Page 26 of Perfectly Petite Shorts (Perfect Pixie)

“I do not believe Alpha Voss understood a true pixie’s need,” Lucroy said. “When he did, the alpha was quick to make amends for his misunderstanding.”

Peaches deflated as his ire melted away.

“Yes. You’re right. Sedrick certainly made it right once he understood.

It’s just… It was difficult, watching Phil put that awful fabric on and put on a brave, smiling face.

It wasn’t him.” Inhaling deeply, Peaches’s pushed the negative feelings away.

“Phil’s life has improved so much. He’s got everything he deserves, and yet he still doesn’t understand just how wonderful he is.

I’m so happy the two of you know about his birthday and that you want to find the perfect pr esent for him. ”

Dillon checked the time, realizing more than he would have liked had already passed and besides learning Phil’s actual birthday date, he and Ruthie were no closer to figuring out a good present.

Lucroy caught the movement and saved Dillon the need to verbally intervene. “I believe the children are limited for time.” Lucroy diplomatically nudged the conversation forward.

“We are. Uncle Sed and Phil will be home soon, and it would be easier if Ruthie and I didn’t have to make up a story about why we came out here.” Dillon knew his uncle would be able to scent the orchard on them so it wouldn’t do to make up some tale that didn’t entail going out to Peaches’s home.

Feet about a foot off the ground, that didn’t stop Peaches from tapping his foot.

“I’m thinking,” he said when Ruthie and Dillon looked expectantly up at him.

Face flushing, Peaches said, “I think Phil would like some soft lingerie. Every pixie likes luxuriating in fine silks and since Phil is Sedrick’s mate…

And I doubt that would be something Phil would think to purchase for himself. ”

Dillon and Ruthie’s shared, horrified expressions made Lucroy’s lips twitch with amusement. “I believe that might be more of a gift for Alpha Voss than Philodendron.”

“Oh.” Peaches’s flushed cheeks darkened. “You might have a point.”

Dillon shuffled his feet, looking decidedly uncomfortable. “I don’t think that’s something that Ruthie and I should purchase.” While Dillon understood that Phil was the alpha mate, he didn’t want to consider what being a mate truly entailed.

Ruthie’s gag indicated she felt the same.

Peaches’s wings fluttered with agitation.

“So, that’s a no to the lingerie. I still think it’s a lovely option.

I’ll speak with Sedrick about it.” Peaches gave a firm nod to punctuate his good idea.

“Now, as far as the two of you… Let’s see…

Phil is a home-and-hearth pixie, and there’s nothing he loves more than his home and family.

Maybe something for the house?” Peaches looked to Lucroy for help.

“I believe that is a lovely idea and much more appropriate for the children.”

Dillon’s eyebrows scrunched in thought. “But what does the house need? Phil already sees to all its needs, and that’s something he really enjoys doing.”

“Phil likes cleaning,” Ruthie added, awe filling those few words.

“He does,” Dillon agreed while twirling a finger around his temple. “He’s crazy like that.”

Lucroy’s lips twitched again. “Indeed. It seems a blessing that Philodendron is so inclined as the two of you have made it abundantly clear you are not.”

“I clean,” Dillon defended, his chin jutted out. “When I have to.”

“Very magnanimous of you.” Lucroy’s dark eyes glinted with mirth.

“What does magnamos mean?” Ruthie asked.

“Never mind.” Peaches waved off his beloved. “Lucroy likes using big words. Now, as for the house, maybe something decorative? Something Phil would like but think too ostentatious to do himself.”

“What does ostat—”

“Fancy,” Dillon offered before his sister could further mangle the word.

“Ohh.” Ruthie’s eyes widened. “Like new curtains or a pretty wreath for the front door.”

Dillon’s downturned lips indicated he wasn’t sold on the idea. Checking the time again, Dillon cursed. “Damn it, we’re out of time. ”

“You’ve been hanging out with Ollie and Burt too much.” Peaches lowered until his toes touched the porch.

Dillon shrugged. He’d heard that and a lot worse from his uncle too. The only difference was that his uncle acted upset when he did. “Come on, Ruthie. We better get going.”

Arms open wide, Ruthie gave Lucroy and then Peaches a big hug before she shimmied out of her clothes.

Peaches and Lucroy were too used to the were children’s lack of modesty to comment.

Naked, Ruthie quickly shifted into her dire wolf form.

When Peaches pulled his gaze from Ruthie, it was to find Dillon equally naked, shoving their clothes into a bag.

He slid the strap over Ruthie’s neck and then transformed himself.

“Exquisite.” Lucroy marveled at the transformed wolves. Closing the distance, his slender fingers slipped through Ruthie’s soft, white fur. “You are truly lovely, my dear.”

