11. Azazel

Chapter eleven

Azazel

Outcast

I 'd been watching Rai for the past month, not interfering, just observing. Darius had warned me that he was stubborn and it would seem he was that up to the point of stupidity. Every Guardian needed their Champion. I'd spent the better part of the century resolving my issues with becoming one. I didn't like it, but I was ready and here I was, waiting on the sidelines.

Yet to be Called by him.

It annoyed me. How dare he shun me! I didn't ask for the fucking Angel's Kiss . I'd kill him if I had the choice. He was hunting tonight, looking for demons. He'd had a few encounters, nothing serious. His skill was impressive. The Guild had prepared him well. But then again, the demons he'd encountered were all low-level trash. I followed him to a bar and stood in the back, wrapped in shadows. He stayed an hour until he attracted the attention of three demons. They could smell the celestial essence coming off him and knew what he was.

Demons from all three empires were jonesing to take out a Guardian. I still held the record for the demon with the most kills. And even though I wasn't a Knight anymore, my history spoke for itself. I didn't think I'd ever lose that rank, either. I followed Rai outside where the three demons had cornered him.

"And I thought this night would be boring," Rai said.

I smirked. So, he had spunk.

"You're about to die, Guardian," said one of the demons.

Rai pulled out his sword and a silver pistol. I snorted at the weapons. Useless against a demon worth their grit. He attacked the group, his skill was aggressive, almost as if he took personal offense to the demons. He shot a demon in the head, right between the eyes, and I watched his body go up in smoke. One of the remaining demons knocked his gun from his hand, then grabbed his other arm, preventing him from using his sword. The other demon charged forward, claws bared, but before he could attack, I stepped from the shadows and sliced him in half with my own sword.

The last demon turned and gasped. "Azazel!" he snarled, his mouth black with razor-sharp teeth.

"I am he," I taunted.

"Get back!" Rai yelled, then hit the demon in the groin with his knee. It was enough to make the demon double over and release his grip on Rai's arm. It was all Rai needed to chop the demon's head off, the corpse going up in smoke. He leaned against the wall and panted as he glared at me.

My god, he was beautiful. There was a certain intensity in his turquoise eyes that made something inside of me flutter. He was even sexier than in that dream. Every part of him was toned with hard lines and curves. His legs looked so strong hidden beneath his jeans. I could only imagine how alluring his bare chest looked. The thought made my cock stir.

"I didn't need your help," he sneered.

"I thought differently," I said.

"You're a demon. You're disgusting."

"And if I had feelings, I still wouldn't give a shit about your opinion," I stated, then rolled my eyes. I pointed at his gun that was on the ground. "You keep playing with those toys, you're going to get yourself killed, idiot."

He scoffed, then picked up his gun, tucking it away in its holster. "I'm doing just fine with them."

I chuckled. "What? Taking out the garbage?"

"You're all garbage," he shot back.

I withdrew my sword and walked closer to him. "What is it about your kind that is so sanctimonious?"

He looked at me, boldly, I might add. "I get cranky when I'm surrounded by filth, motherfucker."

My eyes widened at that, because I must admit, I wasn't used to Guardians or Guards using such obscene language. "My, my, my... what a dirty mouth you have."

"Better to curse your bitch ass out with," he said.

I lowered my gaze now.

He raised both eyebrows. "Oh, did I hurt those feelings you claimed you didn't have?"

I exhaled—slowly—because I felt my temper rising. "You're going to get yourself killed, boy. Your weapons are nothing to a seasoned demon. You need me."

"Like I need Chlamydia," he said.

The urge to punch his gorgeous face quickly vanished when the nausea rose. I closed my eyes and backed up as I fought the sensation. I hadn't had to experience the sickness in over a decade. My urge to kill or harm innocent people was now under my control. But this Guardian made me want to teach him a lesson in respect.

"I thought that Guild would drill intelligence into that thick skull of yours." I held my hands up. "Fine. If you die without ever Calling me, maybe that's a good thing. I might be free of this curse and you."

"You can be free now if you just leave me the fuck alone," Rai taunted.

Yes, he was very different from other Guardians I'd met. Sexier for sure. I stepped up to him and looked down. Defiantly, he looked up at me, daring me to make a move with his stare. I touched his chin with my finger and he slapped my hand away.

"If not for me, Rai, you would have died eight years ago. You should show some gratitude," I said. As I stared down into his face, I wanted to kiss his lips, they were begging for my mouth.

He grabbed my hair and yanked my head down and to the side, surprising me with how aggressive he was. He leaned forward to the point where our faces were inches apart. It didn't hurt, but it was shocking. I didn't get manhandled, not ever. I growled, my fangs flashing.

"Stay away from me, demon," Rai said, then released my hair.

I straightened and ran my fingers through my locks. Had I been able to attack him, I would have. But I was physically unable to get my revenge for his little antic just then. I looked at him and I wasn't sure what I felt. Anger, I knew... but something else. Why was my cock hard? Like, really fucking hard.

"Very well. I see you want to learn your lessons the hardest way possible." I nodded. "I'll let you, then." I teleported, landing on the rooftop of the building a short distance away where I could still watch Rai. He leaned against the wall, breathing hard as if our little encounter had taken a lot out of him.

I was about to leave when I saw him grab his groin and adjust himself. "Well, well, well... did I leave an impression on you, Rai?" I smiled as I massaged my own aching erection. "We can always kiss and make up." I winked and then teleported. If he needed me, he knew how to Call me. I was done looking out for him if he didn't appreciate it. I went home, but turned in the direction of the unwanted presence. "Reveal yourself!"

"Hello, Azazel," I heard the voice say. I knew who it was. Leyak. He appeared from the shadows, dressed in white. His auburn hair flowed down his back, green eyes held me in his gaze.

"What do you want?" I said, then removed my jacket.

He laughed as he walked around me. "I saw what happened with you and the new Guardian."

I tossed my jacket on the back of my sofa. "So?"

"It must hurt to be rejected by a mere human."

"Get to the point, Leyak."

"Spurned by your own kind and by your Guardian. You don't belong anywhere. You're an outcast," Leyak said.

I rolled my eyes. "You have until I finish this sentence to get out of my house before I show you how I treat uninvited assho—" He was gone before I could end my comment. Good. He was lucky that he was a Knight of the Court. To kill one would bring the entire fury of the Court onto me and I didn't need nor did I want that level of heat. I'd never fought any other of my fellow Knights, at least, not to the death. I was the strongest among us, so most didn't bother to challenge me. Things were different now and some were getting audacious.

I'd have to stay on guard. Leyak coming into my home was a challenge. Next time we met, I doubted it would end in peace.