Page 1 of Purrfectly Peculiar Pixie: Phlox's Story (Perfect Pixie Series Book 5)

Phlox

I checked the address a third time, verifying I’d put the information correctly into my navigation system. As I glanced down, my phone emotionlessly repeated, “You have arrived at your destination.”

“Huh,” I grunted while leaning over the steering wheel and peering out the front windshield. The house wasn’t exactly what I expected, although to be truthful, I wasn’t sure what that vision entailed. As far as homes went, this one was quaint. The outside was well taken care of. More than that, it was a home that gave off the impression of being well tended, or more to the point, well loved.

Late spring revealed a plethora of vibrant plants nestled close to rock-hewn skirting. Shutters framed every window and blooms spilled from window boxes. The setting sun gave the house an ethereal glow. No, not a house—a home.

I expected nothing less of a bonded home-and-hearth pixie. My confusion simply came from the size of the home. It was my understanding that Sedrick Voss was a wealthy alpha werewolf. My source’s information was beyond reproach, which meant Alpha Voss wasn’t one to flaunt his wealth. The were immediately went up a few notches in my opinion.

A different sound emanated from my phone. A quick glance at the clock told me I didn’t have time to take the call, especially considering it was from my Auntie Tandra.

I was in the process of allowing the call to go to voicemail when yips and a sharp howl snapped my head up and drew my gaze.

“What the—” barely slipped past my lips before my eyes widened and my mouth dropped. Openly gawking, I stared as two wolves playfully romped toward the house. They were both large, the smaller one grayish brown, but the bigger, white one was ginormous. I’d never seen a shifted wolf that size before.

I sat there, stunned to silence while my eyes tracked their progress. The main door opened as they trotted up and swiftly closed after they scuttled through. I blinked, my eyes dry and my brain trying to make sense of what I’d just witnessed.

“Trust me, that never gets old.”

I jumped and twisted. My wings senselessly beat against the car seat and my hair caught on my seatbelt. I stared through my window, unsure who I saw. I’d rolled the window down prior to turning the car off. Before I could register what happened, a hand shot through that lowered window.

“Hi, I’m Wendall.”

His smile was so innocent it stole my breath. Blue eyes stared down at me, movement swirled within, rolling like the ocean tide. Wavy blond hair danced with the breeze, revealing slightly tipped ears. I couldn’t see any wings.

Wendall. I mentally tossed the name around until recognition hit. Fairy. Sort of.

Reaching for that offered hand, I slid my fingers into his, the position awkward given I was still sitting in the car.

“Frost,” I offered in return. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“And you.” Wendall’s grin grew. “You’re the agent the Magical Usage Council sent, correct?”

I started to answer but another, cooler, voice interrupted. “Wendall, I believe our guest would like to exit his vehicle.”

“Oh! Yes, I’m sorry.” Wendall ran his fingers through his hair, nervously laughing and stepping back. “I got a little ahead of myself.” Waving a hand toward the house’s door, Wendall added, “Seeing Dillon and Ruthie in their fur always makes me a little flustered. In a good way,” he tacked on. “It’s so much fun watching them romp around. Thanks for reminding me, Ray.”

“Of course.”

Pushing the car door open, I stepped out into the fading sun. Arching, I stretched my back and fluttered my wings. It wasn’t enough to raise me off the ground, but it got the kinks out. My loose pixie pants shifted around my legs, the soft fabric heavenly against my skin.

Deep crimson hair caught my attention causing my heart to skip a beat. Hellfire Rayburn. The fairy stood at Wendall’s side, an arm wound around the smaller human-turned-part-fairy’s waist. His back was to me, that long swath of bloody crimson hair falling to the swell of his rump. Even from this angle, I could easily make out his perfectly tailored suit.

As an agent for the Magical Usage Council, I’d been around more fairies than most pixies. Still, I retained a healthy respect for their power, especially this fairy. Hellfire Rayburn was a legend among fairies. Fairies didn’t particularly like one another. Some got along better than others, but all respected power and every time I heard Hellfire Rayburn’s name mentioned, it was with the utmost respect.

It was a lesson I took to heart.

“Oh, wow.” Wendall’s surprised voice slipped through my internal musings. “I’ve never seen a pixie with hair like that before. Or that type of wing color. It’s really beautiful.”