Ruthie nuzzled into Lucroy’s touch before woofing loudly. Bounding away, she only tripped over her long legs once before she was racing down the lane leading away from Peaches’s orchard and toward the road. Dillon was hot on her heels as they raced for home.

D usk’s Delights

“You want to go with us to Dusk? Why?” Sedrick stared at his niece and nephew, his bushy eyebrows lowered with curiosity. “You’ll be bored.”

Dillon shrugged, acting like it wasn’t that important when he and Ruthie truly wanted to go.

Dusk was too far for them to run to, at least while Phil and Uncle Sedrick were gone.

They needed a ride and time to talk with Johnny.

There was a good chance Wendall would be there too.

Wendall was thoughtful and might have some good ideas. Plus, Trinket.

“Trinket might be there,” Ruthie excitedly answered, proving once again that Dillon and his sister were of a similar mind.

Sedrick took a moment to consider that. “She might, but there’s no guarantee. It depends on whether or not Wendall’s working tonight.”

“We’ll take our chances.” Dillon stood firm and changed tactics. “Is there a reason you don’t want us to go?” Fisted hands on his hips, Dillon cocked his head back and stared down his uncle.

Sedrick’s eyebrows shot heavenward. “No, not particularly.” Scratching his bearded cheek, Sedrick hollered, “Phil, you okay with the kids coming with us tonight?”

Phil walked down the hall, a basket of laundry tucked under his arm. “Yes. You two want to come?” Phil sounded just as confused as Sedrick.

“We’re bored, and Trinket might be there,” Dillon answered.

It wasn’t a complete lie. He and Ruthie could find a lot more things to do around the house than at Dusk, but the lure of Trinket’s presence was true enough.

They loved playing around with the scuttlebutt.

Dillon and Ruthie probably wouldn’t be able to transform and rumble about in their wolf forms, but they’d still find things to do with Trinket.

“Oh.” Phil’s eyes widened, showing off grass green irises.

“If you really want to, then I don’t have a problem.

” Phil’s smile was fondly soft. “You know I always enjoy spending time with you, and if you and Ruthie are with us, I might be able to stay away from the house a little longer.” Phil had bonded not only with the house, but its occupants as well.

While his main bond was with the home, having Sedrick or the children around offered a larger grace period before he began feeling ill.

Dillon shot a fist into the air. “Yes! Come on, Ruthie. Let’s get your hair sorted.

We’ll be back in ten minutes.” Dillon took a look at Ruthie’s hair and amended, “Make that fifteen.” Grabbing his sister’s hand, Dillon dragged her to the bathroom to start taming Ruthie’s hair.

He took his older brother and burgeoning alpha nature seriously.

It was his duty and privilege to see to his pack.

“ W ell, if it ain’t the youngest Vosses come to see us.

” Johnny tossed a towel over his shoulder, a wide grin splitting his face.

Standing on the riser behind the bar, Johnny was tall enough he needed to lean over the bar’s surface to make eye contact with Dillon and Ruthie. “To what do we owe the pleasure?”

“Evidently, they’re bored at home,” Sedrick answered. “Plus, there was some hope that Trinket would be here tonight.”

“Well, my fine young werewolves, looks like you’re in luck. Wendall’s not here yet, but he’s scheduled to work tonight, so I expect him any minute.”

True delight fueled Dillon and Ruthie’s grins. “It’s been a while since we’ve seen her,” Ruthie said.

“I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you too.” Johnny leaned on the bar, his arms crossed and his chuckle pleased.

“Hey, I didn’t know you two were coming tonight.” Lizabeth sidled up next to Johnny. Her hair was a vibrant orange tonight and made it look like her head was on fire. Lizabeth had her typical studded collar on, indicating her human neck was off limits to Lucroy’s nestmates.

“They were bored,” Sedrick repeated. “You mind getting me whatever beer’s on tap and a glass of honeysuckle mead for Phil.” A loud burst of laughter sounded from the corner. “Looks like Peaches has already had a couple of glasses,” Sedrick jested, his voice fond.

“You got it,” Lizabeth answered.

Johnny scoffed. “Last I checked, he’s on his third. I swear, that pixie has no restraint when it comes to my cousin’s mead.” Johnny sounded more proud than judgmental.

“Heard anything from Vander and Parsnip?” Sedrick asked while waiting for their drinks.

“Last I knew they were in Canada. Not sure what type of couple they’re filming. Byx is minding the store again,” Johnny answered. “They should be back in a couple of days.”

“Here you go,” Lizabeth said as she slid a tall glass of beer Sedrick’s way and a much smaller glass of honeysuckle mead.