A to Z Challenge 2013 - F is for Fenn

I'm posting snippets from a story this year for the Challenge.

You can enjoy them on their own, but if you'd like the whole tale, please start with A.

F IS FOR FENN

“She's eight. She not only can do these things, she needs these responsibilities.” Danielle let that sink in for a few seconds. “In fact, Libby was the one that suggested it herself. She knows how to work the dishwasher. Let her rinse the dishes and load it as you throw in some laundry. Then the two of you can watch something together or play a game. Talk, relax. I think she'll sleep better for it.”

“She really said that?” Erik leaned back and ran a hand through his hair. When she nodded, he let out a little laugh. It was more than a bit sexy. “Well, I think we can do that.”

“I also have another suggestion.” The corners of her mouth quirked up. “One just for you.”

Danielle, Fenn warned.

“Of course.” Erik shifted in his chair to face her fully.

Struck by his masculine beauty again, she almost forgot to speak. She wet her lips. “You need to get out and do something on your own. Something not related to work or Libby.”

A to Z Challenge - F is for Freakin' Fae

This is part of an ongoing story.

If you're just joining me now, please start with A is for Abby.

F IS FOR FREAKIN' FAE

"You scared that girl more than the monster." Abby wiped her face with an old towel from her car's trunk. She ignored the blood splattered fae when he held out his hand for one.

"I did not. She saw how handsome and heroic I am and swooned." Demetrius snatched the towel from her when she was done. The black blood was like jelly, but the stench didn't whet the appetite in the least.

"You came barreling in through her window growling like an animal just as I had the monster. The girl screamed and fainted." Abby opened the driver's side door and unhooked Tawa from her belt. She tossed the hippo into the backseat. "I told you to stay outside and watch."

Hey! I don't care if you're mad at that brute, but be a little more gentle with me. Tawa complained.

"The beast was going to suck you dry. If I hadn't helped-" Demetrius threw the towel back into the trunk and slammed it shut.

"It was not! I could've tied its proboscis in knots, but I was going for the quick clean kill. You're the one that made it messy." Abby sat in the driver's seat and jammed the keys into the ignition. This night had gone to hell. First a pack of monsters in the attic. She'd never seen so many together. They were usually solitary creatures. Then this damn annoying fae had attached himself to her and gotten in the way of what would have been an easy kill. The mess from the fight was extensive, but all evidence of the monster in the closet would be gone as soon as the sun rose. The little girl would remember, but her memory would fade with time. Unfortunately Abby's would not.

Demetrius stood beside the car with his arms folded. The moonlight highlighted and complimented his profile. Even covered in filth, he still managed to look hot. Abby yanked her door closed and cursed herself for noticing.

"Well?" Abby glared at him.

"Well what?" He snipped back.

"I'm going home now." She couldn't believe she was waiting for him.

Neither can I. Tawa huffed.

"Where do you live? I'll meet you there." Demetrius said with a nonchalance that made Abby frown all the more.

"It's a bit of a drive. Just get in." Abby sighed.

"I'm not getting into an iron box for the second time tonight." He stood his ground.

Ha! That's right. The fae hate cars. Tawa laughed. Drive off and leave him in the dust.

"All right then. Can't say it was nice meeting you. Bye." Abby shifted the car into drive and pulled away from the curb. She saw him curse and snarl in her rearview mirror and then run up to grab the passenger side door.

"I'm coming with you." Demetrius sat down and shut the door. His hand gripped the handle and he seemed to be concentrating on not looking ill. Yet that expression alone made him appear constipated.

"Don't worry." Abby smirked. "I won't take advantage of you in your weakened state." She drove down the street and headed to the highway.

"You can give it a try, if you'd like, babe." His sly smile made hers evaporate.

"Enough with the pet names already!" Abby gripped the wheel tight in both hands. "Freakin' fae. Prancing around all fancy and pretty, thinking they can have any woman or man. I'm sure you all laugh about it at court and drink your fruity fairy wines. I will not be one of those humans. Flirt with someone else."

"So you think I'm pretty?" His smile was weak, but it was still there, still tempting.

Open the car door and kick him out. He won't have the strength to fight you. Tawa offered up her suggestion. You should have listened to me.

"Enough with your comments too." Abby shot a look over her shoulder at the hippo. Then she poke Demetrius in the arm with a rigid finger. "You're an egotistical jerk. You're only here because of your blood debt or whatever. Act like you're an honorable being, for goodness sake."

"My honor demands that I give my life for yours if the situation demands it. I will hold true to it. Do not doubt me." Demetrius' voice was quiet and serious. He swallowed thickly. "I'm not one of those, as you said, freakin' fae from the court. Those are distant cousins and I dislike them as much as you. I'm of the wild, a hunter. One of the best of my clan. No prancing, no fruity wines, no silly gossiping."

No matter the chill of the night, Abby pressed the button to lower his window and let the fresh air wash over him. He breathed in deeply, looking a little less tense.

He's still an egotistical jerk. Tawa grumped.

"You're one of the Fearless. I have much to prove in your eyes it seems." Demetrius stuck an arm outside and rested his hand on the roof.

I wonder if he'll stick his head outside like a dog. The hippo chuckled, but it tapered off as she was ignored again.

Abby said nothing. Her gut told her he was being honest. He was also proving that he would risk a lot by riding in a car. It was clearly weakening him and making him sick. She sped up to get them to her place a little faster. She didn't know what she was going to do with him, but perhaps another person to fight with her with the increase of monsters lately would be a good thing.