Page 29 of Perfectly Petite Shorts (Perfect Pixie)

“No worries,” Parsnip answered, zipping into the room.

“Good work mini-weres.” Parsnip held up his hand and high-fived Dillon and Ruthie.

“Didn’t know the two of you could be so sneaky.

I’ll need to remember that.” Parsnip winked at the Voss children before flying away, scattering gray dust mixed with sparkling bits of aqua .

“Yo, Byx, you got the decorative charms?” Vander yelled through the rift.

“You’re so damn loud, Vander.” Byx stomped into the room, a small box in hand.

“It’ll take you what? Thirty seconds to activate the charms.” Byx huffed but grinned when she laid eyes on Dillon and Ruthie.

“Don’t you two worry. We’ll have this place party festive in no time at all.

” Handing the box to Vander, the two of them got busy.

“Need some help with that, Johnny?” Lizabeth asked. “I’ve got a free hand.”

“Grab that honeysuckle mead if you will. I’ve got the cake.

” Johnny’s cloven hooves clopped against the hard wood floors.

“Well, isn’t this just the quaintest home in the whole universe.

” Johnny’s eyes tracked around the room, and he nodded with approval.

“This is exactly the kind of home I imagined Phil would make. It’s lovely and—whoa there!

” Johnny jostled the cake, barely saving it from splatting on the floor when Trinket scuttled past him.

“Trinket! Manners,” Wendall scolded. “I’m so sorry, Johnny.”

Chuckling, Johnny dismissed Wendall’s concerns. “She’s just excited to see her friends. See, she’s already gotten comfortable.” Sitting on top of Ruthie’s head, Trinket flounced back and forth, messing up her carefully coiffed ’do.

“Leon and I’ve got the rest of the snacks,” Phlox said as he stepped into the room, arms laden with bags of food.

“Indeed, I had no idea the living required so much sustenance,” Leon offered as he followed his beloved.

“Stuff it, Leon.” Phlox gave Leon a withering stare. “Not all of us have the luxury of our meals walking on two legs and following us everywhere we go.”

Leon’s brows lifted, but his obsidian eyes gleamed with mischief. “Indeed, I am a very fortunate vampire.”

“We both are,” Lucroy agreed .

Dillon craned his neck, watching as their guests streamed into the room, filling the space with noise, laughter, and adding to the good vibes of the house. Chewing on her bottom lip, Ruthie tugged at her brother’s sleeve. “I don’t see them.”

Neither did Dillon. Stomping toward the now-closed rift, Dillon tilted his head back and demanded, “Where are they? You said you’d bring them.” If Dillon were a year or two younger, he would have stomped his foot.

Ray’s cheek twitched as his eyes narrowed, fire briefly flaring within their depths.

“Is something wrong?” Ruthie asked.

“No, nothing’s wrong,” Wendall hastened to placate the children and Ray. “We gathered everyone at Dusk to make transport easier, however—”

“Phil’s parents are in California while we are in Virginia. Their recovery requires a second transport,” Ray interjected. “Patience is not a quality werewolves are blessed with.”

Dillon shrugged. “We’ve got a lot of other kick-ass qualities that make up for it.”

“Humility appears absent as well,” Ray added, wholly unimpressed. “I will return momentarily with Phil’s gift .”

“Thank you, Ray!” Ruthie shot forward, wrapping her small arms around Ray’s thighs. Trinket took the opportunity to jump from Ruthie’s head to Wendall’s shoulder, immediately wrapping his tail around Wendall’s arm.

Ray stood frozen. Beside him, Wendall silently mouthed, Tap her head.

Hesitantly, Ray’s fingers found their way to the crown of Ruthie’s head, a soft “you are welcome” slipping through his lips. Ray waited for Ruthie to release him before quickly creating another atmospheric tear and slipping through. Wendall stayed behind to help with the preparations .

“This is going to be the best,” Dillon stated, a wide grin stretching his lips. “Phil’s gonna be so surprised.”

The house heaved a grateful sigh, filled with relief and joy.

“ S hhh,” Dillon hissed. “Quiet. Phil’s coming.” Hardly able to contain himself, Dillon bounced on his toes. Ruthie was no better as she constantly twitched and barely contained her expectant giggles.

The patio door slid open, and Phil stepped over the threshold, his fingers skimmed along the edge of the doorframe as he entered. “Thank you,” he said quietly. Stopping just inside the door, Phil looked around. “Why is it so dark in here? Sedrick, are you—”

“Surprise!” That singular word echoed through the house, reverberating off the walls and sounding with the chorus of many familiar voices.

