The Book of Azrael (Gods & Monsters 1)

COOL, SOFT SHEETS WRAPPED AROUND MY TORSO AS I TURNED OVER, NESTLING FURTHER INTO THE WARM BED. Wait, why am I in bed? My eyes popped open, but I slammed them closed just as quickly. I draped my arm over my face, the light in the room blinding.

I lifted my lashes carefully, squinting as I took in the room. There was a large window to my right. The thick cream -colored curtains hung to the floor but were pulled back, allowing sunlight to spill into the room in golden beams. I stretched my arm out, my fingertips barely reaching the edge of the massive bed. The overfilled comforter slipped down as I propped myself up on my elbows. This place wasn’t nearly as elegant or vibrant as the Rashearim I had seen in the dream, so where was I?

‘You are awake. About time.’

I jumped and rolled. An undignified squeal of alarm left my lips as I fell off the bed, my body hitting the floor with a loud thud. I grasped the comforter, pulling it around myself and glaring at the large man lounging in the chair on the other side of the room. My anger turned to confusion when I saw the books, papers, and laptop on the small table in front of him. He wore beige jeans and a white sweater with the sleeves pushed up to his elbows. His biceps flexed as he crossed his arms and glared at me from across the room. He was angry with me. Well, at least that was normal.

‘Where are we?’

‘How are you feeling?’

‘Are you ignoring my question by asking me another question?’ I narrowed my eyes and struggled to my feet. My legs threatened to give out, and I gripped the edge of the bed, holding tight to the comforter. I swayed and felt Liam’s hands grip my shoulders, steadying me. I hadn’t even seen him move, but there he was in front of me, holding me at arm’s length.

‘Your question is irrelevant since we will be leaving soon,’ he said. His gaze roamed over me, assessing my every move as if he were looking for some sign I was about to drop dead. ‘Now, answer my question. How do you feel?’

I glanced up at him and turned to sit on the bed, leaning on his strength more than I would ever admit. ‘Fine, I guess. A little tired, but fine. What—’ I started to say something else but lost my words when my memories came rushing back.

I looked down, pulling the tank top I was wearing away from my chest. The puncture wounds, and spiderweb of black veins around them, were gone. I was clean and dressed in a dark tank and matching lounge pants with no sign of the blood I knew had poured out of me.

‘Did you undress me?’

His mouth set into a hard line, his hands flexing on the curve of my shoulders. ‘I apologize. Does your chest usually hemorrhage something that looks like tar? Or do you normally seize when shot? You were disgusting, possibly dying, and you are worried if I undressed you?’

‘I don’t want you to touch me.’ I remembered what those hands did, how painful his touch could be, and I wanted them nowhere near me.

He recoiled, drawing back as if I had burned him. ‘Please, do not insult me, Miss Martinez. The desire to touch you is, and will always be, the farthest thing from my mind or intentions.’ He placed his hands on his hips, shaking his head as he regarded me. ‘One of the female celestials cleaned you up after assessing your wounds. You were covered in bile and absolutely reeked. Even I am not cruel enough to let you fester in that.’

I glanced at the chair and the mess around it. ‘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,’ I snapped, shaking my head.

I rubbed at my chest and glanced at the trash can sitting close to the edge of my bed. Through the haze of being awake and lost to the world, I remembered someone holding me as my body tried to rid itself of the toxin. Liam said that there had been celestials helping, but I remembered his voice, his scent, and the feel of his arms. But maybe that was just a fever dream.

‘She poisoned me. No, they did. Sophie and Nym poisoned me.’

The bed next to me sank, and I looked at Liam as he sat. ‘That, I deduced.’ He rubbed his hands together, his silver rings connecting every few passes. ‘I do not understand why the man you shared your bed with, your maker, would make you violently ill just to force you to return to him?’

I snorted. ‘Let’s just say shared is a loose term, and I honestly don’t know why Kaden is so set on getting me back. Sophie said she didn’t know how much poison she would need to take me down, so maybe they just meant to incapacitate me and overdid it.’

He made a noise, which I accepted as a grunt of agreement.

‘Where is Sophie?’

He met my gaze, his face flat, but his eyes burning with remembered rage. ‘Which part?’

A memory flashed through my mind. I remembered the door busting open behind me as I lay on the floor. Liam had stepped over me, and I saw Sophie’s decapitated head roll toward me, her hollow eyes staring. Liam had done that. I gulped and ran my hand over my throat. His eyes followed the path of my hand, but he didn’t say anything.

