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

by Amber V. Nicole

“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.”

“What’s it take to kill you?” I snapped, turning and dropping the piles of papers and scrolls. “More than that.” He launched himself at me, swinging his sword. I caught the blade with my free hand. I was done playing games. His eyes widened as he tried to yank it from my grip and failed. Talons grew, replacing my nails as I tightened my hold on the weapon. My skin burned beneath the strange metal, but I was done with our violent dance. “Okay, I’ll try harder then.” He yanked on the sword, but I held tight. The blade cut into my hand, but I ignored the pain and squeezed it with everything I had. The blade snapped in half, shards falling to the floor as a thunderous boom rang throughout the room. I smirked, and it was his turn to stumble back. “Oops. I broke your toy.” “Impossible,” he whispered.

“I will never be a leader like you.” “Excellent. Be greater.”