The Book of Azrael (Gods & Monsters, #1)

by Amber V. Nicole

“Yeah, but that’s also because I’m a masochist.” She swatted my arm and giggled. “Gross.” “I’m kidding, I’m kidding,” I said, smiling back at her. “… Mostly.”

“Look, I get it. You have this whole bad boy thing going for you, and I’m sure plenty of women here would love for you to bend them over this very bar, but it’s not going to be me. Trust me. I am actually doing you a favor, because I mean it when I say…” I paused, a slow smile curving my lips. “I would eat you alive.”

“Hey, last I recalled, I am the older sister here, okay? I take care of you. It’s kind of like my job, but with terrible benefits. The healthcare is shit, and I’m not even talking about the amount of money I spend on the collect calls when I’m out of town…”

“Because I don’t have to listen to you. Last I checked, I was second-in-command.” That pissed him off, and if he could have killed me on the spot, I swear he would have. “Now, now, ladies, you’re both pretty.”

“This is one of my favorite shirts!”

“Simple men, even supernatural ones, are always falling for the damsel-in-distress act.”

“The Hand of Rashearim. Samkiel’s guard. Or is his name Liam now? Once I get what I need, I’m going to enjoy ripping you to pieces and sending the parts back to your brethren. I hope he sees what is left of you.”

“No! You shouldn’t be able to escape that. Not unless you are one of the—” Zekiel stopped, his eyes wide and fearful. “It can’t be. Samkiel must know.”

“Good boy, keep your bitches in line.” She gave us both a wicked smile. “So, Samkiel, this is your Hand? Not very intimidating, if you ask me. All you have to do is cut one of their hands off, and they’re powerless.”

“Damn, you are durable. I really thought dropping three stories on you would buy me a little more time.”

was a hundred-dollar jacket, you asshole!” she spat, looking at her ruined clothes, unconcerned with the missing limb. “Excuse me?”

“Sorry, lover, playtime is over.”

Who had made him hot? Why was he hot now?

Or, wait—are you going to hit me? Slap me around a little? If you do it hard enough, I might like

“Is that your idea of torture? This is just a Saturday night for me, baby. You’re going to have to do better than that.”

“Oh, baby, I doubt you’ve met anyone like me before.”

have lived for several millennia,” his deep voice echoed from the back of the crowd, “and surprising me is hard to do. But you continue to surprise me.” “Hello, lover. I missed you, too,”

“Does the ground frequently shake here?” I quietly asked Gabby behind me. She shook her head. “That’s not a quake. That’s my sister.”

“I am so sorry for stabbing you.” That got my attention. “You stabbed him? Gabby, I am so proud!”

Maybe you can teach your sister some manners.” He looked back at me, his scowl returning tenfold. I pushed past Liam as the elevator opened, stepping in first. “Excuse me. I have manners.” Gabby and Liam looked at me as if I had lost my mind before joining me in the elevator.

“Dianna.” I looked at her, my arms folded. “Apologize.” “Over my dead body.” “Dianna. That was harsh, especially if you did everything he said you did. Plus, he saved me. Twice.

“I accept your terms.” “Fine,” I snapped. “Fine,” he said, pushing away from the wall and exiting the elevator.

“I merely asked for your presence. If that is not the correct terminology, I apologize.” “Are you saying you’re sorry?” I was genuinely shocked. “Yes, Miss Martinez. Not all of us are beasts,” he said, turning a page. “Did you just call me a beast?!” I roared, the flame tickling my palms again.

They are no longer actively coming after us, and I assume it is because Kaden has lost most of his muscle.” “Aww, you think I’m muscle.”

“You can draw?” They all just stared at me. “Okay, not the point. Tough crowd.”

“It was not my intent to offend you, Miss Martinez. If we are to work together, we need to at least be honest. Communicate, as you put it.” “Oh, so you do listen to me.” “It would be nearly impossible not to, with the high pitch of your voice every time you speak.”

“I don’t know why, but some people are afraid of you.” I tapped my foot, watching the numbers crawl higher. “Good. That proves some of you are intelligent,” Liam said, glancing at me meaningfully. “Did you just call me stupid?”

“You’re counting now? Do my yawns annoy you, my king?” “Do not call me that,” he snapped. “Why not? Don’t you own the universe or something?” I mocked. “Because you do not say it out of respect.” I saw Liam’s hand clench against his knee. “You only say it to pester me.” “Oh, look,” I faked a smile his way, “he’s learning.”