I didn’t exactly preen. Unlike Auntie Tandra, I wasn’t a social pixie. I’d taken after my mother’s nature. However, all pixies, no matter their affinity, appreciated praise. Shaking my hair, I allowed it to settle, showing off its odd, horizontal coloring. My pixie hair started off white blond at the top and darkened to its tips. However, unlike typical pixies, my hair color was banded. Deep blue was the most consistent color, but varying shades of ochre and gray alternated with it. My wings had similar coloring, although they weren’t banded so much as mottled. It was a color combination that shouldn’t work but somehow did.

“Have you ever seen anything like this, Ray?” Wendall walked behind me, circling my body. I might have been nervous had I not been previously briefed on Wendall Galen—human turned zombie turned alive again. A human mixed with a healthy punch of fairy DNA. No one was certain what threat level Wendall posed. However, it was generally believed that whatever abilities he had, they were tempered by an agreeably tender soul.

I could not say the same about his lover.

“No.” That one word was cool with little emotion. “However, I believe there is more to this pixie than is typical.” Hellfire turned his head ever so slightly, allowing a glimpse of a black pupil ringed by a halo of crimson.

“More? How so?” Wendall cocked his head to the side, an air of innocence leaking from him in waves.

Again, I didn’t get a chance to answer. A round ball of fur darted across the yard. I jumped back as it scurried up Wendall’s leg, running across his arm and settling on his shoulder. A long tail wrapped around his bicep and Wendall leaned into the mound of fluff. Cooing filled the air. It was a sound I was completely unfamiliar with.

“Did you have fun? There are a lot of trees around here. Did you see the wolves?” Chattering erupted as the round fluffball tottered back and forth. “I told you not to engage with them, Trinket,” Wendall admonished. “They’re a lot bigger than you.”

In answer, Trinket opened their mouth impossibly wide, showing off a row of razor-sharp teeth. My eyes widened but Wendall seemed nonplussed.

“Yes, I know you’re fully capable of defending yourself, but I don’t think Alpha Voss would be happy if you tore a chunk out of his niece or nephew. None of that. You know I’m right, and we’re guests in Phil’s house. He’s a bonded home-and-hearth pixie. This is his home, and we’ll respect it and the ones it protects.”

Trinket’s demeanor instantly quelled. Nestling deeper into Wendall’s neck, their coos sounded apologetic.

Fingers disappearing into their deep fur, Wendall scratched what I thought might be their side. Gaze tracking to me, Wendall gave an apologetic shrug. “She’s pretty young and still learning.”

“Oh, I…what is she?” I asked the completely rude question.

“A scuttlebutt,” Hellfire answered. “She is of Fairy.” He said the last with warning.

“Ray gifted her to me.” Wendall leaned into Hellfire, his eyes full of adoration. “She was the absolute best present in the world.”

Hellfire’s cheeks flushed, their color only slightly dimmer than his crimson hair.

“She has indeed proved her worth.”

Wendall chuckled before going up on tiptoes and pressing his lips against Hellfire’s cheek. “She has,” he readily agreed.

“Come, I believe we’ve wasted enough time outside. The others are already here.” Hellfire wrapped his arm around Wendall’s waist again and made for the door. He didn’t look back to see if I followed.

Before he could reach for the knob, the door swung open. Phil’s protective barrier washed over me, tingling my skin and raising my hair. Inside, the house was awash in warm colors and enticing smells. Sound came from nearly every corner of the house, voices melding together in harmony.

“When will it be ready, Phil?” A young werewolf child bounced on her toes. Her brown hair was heedlessly bound on top of her head, little strands coming out here and there. “It smells soooo good.” As if to prove her point, she leaned her head forward, nose in the air, and sniffed.

“Soon, Ruthie.” I’d heard that Philodendron was large for a pixie. Sometimes, knowing something and seeing it in person are two totally different things. Phil was big. He was also beautiful. Pink ombre hair freely flowed down his back between two large pixie wings. Pink dust filled the air, mixing with a lingering glimmer of golden yellow.

“I want some too.” A typical-sized pixie, golden yellow wings and matching hair fluttered nearby. Intel told me this was Peaches. “Goddess, you make the best cinnamon twists.” Peaches clapped his hands. He looked more excited than the children.

“Peaches is right.” A young werewolf male stood behind his sister, arms crossed and head raised in confidence. “Everything Phil does is the best,” Dillon said with the authority of youth.

