Frey

by Faith Gibson

  “I guess. So, which one of those are you going to teach me first?”

  “None. You will learn meditation first.” Frey knew the reaction before it happened. It was the same response everyone had when he told them they would be sitting quietly in the lotus position.

  “I don’t get it. I thought you were going to teach me how to fight.” Matt was frowning, but he wasn’t being disrespectful. He was shifting from foot to foot, as if he was ready to bolt.

  “I am. Remember, I just said you have to open your mind in the ring. You must learn how to properly do that. Believe me, it’s harder than you think. When was the last time you sat and concentrated on nothing?” Over the years, Geoffrey had taught all his brothers and cousins the art of meditation.

  “Honestly, I don’t sit. Drives Abbi crazy. My parents used to call me Bean. You know, after those Mexican jumping beans? It’s probably why I can eat what I want and not gain weight. I can’t sit still.”

  That explained his constant moving. Frey asked, “Do you play sports?”

  “I played basketball when I was younger, but now I have to work. Abbi does the best she can, but I don’t ask her for anything if I can help it.”

  “Is Abbi your sister?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “I tell you what, why don’t we get you signed up? That way when Abbi does give permission, you can start right away.” The kid would have to list his sister’s name on the paperwork, and he could figure out the husband’s name from there. He took Matt to the front, grabbed a clipboard and sign-up sheet. Matt sat quietly filling out the form, his knee bouncing the whole time. He hadn’t been kidding.

  When Matt finished, Frey took the clipboard and said, “We’ll let you try things out for a week, see what you think. If you’re still interested, we’ll discuss payment at that time. For now, just have your sister come sign the consent form, and you’ll be good to go.”

  “Thank you, I will.” Matt reached out his hand and Frey carefully shook it.

  “I’ll see you soon.”

  The kid’s demeanor was totally different leaving than it had been coming. Now he seemed hopeful. Frey’s eyes followed Matt until he was out of sight. He picked up the clipboard and scanned over the information. The address had them living not too far away from the high school. The area was filled with lower income families, mostly those who worked blue collar jobs.

  Frey continued looking at the form until he came upon the sister’s name. Abbi Quinn. Hopefully there wasn’t more than one Quinn working on the police force. He knew better than to get involved personally, but he was a sucker for the underdog. And when that underdog was a skinny kid? Frey was hooked.

  Most nights, the gym was going full force until around midnight. Since Frey didn’t have much of a life outside his gym and patrolling for Unholy, he stayed late just to be around people. Being only a couple of years younger than Rafael, Frey was one of the oldest in their Clan. He had spent his life protecting others, reinventing himself every so often so he could reenlist in the military. Having Julian as a brother helped when he needed a new identity.

  Frey might be the largest, fiercest Gargoyle in their Clan, but he loved humans. He’d spent over five hundred years living among them, interacting with them, learning their ways. To him, there was very little difference in humans and Gargoyles. Both wanted love and acceptance. Both had good and evil. Each had those who were leaders and followers. There were those who wanted complete control over the lives of those around them. Frey was a born leader, but he would follow Rafael to the ends of the earth. He loved his King, but more than that, he loved his cousin. Being two years apart, they had been raised together. Even though they had different parents, Rafael was more like a brother.

  Wanting to speak with Kaya before it got too late, Frey left Urijah in charge and headed out early. He arrived to an eerily dark manor. He really should have called first, but it was the middle of the week. Even if Rafe and Kaya weren’t home, Jonathan and Priscilla should be there. Frey parked his Jeep and shut the engine off. He reached out with his shifter senses. Nothing. That was more than odd. He dialed the house phone first. No answer. Frey couldn’t remember the last time both of the siblings had gone out at the same time. It was usually Priscilla who remained behind. Now that they were getting on in age, neither of them left the manor often. Next he called Rafael.

  “Hello, Brother,” Rafael answered. He regarded them all as his brothers, whether they were brothers, cousins, or even if they weren’t related by blood at all.

