergency, and surely she would be able to focus enough to move her body across the distance instantaneously. It was only one small body—she could lift much larger objects without any effort. She reached into her passenger seat and slipped her wrist under her purse before beginning.

Pax placed the palm of her right hand firmly against her solar plexus. She took a deep breath, visualizing her destination. She placed her left hand beside her right hand, forming the shape of a heart with her fingers. Her head begin to spin as her body begun dematerializing, starting at her core. For a moment, she was immaterial, and floating in nothingness.

A tickle of fear caused her to gasp, and she immediately found herself falling butt-first onto the hood of her Jeep.

Shit! I suck at this, she muttered, looking around to see if anyone had noticed her blunder. Grumbling, she rolled off the hood of her Jeep, wiping the dirt off her pants. Many insects had been slain with her speed in the past few days, and now their corpses were decorating her jeans. Pax swore repeatedly as she picked up her purse from the mud near the wheel of her car. She considered traveling by air, but there were too many people nearby. She climbed back into her Jeep, and slammed the door, upset with herself for her own inadequacy at using the technique which was supposed to be her birthright.

It was often her downfall that she tried to obtain everything she desired instantaneously.

Digging her key into the ignition, she jammed her foot on the gas pedal and began driving on the rough, potholed shoulder. She flew by the stopped cars on the highway, disregarding the dozen rules she was probably breaking. If she could not be successful in bending the laws of nature, then at the very least, she could satisfy herself in defying the laws of the road.

* * *

"Mara! Where are you? Is everything okay? Amara!"

Pax felt sick. It had taken ten hours, but she had driven directly to Amara’s waterfront home, stopping only once for gas. Seeing her friend’s Jaguar in the driveway, she had let herself in. Now, as she moved from room to room on the hunt for the blonde woman, she was growing alarmed. She considered calling, but it was faster just to lift the palm of her hand.

Pilot me to thine light, Pax chanted softly. The incantation was not necessary, but it helped her to focus. Soon enough, she found herself being subliminally led to her friend’s bedroom. Amara was still nowhere to be seen, so she continued to follow the guiding energy to the ensuite bathroom.

Upon touching the doorknob, Pax recoiled as the strong scent of her uncle overwhelmed her senses before the door was even fully open. Terror flooded her breast as she imagined Asher’s corpse sprawled out on the floor. Her gloved hand flew to cover her mouth before she had even seen a body. A déjà vu swept over her as she recalled finding her dead mother when she was just a teenager. The scent was familiar—it was not only Asher, but his blood.

Pax felt her heart skip a beat as it ached with love for her uncle. She expected to see him lying there dead, but she still moved into the room with determination. Asher was nowhere to be seen, but a small blonde woman was huddled in a corner of the shower stall. Amara was completely naked. Pax swallowed back her fear before she took in the surroundings. Amara’s fashionable clothes were strewn all over the floor, and there was dark blood which had dried as it had been dripping down the glass doors of the shower stall.

Amara, are you hurt? Pax immediately moved to comfort her friend, crawling into the shower stall and crouching beside her. Pax spotted Amara’s cell phone sitting in a pool of water nearby. It was amazing that the thing hadn’t short-circuited, but then again, it was Kalgren technology.

Mara? Pax asked in a soft voice, reaching out to brush her friend’s hair off her face. She was surprised to find that Amara’s hair was perfectly dry. Her skin was perfectly dry. There was hardly any water in the shower stall, except for a few small pools gathered at the bottom. It must have been hours since the shower was used.

How long have you been like this? Amara! Talk to me! said Pax firmly. Hearing no response she desperately sent her message directly into her friend’s mind. Has something happened to Ash? Please, please, Mara. Please tell me that my uncle is fine. I hardly have any family left. Is he…

Amara snapped out of her little daze and looked up at her friend. Ash? she asked dumbly. He’s fine.

Thank Sakra, Pax said, referring to the god of gods. She allowed herself to fall from her raised position on her ankles to a seated position on her bottom, ignoring the pools of water beneath her. She released a gush of air. Is this your blood?

The blonde woman stared forward for a moment silently.

Pax began to frown as her worry began to be replaced with anger. Did Ash hurt you? Because if he…

No, Amara responded softly. When he touches me, he is always gentle. So tender. He wouldn’t hurt a fly.