“Oh, I doubt that,” Phil answered, ruffling Dillon’s hair. On the surface, Dillon appeared miffed but the dusting of pink across his cheeks told a different story.

“Don’t argue with an alpha were, Phil. That never turns out well.” A large, burly were with a deep brown beard and thighs the size of tree trunks encircled Phil’s waist, squeezing between his wings and nuzzling his neck. When Phil tilted his head, it exposed a pink diamond necklace, platinum surrounding those sparkling gems.

“I’m gonna agree with Sedrick on this one,” Peaches said. “Especially where cinnamon twists are concerned.” Turning, Peaches placed his fisted hands on his hips. “Lucroy, I really wish you could consume something other than blood. You’re really missing out on Phil’s baking.”

The Southeastern vampire king’s dark black eyes gazed at me as he answered, “With all due respect, beloved, I believe others are missing out on the sweet taste of your blood. I suppose that is a blessing considering I would tear out the heart of any other that drew your blood.”

Peaches’s golden eyes rolled skyward. “So possessive.”

“Naturally,” Lucroy calmly answered, his eyes still locked on me. I’d met more vampires than fairies and that cold stare barely made me twinge. If Lucroy Moony wanted to have a go, I’d happily give him a run for his money. I’d most likely be ripped to shreds, but my shifted form was more lethal than most expected. I might be small, but I was mighty and, when properly pissed off, quick and deadly. Lucroy Moony could best me, but he wouldn’t come out of an altercation unscathed.

“Trinket!” Ruthie joyfully called and the little ball of fluff skittered down Wendall’s body and shot toward the child. Going to her knees, Ruthie giggled as the scuttlebutt danced around her body before climbing her like a tree.

Wendall sighed and when I chanced a glance in his direction, he appeared pleasantly at ease. That ease dissipated slightly when Lucroy’s cool voice broke through the calm atmosphere.

“Ray, would you care to introduce our guest?”

“Apologies,” Ray returned, nearly as devoid of inflection. Despite the soft tone, or perhaps because of it, all heads turned toward me. “This is Frost. He was sent by the Magical Usage Council to assist in our endeavors.”

“Frost?” Peaches flew forward and would have come closer if Lucroy hadn’t reached out and grabbed the edge of his shirt, pulling him back. Peaches didn’t even turn his head to acknowledge the move. “I’ve never heard of that type of pixie name.” Peaches didn’t sound judgmental, simply confused.

“It is my work name, not my given one.” I didn’t expound upon what my given name was.

“Oh, I see.” Only it didn’t really seem like Peaches did.

“Welcome.” Phil stepped forward, holding out his hand. I took those extended fingers and gratefully returned the gesture. I stood within Phil’s home by his grace alone. Should Phil wish it, the house would kick me out.

“Thank you, Phil. Or would you prefer I call you, Philodendron?” I asked, wanting to be polite.

“Phil’s fine,” he answered with a smile. “Would you like introductions or do you already know all of us?” Phil asked, head slightly tipped to the side.

“I believe I already know everyone, but to be certain, I’d like to go around the room.” When everyone remained quiet, I started with the fairies “Hellfire Rayburn and Wendall Galen.”

“You may call me Ray if you desire.”

“Thank you, Ray,” I easily answered before moving on to my first pixie. “Peaches and his vampire beloved, Lucroy Moony, king of the Southeastern vampire nest.” Peaches lit up while Lucroy merely inclined his head.

Turning toward my second pixie, I gave what I hoped was a polite smile. “Phil and his mate, Alpha Sedrick Voss.” Shifting my gaze lower, I stared into prickly wolf eyes. “And this would be Dillon and Ruthie Voss. Dillon is an alpha in training, and it is my understanding that Ruthie is a dire wolf.”

Ruthie’s smile tugged her cheeks and scrunched her eyes. Dillon was far warier, just as I’d expect from an alpha. Grasping his sister’s hand, Dillon placed himself slightly in front of her. Trinket scurried up his body, perching on his head and disturbingly wrapping her tail around his small neck. I tried not to let it bother me considering how calm and dismissive Dillon appeared.

Arms crossed, Dillon’s gaze raked me up and down. Eyes narrowed, he ran a finger under his twitching nose. Eyebrows pulled down, a small v formed between. “You’re awfully small, even for a pixie.”