  “Evening, Rafe. I’m sitting here at the manor, alone. Where are Jonathan and Priscilla? This place is like a ghost town.”

  “Lorenzo’s new housekeeper, Prudence, arrived today from Italy. She is Priscilla and Jonathan’s niece, and they are over there now, helping her settle in. What’s up?”

  “I wanted to talk to Kaya about one of her cops. What time will y’all be home?” Frey was one of the few Gargoyles who had adopted the southern style of speaking. While he didn’t follow the “good ole boy” mentality, he did talk with a drawl. He had lost his Italian accent a couple hundred years earlier.

  “I was just going to call you. I’m afraid we won’t be home anytime soon. We are headed to Tennessee with Dane. Julian can fill you in, but shit has hit the proverbial fan. Gregor and Dante are on an airplane headed to Greece. I need you to take care of the patrol schedule until they return.”

  “Ten-four. Do I need to postpone our sword training?” Frey really hoped not, because he was looking forward to sparring of a different sort.

  “No, please proceed. I have a feeling it is more important than before. Listen, I need to go; we have arrived at our destination. I’ll be in touch soon. Be well, Frey.”

  “And you, my brother.” He tossed his phone in the cup holder and started the Jeep. “What the fuck is going on?” he asked the cosmos.

  Chapter Two

  Abbi’s last student left the dance room. It was time to begin planning the fall festival, which meant longer hours after school. Between the afternoon dance classes three days a week and the festival, Abbi would be late getting home every night. She couldn’t be happier. Abbi Quinn taught ballet at a local community center. Her class was filled with children from mostly lower income families who wanted nothing more than a babysitter. There were some kids who were truly interested in dancing. Since Abbi couldn’t have any children of her own, she relished her time with the little ones, no matter the reason they spent their afternoons with her.

  The last child had been picked up, and Abbi was taking advantage of the quiet time to work on the festival. Most of the other classes had let out, so the building was almost empty. Even though it was autumn, the committee had chosen The Nutcracker for this year’s theme and had appointed Abbi as chairperson. The door flew open and slammed against the wall, startling her. Her husband Troy stalked into the room, his face was furious. Oh, God. What now? Troy had a temper, and it was only getting worse. It was all she could do to hide the bruises from her fellow teachers.

  Troy rared back and threw a plastic case at Abbi, barely missing her face. She cringed, knowing all too well what it was. “What the fuck, Abigail? You wanna tell me why in the fuck I found birth control pills in your drawer?” She stood abruptly as he rushed her. With her back to the wall, there was nowhere for her to retreat. This was a no win situation. If she kept quiet, he would be mad. If she told him the truth, he would be enraged. “I asked you a fucking question!” he yelled.

  Troy was in her space now. Toes touching, she could see the fire in his eyes. This never boded well for her. When he was this far gone, she knew it was going to hurt. “I can’t do it again,” she whispered.

  “What was that? I didn’t hear you.” His breath reeked of whiskey. It usually did when she wasn’t home right after school to have his dinner on the table. Some nights he ignored her. Some he didn’t bother coming home, and Abbi knew he wasn’t spending that time alone. Too many nights he’d come home smelling of someone else

’s perfume. Those were the nights she appreciated, because then he left her alone.

  “I can’t do it again, Troy. I can’t go through the pain of losing another baby. I just can’t!” Traitorous tears she had no control over slid down her face.

  “You didn’t even ask me. I’m your husband, and you didn’t ask me about going on the pill. I want a kid. I don’t care if your body is too fucking weak to handle it; we’re going to do this until you give me a son. That was the deal, Abigail. You give me a goddamn kid, and I give you your life back.”

  Abbi wasn’t stupid. She knew he’d never let her go even if she gave him a child. She was stuck with him forever. He’d told her as much after high school. He was crazy if he thought she’d hand over her baby to him and walk away. As much as it broke her heart each time, losing those three babies had been a blessing. She could not bring a child into this world to be raised by an abusive monster.

