Azrael

Chapter I

As I stood watching my apartment burn to ash, a lone tear slowly rolled down my cheek, creating a small line of warmth in the frosty winter weather.

My neighbours had all patted my back sympathetically and whispered meaningless words of encouragement before they continued with their day, leaving me alone to wallow in self-pity.

"We believe an old lightbulb blew up, miss," the firefighters had said somberly after putting out the fire. Of course it had to be a pathetic reason that my home blew up, I had thought sourly.

It had been a couple of hours, I had nowhere else to go, and my insurance covered little to nothing. How wonderful. I grabbed my phone from my back pocket and checked the time. 14:26. Great. I had missed my uni lectures for today and I was going to fall behind. At least I still had my part time job at the small cafe across town.

•••

I pulled up to the dainty coffee shop in my black leggings and oversized cream hoodie - yes I know it's basic, but it's my guilty pleasure - and found my boss, Marcus, standing with his arms crossed and a thoughtful look on his face. As he saw me pull in, his face lit up with a smile that stretched to his eyes and he opened his arms invitingly.

"Oh Marcus, you'll never believe the day I've had," I said before launching myself into his arms where I was engulfed in a heart wrenching hug. Marcus owned a couple of cafes around town and he was 23 years old, a year older than me. Marcus had been there for me for years and I considered him to be one of my best friends.

"Tell me all about it Lyds," he replied sympathetically, using the nickname he had given me years ago instead of Lydia.

I recalled everything that had happened with my apartment as we walked into the cafe, and I watched as his eyebrows drew together and his hand ran through his tousled brown hair.

"Shit Lydia," Marcus started before a small smile popped onto his face. I knew that look.

Not another one of his infamous 'brilliant ideas'.

"I have a brilliant idea," he began as his arms flew into the air like a child at their first birthday party, "you can come live with me."

•••

"Are you sure that you're sure?" I asked nervously for about the billionth time as we walked into the courtyard of Marcus' house. It was only because I would hate to be an unwanted guest that was staying there because there was nowhere else for me to go.

"Lydia," Marcus said sternly, grabbing my shoulders to face him completely, "you're one of my best friends in the world and nothing will ever change that. You are like a sister to me, and no sister of mine will be living on the streets. Plus, I'd love for you to live with me," he finished with a wink.

A tendril of relief coursed through my body as I smiled up at him and then gazed at the house behind him. The white house was three stories, and had a rich modern look that was brought out by the the abstract architecture. I had come over a few times before, and I had always admired the beauty of the home.

After entering the house, Marcus headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner - what a gentleman - and left me to find the guest room; which he helpfully told me was next to his room. Isn't it great that I've also never been to his room.

Given the chance to snoop a little, I happily complied. As I slowly walked around his house, softly brushing my fingers along picture frames, I noticed a photo of Marcus and another man. As I stepped forward to examine the photo, I realised that the man had similar features to Marcus; a straight nose, sharp jawline and baby blue eyes. However, the man's hair was jet black and slightly tapered with waves, a contrast to Marcus' light brown hair.

What a hottie, I wonder if his hair is as soft in real life?

After staring mindlessly at the photo for a few minutes, Marcus cleared his throat loudly behind me. Caught in the act of snooping, I quickly turned around to explain to Marcus how I was trying to find my room, when my eyes met with a pair of cold blue eyes.

HOLY SHIT! IT'S HIM!

"You're the man from the photo!" I exclaimed as I took in his tall and well built figure. His eyes remained cold and impassive as he took in my figure. Feeling uncomfortable by his hard gaze, I shuffled my feet slightly and played with the rings on my fingers.

"And who the fuck are you?" He asked stonily, neither agreeing nor disagreeing with my earlier assumption.

"Lydia," I stated as confidently as I could, despite his persistent stare.

"Well Lydia, get out of my way," he finished before shoving past me and walking towards the kitchen where Marcus was.

Forgetting about finding my room, I hurriedly walked back to the kitchen, just in time for the man to walk into a different room.

"Who was that?" I questioned Marcus, as the man slammed the door. I was curious about the man's earlier demeanour and unwarranted hatred he seemed to have for me.

"That's Azrael," Marcus sighed quietly, looking up from the pot on the stove, "he's my older brother and he doesn't warm up to anyone."

"He's also kinda scary," I added, mentally shivering as I recalled his sharp gaze.

"That's an understatement," Marcus said under his breath before looking back at me.

"That was definitely not your last encounter with him so I'll warn you in advance: Don't interact with him," Marcus warned sceptically, throwing me an apologetic smile.

I nodded at Marcus and looked back at the room Azrael was in. I wonder what he's like under that cold mask he puts up.

A/N: Hey guys!! I just wanted to lyk that I'll be updating this book regularly. If you have any feedback or critique please let me know so I can use it :)) Other than that please leave comments and vote!