Pax rolled her eyes at this description. Were they talking about the same man? Her annoyingly powerful uncle who had wrestled her toys away with his mind before she could even walk? Maybe he wouldn’t, Pax agreed, but he certainly could. Did he?

No.

Sure. He didn’t hurt you. That’s why you’ve been sitting naked in the corner of a blood-soaked shower stall for god-knows how many hours!

Amara looked at her friend for the first time. Oh, Paxie. Where’s all your beautiful hair?

Pax was already reaching up to search for it before she remembered. She scowled. Don’t call me that, Amara. We’re not five anymore. And don’t change the subject. What the hell happened?

Amara’s eyes lowered again. I did something bad.

Glancing up at the bloody shower walls in confusion, Pax frowned. What did you do? She knew that Amara was not strong enough to harm her uncle, physically or psychically. She reached out to grasp the girl’s shoulder and give it a firm shake. Mara. Hey, hey! What did you do?

I don’t know. He left me.

"He what?" Pax repeated in shock. Asher and Amara were the most solid couple she knew. Every birthday and holiday, she and Thornton would always… she could not finish the thought. Her anger at her own lover was beginning to seep into thoughts of her uncle by extension.

Amara turned to Pax with wounded innocence in her clear blue eyes. He said he just wanted to… have me one last time. Then he walked away.

Pax felt comprehension dawn on her as she took in the state of the bathroom. So… he fucked you and then he left you?

The blonde woman was as still as death. Do I deserve this? I don’t understand.

Rage flushed Pax’s body with warmth as the anger blossomed inside her again. She clenched her fists. Even after all this, Amara refused to say a negative thing about Asher. She refused to condemn him for hurting her, and she chose to believe that it was somehow her fault. While Pax loved her uncle to pieces, she could not make sense of his actions. Asher often followed the wrong company (Thornton) and this has often influenced him negatively and gotten him into all kinds of trouble.

You didn’t do anything wrong, Pax reassured her friend. She reached out to rub her gloved hand over Amara’s naked back. I’ll stay with you, okay? We’ll get through this together.

Amara felt the familiar waves of heat radiating from Pax’s hand and lifting her hair. She felt a small smile touch her lips. She hadn’t realized that she had been so cold. The warmth of the dark haired woman’s angry energy surrounded Amara's skin like a comforting blanket. As her lips curled they cracked, revealing how dry they had become from the salty tears that had been running over them for so many hours.

Thank you, Pax, said Amara softly.

What for? she asked.

For being here. I needed you.

Pax felt guilt wash over her when she remembered that she had been ignoring Amara's phone calls. It’s partly my fault she’s like this. If I had been a better friend… Gah! I should have flown here instead of driving when my teleportation didn’t work. As she stared at the small blonde woman who was deathly pale, Pax began to form a vow in her mind. Uncle or not, she would not allow Asher to hurt her friend like this and get away scot-free. She would find a way to make sure that he was the one sitting on the floor and broken. She did not realize that she was fusing her own pain with Amara’s and transferring it to a different man. Asher will regret the day he did this to her. She’s the last person who deserved this. Amara is so sweet and loving—not bitter and vengeful like me. She was always so true and devoted. I’ll make Asher pay. I’ll hurt him so deeply, and so terribly that it will ruin his already ruined life. Damn you, Thorn! I mean Ash...

Pax saw a single tear run down Amara’s face and it snapped her out of her guilt and anger. She put her arms around the blonde woman and held her close, ignoring that she was naked. Amara leaned against Pax’s shoulder and let the tears fall freely.

Chapter 2: Neither, yet Both

This is why we made that pact, Thornton was saying as he crossed his arms across his chest and leaned back in his chair. Family was supposed to be off limits. It was very rare that his friend came to visit him during his office hours.

I know, Asher said, but you broke that pact before I did. Way before I did, man.

And that makes this fine? She’s my baby sister, Thornton said. He rose to his feet and slammed the palms of his hands down onto the mahogany desk. You promised you wouldn’t hurt her.

"Come on, buddy. You really want to get into this with me? You really want to talk about hurting someone, because I can dig up some real sweet-smellin’ shit…"

No. Just explain yourself.

