Page 23 of Purrfectly Peculiar Pixie: Phlox's Story (Perfect Pixie Series Book 5)

Leon

I knew the moment my consciousness stirred that I’d woken earlier than typical. The sun was still well into the sky. Early afternoon wasn’t a time I’d experienced in centuries. Phlox was still on my chest, curled up and peacefully sleeping. I’d never imagined waking up with a cat on my chest would be so fulfilling. Then again, Phlox wasn’t a typical housecat.

While I was conscious, my limbs still felt heavy and it was difficult to open my eyes. I’d been roused, but functioning was a different matter. If I didn’t have Lucroy’s experience as a blueprint, I would have found the situation odd. As it was, I assumed Phlox’s blood was beginning to have the same effect on me as Peaches did on Lucroy. Although they had different affinities, Phlox was a nature pixie, same as Peaches. Was it just nature pixies’ blood that allowed vampires more time in the light? Was it all pixies? Only time would tell. I also wasn’t certain if I would have the same sun tolerance as Lucroy. He was three hundred years older. That might factor into the situation.

I was not so foolish as to go running into the sun.

Quickly lulled back to sleep, I remained where I was, soaking in the feel of my beloved’s trust and desire to be near me.

It was later in the day when I woke next. The sun wasn’t so high in the sky and would set soon. My body was still sluggish, but not as heavy as before. Phlox was no longer in his Pallas’s cat form and lay on his side, arm thrown over my chest, his fingers lightly teasing my side. My hand found its way to his forearm, my fingers dancing across his flesh.

“Good evening, Leon.” Despite being in his pixie form, Phlox’s voice rumbled with a low purr.

“Good evening, beloved.” The word tasted sweet on my tongue. Almost as sweet as Phlox’s blood. I had no idea how Lucroy had taken but a few sips of Peaches when he began experimenting.

Phlox stretched before pulling his knee up and draping it over my thigh. I could feel the heavy weight of his cock resting against my hip. My own responded in kind.

“Would you like some help with that?” Phlox asked as his hand inched downward, cupping me.

“Only if it is something you desire.” The thought of pushing Phlox to do anything he didn’t truly want made me physically ill.

“I think I can tolerate it.” Phlox pushed up on one elbow and winked. The grin lighting his face appeared truly wicked. “Are you awake enough to appreciate it?” he asked with a raised brow.

“Most definitely.” I was fully conscious and becoming increasingly aware by the second. My body felt like it was on fire. Phlox’s touch was like a shot of oxygen to that flame, making it burn ever brighter.

“Good.” He leaned in, peppering my face with kisses. They started out whisper soft and grew in intensity. “I might not want to drink your blood, but I do enjoy nibbling.”

Phlox’s hand slid under my sleep pants. I’d stopped wearing underwear over a hundred years ago, which gave him easy access.

“Hmm, is this for me?” Phlox’s tongue rasped up my cheek, rougher than I expected yet oh so delicious.

“Everything is for you,” I managed and meant every word.

Phlox’s movements briefly halted before starting again. “I can’t figure out if that makes me hot as hell or scared out of my mind.” His warm breath tickled my ear.

“I do not wish to frighten you.”

“I know. But it’s a lot of responsibility. You’re giving me a lot of power, Leon. I don’t take that lightly.”

“And that is why it is freely given.” Had Phlox felt differently, he would not be my beloved.

“Fucking hell,” Phlox muttered, his hand picking up speed as he ran it up and down my shaft. Phlox’s hips undulated as he rubbed himself on my thigh. His pants and groans grew, rivaling any sound I uttered. His pleasured moans drove my pleasure, filling me with heated desire.

“Are you close?” Phlox panted.

In answer, my back bowed as I arched off the bed, shooting cum into Phlox’s talented hand.

“Oh shit, I’m—” Phlox’s filthy groan filled the room and soon I felt the warm wetness of his release pressing against my thigh. It would cool soon and become uncomfortable. Regardless, I couldn’t make myself move.

Phlox’s long, content sigh made me even less inclined to clean up. “That’s definitely something we should repeat in the future.” Crawling up my body, Phlox’s wings stretched out behind him, fluttering and covering us in a magical haze of dust. If pixie dust didn’t dissipate, the world would be covered in it.

Long tendrils of silken hair draped across my body, falling to the side and spreading out along the bedsheet. Phlox’s lazy, contented grin stared down at me. “I thought about doing that earlier this morning, before the sun rose.” His cheeks pinked. “Peaches said that he and Lucroy typically have…intimate times during or after a feeding.” Reaching down, Phlox cupped my now flaccid cock. “I knew you were interested. Thanks for not pushing it then. I’m not sure why, but I really needed to spend time with you in my other form first. I wish I could explain it, but I don’t know that I can.” Phlox sounded far too apologetic.

“I have no regrets regarding what we did or did not do. I have rarely experienced the level of peace and contentment having you near me gives. I cherish your cat form. You may feel free to shift and lay on me or beside me whenever you desire.” Phlox could shift and just run around the room like a mad kitty for all I cared.

I hadn’t realized Phlox was tense until my response eased him. “Thanks, Leon.” Phlox’s tongue darted out and licked a strip along my lips. The roughness was gone, making me think he’d partially shifted his tongue earlier to make it raspier.

Rearranging his body, Phlox grimaced. “I can’t believe I just came in my pants like a teenager.”