‘And Nym?’

‘Detained but breathing.’

I nodded once. ‘One last thing, since we will be stuck with each other for a while.’ I reached behind me, picked up a pillow, and whipped it at him. ‘You can’t feed me your blood, you idiot!’ I picked up another pillow, aiming for his head. He swiped it away and glared at me. ‘I don’t just consume the blood. I ingest memories with it.’

He cocked his head to the side and tossed my fluffy weapon to the floor. ‘Memories? That’s not possible.’

‘Oh, it’s very possible.’ I held up the last pillow on the bed, ready to attack. ‘And I just got a backstage pass to images and sounds I wish to cut out of my brain.’

‘If that is the case, you should have had these dreams prior. Since the blood deal, my blood is in your system as yours is in mine.’

I slowly lowered my feather –filled weapon as I thought about it. ‘Well, I guess it wasn’t a large enough quantity. I don’t know. I didn’t make myself like this, and I haven’t really slept since we made the pact. Just that nap on the convoy.’

His eyes narrowed. ‘Yet, here you are, critiquing my sleep schedule.’

‘Not the point,’ I said with a glare.

‘Correct, that’s not the point. What did you see with this power of yours?’

My chest clenched as I recalled Liam’s and Unir’s private conversation, and I felt the color drain from my face as the images of him and Imogen played back through my mind. I cleared my throat, pushing my discomfort aside. I didn’t know why the memory of their screams and moans made my stomach flutter. It couldn’t be embarrassment. I had done so much worse— or better, depending on how you looked at it. The logical part of my brain tried to convince me it was because I didn’t see him that way.

Liam was a legend, our version of the boogeyman, and he’d tortured me. Granted, I had tried to kill him and played a part in the death of one of his own. He was the World Ender, and that name and title rang true from what his father had said. But to me, he was Liam, uptight, arrogant, and self-opinionated.

‘Who is Imogen?’ I blurted out before I realized what I was going to say. Liam looked surprised for the first time since I’d met him.

‘How do you know that name?’ his voice came out a gruff whisper.

I blamed the beast that resided in me for taking over and forcing the words out like vomit. ‘Is she an ex-girlfriend? Is she dead? Is that why you’re so miserable and mean?’

He shook his head. His jaw was set like stone, and his tone filled with anger. ‘Do you ever try to temper your vocabulary when you speak to me? You are so crass at times.’

‘Not really. But you didn’t answer the question? Did you love her?’

If she had died, that could explain why he acted so cold. Losing your family and the one you loved the most could mess up even the strongest of us.

His jaw clenched before he raised his hand to his temple, rubbing it for a second. I had seen him do that several times but had said nothing. That was another question for another day. ‘Not that it is any of your business, but Imogen is not dead. I did not love her, nor is she my,’ he paused, waving his hand as if trying to digest the words, ‘anything you previously stated.’

‘Oh, Liam, I didn’t know you were a player, but it makes complete sense. Given your title, I’m sure you could have anyone you wanted, goddess or not. Good for you.’

He let out a long, exasperated sigh as he pinched the bridge of his nose. Okay, I’d irritated him. ‘Miss Martinez, please focus.’

‘Right, anyway,’ I looked up as I tried to recount the events, ‘so, I saw you and your girlfriend-not-girlfriend naked. I was also in another world. The building I was in wasn’t like anything I had ever seen, and that was before I was in your room. The ceiling was missing, and I could see so many planets and stars. It was—’

‘Rashearim,’ he whispered. He said the word as one would say a dead relative’s name. I looked at him and watched the color drain from his face, and his massive body seemed to crumple in on itself. He seemed so sad.

It was at that moment I figured it out. Why Liam was the way he was, and why he didn’t care about his looks. I knew why he was so abrasive. He was so closed off to everyone, even those he claimed were his friends. He was consumed with grief and in so much pain. Liam was mourning.

He cleared his throat and asked, ‘Do you always get such vibrant renditions of one’s past?’

I looked down, messing with a piece of the comforter. ‘If they’re strong enough.’ I looked back up, dropping my hand. ‘I had assumed all of yours would be boring. No offense.’

His scowl returned, replacing the haunted sadness in his gaze. I would take it. I much preferred the angry, disappointed in me Liam over the hurt one. Liam hurting made me feel things I didn’t want to thanks to my stupid mortal heart.