  “Hey, Abs, I need to talk…” Her younger brother Matt chose that moment to walk in the door. “What’s going on?” He stopped in the doorway, his fists clenched by his side. Abbi tried her best to shield Matt from Troy. Her brother had yet to fill out. He was seventeen, tall, and skinny. Troy was built like a tank compared to Matt.

  “Nothing, Son. Your sister and I were having a private discussion. What did you want to talk to her about?” Troy turned so he was between Abbi and Matthew. She peered around Troy’s shoulder and shook her head, warning him to keep his mouth shut. The rage coming off Matt was tangible. He hated when Troy called him Son, because he was no kind of father.

  When their aunt died, Troy wanted Matt to go live with someone else, and he didn’t hide how he felt. As a matter of fact, Troy was extremely vocal on how much of a burden having him around was. Abbi did her best to reassure her brother she didn’t feel that way. Matt knew she wanted away from Troy, but with him being a cop, it was easier said than done.

  “It can wait. You two are busy. Sorry I interrupted.” Matthew wouldn’t go far. He would stand outside and listen as he always did. As long as Troy was yelling, he would stay put. If her husband laid a hand on her, Matthew would step in and take the punishment himself.

  “What was that about? Are you two keeping secrets from me? You do know I’m smarter than you both, right? I’m a cop. I will have you followed if I think you’re hiding something.” Troy was back in her face, both hands against the wall on either side of her head.

  “I honestly don’t know, probably something to do with school. It usually is.” Abbi was telling the truth. The only thing Matthew talked to her about was school. Her brother had no real life outside of that and his job.

  “You better not be lying. Now get your ass home. I want dinner.” Troy moved away from Abbi and bent down to retrieve the plastic container of birth control. He slid it in the front pocket of his uniform shirt. “I’ll be keeping these,” he snarled. The leer in his eyes let Abbi know what to expect from her husband when they went to bed.

  Please, someone, help me. She silently sent a prayer to a god she no longer relied on. Where was the Almighty when her husband was yelling at her, hitting her, abusing her brother? She continued to pray anyway. Packing up her things, she hoped Matthew could find somewhere else to sleep.

  She locked up the building and was walking to her car when the gravel behind her crunched. Whipping around, she held her mace up and aimed. “Jesus, Matt, I could have sprayed you!” she scolded her brother whose arms were up in the defensive.

  “Sorry, Abs. I just wanted to make sure you’re okay. Did he hurt you?” Matt cocked his head to the side, daring her to lie.

  “No, he didn’t touch me. But tonight’s going to be rough. Do you think you can…”

  Matt cut her off, “No. I’m not staying away. Not tonight. Abs, please. You have to find a way to get out from under him. I know he’s a cop, but there has to be someone who can help you.”

  Abbi had spent the last five years of her life beating herself up for marrying Troy. When her parents died, her aunt had taken control of her and Matthew’s inheritance. What Judy didn’t spend on drugs, she lost gambling. Abbi had gotten into college on a scholarship. Graduating Valedictorian from New Atlanta High School meant something. At least she’d had the good sense to get her degree and become a teacher. Her dream of becoming a professional dancer died along with her parents. Troy didn’t attend the same college, but he made sure his buddies who did followed her everywhere she went. Once he joined the Academy and became a policeman, Abbi saw a change in him. For just a little while, Troy was calmer and more responsible. He made her flowery promises about love and family. She finally gave in and married him. The ink hadn’t dried before he began trying to control every aspect of her life, including her bank account.

  Judy died of a drug overdose when Matthew had just started his sophomore year. What little money was left in the bank, Troy took as payment for allowing her brother to move in with them. Her parents’ house wasn’t worth anything after Judy had lived there and trashed it. Matt got a job as soon as he was old enough, never asking Abbi for money for anything: not school stuff, not clothes, not games. Nothing. She was so proud of the man he was becoming. As he took a step into the light, Abbi saw the marks on his face. “Matty, what happened?” She tentatively touched his cheek, noticing the small bandage.

