Page 13 of Purrfectly Peculiar Pixie: Phlox's Story (Perfect Pixie Series Book 5)

Phlox

Goddess, it was amazing how good a shower felt. There was nothing like getting clean after being dirty. While I craved the cold, a warm shower felt like heaven. It was an odd paradox. The shower both woke me up and made me sleepy all at once. Sleep was going to win out soon. I’d made myself stay awake while Leon and I’d been captured. He’d been so vulnerable. I couldn’t afford to sleep. I’d had no idea if Oxley or Sylvie would come back for him while he was still unconscious. And then when the sun went down, there’d been no time to waste.

There was also the little matter of my blood donation. Rubbing my neck, I was amazed how well the wound had healed. There was only the slightest tingle left behind. I winced while remembering the pain. I needed to speak with Peaches and ask if it always hurt that much. I could probably ask Leon too, but that seemed rude.

My phone rang, and Auntie Tandra’s name popped up. I wish I had time to talk, but I needed to debrief the team and they were all waiting for me in the bar downstairs. The sun hadn’t risen in Rutherford Haven yet, so Leon was still awake. I wondered if he had the vampire equivalent of jetlag. I needed to get a move on so I could fill them in before the sun came up.

I allowed the call to go to voicemail but sent Auntie Tandra a text, letting her know I was okay and would call later. I added on that I was really tired and would probably crash soon so it would be later before I called. I got a quick thumbs-up emoji in response.

Goddess, whoever invented texting was a genius.

Throwing on fresh clothes, I headed downstairs. Voices hit my ears as soon as I opened my apartment door. Ray managed to rouse the crew. I’d taken a shower while we waited on Phil and Sedrick to make it to Dusk. They’d offered to pick up Peaches too. Vander and Parsnip were in California, waiting on their connecting flight so they wouldn’t be here yet.

Leon was waiting on me when I reached the bottom of the stairs. My smile was automatic. If I kept grinning like this, my cheeks were going to be sore soon.

“Hey,” I managed, feeling like a teenage pixie with my first crush.

“Hello,” Leon answered. I was a couple of steps from the bottom, our gazes even. Without hesitation, Leon leaned forward, grabbed my waist, and pulled me toward him. His lips were soft, and he kissed with abandon. There was no question in his touch, just heady surety.

Pulling back, I inhaled, taking in Leon’s crisp, clean scent. Vampires didn’t sweat and didn’t have any body odor. Some found their scent unpleasant. It wasn’t the same decay as zombies, but it favored them more than the living. I found Leon’s scent comforting.

“I could get used to greetings like that.” I grinned, licking Leon’s taste off my lips.

“Only from me,” Leon huskily answered.

“Only from you,” I agreed.

Leon’s fingers squeezed my waist before he lowered me to the ground. “Phil, Sedrick, and Peaches just arrived,” Leon said, cupping the back of my neck as we turned and made our way into the bar.

It was an odd time of day. It was late enough that the patrons were gone. It was the time when the bar staff stayed to clean, getting everything prepared for the following night. The sunrise was an hour away, maybe less. Most vampires had already scurried to their hidey-holes. Thankfully, Leon’s safe zone was mere feet away.

As I walked by the bar, a furball zipped past, quickly followed by Wendall’s cry. “Trinket, get back here. You’re soaking wet.”

Wendall scooted past me, towel in hand. Trinket ignored him, merrily tittering as she scrambled around the floor, crawling up and over tables, and leaving a trail of dirty dishwater in her wake.

Ray’s bellowed, “Trinket,” finally put an end to her play.

“Thank you, Ray.” Wendall sounded exasperated or maybe just out of breath. “I’m not sure what bug’s gotten into her bonnet, but she’s all fired up tonight.” Wendall threw the towel over her and vigorously rubbed. Trinket didn’t seem to mind. She cooed and wiggled around until he was satisfied then scrambled up Wendall’s arm, perching on his shoulder with her long tail wrapped around his upper arm. She looked a bit like a drowned rat or, in this case, a drowned and scraggly scuttlebutt.

“I think she’s just trying to blow off steam. She was really worried earlier when you left, Ray.” Wendall went up on tiptoes and pressed his lips against Ray’s cheek. Trinket leaned in too, nuzzling against Ray’s neck.

