“Nah, the newyn doesn’t eat the fae. I’ve been hunting it for weeks, and it’s probably been hunting me in return.” He takes a run at the building, then in a jump and a bounce he’s on the roof and running toward the newyn.
“What am I supposed to do?” I call after him.
The newyn turns to face Oran, then before he is close enough to attack it leaps off the building and flies straight toward me. I ready my bat like I’m facing selection for the state team—I didn’t spend years playing baseball in primary school to fuck this up. It stretches out its bony claws toward me.
Wait.
I adjust my stance.
Wait.
I draw in a breath; sure I can see the individual feathers. The joints between the bones.
Wait.
Oran is shouting at me, but I ignore him. At the last second, I step to the side and swing. Newyn’s may not have a body, but the bat connects with something and it tumbles through the air before rolling over the ground like a pile of rags and bones.
Oran jumps and lands next to it. His blade flashes in the streetlight and the newyn collapses in a cloud of dusty feathers and ink. Then it’s gone like it never existed, leaving only a dark smudge on the footpath.
“Nice work.”
“Yeah.” I stare at the dust that is gently blowing away. I helped kill a monster. My heart is still beating fast. I’m not sure if it’s fear or excitement.
“Better take you back to the bar. I don’t want to break my word.” He smiles. “Thank you.” He offers his hand.
I shake it. My palm is sweaty against his cool skin.
I’m glad he cares about things like promises. Perhaps all riders aren’t assholes like my father. The adrenaline is coursing through me as we walk back to the bike, and I flinch at every rustle and shifting shadow.
I’m not sure if that was fun or stupid, but I’d like to do it again. I want to see him again. “So will you teach me how to use a sword?”
He glances at me. “Most fae would rather be at home partying than riding.”
“Then why aren’t you at home?” From what I’ve been told, it’s pretty and peaceful and monsters from the outer realms don’t invade.
“Because I’m not done here yet.” He sheaths the sword on the bike.
“When will you be done? Do you have a quota of kills?”
Oran glances at me, There’s a curious look in his eyes. “I’m done when I claim a woman as my own. I’ve never found one that’s made me ready to return.”
Ouch.Not that I want to go to faery, but he’s given me the most obvious brush off.
I grab his arm to stop him from getting on the bike. “Hey, I wasn’t asking to be taken to faery.” But I was hoping for his number or the promise of another hunt together. I’m hyped and my blood is hot. I thought there was a chance at more than killing monsters tonight.