Tug. “—infuriating—” Tug. “—disobedient—” Tug. “—aggravating woman⁠—”

You do not gain something so precious as a life without paying a hefty price. There are some things that even we cannot afford,”

“How long have I been out?” His eyes followed mine, and he said, “Two days, six hours, and thirty minutes.” “You counted?” “Yes? Why is that surprising? Your absence has only extended what I assumed would be a short adventure.” “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t plan to get shot by an angry witch,”

“You know nothing of me or what I can and cannot do. Your lack of trust in my abilities is insulting. I am a king, remember? I can do and get anything I wish.” “Oh, trust me, I haven’t forgotten, you spoiled brat,” I said under my breath.

“Besides, I cannot lose you.” “Aw, that’s so sweet,” I half joked. I knew he didn’t mean it in a sweet way, but irritating Liam was my new favorite pastime. “Your death would be a great inconvenience, given the mission we must complete. So, with that said, you will not be out of my sight again. That means you do not command me or tell me what to do.” I rolled my eyes as I continued to search the room for my shoes. “There he is. I thought I’d lost the terrifying man-god for a second there.”

“Such a gentleman. I see why women fall at your feet.”

His nostrils flared, his jaw set in a hard line. “Must you make quips every second you breathe?”

I smiled, knowing I’d finally gotten under his skin. “Why d...

“You are absolutely tormenting. You realize ...

“I love it when you flirt with me.” I winked, causing a vein to pop forward on his forehead...

“Zarall. There is a Vampire Prince I was supposed to kill that I didn’t.”

“But you just ate a few hours ago.” “You know, normal people eat more than once a day.” “You are not a normal person—or a person, for that matter.” I bit my lip as I threw the car into park. “Gods, it’s a surprise you have any friends at all.” “Says the one whose friends repeatedly try to kill her.” My gaze narrowed. “Someone is cranky.

“There is only one bed.” “Great, you’re observant. I’m so proud. Now come here.”

“I promise to be on my best behavior, Your Majesty. Your virtue is safe with me,” she said and pressed her hand over her heart. “I promise.”

“Well, as you told me, you’re not a person—not really.” It was my turn to be shocked. I raised up on my elbow. “Oh, so you do listen to me?” Her eyes softened as a smile lit up her face. I froze, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe. I had never seen her truly smile—not a real one. It brightened her face, making her seem almost godlike. “I only listen every time you talk. How could I not? You’re usually complaining—loudly.” I dropped back down, placing my arm under my head once more. “You said no more fighting.” She shrugged. “That wasn’t fighting, more so picking at you, joking.”

“You fought terribly, by the way,” I said. “Excuse me?” Her mood seemed to shift, the haunted look leaving her eyes as she smirked. “I stabbed you, in case you forgot.” “You caught me off guard. Do not think it will happen again.” She rolled her eyes. “Sure thing, Your Majesty. Now lie down and close your eyes.” “So forceful,”

“Strange, it’s almost as if I know what I’m talking about.” He swallowed the food in his mouth and said, “Now who is the cocky one?” “Oh, trust me, big guy, I have nothing on you.”

“I was not terrifying to you?” A pang fluttered in my chest. This powerful and indomitable male was worried about what I thought of him. I had no idea how that was possible. “Well, no, but I’m crazy.” “That we can agree on.” “Hey!”

“I have never heard you laugh like that,” he said, a smile tugging at his lips. My shoulders shook as I ran my finger under my eye, still giggling. I fell in step with him, walking at his side. “You’re funny.” I bumped his shoulder with mine. “Sometimes.” “Sometimes?” His brow lifted as I stuffed my face with more purple spun sugar. “Yeah, you know, when you’re not being an ass.”

My thoughts derailed as Liam placed his jacket over my shoulders and pulled it closed over my chest. It draped me like a denim blanket, and I looked up at him in surprise. “I saw someone do this before you forced me into those tiny, aggressive cars.”

That’s all in your head. They’re staring because they think you’re gorgeous.” He pulled back and blinked at me in surprise. “Gorgeous?” He said the word as if it were the most disturbing thing he could imagine. “That’s the part you heard out of everything I said?”

“You call me one thing, then another. Your opinion changes like the wind.” “Oh, trust me, my opinion has not changed. I mean, you did look terrible for a while there. Plus, I still think you’re a complete ass at times, and you have an ego the size of the moon, but I’m not blind.” His smile drooped, which only broadened mine. “Hey, at least I am honest.” “That you are.”