Jumping, Phil’s wings fluttered as he flew toward the ceiling. Grass green eyes wide, Phil blinked, his light pink eyelashes fluttering as the lights suddenly came to life, revealing a room filled to overflowing with his friends and family.

“W-what on… Goddess, what is all this?”

“Happy birthday, baby.” Sedrick broke through the crowd. Phil relaxed into his outstretched arms. Pressing his lips against Phil’s cheek, Sedrick growled, low and pleased. “You thought you could keep this from everyone else? You should really know better by now.”

Phil spluttered. “I…I never expected…”

Dillon huffed. “Well, you should have. You’re important, Phil. You’re the alpha mate.” Dillon said that as if it explained everything. To a burgeoning alpha werewolf, it did .

“We love you, Phil.” Ruthie raised her arms and Phil lifted her into his embrace. “You’re everything.”

“Oh, I…” Cheeks flushed, Phil was truly at a loss for words.

“Just sit back and enjoy it,” Sedrick said, his hand rubbing circles along Phil’s back and rubbing between his wings. “The kids worked hard and put a lot of thought into your birthday.”

“They did,” Peaches agreed as he flew toward his friend, crushing him in an embrace. “You have the best family, Phil.”

“We offered up the party bus, but the kids thought that might be a bit much.” Burt sounded disappointed but not hurt. “We were gonna put a big sign on the side of it and drive you around town. Everyone would have known it was your birthday.”

Phil paled. “That…that was very kind and thoughtful of you.”

“Think nothin’ of it. This is good too,” Ollie answered.

“I’ve never seen party decorations like the ones Vander and Byx made.

We need to ask what they charge. Could be somethin’ to make the bus a bit more festive.

Come on, Burt, let’s go talk to the warlock and brownie.

See if we can work out a deal. Happy birthday, Phil,” Ollie said as he offered up a wave, grabbed Burt’s shoulder, and took off toward Vander and Byx.

“They had a good time working out the decorations,” Parsnip said as he flew closer and offered his own hug. “They were happy to do it, and Byx thinks they can make a side business of it.” Parsnip sounded proud.

“It really is lovely.” Phil glanced around the room. Stars twinkled across the ceiling, with gaseous nebulas colorfully swirling in a distant corner. Harmless fireworks quietly exploded overhead. A few spelled out Phil’s name while others flashed Happy Birthday .

“He’s a talented warlock. Just don’t you dare tell him I said that.

Now, I better get over there before Burt and Ollie fleece those two.

I swear, Byx and Vander don’t know how to market themselves properly.

Honestly, they’d give their skills away if left to their own devices. ” Parsnip sighed and flew off.

Sedrick’s chuckle was low and deep. “That’s an interesting couple.”

“Not as interesting as us,” Phlox said as he sauntered up, Leon hot on his heels.

“Happy birthday, Phil.” Phlox slapped Phil’s chest. “Pretty smart, keeping coy about your birthday.” Phlox winked, leaving Phil utterly confused.

“I’ve gotta hand it to the kids. They’d make wonderful agents for the Magical Usage Council one day. ”

“I’m gonna be alpha of the Voss pack.” Dillon quickly rejected Phlox’s suggestion.

“Oh, I know. I’m just saying, if you ever change your mind, let me know. You two have tenacity. You had a problem, and you logically worked through it.” Phlox tapped his temple with his finger. “Let me tell you, not everyone has that type of common sense.”

“Indeed, they do not,” Leon agreed. “My beloved has a valuable point.”

“Don’t I always?” Phlox’s light, teasing tone hinted at amusement.

“Of course.” Leon nipped at Phlox’s tipped ear and earned a playful swat for his efforts.

The loud murmurs drifted to silence as a bright, linear light cut through the room. Dillon could hardly contain his excitement as he shouted, “That’s Ray.”

“He’s got your present,” Ruthie exclaimed.

While Ruthie grabbed one hand, Dillon took the other and tugged Phil toward the growing rift.

“Ray’s here too?” Phil asked as he allowed himself to be led to where the fairy would make his entrance.

“We wouldn’t miss it.” Wendall was all smiles as he stood beside the rift, Trinket on his head and her tail wrapped around his neck.

In agreement, Trinket opened her tooth-filled maw and barked a happy sound.