“I was perfectly fine,” Ray answered but didn’t sound miffed.

“I know, but none of us knew what you were walking into.” Wendall shot a concerned look my way. “We were all so worried. We didn’t know who or what we’d find.”

“Wendall’s right.” Peaches flew past me and embraced Leon. My vampire stood there, a little frozen and unsure what to do. “I don’t know what Lucroy and I would have done if something happened to you. Don’t you ever do something so silly again.” Peaches smacked Leon on the shoulder before zipping away. A bright, whirling light shot out from Peaches hair, spinning around the room and chittering in a voice too high-pitched for me to understand. In fact, it kind of hurt my ears.

I stared at the whirly-gig until it dawned on me what it was. “Is that a sprite?”

The little thing buzzed before diving toward me. It ground to a halt when Peaches scolded it. “You need to ask permission first.”

The bright light danced in the air, its chittering louder. Fisted hands on hips, Peaches shot me an apologetic glance and said, “They’d like a taste of your dust. I know some pixies don’t like them eating their dust, so I told them to ask first.”

“They eat mine all the time,” Phil offered. “It’s not like I need it for anything.”

I gave a slow nod before making sure, “Is it the only one?” I wasn’t certain how I felt about a horde of sprites enveloping me.

Peaches nodded. “The rest are at my orchard. This one occasionally comes out with me.”

“Then it’s okay.” From what I knew, sprites didn’t get addicted to pixie dust the way ogres did. They liked it and could live off the stuff, but they ate other things and it was more delicacy than addictive drug.

Fluttering my wings, I produced a little dust. The sprite dove in and out, zipping around me before getting its fill and heading back to Peaches. It settled on the crown of his head and fell asleep.

I stared at the place I knew the sprite was though I could no longer see it. Lucroy quickly found his way to Peaches’s side. Mr. Moony was in the bar when Ray dragged Leon and me there. Their reunion had been exactly what I’d expected—low-key with barely a hint of relief. Neither one of them were fooling me. I’d seen and experienced enough with the two of them to understand just how important they were to each other. Lasting, deep friendships were difficult to find. Loyal ones even harder. I was glad Leon had someone like Lucroy Moony in his second life.

Sedrick cracked a yawn, his mouth opening wide. Scratching his thick fingers through his beard, Sedrick shook his head like a dog. “I need some fucking coffee if we’re gonna talk about stuff this early in the morning.”

“You already had two cups,” Phil innocently said.

Sedrick just shook his head. “Not enough.”

“Oh.” Phil sounded stricken as he glanced around the bar. Johnny must have already gone home because he wasn’t anywhere to be seen. “If we were home, I could—”

“Don’t worry about it.” Sedrick sank his fingers into Phil’s long, pink ombre hair. “I’ll be fine. I’m just bitching.”

“The hour is an odd one,” Lucroy agreed. “I believe that holds true for all of us.”

I wasn’t sure about Ray and Wendall. From what I understood, fairies didn’t require as much sleep as other species. Even if that were the case, I had no idea how Wendall fit in. He was fairy, but also human. Aurelia boosted Wendall’s fairy side, but no one knew just how much she’d skewed his genetics. Wendall had been changed recently enough that I doubt he knew much either.

“Apologies,” Ray said, even though he didn’t sound very apologetic. “I thought it best to debrief while Frost and Leon’s memories are fresh. While Frost’s capture did not go to plan, he was able to get closer than any other.”

Inhaling, I made to step away from Leon. My vampire was having none of it and followed me. His hand slipped from my nape to my lower back. It was a comforting weight.

It was amazing how hours of capture and intrigue could be condensed down into a ten-minute tale. Everyone stayed quiet and attentive until the very end.

Contemplative silence reigned until Wendall finally asked, “You said you got a look at Sylvie’s computer, is that right?”

“I did.” My grin was back, this time for a whole new reason. “She was online, chatting with someone important, someone who sounded like they were high up in this scheme.” My grin slipped and a low growl slipped out. “Whoever it was knew who Leon was and had a pretty big hate on for him. They…” I shook my head, hating the words lighting up my memory. They’d been stark against the unfeeling computer monitor. “What they suggested—no, what they wanted—wasn’t kind. It wasn’t even humane.” I swallowed hard. I’d wanted to slip through that vent and slice Sylvie’s neck open from one side to the other.