Asher laughed bashfully, reaching up to scratch above his ear. You know how it is. Mara was great, but I don’t think I was ready for the kind of commitment she expected. I was starting to feel real old. I couldn’t stand the marriage hints. I shouldn’t have to explain this to you, man. Look at what you’ve…

Well, why shouldn’t you have married my sister? You’ve been with her for over five years and things seemed to be going swell. Thornton reached up to rip his glasses away from his face and began to polish them nervously.

I don’t know, Asher shrugged. I guess when I saw that you were free and living the life again I felt jealous. I know that we’re not kids, but I still feel young and… I want things to be like they used to be. Fun and no-strings. I want to party with you.

Don't blame this on me! shouted Thornton. His mahogany desk drifted a few inches off the floor. I’m not ‘living the life,’ Ash. I’m trying my best to stay sane. My company is falling apart, and I am up to my neck in friggin’ lawsuits here. If I go out clubbing at night to blow off some steam, it doesn’t mean I’m reliving the glory of my college days. It means I’m working my ass off and going fucking insane!

Asher pointed at the desk with two fingers and forced it back down to the ground. Relax, Thorn. Look, I know running Kalgren Tech isn’t easy, but you gotta keep your cool if you want to keep the building standing, okay?

Thornton lifted his hands in apology. Sorry. I just—I know that Mara really loves you. She used to scribble your name in her notebooks when she was a little kid. The businessman slid his glasses back onto his nose with a sigh. I told her that she was dumb and you were a jerk, but would she listen?

Do you really wanna go there? Asher asked. Because if we start talking about Paxie…

No. Don’t even say her name, Thornton said, sitting down abruptly. He groaned and rested his elbows on his desk, shoving his head into his hands and beginning to aggressively knead his temples. I made some major mistakes recently. I have royally screwed myself beyond the point of unscrewing. But you didn’t have to follow my example. You could have been better than me, Ash.

When in our entire lives have I ever been better than you? Asher sent his friend a gloomy grin. Face it, Thorn. In every test I aced, you scored a little higher. In every race we ran, you timed a little faster. I’ve always been the shadow and the sidekick. You’re the big time CEO, and I’m your unemployed best friend. Got me a few nifty superpowers, but still. Never gonna be the bigger man.

Thornton glanced up in disbelief. So if I accidentally happen to act like the world’s greatest asshole…

It is my time-honored duty to intentionally be the world’s second greatest asshole, Asher joked. Seeing the lines around Thornton’s eyes soften, he continued to push his luck. We made another pact when we were kids, remember? We said we’d never let a woman come between us. When his friend nodded, he declared with emphasis, Bros before hoes!

Thornton looked up with his blue eyes suddenly stormy. You’re talking about my sister, man.

"Yeah, I’m talkin’ about her. I’m also talkin’ about my niece who you babysat. My niece who lost her mother when she was thirteen, and looked up to you as her hero. Paxie fucking worshipped the ground you…"

Okay. You win. Thornton lifted his hands in surrender. It will never be mentioned again. Buds before broads, and bitches, and whatever the kids are saying. So, forget them. It’s you and me, Ash. Just like old times. Let’s grab a pitcher tonight at the Oleander Lounge.

I can’t afford that place! Asher said, wincing.

I can. Thornton looked down at his Rolex and saw the new scar running along his forearm. He reached down to finger it gingerly. Just one more thing before we stop talking about it altogether. You’d better be careful. Your niece has a hell of a temper on her, and she’s a lot more powerful than you think. So if she gets wind of what you did to Mara…

She’s going to take out her anger at you on me? Asher asked cheerfully.

Yeah. Sorry, man, but this isn’t a joke.

I know what she’s capable of, Asher said with a shrug. But we’re family. She won’t do shit to me.

Thornton began rubbing his temples again. This is so messed up. I need that beer now. Reaching for his phone, he pressed his intercom. Nina, cancel my meetings. I’m calling it a day.

"Yes, Mr. Kalgren."

Asher smiled down at the phone. Once his friend’s finger had lifted, he sent him a knowing look. So now that you’re single, have you tapped Nina yet?

I hadn’t thought of that, Thornton admitted. Good idea. What are secretaries for?