“Dillon,” Sedrick scolded. “You know damn well size doesn’t matter.” Disappointment laced Alpha Voss’s tone.

Dillon waved his uncle off. “I know Uncle Sed. I’m just pointing out he’s kind of tiny. I’ve never heard of a pixie working for the Magical Usage Council.” Dillon stretched his neck, sniffing my general direction. When he was finished, he looked even more confused. “He doesn’t smell like a pixie. I mean, he does, but…”

Ruthie stepped in to help him out. “He smells kind of like a cat too. It’s a weird mix. Do you have a pet cat?” she asked hopefully.

Grinning, I allowed a slight shift and my typically dark blue eyes flooded with yellow. I wasn’t a trick pony and didn’t plan on fully shifting, even to sate the curiosity of two adorable were children.

Dillon and Ruthie’s eyes widened, and Trinket let loose a hissed spat that could rival any feline.

“Shit,” Dillon cursed with awe.

“Dillon!” Sedrick scolded again. “What have I told you about using language like that?”

I heard Alpha Voss murmur something about troublesome dwarves and them having far too much influence on his young nephew.

“But look, Uncle Sed.” Dillon wildly waved his hand my direction. “Did you see his eyes? That’s not a normal pixie.”

Ray took the opportunity to step in. “Young Dillon is correct. Frost is not your typical pixie. He is, however, a representative of the Magical Usage Council and is here at their behest. Frost is a seasoned agent and I believe we are fortunate to have his aid.” Ray pointedly said the last part while staring Dillon in the eyes.

Dillon’s ability to hold that gaze was impressive.

My eyes eased back to my pixie blue. Partial shifting was as easy as breathing. Sometimes, it was too easy. When I was stressed or excited, parts of my body shifted. When I was younger, Auntie Tandra often found me in rather embarrassing partially shifted situations. No doubt she has multiple albums filled with photos of those adorable instances.

Now that I was an adult and more in control of my emotions, I strived to remain in either full form. It was a point of pride.

Dillon hooked a thumb my direction. “You sayin’ he’s got what it takes, Ray?”

Wendall’s lips twitched as he tried not to smile. Ray’s grim mask never faded as he seriously answered, “I am.”

Dillon seemed to think that over for a few seconds before he gave a confirmatory nod. “Okay. If you say so. I just want to make certain they sent the best. Those pixie traffickers need to be taken down.” Dillon pounded his fist into his open palm. Agreeing, Trinket pranced on top of his head, shrilly cooing.

“Trinket wants her chance at them too. She’d rip out their throats without a second thought,” Ruthie added, reaching up and giving Trinket a praiseworthy pat on what I assumed was her head. Given her round body and lack of distinct shape, it was a little difficult to tell. I thought about warning Ruthie off after I’d seen the row of impressive teeth but decided against it. The children were obviously familiar with the scuttlebutt and their uncle didn’t have a problem with it.

Wendall’s complexion went slightly pale, and Peaches choked on a sound I couldn’t interpret. I had the distinct impression I was missing something but didn’t press.

“Why don’t you three head back outside and burn off a little more energy?” Alpha Voss directed.

Pouting for all he was worth, Dillon turned on his uncle, hands fisted at his sides, chin jutted out. “That’s code for getting us out of the house so you can talk about grown-up stuff.”

Sedrick shook his head while Phil fluttered beside him. “Nothing code about it. We need to discuss some things that aren’t meant for your ears. You’ve both got too good of hearing to stay in the house, and it’s a nice evening out. I know how much you like romping around in your fur, and Trinket would love playing with you.”

When Dillon’s chin jutted out even further, it was Phil that stepped in, or rather, knelt down.

With a gentle smile and even gentler hands, Phil cupped Dillon’s face with one hand, and Ruthie’s with the other. “Listen, this is stuff I don’t want you worrying about, it’s—”

“But it’s about kidnapped pixies,” Dillon protested.

“And holding them prisoner,” Ruthie chimed in sounding devastated.

