A to Z Challenge 2013 - Y is for Yawned

It's the penultimate post for the 2013 A to Z Challenge!

I can't believe it's almost at an end already. What a month!

I'm posting snippets from a story this year.

If you'd like to read the whole tale, please start with A.

Y IS FOR YAWNED

"No." Danielle's chin trembled. "No! I will kill this monster a million times before I ever hurt Erik!"

She charged the serpent.

You're not thinking with your head, Danielle. Fenn bellowed. The child's safety must come first!

The monster reared back, taking its head out of Danielle's reach. It whipped its tail around and smacked her, sending her flying against a set of drawers.

"I'll never let it harm Libby! But killing Erik isn't the answer!"

You don't know this!

"And neither do you!" Danielle's screech was cut off as the tail slammed into her. It wound around her body and squeezed. She couldn't get a breath. Hacking at the monster's body was doing nothing to deter it.

"No!" Libby ran at the serpent. "Leave her alone! Go away!"

"Libby!" Erik managed to roll to his hands and knees. His cry hoarse and wobbly.

"Go away! Go away!" Libby's tiny fists struck the monster. It hissed, almost like a chuckle.

Danielle wanted to scream for the girl to get away, but not even a squeak escaped her throat. Black dots decorated her vision.

The monster's mouth yawned, fangs glistened, and it descended upon the child.