Emmers murmured, “I don’t know why she puts up with you.”
Neekil smiled.“We have a meeting of the minds and complement each other, and then the clothes fly off.It’s a lovely partnership.”
Kairek asked, “So, when are you going to propose?I know your people don’t do it, but I have met the Lees, and they definitely do.”
Neekil shrugged and got behind the wheel; it was his turn to drive.“I have one of my cousins finishing a wedding set.I am going to propose this weekend.”
Emmers laughed.“Get down on your knees?”
“Yup.I intend to stay there as long as it takes.”He put the SUV in gear, and they headed down the drive.It was time to do their job and protect the city.He could imagine all the ways he could persuade Hannah later.
Dremian shook his head.“Dark elves.Yeesh.”
They laughed and were at the city limits when the first call came in.Time to earn their pay.
* * * *
Hannah groaned andstaggered to the shower.She was going to have to chat with Neekil about sneak attacks.He needed to start them earlier in the day.She wanted the throbbing to wear off before she started moving through the haunted homes.Still being aroused was dangerous when she was trying to negotiate with the dead and downright distracting when she had to smash gremlins.
Her phone buzzed, and she checked the message.She grinned when she saw the notice that her mother had made too much meatloaf for dinner and asked if she could come by and help out.She picked it up and stated that she would be there in thirty minutes.With a little effort, she showered and then pulled on cargo pants and a long-sleeved tee for her evening’s activities.
Abert met her in the kitchen.“Going out, Madame Hannah?”
“Yes.I have to do assessments on a few more houses that the mayor’s office selected for this project.”
“You will be cautious?”
“Of course.First, I have to have dinner at my parents’ house.They have been missing me, and if it isn’t a weekend, they now know about Neekil’s schedule and feel they aren’t cutting into our personal time if they have me over while he’s at work.”
“I see.Your parents will be here for the party?”
“And my siblings.And at the beginning, my nieces and nephews.”
Abert smiled.“You trust me with them?”
“I do.They are baking cookies for you.”Hannah smiled.“They want to make a good impression.”
Abert grinned.“I like your family.”
“I hope so.They are the only one I have.”She grabbed her purse and keys.“See you sometime before dawn.”
“I will keep a light on for you, Madam Hannah.”
“See you soon.At least this time I am wash and wear.”
He chuckled.“I am ready to deal with gremlin residue again.”
“I love having support.Okay.I am off to battle meatloaf.”
He nodded.“I willclean up on aisle fiveas Sir Neekil says.”
Hannah paused, opened and closed her mouth, and nodded.She headed out the door to the sound of a kobold laugh-barking at her.
She got into her red SUV and headed over to her parents’ place.It was time to stock up on human hugs.The dark elf ones were great, but there was something about a mom and dad hug.
She was doing dishes an hour later when her mom said softly, “So, Hannah, when are you and Neekil going to announce an engagement?”
“Uh, Mom, if I am not going to be a bride, his people don’t have a protocol for me.War companions are usually male.”