Phil swallowed and gave a firm nod. “It is and I’m grateful that both of you care so much. You don’t know how much that means to me. I’d love to believe that when you’re older, horrible things like this will no longer happen, but history doesn’t point in that direction. So, one day, it will be up to the two of you to help keep everyone safe. But right now, it’s up to us.” Phil’s gaze swept the room before landing back on Dillon and Ruthie. “And right now, the way you can help me the most is by enjoying the time you have as children.” With a wide and generous smile, Phil’s eyes danced with unshed tears. “That’s what gives me joy, what chases away all the bad and makes me hopeful. I love seeing the two of you carefree and happy. I wish I could bottle it up and keep the bad part of the world from you both. You’ve already been through so much. Don’t take on this mantle. Not yet. One day, it will fall to your shoulders. Don’t rush it, okay?”

Leaning in, Phil kissed each of their foreheads. Ruthie fell into his arms, hugging him tight. Dillon’s stubborn jaw relaxed, and he offered an agreeing nod.

“Okay, Phil. But if there’s anything you need, if we can help in any way—”

“I’ll be sure to let you know. Right now, the best way you can help me is to shift and have a good time. When I’m feeling down, all I have to do is imagine the two of you in your fur, playing and romping around the house and yard. Thinking of that makes me smile. There’s no greater gift.”

Dillon’s cheeks dusted pink. Trinket slid off his head, landing on his shoulder like a furry growth.

Without another word, Ruthie grabbed her brother’s hand and headed for the door. Just as before, the front door swung open, softly closing behind them.

The room remained hushed until Peaches broke the silence with a heartfelt “well done, Phil.”

Rising, Phil’s wings fluttered, spreading pink dust. Thankfully, he was far enough away that no one sneezed. It was interesting that Sedrick walked through that wall of pink without so much as a sniffle.

Phil shrugged before answering. “Everything I said was true.”

The oven timer went off and Phil immediately heeded the call. Taking out a tray from the oven, Phil laid it on the counter to cool. Looked like the kids just missed the finished cinnamon twists.

As if he read my mind, Phil waved a hand over the hot twists and said, “It’s just as well they got out of here before the twists were done. Last time it took Dillon two shifts to heal his burned mouth.”

Sedrick chuckled while tucking a section of pink hair behind Phil’s pointed ear.

“Perhaps we should begin,” Lucroy announced, breaking through the heavy atmosphere. “I believe Vander is expecting our call.”

“That he is,” Sedrick easily answered before heading to a nearby laptop. “Vander’s going to join us through an online conference call.” I got the distinct feeling that explanation was for my benefit alone. It seemed like everyone else in the room was already aware. “I’m assuming you know who Vander Kines is,” Sedrick said, this time pointedly looking at me.

“I do. Warlock Vander Kines, bonded in both the pixie and warlock way with Parsnip.” Parsnip was legendary. A social pixie with a hit television show on the Home and Kitchen network. Parsnip had his own coming out when he announced on air that he’d been lying about his aqua colors. The irony was that Parsnip’s gray tones shot through with streaks of his original aqua color were eye catching and beautiful in their own way. Auntie Tandra would be all kinds of jealous when she learned I had a case involving Parsnip. Parsnip was legendary in the social pixie world.

“That’s them,” Sedrick answered, his grin pulling the thick strands of his beard. “They’re currently in Tibet filming the latest edition of Interspecies Habitat.”

“Ooh.” Peaches flew closer. “Phil told me they were in the Himalayas, but he didn’t tell me who the couple is.”

“Yeti and…what was it, Phil?” Sedrick glanced at his mate while typing something into the computer.

“A phoenix,” Phil answered.

The room went silent again until Wendall said, “That might be kind of tough. I’m not exactly sure what kind of temperature phoenix shifters like. I suppose yetis like the cold, so…”

“It sounds like an interesting episode.” Peaches sounded wistful. “Not as interesting as the one Lucroy and I shot, but still good.”

No one contradicted Peaches’s confident statement. When I chanced a glance at Phil, he sported a fond smile.

“Anyway,” Sedrick continued, “Vander and Parsnip are in Tibet and it’s not that easy to get from there to here. Correct me if I’m wrong, Ray, but I think you could have fetched both of them.”

“I said that too,” Wendall offered. “Tibet sounds so exotic. I really wanted to go, but Vander didn’t want that.”

“We will go another time,” Ray easily placated. “However, now is not the time. As you said, that was not Vander’s desire.”

“You’re right about that.” The voice was new and sounded oddly disembodied.