* * *

Pax concentrated on a silver handle to slowly mix a spoonful of honey into chamomile citrus tea. The scent that wafted up from the ceramic mug was divine. She somehow recalled that it was Amara’s favorite. Cupping the mug with both hands, she sighed and tried to calm her insides. How could she console the youngest Kalgren sibling when her own emotions were scattered and unfocused? She made her way from the kitchen into the living room, holding her freshly-boiled panacea.

Amara was curled up in a corner of the sofa. She was still hunched over, her posture just as Pax had found her in the shower. Pax had pulled a bathrobe around her friend’s naked body and all but carried her down to the sofa. Amara had remained somewhat oblivious as Pax spoke to her and covered her with a blanket. Sometimes she spoke to Pax, but most of the time she buried inside of her own mind. Pax knew she needed to drag her out.

Okay, Amara. I need you to get yourself together, Pax insisted. Receiving no response, she tried again. Mara? I want you to be angry at him.

The blonde woman didn’t respond. Pax sent the thought at her, with a wave of her own anger. Mara! You need to be pissed at him.

Amara looked up then, her eyes meeting Pax with confusion. No.

Why the hell not? Pax asked with a frown. You are above taking crap from anyone. Your dad is a demigod. The King of Devas. You’re a Kalgren. One of the most respected, powerful, and beloved families in…

Only because of magick.

And technology. Your mother is a genius. Your family has always used their power for good…

So has yours.

Not in the same way. While Pax had great pride in her ancestors, she was happy to belittle them for the sake of her friend. My grandfather might have died fighting the Asura, but my mother destroyed herself by using magick she couldn’t control. My dad ran away to the mountains because he couldn’t handle the pressures of modern city life. We’re not blessed like you Kalgrens. Asher is weak and stupid—all the power of a deva and he couldn’t even graduate from college! How can you let inferior scum treat you badly? He’s not even worth your pain.

I love him.

He used you. He strung you along like a puppet for years. If your dad knew…

No, Amara whispered. Don’t tell daddy.

Fine. But you have to say you hate Ash or else I won’t give you this steaming hot delicious tea. Pax circled the cup under her friend’s nose. Injured or not, there was no way her delicate nostrils could avoid this point-blank tease.

Amara cracked a small smile, taking the cup with her hands through the blanket, Okay. I hate him.

She sipped on the tea. Pax silently said a prayer of thanks for that little smile.

I think I do kind of hate him, Amara spoke telepathically as she sipped her tea. The blonde woman stared at her reflection in the amber liquid. I thought things were fine. Better than fine. I thought we were going to get married. I had my dress picked out and everything. My favorite designer was working on the design for me. I wanted to have his babies—Ash was so good with kids and he would have made a great dad. Tears began to gather in Amara’s eyes. Do you know how badly I want babies, Paxie?

Pax stood up rather suddenly and took a deep breath. Excuse me, she said apologetically. She ran over to Amara's sliding glass doors. Unlocking the latch carefully with her trembling hands, Pax exited onto the exquisite patio overlooking the ocean. She walked briskly across the patio and down the stairs, almost bolting to the edge of the cliff. She concentrated in order to levitate her body a few meters into the air before guiding herself forward off the cliff and out over the water.

She stared down at the dark waves crashing on the rocks far below, her chest heaving with deep breaths. Pax involuntarily arched her back, bringing her hands to her sides. Opening her mouth, a murderous scream ripped forth from her chest, causing a physical manifestation of her rage to escape her body. A huge beam of blazing red prana escaped with her scream, traveling forth into the night sky where it exploded like celebratory fireworks. Pax panted, watching the reflection of the explosion in the dark water below. She did not even understand this new power.

Pax, come back here! That looks dangerous. Please…

Hearing Amara’s worried thoughts in her mind, she obediently turned around and levitated back to the cliff. Once there was ground beneath her feet, she stopped concentrating and allowed herself to fall to her knees in the grass. She balled her hands up into fists and pounded the ground as she felt her energy suddenly depleted. When was the last time she had slept? It felt like she had been driving nonstop for days. There was a ringing in her ears from the echo of her own scream, and her head ached.

Pax saw a pair of bare feet in the grass before her, and she looked up to see that Amara had followed her outside. It seemed that her natural fireworks had startled the blonde woman out of her daze.

