The Book of Azrael (Gods & Monsters 1)

“D, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” Gabby called from the living room.

‘Looking for wires, cameras, or listening devices,’ I said, reaching further under the table. I stood and placed my hands on my hips and sighed. ‘I know they have to have one somewhere.’

‘Why would they have cameras? Don’t they have super hearing?’ she asked as I scanned the room, narrowing my gaze on the shelf against the far wall. My heels echoed as I stomped across the pretentious shiny stone floor.

I snorted. ‘Please, Kaden has cameras all over the place and not just for sexy fun times.’

‘Gross!’ she yelled. I snickered as I turned a chair over, checking underneath it. I found nothing and placed it back down before going to the nicely decorated shelves.

‘Well, maybe they don’t,’ Gabby said with a shrug, watching me carefully.

I turned, curling my lip at her. ‘Are you serious? You just met these people. You are too trusting, Gabs. It will be the death of you.’

She frowned, taking one of the many pillows off the couch and wrapping her arms around it. ‘Maybe they are different. Not everyone is like Kaden and his people. Besides, you said these are the good guys, right?’

I ran my hand over every corner and crack but found nothing. My frustration rising, I picked up a plant and inspected every leaf. ‘I never said they were the good guys, just that they are against Kaden.’

After coming up empty-handed, I placed the plant down and moved into the kitchen. By the time I was through searching, every cabinet and door was open, and I had examined every pot, pan, and kitchen utensil.

‘Nothing?’ Gabby asked, her hand resting under her chin as she watched me.

I leaned against the kitchen counter, blowing a strand of hair from my face. ‘Nothing. Dammit.’

‘See, maybe we can trust them. Besides, you made another deal, and I am sure Liam can’t break that.’

I scoffed and rolled my eyes. ‘I guess so.’

‘So, what’s the plan?’

‘Go find all the flunkies who don’t like Kaden. Maybe I’ll beat them until they give me the information I need. I am going to search for that fucking ancient book with an ancient god who is as rude as he is powerful.’

Gabby lightly tapped the back of the couch and sighed. ‘I feel like something bad is going to happen.’

‘I mean, probably,’ I shrugged, ‘but we do what we always do. We take care of each other.’

‘So you don’t trust him?’

‘Not at all. You and I have lived long enough to know just how cruel and vindictive powerful men can be. He may preach that he wants this book to protect the world, but he has the same drive as Kaden. They are both after power, and that never ends well.’

‘So, what do you want me to do?’

‘Be friends with them. See what you can find out and what they are really after. Get as much information as you can. Maybe find a way we can stay under the radar once this is done. I’m thinking of drinks on that beach you love so much. What is its name?’

‘Liguniza Beach off the coast of the Naimer sea.’ Her sigh was wistful as she thought of it. ‘Ugh, the water is so clear, and there is a cliff that overlooks the entire ocean. The sunset from there is everything.’

‘Okay, yes, we will go there, have drinks, laugh, and forget all about monsters and gods.’

Our smiles turned into laughter that had my cheeks hurting after a few seconds. After everything that had happened over the last few days, it was nice to see her happy again. I basked in Gabby’s joy, knowing that everything I’d said was a lie. There would be no beaches for me after this. My fate was sealed, but maybe she could go. She and Rick could create the life she wanted. And if she befriended the celestials here, they would protect her. Then maybe she wouldn’t be as alone once I was gone. That would be enough for me.

My smile died as a chill ran down my back. The hairs on my arms rose as that all -encompassing power drew closer. Our fun time was over. It was time to get back to business.

I pushed away from the counter, my throat tight as I said, ‘I promise to call as much as I can.’

She nodded and stood, following me as I strode to the door. I pulled it open right as Liam raised his hand to knock. He stopped, lowering his hand as Neverra stepped up to his side.

‘Miss Martinez,’ Liam said, looking over my head at Gabby. ‘Neverra will be one of two of your companions while we are gone. Logan shall join you in a few days. They will be staying here with you. With the recent attack, we don’t want to take any chances. I fear you may be a target until this book is obtained.’

‘Sounds lovely,’ Gabby said. I knew she wasn’t exactly thrilled. But true to form, she was taking it in stride.

I gathered Gabby close in a tight hug. ‘Okay, I am going to go save the world from impending doom. You just stay out of trouble.’

She laughed wetly. ‘Out of the two of us, I am not the troublemaker.’

‘That’s fair.’ I squeezed her once more before pulling away. I held her gaze a moment longer before turning and quickly walking out the door.

Neverra stepped inside, and I heard her say, ‘What happened here?’ I reached behind me and closed the door as their voices picked up.