“Hey, Vander. How’s Tibet?” Sedrick leaned toward the computer, turning it so everyone else could see the screen. Vander Kines was a handsome warlock. He was young enough that most of his hair was still dark black, however his temples were shot through with gray. Hands clasped below his chin, Vander also had the typical blackened fingertips warlocks were known for. His tenor was deep and husky, another warlock trait.

“Cold as fuck. I’m still waiting for this show to go somewhere with a warm beach. I wanna slather my body with sunscreen and fry. Is that too much to ask for?” Vander’s words were harsh, but they hummed with fond amusement.

Sedrick chuckled and even Lucroy’s features softened. Genuine affection easily filled the room. It was an odd mix, to be certain. It was also a mix that worked and that’s what we needed.

“How is Parsnip?” Phil asked. Peaches scooted closer. He and Phil shared a concerned glance.

Vander’s sigh was heavy. “Depends on who you ask. If Parsnip were here, he’d tell you he’s fine. But he’s not here, so I’ll tell you the truth. And the truth is he could be a hell of a lot better. That’s why I wanted to do this meeting without him. His brother, Parsley, currently has two pixies recovering at his place. There was supposed to a third but…he didn’t make it. They got there too late, and he’d faded too far.” Vander swallowed and for the first time, I noticed the dark circles under his eyes. “It hit Parsnip hard and far too close to home. It’s not his fault. None of it is, but he feels responsible. Don’t ask me why because I’ve got no clue. All I know is that it’s true.”

“I’m so sorry,” Peaches said, head hanging and wings drooped. Lucroy was instantly at his side, pulling him close.

“Not your fault, Peaches,” Vander easily answered. “But I appreciate your concern.”

“I wish I could be there,” Peaches answered.

“I think we all do,” Phil added.

“And he’d like that, but you know how Parsnip is. For a social pixie, he’s not really that—”

“Social,” Peaches interrupted.

“Exactly. I think he needs some time alone. I’m trying to do that for him, but I’m also trying to make sure he knows he’s supported and that I will never allow anything like that to happen to him again.” Steel laced Vander’s voice and I pitied the fool who tried to take Parsnip from him.

Stepping forward, I saw the opportunity to introduce myself. “That is exactly what we are all trying to prevent, Warlock Kines.”

Vander’s attention snapped to me. Eyes narrowed and assessing, he asked, “Are you the representative from the Magical Usage Council?”

“I am. Agent Frost.”

“He’s a pixie,” Peaches needlessly added before he softly amended, “I think. I mean, I know he’s a pixie, but he’s also something else. Dillon and Ruthie say he smells like a cat, and he did something with his eyes earlier, but…” Peaches’s voice faded as he ran out of descriptive words.

What I was or wasn’t was not the important bit of information. “The council thought I would be the best choice. I assure you, I’m here to put a stop to this disgusting operation. Pixie trafficking is illegal and carries an immediate death sentence to anyone who’s not addicted to their dust.” Pixie dust was addictive to ogres and, as such, they were sent into rehabilitation programs. It was the ones who profited off that addiction that fairy law was truly after.

“Glad to hear it,” Vander said, voice deep and resonant despite the distance. “Like I said, this is all hitting a little too close to home for Parsnip. I told him I’d take care of the meeting and fill him in later. I think the fact he’s letting me get away with that says all we need to know.”

No one offered an ounce of argument.

“Now that we are all present, perhaps we can share information and formulate a plan.” Ray stepped in and moved the meeting forward.

“Indeed. I’m inclined to agree with Hellfire,” Lucroy answered.

Sedrick grunted. “Well, that should be easy on our end. Unless Ray’s got something to add, so far, we’ve got jack shit. Oh, we’ve got lots of feelers out and there have been a couple of times we’ve gotten a promising lead or two, but they haven’t panned out. Or rather, the lead disappears.”

“Or, more likely, is eliminated by a larger fish,” Vander said darkly.

“Someone higher up the power chain,” Lucroy agreed.

“That’s some damn fine micromanagement there. Whoever’s in charge, they’ve got their finger on the pulse of their operation and haven’t missed a beat yet.” Sedrick’s rumbled growl filled the room. The lights momentarily dimmed before flaring brighter. The low fire roared and burned hotter.

Rubbing his hands up and down Sedrick’s arms, Phil’s wings fluttered as he snuggled in closer.

“Sorry, Phil,” Sedrick apologized. “I didn’t mean to make the house upset.”

