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

by Amber V. Nicole

“Do not compare Dianna to any of my past conquests.”

I cared for her, and the more I learned about her, the more I realized we had a lot in common.

I was just Liam to Dianna.

“It’s different with you.”

“No, just us. You give me way too much credit. I’m not that nice.”

The weight of the worlds seemed to lift from my shoulders when I was near her.

My chest ached, and I found I did not enjoy sharing her attention.

I hated the playful slaps of her small hand against his chest and shoulders. I felt those were reserved for only me, yet she did the same to him.

I’d only heard her laugh one time like that with me. Their laughter died whenever I entered the room, and I did not know why it bothered me so much, but it did.

Dianna was not mine, and we were only associates … friends. But if that was the truth, why did my heart ache?

“Apparently, their opinions mean more to you than my feelings. So, I am done. I am done trying to be your friend. I am done trying to help ease your pain, and I am so done with caring. We have to work together, but I am not doing this weird back-and-forth shit with you anymore. We’re not friends, Liam—and I see now that we never were.”

Good girl.

I truly do appreciate it, and you. I am sorry.”

“You are not my enemy,” I said flatly.

I was more than impressed with this beautiful, dangerous, magnificent woman.

The slight burned me more than any flame she could wield.

I missed her playful swats and bumps. I just missed her.

I couldn’t watch her smile at him anymore

“And you say you’re not in love with her.”

“I am not, but she still deserves someone in her life that cares about her beyond the physical acts you keep suggesting. Someone that respects her and treats her as an equal, not some pawn. She has no one but her sister.”

How is there any room left in me to love?”

“Don’t you know? Love is the purest form of destruction there is.”

But she deserves better than me and this life she has been forced into. I wish for her the same things she craves so desperately for Gabby: a life outside of monsters, blood, and fighting.”

“I won’t let him have her.”

Because I have every part of you memorized.

“I feel like there was a compliment in there somewhere.” Liam shrugged. “Maybe. Maybe not. I will never admit to either.”

she all but purred as she reached for him. Before I realized what I was doing, I was on my feet, and I had ahold of her wrist.

“Don’t touch him. I am well aware of what you can do with your hands.”

I couldn’t kiss him, but for a completely different reason. I knew it would end me, and I would be lost. There was a part of me so hungry and desperate for his touch that I didn’t dare acknowledge it.

I had fallen for someone who had no intention of catching me.

The one person I wanted, I couldn’t have. Liam was not mine, and I was not his.

“And you are a dead man if you lay a hand on her.”

I was impressed, but I was always impressed with her.

“I’d find you.”

“Upset? Why am I upset? You chose her over me—you know, your actual partner. I know your strength. You could have busted out of her control. But no, I had to get shot several times. Then the second I try to kill her, you toss me off like I’m…”

“Like I mean nothing, when I’m the one risking my life, my friends, and my only blood to help you.

“Hey, I did not choose anyone over you.”

She didn’t know how badly I had wanted it to be her lips beneath mine.

“Are you jealous?” I asked, and a part of me prayed to the old gods that the answer was yes.

We were too close, and not just physically, but mentally as well. She consumed my thoughts, making me feel and question everything.

“Do you want me to be?”

I wanted to claim her as mine.

I knew nothing of love, but I knew I wanted her, needed her, and dreamed of her.

I just wanted to feel, and a single touch from her se...

I wanted her hands on every part of me, and I wanted it more than I had...

I wanted her more than a crown, more than a thron...

More than that, she owned me—and she didn’t even know it.

No, she couldn’t die, wouldn’t die. I would rip the very fabric of this world to atoms.

For Dianna, I could do anything.

Dianna was worth it, and I would risk it all for her.