Levet by Alexandra Ivy Page A

spell of illusion to hide them from the passing mortals.
    Levet grimaced. The two were everything that Levet was not.
    Towering over six feet with leathery wings that they tucked close to their massive bodies, they were creatures who would cause nightmares even among the demon world.
    Their gray skin was the texture of an elephant hide and absorbed the moonlight. They had stunted horns that could smash through steel and long tusks that could pierce through armor. It was, however, their brutal features that truly reflected their savage natures.
    Cold, ruthless, viciously unforgiving.
    â€œWell, well,” the female drawled, her gray eyes holding a cruel amusement that sent a chill down Levet’s spine. “If it isn’t my prodigal brother.”
    At a glance it would be impossible to guess that the three gargoyles were related. Claudine was his elder sister while Ian was a first cousin.
    Of course, it wasn’t just their appearances that were different, Levet consoled himself. His relatives were nasty-tempered monsters who terrorized lesser demons with spiteful glee.
    Oh, and their sense of humor was nonexistent. Which meant that Levet couldn’t resist tweaking their ugly snouts.
    â€œFred. Wilma,” he murmured. “Where’s Dino?”
    Having come from the shallow end of the gene pool, the male demon furrowed his heavy brow in confusion.
    â€œ Non . You are mistaken. My name is Ian, not Fred.”
    â€œHe knows your name, imbecile ,” Claudine hissed, slapping her companion on the back of the head. “As usual he believes himself to be amusing.” She turned back to glare at Levet. “What are you doing in Paris?”
    â€œI heard that Marcel Marceau was reviving his mime act.” Levet flashed an innocent smile. “I didn’t want miss opening night.”
    Ian blinked. “But isn’t he dead?”
    â€œShut up.” Claudine gave Ian another slap, her gaze never wavering from Levet. “You know you’re not allowed in the city. The Guild kicked you out and Mother shunned you.”
    â€œAh, dearest Maman , how is the loathsome old bat?” Levet drawled, folding his arms over his chest. If he was going to be squashed like a bug, he wasn’t going to give Claudine the satisfaction of seeing his fear. “Still eating children for breakfast?”
    â€œShe has actually been plagued with ennui since she had her latest lover put to death.” Claudine’s smile was a cold threat. “Perhaps watching her deformed son being used for target practice will bolster her spirits.”
    Levet didn’t doubt it would. His mother had a peculiar love for violence.
    â€œOr perhaps I could chop you into tiny pieces and spread you around the city, chère sœur . Then Maman could spend the next century trying to put you together again.”
    â€œSuch a large mouth for such a tiny creature,” Claudine growled, pointing a claw in his direction. “It’s time someone taught you a lesson in manners.”
    â€œAh.” Levet batted his eyes. “If only I had a euro for every time I heard that threat.”
    The female gargoyle growled like a rabid Were. Not at all attractive for a gargoyle.
    And she wondered why she couldn’t find a mate?
    â€œIan, get him.”
    Levet lifted his hands as Ian took a lumbering step forward.
    â€œStay back.”
    Ian scowled. “Or what?”
    â€œOr I will turn you into a newt.”
    The male gargoyle stumbled to a halt.
    â€œIan, did you hear me?” Claudine snapped.
    â€œBut—”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œI do not want to be turned into a newt.” He used a claw to scratch between his horns. “Wait . . . what is a newt?”
    â€œ Mon dieu . I am surrounded by morons,” Claudine muttered. “He can’t turn you into a newt, you fool, but I can cut off your head and have it mounted on Notre Dame.”
    â€œNo need to be rude,” Ian