“Ray’s sorry he’s late. He just had a little errand to run…

” Wendall’s grin grew as Ray stepped through the rift.

“You didn’t have to come, Ray,” Phil protested. “I know you’re busy and…” Phil’s words trailed off to little more than soft, incomprehensible sounds. A choked, “M-mom? Dad?” filled the air before Phil threw his body into his parents waiting arms.

“Oh, Phil. Honey.” Phil’s mother, typical in size for a pixie, flew up to embrace her son as Phil’s father did the same. “We’ve missed you so much.”

“Mom! Dad! How? I mean, you’re bonded to your home and…” Phil’s wide, tear-filled eyes traveled to Ray. “You did this? You brought them here?”

Ray’s arm lifted, wrapping around Wendall’s shoulders as he sidled up beside his fairy. “It was Wendall’s wish.”

Wendall made a pain filled sound. “It was Dillon and Ruthie’s idea. I just told them Ray would do it.” Wendall sounded very proud of himself.

Palms cupping his parents’ cheeks, Phil turned his head, his pink, ombre hair falling across his shoulders. “You two did this?”

Dillon beamed and his eyes flared golden. “We wanted to get you the best present ever.”

Ruthie grabbed her brother’s hand, entwining their fingers. “Your mom and dad are still alive, but you don’t get to see them, not really. You gave that up for us. For the house.”

Dillon nodded. “You’re bonded to the house and us, and your mom and dad are bonded to their property. It’s too far for either of you to travel, so we asked Ray to transport them here.”

“Ray transported everyone here,” Wendall proudly said. “ He’ll be well rewarded later this evening.” Going up on tiptoes, Wendall kissed Ray’s cheek. Scarlet danced along Ray’s skin. It was the only outward sign Wendall’s affection affected him at all.

Going down on one knee, Phil stared at Ruthie and Dillon. As far as he was concerned, blood or no, they were his children. “I don’t even know what to say. This is… It’s the absolute best present in the whole world.”

“Yes!” Dillon and Ruthie high-fived, and Phil wiped the tears slipping down his cheeks.

“They did good.” Sedrick’s deep voice filled the space. “Our pack is in good hands.”

Dillon’s chest puffed out. “The absolute best hands.”

“Phil, honey, I’d like to meet our grandchildren.” Phil’s mom didn’t have to lower herself as much as Phil to look the children in the eyes. “You two are just how Phil’s described you. Come here and give your grammy some lovin’.”

Ruthie went first, folding into welcoming pixie arms. Dillon’s hug was briefer but no less heartfelt.

“How long do you have?” Phil asked his dad.

“About two hours. Three if we push it. We’ve been bonded to our home for a long time, Phil. We can’t be away from it as long as when we were younger.”

“Two hours is a blessing from the Goddess,” Phil answered.

His dad agreed. “It seems we’ve had a lot of blessings. The first was the day you were born. We knew then you’d be special. We just didn’t have any idea how special.”

Phil’s mom stood before fluttering her wings and flying up to eye level with her son. “You were perfect from the day you took your first breath of air.” Cupping Phil’s cheeks in her hands, she leaned in and kissed his forehead.

Sedrick took a step forward. “I could not imagine a more perfect being than Phil. ”

Phil’s cheeks flushed and he lowered his head, hair covering his face. “I’m far from perfect. I’m—”

“You’re perfect for me,” Sedrick reaffirmed.

“And us,” Dillon agreed. “You’re the best pixie in the whole world.”

The room had gone silent as Phil’s friends listened in, soft smiles and wet eyes on more than a few.

“I…” Phil silently shook his head. There was no point arguing. Raising his head, Phil gazed at Dillon and Ruthie. “And you are everything I ever dreamed but never thought possible.”

The weighted silence clung to the room for a precious few seconds before Burt shouted, “Is that icing on your face? Did you eat some of the cake?”

All eyes turned to Ollie as he sheepishly ducked his head, little tell-tale flecks of icing caught in his beard. “I was hungry.”

“And you couldn’t wait?” Burt stomped his booted foot.

“Everyone was busy moonin’ over Phil,” Ollie said, by way of excuse. “Not that Phil doesn’t deserve moonin’ over, but a dwarf’s gotta eat.”

Laughter burst through the house as everyone agreed it was time to eat. Phil spent his precious two hours with his parents, introducing them to his friends and family, cherishing the time he could remain in their presence.

Phil wasn’t sure how the kids pulled it off, but hands down, this was his best birthday ever.