  He jerked his head away from her touch. “Got punched. No big deal. Listen, Abs, I want to join the gym, but I need your permission. Will you please go to Lion Hart’s tomorrow and sign the permission slip?”

  “There’s a gym at the high school. Why don’t you use it?” Something was up. Matt had never shown an interest in working out.

  “You know the jocks have the run of the gym at school. Besides, I want to take a class. Please? I’ll pay for it, so don’t worry about that.” Matt’s bottom lip stuck out slightly, giving him a sad, innocent look.

  Abbi laughed. “You do that on purpose. Of course I’ll sign for you as long as it doesn’t interfere with work or school.”

  Matt bounced up and down on the balls of his feet. “It won’t interfere. The gym opens early and closes late. Thanks, Abs. I love you.” He crushed her in a hug and kissed her cheek. “I’ll see you at home.” He jogged off to his junker. It wasn’t much to look at, but it was dependable, and he’d bought it himself. He really was a good kid.

  She thought back to the bruise on her brother’s face. “Oh, Troy. What have you done?” Stalling only put off the inevitable, so Abbi got in her car and headed home. When she arrived, the house was dark except for one room. The light from the television flickered through the window of the living room. Their house was a small three bedroom rancher in a fairly nice neighborhood. Abbi parked in the driveway and entered the house through the side door. She turned on the kitchen light and placed her purse on the kitchen table.

  She normally heated up leftovers on the nights she had dance class. If she cooked a meal, it would take a while. The longer it took, the more Troy would drink. One of two things would happen. Either he would get so wasted he’d pass out, or he’d remember why he was pissed at her in the first place and be rougher than usual. Tonight, she would take her chances with him passing out. She chose meatloaf. Between prep and cooking time, it would give her over an hour.

  She was mixing the hamburger meat with the various ingredients when Troy came into the kitchen. He walked by her to get to the liquor bottles. Without saying a word, he grabbed her hair and yanked her head back. His black eyes squinted, staring into hers. He crashed his mouth down on hers in a bruising kiss. His teeth grabbed her bottom lip and he bit down. Abbi instinctively jerked back, causing more damage to her lip. She knew better than to say anything. Instead she closed her eyes, fighting back the tears. She should have reheated leftovers.

  Thankfully, Troy waited until after supper was over and the table cleared before dragging Abbi to their bedroom where she now stared at the ceiling. Matt was in his room, hopefully asleep. The only noise was the sound of Troy’s snoring coming from the other side of the bed. He had gotten what he wanted before passing out. Abbi knew better than to get up before he was deep in sleep. Now that he was out, she eased off her side of the bed and slipped into the hall bathroom. She would make too much noise in the one attached to their bedroom. She closed the door and slid to the floor in front of the toilet. No longer did she have to force herself to throw-up to empty her stomach of the dinner mixed with the come Troy had shot down her throat. His mission to get her pregnant had been forgotten in his alcohol infused lust for revenge.

  In the dark, Abbi rinsed her mouth with water before sipping mouthwash from the bottle. She never turned on the light. She didn’t want to see her reflection in the mirror. The once bright face of a teenage girl filled with so much hope for the future was gone. All that was left was the haggard face of a young woman who felt anything but young. Quietly, she padded back to the bedroom and slid underneath the covers. She hadn’t noticed that Troy was no longer snoring.

  “Where the fuck have you been?” he asked her as he flipped back the bedding. He was still naked from earlier, and he was stroking his erection.

  “I had to pee,” she lied.

  “Whatever.” He didn’t say anything else as he jerked her panties down her legs. With no foreplay to get her at least a little wet, her husband shoved her knees to her chest and thrust himself into her body. Abbi closed her eyes tight, willing the tears to stay put. She lay still, her hands clutching the sheet below her, as Troy used her body for his own pleasure. Not once since they’d been married had he given her an orgasm. He’d never even tried. He pushed her knees higher against her chest and pounded relentlessly until his orgasm came. He didn’t call out her name, just grunted a couple of times as his seed spilled into her core. When he was sated, he pulled out, turned over, and went back to sleep.

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