“Don’t worry about that,” Phil reassured. “Our home is only concerned, as am I. Besides, I think it was more a reaction to my emotions. I can’t help but feel threatened by what’s going on and I can’t hide those emotions from our home. It’s who I am.”

“And I adore who you are, Phil. It’s fine. We’ll figure this shit out.”

“Sedrick is correct, Philodendron.” I wasn’t sure if Lucroy was referring to Phil’s home-and-hearth nature or the fact Sedrick had promised to solve the current pixie trafficking horror. Either way, I agreed.

“In this instance, I hate to agree with Sedrick, but he is not wrong regarding our stymied investigation. Queen Silvidia is most dismayed by the lack of progress and continued loss of life. Even with multiple resources and several individuals on task, Fairy hasn’t had any better fortune. I do not believe I have ever seen Hamish so…annoyed.”

Sedrick’s growl was an even lower tenor this time.

“Sedrick,” Phil scolded lightly. “Hamish is trying to help, and he did save Peaches and Lucroy’s lives when Aurelia was under Arthur’s control.”

“I know,” Sedrick grumbled. “That doesn’t mean I have to forgive him for what he tried doing to you.”

“As a fairy lawyer, Hamish was doing his job,” Ray defended.

Wendall’s wide eyes stared up at Ray, their peaceful seas turning turbulent.

“Yeah, but he did it in a sneaky, underhanded way,” Sedrick huffed. “And don’t try and tell me any different. Even you didn’t agree with what he tried doing to Phil. Phil could have died.” His last words were laced with so much pain I felt my chest constrict.

“But I didn’t die, and everything is fine. Besides, I think I’m just as responsible, if not more so, than Hamish. I should have realized I’d bonded with the house—with you and the children. It was my own stupidity, I—”

“No more of that.” Peaches flew to Phil, golden dust filling the air. Ray barely covered his nose in time. Wendall didn’t and sneezed a couple of times. “I won’t stand here and listen to you call yourself stupid. You were na?ve and didn’t know better. That’s a far cry from stupid.” Peaches crossed his arms and flew a little higher, wings mercilessly beating and spreading even more dust.

“Beloved,” Lucroy calmly cajoled. “While I love your passion, I’m afraid the non-pixie, breathing among us are having a little trouble with all the dust.”

“Oh! I’m sorry.” Peaches’s wings stopped so suddenly he nearly dropped to the ground. Lucroy’s hands grabbed his waist and eased his descent.

“It’s okay. If you hadn’t scolded him, I would have,” Sedrick said, laying a hand on the side of Phil’s cheek. Inhaling deeply, Sedrick released a heavy sigh. “The point is it’s difficult for me to hear Hamish McIntyre’s name and not sprout claws.”

Ray sounded perfectly agreeable when he answered, “While that is understandable, Hamish excels at whatever task he has agreed to take on. We are fortunate to have him on our side. The fact he has been unable to trace this trafficking ring is more than disheartening. This particular group is far more organized and well controlled than past iterations.”

“Most likely that is because it isn’t ogre run,” I added, pulling all eyes toward me.

“We already knew that,” Vander said, his voice a little hollow coming through the computer speakers.

“Yes.” I nodded. “The Magical Usage Council in conjunction with the Ogre Addiction Organization has confirmed this. We’ve managed to arrest two ogres that we believe are involved, however, they are so low down within the operation that they have no pertinent information regarding those higher up. The bottom line is we need to get closer. The Magical Usage Council has tried infiltrating the group, but whoever’s in charge is far too cagey, or perhaps, paranoid to gain any inroads. In short, that plan has failed. Miserably.”

Grunts, groans, and dispirited sighs filled the air.

“Then what’s the plan?” Sedrick asked, his gaze flitting around the room, amber orbs lit from within, his wolf close to the surface.

Instead of answering directly, I turned my attention toward Ray. The slight tilt of his head was permission enough. This was a plan approved by both Fairy and the Magical Usage Council. It was the reason I was here.

“The plan,” I said, licking my suddenly dry lips, “is bait.”

“Bait?” Phil and Peaches echoed in unison.

“Who would…” Phil’s words faded, his wide, pale green eyes staring at me, a soft “no” drifting from his lips.

I didn’t wait for the others to catch on. I simply nodded and grinned. “No better bait than a tiny, defenseless pixie.”

My prospective kidnappers would learn I wasn’t as defenseless as I appeared.