He turned his head as if lost in thought before clearing his throat and saying, ‘It is fascinating. Could this give us insight into where Kaden is hiding? I assume the two of you shared the same blood, correct?’

‘Actually, no.’ I scrunched my nose. ‘He never let me. He always talked about how his memories would damage my mortal brain.’

Liam looked skeptical. ‘Or he was hiding things from you.’

I nodded, knowing it was probably the latter. Especially given how Kaden had lied to me. ‘Or that.’

‘Is this power transmittable?’

I scoffed, grabbing the pillow and raising it once more. ‘Excuse me? Like a disease?’

He stared at my non-deadly weapon and placed his hand on the pillow, forcing me to lower it. ‘In essence, yes. You and I have shared blood, and I need to know if this is something I might experience.’

My ears burned hot as I flushed, thinking of the things Liam might witness if he saw my past. ‘I actually don’t know. I hope not, but I never shared my blood with anyone.’

‘So it’s possible.’ He paused. ‘How long does this power last? The dreams?’

I shrugged. ‘Not long usually. A day or so with mortals, but you’re different. So, that I don’t know either.’

‘From my studies, Ig’Morruthen powers and skills range based on species and type. Since you and your brethren seem to be a type not classified within any text Vincent has, is there anything else I should know about your gifts?’

I studied him for a moment, weighing my options and deciding if I should tell him the truth or leave him wondering. With a sigh, I shrugged and said, ‘I’m sure if you dream, you’ll see all my gifts. But, no, you’ve seen all I can do. You have seen me shift, and you’ve seen the fire I wield. Now you know about my blooddreams.’

‘Blooddreams? Hmm.’ He nodded as he seemed to mull over my powers. ‘Please let me know if you have any more of these visions, yes?’

I gave him a mock salute. ‘Sure thing, boss. I’ll be sure to let you know if I have any more vivid sex dreams about you and Imogen before Logan interrupts.’

His eyes narrowed on me as if he knew exactly which day I had seen. I would be lying if I said it wasn’t intimidating, especially after seeing how he stood up to his father without flinching. ‘That was not the only incident that occurred that day. What else did you see or hear, Miss Martinez?’

I heard the catch in his voice and knew he was concerned I’d seen too much. That got my attention. ‘I saw your father, Unir. He is a lot taller than you, which is saying something. I could feel the power in that memory of yours, but I couldn’t understand the language. Then I woke up.’

It was a lie, but I felt their conversation was too personal to repeat regardless of me seeing and hearing it. Even if it was an unfamiliar language, I was in his head, so I understood what was said.

I smirked, knowing it would annoy him. ‘Why? Is there something you don’t want me to see?’

He stood in one fluid motion, his speed reminding me that even though he felt some mortal emotions like sadness or grief, he was far from mortal. ‘I think it’s time for us to leave.’

So he did have secrets. Color me surprised. ‘Where are we? And don’t ignore that question again.’

‘A hotel on the outskirts of Adonael.’

Everything clicked, and overwhelming dread filled me as I scooted off the bed in a hurry. ‘What? I told you nothing fancy, Liam. Under the radar,’ I snapped as I looked around the room that I now realized was a decent size even for a hotel. I needed to find my shoes, and we needed to get out of here fast. ‘Why is it so hard for you to listen?’

‘Excuse me? I did not do this out of leisure. You were unconscious, and I had no idea how their spells worked or what to do. I wasn’t sure if feeding you was the right thing. I needed information, and I couldn’t get it from these off –the –radar places you recommend.’

I dropped to the floor, looking underneath the bed for the heels I had been wearing. I stood when I didn’t see them.

I glared at him. ‘Yeah, but how did we get here? You can’t drive, so that means you called someone, which means it could be traced. If Kaden or his lackeys went to Sophie’s house looking for me, they probably know where we are.’

‘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.

He made a sound of disapproval, letting me know he’d heard what I said, but he didn’t comment further. ‘I phoned Vincent after what transpired. This is one of many celestial owned establishments. I will always be provided for if I ask.’

Just like that, the empathy I felt for him evaporated. He was such a spoiled asshole. I wanted to comment on how I had seen firsthand how well he was taken care of but managed to restrain myself.

‘I had Sophie’s house secured and brought you here. This was the closest place where you could rest, and I could stay by your side to ensure you didn’t die.’

Liam had just confirmed what I had already deduced from the papers and mess around that chair. He had stayed with me.

‘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.’