Lucroy’s body went completely still before he asked, “Do you know who she was chatting with?”

“No, but we got her computer.” I glanced at Ray for further explanation.

“Frost is correct. Sylvie’s computer was confiscated. Queen Silvidia sent others in to investigate the property more thoroughly. I will pass along that information when it is forthcoming. I’ve given the computer to Hamish.”

Sedrick grumbled, the sound just shy of a growl. Phil patted his chest and soothed Sedrick’s inner wolf.

“Hamish is the best when it comes to newer human technology. I would not have given it to him otherwise,” Ray said.

“I know, Ray. But I’ll never like that fairy.” Sedrick sounded resolute.

“I am not asking you to like him. I am certain Hamish couldn’t care less. What I am asking is that you trust my actions.” Ray’s tone was cool but cutting.

“I do.” Sedrick nodded. “It’s just hard not to react to the name.”

“Understood.” Ray seemed appeased.

“It is unfortunate about the witch,” Lucroy said. “However, Leon’s actions are understandable. I trust there will be no punishment forthcoming.”

I hadn’t even considered that. My mouth snapped open, ready to defend Leon’s actions when Ray calmed my rising fears.

“Pixie trafficking is an automatic death sentence. My queen has no qualms regarding Sylvie and Oxley’s demise. She only regrets the timing. Interrogation prior to death would have been ideal, but as Lucroy stated, Leon’s actions are understandable and considered justifiable in the eyes of fairy law.”

I released a sigh of relief. That relief couldn’t squash all my frustration. We’d been so close. Sylvie had to know more but we’d lost the opportunity to squeeze her for information. I wasn’t certain if Oxley knew anything else or not. With both of them dead, we’d never know.

Unless… “Are Oxley and Sylvie past the point of a necromancer?” I asked, gaze tracking around the room. While we had a menagerie of species here, a necromancer wasn’t among our numbers.

“Muriel might be able to do something.” Wendall didn’t sound certain.

“She is a priestess,” Ray said. “You were an exceptional zombie, Wendall. Muriel would not be able to revive the troll or witch with their memory or mental capacities intact.”

“Yeah, I figured.” Wendall deflated and Trinket nuzzled deeper into his neck. I wasn’t sure if Wendall realized he was petting Trinket or not. “I don’t know any necromancers though.”

“Vander most likely does. Or at least knows where to find one,” Ray answered. “But I would not recommend involving a necromancer unless absolutely necessary.” Ray didn’t explain why. Honestly, he didn’t need to. Necromancers were… It was difficult to put necromancers in a conversational box. They were few—fewer in number than warlocks. There was probably a good reason for that.

“Okay. So, we wait on that.” I thought back and asked, “Do we even still have Oxley’s and Sylvie’s bodies?”

“I did not bring them back with us, but the fairies Queen Silvidia sent will keep them safe and preserved for the time being. When it is certain their bodies are of no use to us, they will be returned to their families.”

I shuddered thinking Oxley and Sylvie had families. Oxley was speaking on the phone to someone when Leon and I eavesdropped. I didn’t know who that was, but it sounded like they knew each other well. Would Oxley be missed? I shouldn’t care. The troll had made his own bed and now he was eternally lying in it.

Silence permeated the space again before Phil muttered, “She used a transportation spell. Isn’t that hard to do? I mean, when Parsnip was taken, Letty was juiced up on borrowed magic.” Phil chewed on his bottom lip. “I don’t like the implications.”

I didn’t either. If the silence going around the room was any indication, none of us did.

“This is bigger than we thought, isn’t it?” Peaches asked while clinging to Lucroy.

“I am afraid it might be.” This time, Ray did sound apologetic or at least as apologetic as I thought fairies were.

Peaches let loose a heady sigh before slumping into Lucroy’s hold. “I don’t even know what to think any longer. I mean…who would want to hurt others like that? And for something as cheap as money.”

Money wasn’t everything, unless you were someone who desperately needed it. I figured several of the lower henchmen fit that bill but doubted those at the top did. It was all about greed to those selfish fuckers.

