Page 13 of Perfectly Petite Shorts (Perfect Pixie)

That hope quickly died. There was nothing but what had been there before. Peat choked back a sob. That minuscule hope had been there so fleetingly, and yet it was like losing his wings all over again.

“My sweet beloved.” Nirgal pulled Peat into his arms, one of his hands slipping to Peat’s back, settling between his tiny, deformed wings.

“I am sorry, but my vampire magic will not change your wings. You are perfect the way you are. Perfect for me in every way. I am afraid vampiric bonding molds our beloveds into what we need them to be.”

“Extending our lifespans,” Peat answered, his voice muffled against Nirgal’s chest.

“Yes. Our magic heals anything that would threaten your life. I am afraid your wings must not fit into that category. I am so sorry you are disappointed with our bonding.” Nirgal sounded wrecked. “I promised I would not harm you but—”

“And you didn’t.” Pushing out of Nirgal’s embrace, Peat viciously rubbed at his drying tear tracks.

Head held high and chin jutted out, Peat’s wings fluttered.

“Your magic is right. There is nothing wrong with my wings. They are the wings I was born with. The wings the Goddess gave me. I just…I just wish I could fly. I’ve always wondered what that would feel like.

But it doesn’t matter. I am so fortunate in every other wa y.

Asking for more is beyond ridiculous and borders on ungrateful.

I’ve found a home to bond with and am the beloved of the most wonderful vampire in the world. ”

“Oh, beloved.” Nirgal cupped Peat’s chin, leaning in and claiming another kiss. For the first time, Nirgal wasn’t as careful. His fangs nipped and small trickles of perfect blood tantalized his mouth.

Peat moaned into Nirgal’s mouth, hoping his vampire would take him then and there. Most likely Nirgal would have except the sprites chose that moment to surround them, their twittering chatter nearly overwhelming.

Pulling away, Peat turned his head, ready to scold the sprites and ask for a little privacy when one of them flew forward so fast they nearly slammed into Peat’s forehead.

“You want to fly?” The sprite practically vibrated with anticipation.

Peat stood there, Nirgal’s arms still wrapped around him and his cock making a valiant effort at another round. Confused, he said, “I’d love to be able to fly. But my wings are—”

“Too small,” the sprite answered while vigorously nodding its head. “But they still produce wonderful dust.”

“Y-yes, that’s true.” Peat’s confusion grew. None of this was news. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to—”

“To fly!” The sprite was right and wrong at the same time.

“I…” Peat’s gaze flicked from the sprite to Nirgal, hoping his vampire had a clue. Nirgal didn’t appear more knowledgeable and remained silent.

“Come. You will fly.” The sprite waved its hands at Peat.

“But I can’t. I—”

“You can’t, but we can. Come.” The sprite grew increasingly impatient.

“I believe you should go with them,” Nirgal said, loosening his arms .

“You know what they’re talking about?” Peat asked.

“No, but they seem very persistent.”

Peat huffed but decided the sooner he placated the sprite, the sooner he’d get Nirgal inside him.

Peat had barely taken two steps away from Nirgal when all the sprites descended on him. With a shocked gasp, Peat started to turn away, but instead of going after his dust, the sprites grabbed his clothing.

“What in the—oh!” Peat’s bare toes left the ground as he was lifted into the sky. The air danced around him as it flowed through his long hair. He wasn’t just hovering. He was flying!

“Come on!” one of the sprites yelled as they went even higher, flying over the treetops. “We’ve got you. Wee!” The sprites’ high-pitched laughter danced around Peat, Nirgal’s deeper base adding depth to the mirth.

“Goddess. I’m flying.” Peat threw his arms wide, joyous laughter erupting from deep within his chest. He’d never thought this would be possible.

He never thought… It didn’t matter what Peat had thought before.

All his earlier misconceptions were erased.

There was only space for one emotion within him. Joy. Utter, inescapable joy.

Peat wasn’t certain how long the sprites held him aloft, buzzing around the forest while giving Peat a beautiful view of the chateau he’d claimed as his own. By the time he was returned to Nirgal’s waiting arms, Peat was drunk on happiness.

Wrapping his legs around Nirgal’s waist, Peat let his vampire cradle his weight. Honestly, Peat wasn’t certain he could stand on his own. His legs felt like wet noodles and his arms were shaky.

“I flew!” Peat needlessly said, unable to keep the excitement from his voice. “Did you see me, Nirgal? I was flying!”

“And you were a vision, beloved.” Nirgal peppered Peat’s cheeks with kisses .

“I love you. Goddess, do I love you. I love this land, the chateau, and the life you’ve given me. I can’t believe I get to spend Goddess only knows how long with you.” Peat’s heart was so full he thought it would burst.

“And I will thank your Goddess every day for bringing you into my second life.” Nirgal nuzzled Peat’s neck. “Let us go home and celebrate without so many prying eyes.”

Falling into Nirgal’s strong embrace, Peat settled in and allowed his vampire to carry him home.

As they walked away, Peat looked over Nirgal’s shoulder and waved at the sprites, mouthing a silent thank you .

The sprites buzzed around, zipping this way and that, creating a shimmering canvas of ever-changing art.

How was this Peat’s life? He may not know, but Peat wouldn’t second guess it. He’d bathe in the beauty of it and would fight tooth and nail to make certain the chateau was safe. That Nirgal and his nestlings were safe. And that the sprites and forest they called home were safe.

Home . That word meant something different to a home-and-hearth pixie.

It meant everything . But home wasn’t simply the brick, mortar, rocks, and lumber that made up the chateau.

It was all the living and vampiric creatures the chateau and its surrounding grounds protected.

And with a bonded home-and-hearth pixie, there could be no place safer for those Peat allowed within his carefully protected area.

On this land and within their home, there was no more powerful force than a bonded home-and-hearth pixie.