What was that? Amara asked, holding the blanket around herself tightly. Does it make you feel better?

A little bit. No. Not really, I guess. Pax sighed, pushing herself off the ground and wiping the grass stains off her already ruined jeans.

Why did you leave my brother?

Pax froze. What?

Sorry if it’s rude to bring it up. I could just see that you were upset and I don’t know why, Amara said softly. I have been so selfish, focusing on my own problems when you’re unhappy too.

What have you heard? Pax asked slowly.

Not much. Ash wouldn’t say anything. Amara shrugged, wiping a few blonde strands out of her eyes. Thorn has been acting really weird since you left. Blowing loads of cash. Clubbing and partying every night like he’s nineteen instead of thirty-nine. What gives?

Mara. Your brother cheated on me.

Amara’s eyes widened. No! Are you sure?

Pax decided to sit back down in the grass abruptly. She stretched her arms backward and rolled her head from side to side to crack her neck. Yeah. I went to his office to surprise him with lunch. Fried rice and pork chops. I found him… Pax swallowed and began laughing a little bit hysterically. She could not think about this too much. She spit out the rest of the words very quickly. He was on top of a woman who was lying on his desk. A redhead in a pinstriped business suit. Her skirt was bunched up around her hips. He was… enjoying himself.

Amara had dropped her blanket as both of her hands raised to her lips. "Thorn? Thorn did that?"

Yeah. I tried to turn around and walk away. I tried to focus on how good the pork chops smelled, and on the pleasant thought that I wouldn’t have to share them. But before I could step out of that room… I blacked out.

Oh, no, Paxie…

"I don’t even know what I

Reviews for Paramount

[jblazarte · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The only thing that beats a tale of romance with a revenge twist is an exquisitely written tale of romance with a revenge twist. Add the elements of fantasy, paranormal and erotica into the mix, and you’ve got something that’s just so unforgettable: Nadia Scrieva’s ‘Paramount’, which is just Book 1 of her ‘Thirty Minutes to Heartbreak’ series.Essentially, ‘Paramount’ is an exquisitely fleshed out erotic/romantic story that grabs you at the get-go. The plot is familiar: Pax Burnson is brimming with power, but she does her best to live her life as a normal person, but when she is betrayed by someone she has loved for a long time, Pax’s life is overturned—compelling her to unleash and use her power according to what her vengeful heart demands. But how Pax accomplishes her revenge is complicated—and quite a delicious read: aside from the steaming hot erotic scenes, a somewhat turn toward incest (a feat made possible by Pax’s powers), she manages to bury the blade of her revenge into the hilt and savagely turn it—but only to discover that the blade is double-edged, and ultimately, she may end up in a worse place than before. Let me suffice it to say that “Paramount’ is a deeply satisfying read—I enjoyed every moment of it. And the way it ends will absolutely leave you craving for more—the great thing is that the sequel is available and you can easily get that too. Talk about instant gratification—which is just spot-on for a book like this. Get your copy today—if you love a well-crafted tale of romance, obsession, desire and magic, then you will also love this. A well-deserved five-star rating for this one.

[draak_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Pax Burnson is the descendant of devas, but after her mother dies vows that she will never use her powers. Amara, her best friend, is also a deva but was always more interested in shopping and fashion than her powers. When Amara's brother Thornton cheats on Pax and Pax's uncle Ash breaks up with Amara watch out. Hell hath no fury like two devas scorned. They team up and use ancient magick to merge together and create a woman, Para, that no one can resist, with one small problem. They can only stay this way for 30 minutes at a time. And with that they go forward to seek revenge on their ex's.From the first page to the last I was hooked. Nadia writes very likable and strong women. You can't help but root for Pax and Amara as they go about their revenge, but at the same time find that you like Thorn and Ash also. It has so many twists, I couldn't help but talk out loud to the book as Para was trying to get away from Ash and he kept pulling her back, with only minutes before she split back into the two women. And in true Nadia fashion the ending leaves you wanting more, and I do want more. I fell in love with her books starting with the Sacred Breath Series( if you haven't read these you should)and I'm so glad there is another series from her just as wonderful. I can't wait to read book 2. I received this book through Goodreads and Nadia and I highly recommend it. Once again Thank you Nadia for writing such wonderful stories.