We stood and sat around, discussing a few more details and ins and outs of the last thirty-six hours. Interestingly, so far, no one else had been found at the compound Leon and I’d been taken to. There were no other captives or captors. It really had just been Oxley and Sylvie. That didn’t really surprise me much. Afterall, how many did you really need to take down and control your typical pixie? The sad answer was not many.

Leon sagged. By now I’d witnessed the change enough to know what it meant. The sun was up. It was past time for all good little vampires to go to ground.

Lucroy knew too and said, “I believe we have learned as much as possible. The sun is up.” All eyes tracked to Leon.

“Sleep does sound appealing.” Despite those words, Leon didn’t release me. If anything, his arm tightened.

Wendall left Ray’s side and said, “I’ve got one tub of dirty glasses to wash and then I’m done.” He started for the washroom, Ray hot on his heels.

Sedrick’s lip twitched. “Never thought I’d see the day when a fairy volunteered to wash dishes.”

Lucroy’s grin barely avoided showing fang. “It is certainly an interesting development.”

“Brilliantly understated as usual, Lucroy.” Sedrick shook Lucroy’s hand before he and Phil headed for the hall leading to the parking garage. Peaches flew off after them and gave Phil a crushing hug before zipping back to Lucroy’s side.

“Leon, you would inform me if you were unwell or adversely affected in any way.” It wasn’t a question and bordered on a command.

“I would,” Leon easily answered. “It is nothing that a good day of rest won’t solve.” I wasn’t so certain about that. I figured rest and blood and was curious why Leon left that latter part out.

Lucroy gave a single nod and said, “If you are ready, Peaches, I believe I would enjoy going home.”

With a friendly wave, Peaches flew off, keeping close to Lucroy’s side, leaving Leon and me alone. I could hear the faint sounds of glassware clinking in the sink, along with Wendall’s soft hums as he sang a tune I didn’t recognize. I didn’t hear Ray but knew he was there, at Wendall and Trinket’s side.

Leon’s gaze drifted toward the door leading to his underground sanctuary. He stood there, staring yet not moving an inch.

“Leon?” I finally questioned, unsure what his hesitancy was about.

“I find the thought of descending into that room unpalatable. I do not wish to leave you.”

Oh. “I think that can be remedied.” Honestly, the thought of walking up my apartment stairs and sleeping alone in the bed wasn’t nearly as appealing as it had been earlier. “I just need to grab some food, water, and my phone.”

Leon’s black eyes sluggishly blinked. “You would not mind?”

I shrugged. “I don’t see why not.”

This time, Leon’s gaze drifted down and to the side. “Many find sleeping next to a vampire during the height of the day unpleasant. Or, perhaps, disturbing. I would not wish to make you uncomfortable.”

I considered Leon’s words. The height of the day would mean when the sun was highest in the sky, when Leon was essentially dead to the world.

“You will not be able to wake me. It will be like sleeping next to a statue.”

“I’ve slept next to worse.”

Leon’s low rumble told me exactly what he thought of that.

“I’ll be back soon. Do you want to wait or head down first?”

“I’ll wait. There are security measures of which you are unaware. You will not be able to enter once the door is closed. Only Lucroy, Peaches, and I have access.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Not even Johnny?”

“No.”

“I’ll be back soon,” I reassured before flying off to my room. I quickly grabbed my phone and a premade sandwich from the fridge. A bottle of water finished off my hasty meal and I made quick work of getting back downstairs to Lucroy. He was in the same position I’d left him, heavily leaning against the bar.

“All ready,” I assured, holding up my sandwich, water, and phone as proof.

“Excellent.” Leon walked toward the reinforced double doors. His gait was steady but more languid than I was used to witnessing. While he could be awake at this time, it didn’t look pleasant or comfortable.

The doors swung open, and Leon headed down the stairs first. The chilled air hit me, and I relaxed into the feel.

“I can turn the heat up if you’d like,” Leon assured. “Lucroy made certain the heating system is in good working order since joining with his beloved.”

“It’s fine,” I reassured. “I like the cold.”

Leon turned, a half grin lifting his lip. “Not a typical pixie, are you?”

I laughed. “Not even a little.”