He glared at me before pinching the bridge of his nose. ‘If you die, I have no Otherworld leads on this ridiculous notion that Azrael left behind a book. You are my best chance at predicting and stopping the attacks.’

I nodded as I gave up my attempt to find my shoes. I would just have to go barefoot until I could get another pair. ‘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 do they bother you?’

‘You are absolutely tormenting. You realize that, correct?’

‘I love it when you flirt with me.’ I winked, causing a vein to pop forward on his forehead, which only made me laugh. If he could have killed me on the spot, I knew he would. ‘Fine, fine, that’s fair.’

‘So we agree then? You will not abandon me while you go and talk to any of your so-called friends or informants?’

I strode toward him, and he subtly shifted his weight, preparing for an attack. I stopped a few inches from him and held out my pinkie. His gaze dropped to my hand, looking at it as if I’d offered him a dead animal. ‘Pinkie promise, I will never abandon you, Your Highness.’

His gaze flicked to mine, some emotion I didn’t recognize flaring behind his gray eyes. I grabbed his hand, forcing him to pinkie swear as he looked from our joined hands and back at me. ‘I do not understand this.’

‘It’s something fun Gabby and I did when we were younger, and it stuck through the years. Back after our parents died, I had to steal for a while to survive. This was one of many things we came up with to make sure I came back. You can’t break a pinkie promise. It’s like the law, but not your boring laws.’

‘You stole?’ Of course, that got his attention.

‘Not everyone is born with a silver spoon in their mouth, Your Majesty.’

He let my comment slide before he nodded slowly. ‘Very well. Pinkie promise.’

It was so strange to hear the words leave his lips that I actually smiled. That seemed to unnerve him more than my annoying quips, his eyes widening just a fraction. I dropped my smile and my hand.

‘I should have known Sophie wouldn’t be reliable,’ I said, purposely changing the subject.

He put his hands in his pockets. ‘Do all your friends shoot you in the chest?’

I wrinkled my nose slightly and shrugged, thinking about it. ‘I know this may surprise you, but I don’t have a lot of people that care about me. My sister, sure, but friends? All my friends are through Kaden, and that means there are very few whose loyalty would lie with me.’ I forced a bitter laugh and curled a strand of hair behind my ear. I waited for him to agree, to say something rude or mean, but for once, he didn’t.

A somber look crossed his face. Did he feel pity for me? Whatever it was, the emotion was gone as quickly as it came.

‘With that in mind, we will need a new plan. Your friends are unreliable and dangerous. Unless you have some other informants that could be of assistance and won’t attempt to return you to Kaden, I think we need to return to the Guild in Boel.’

I bit my lower lip, my chest aching with uncertainty. There was someone, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to bring him into this. I had made him a promise, but we were in an end-of-the-world type dire situation. I had given him and his family a way out, a chance to escape. If I went to him, I would be dragging them right back into my mess with Kaden. I would be putting a target on his back.

‘I may have another plan, but you’ll have to make another promise.’

‘Will I now?’ he asked, raising a single brow.

I nodded. ‘This man is supposed to be dead, and his location has to remain a secret,’ I said, all humor gone from my voice.

Confusion filled his eyes. ‘I do not understand?’

I wanted my ruse to last longer. I didn’t want him to get even a glimpse of the real me, and I didn’t want to bring down anyone else with me. ‘Promise me that if I take you there, if I show you my world, you won’t act as the almighty law enforcer.’

‘Miss Martinez. I don’t know if I can make that—’

I grabbed his hands and clasped them in mine. I didn’t realize how much bigger his hands were compared to mine until I held them. Rough callous marked his wide palms, and I knew he had earned them through battles long fought. I looked up, trying to will as much pleading in my gaze as I could. I rarely begged for anything, but I would do whatever it took to keep my friend safe. ‘Please. This isn’t me commanding you, I swear. This is me begging. These are my actual friends, and they hate Kaden just as much as you.’

‘If innocents are hurt—’

‘They won’t be, trust me. And if they are, then, by all means, enforce the law all the way.’

He was silent for so long that I was afraid he wouldn’t agree.

‘Very well. Then I promise.’ He looked down at where I still held his hands. ‘Does this require another pinkie?’

I shook my head as I laughed, a small snort escaping me. ‘No, it doesn’t.’ I dropped his hands and turned, heading to the bathroom to take a shower.

‘Wait. Where are we going?’ Liam called right before I closed the door.

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