“I do not believe I am in any better condition. I also believe I am far older than you and thus my situation is more embarrassing.”

Phlox threw his head back and laughed before slapping the bed and moving off me. I wasn’t sure if he pushed his body up or if his wings lifted him.

“Come on, Leon. Let’s get cleaned up before I have to do the walk of shame up to my apartment for fresh clothes. Maybe I’ll get lucky and Johnny won’t be in yet.”

I gave Phlox a questioning glance.

“Yeah, I know, but a pixie can hope.”

Hand grasping my wrist, Phlox pulled me to the bathroom and started the shower. It was possibly the best shower of my long life.

* * *

Phlox’s hope wound up being misplaced. Johnny was indeed already at the bar when we made our way upstairs. Thankfully, it was only Johnny. Lizbeth would be in soon. Johnny took one look at Phlox’s soiled pants, raised his head, sniffed, and then broke into a smile that took up his entire face.

“Not a word,” Phlox threatened before darting upstairs.

Johnny tossed a towel over his shoulder and soon peals of laughter filled Dusk. It was a joyous sound, one that I was not inclined to make in front of anyone except, perhaps, my beloved.

“I’m happy for you, boss-man.” Johnny’s hooves happily stomped behind the bar. He was on his riser and near eye level.

“Thank you, Johnny.”

“Maybe we’ll get another permanent pixie out of the deal.” He tossed me a wink. “One that actually works in the bar and doesn’t just drink all the honeysuckle mead.”

My happy fa?ade instantly faded. Most wouldn’t be able to read vampiric expressions well. Johnny wasn’t most.

“What put that frown on your face?” Johnny asked, leaning an elbow on the bar and coming closer.

My gaze instantly traveled to the stairway leading to the upstairs apartment. “I am uncertain if Phlox will want to stay.”

“Phlox?” Johnny’s nose scrunched in thought. “Is that Frost’s real name?”

“It is.” In inwardly cursed my slip. “He requested I call him Frost in front of others. I should not have spoken his true name aloud.” I wasn’t certain if it was meant to be a secret for a reason. What I did know was it was one of Phlox’s requests and I had just broken it.

Johnny waved me off. “I ain’t tellin’ no one. It’s a nice name, though. I like it.”

I liked it too.

“But what do you mean he might not want to stay? I’ve seen that look before—on Mr. Moony. Never thought I’d see it on another vamp, especially one so soon, but I’d bet a decade’s wages that Frost is your beloved.”

“Your monetary future is secure,” I promised, admitting Johnny was correct.

“Then what’s the issue? He’s not bonded to any land is he?” Johnny’s concerned brows drew close as he shot a glance upstairs. “If so, he’s been gone from it a long time.”

“He is not bonded as Peaches is,” I reassured. “Frost is, however, a happily employed pixie. He is an agent with the Magical Usage Council and enjoys his work. It is not a profession that allows him to remain in a singular location.”

Johnny’s eyes widened with awareness. Licking his lips, worry filled Johnny’s once happy eyes. “What does that mean exactly?”

“I am uncertain. All I am aware of is that if Frost will allow, I will not be parted from him for long.”

Johnny blew out a deep breath. “I get it. I just hope some kind of compromise can be found. I don’t like the thought of losing you and I know the boss won’t either. Have you spoken to Lucroy?”

“Not fully,” I admitted.

“He’ll understand,” Johnny confidently answered.

“I know.” And I did. Even if Lucroy hadn’t experienced what I was going through firsthand, he still would have been understanding. That was the kind of vampire he was. It was why I did not wish to leave his side. It was why the Southeast vampire nest was one of the fastest growing in not only the United States, but the world. Our admission requests grew daily.

“Speaking of the boss, I got a call earlier. Lucroy will be here early tonight.” Johnny became deadly serious. “I didn’t like the tone in his voice. Oh, I know, you vampires try and hide your feelings and you do a damn fine job of it. I’ve just known you both too damn long to miss the obvious. Or, well, I suppose what seems obvious to me.”

“You believe something more has happened?” I asked.

Johnny grunted. “When doesn’t shit happen? And yeah, I’m pretty sure he found something out. Wendall’s not scheduled to work today, so I’m not sure if he and Ray will show up or not.”

“I suppose we will find out soon enough.” Worry was rarely productive. The emotion was making an unwelcome comeback where Phlox was concerned. I’d thought I’d managed to nearly eliminate worry from my emotional catalogue. Finding my beloved proved worry was a far more difficult foe to slay than I’d previously thought.

My phone buzzed with a text. The words were simple. Phlox was grabbing a bite to eat and would be down when he was sated.

When I glanced back up, Johnny’s grin was back. “Yeah, I’ve definitely seen that look before.”

“As have I.” Lucroy’s smooth tenor eased through the otherwise empty room. “It pleases me to see you so settled, my friend.” Lucroy’s palm clasped my shoulder and offered a gentle squeeze. “Marian would have been overjoyed.”

Familiar sadness flared, but it was tempered knowing Lucroy was correct. My maker would be happy for me. I only wished Marian had found what Lucroy and I had. If so, she would still be with us.

“Where is Frost?” Lucroy asked, scanning the Dusk’s interior.

“Upstairs. He needed a change of clothes, and I just received a text that he is going to eat prior to coming back down.”

Johnny snorted but didn’t share his knowledge regarding why Phlox was in need of fresh clothes.

“Have you learned something new?” I asked, making Lucroy still.

“I have. And what I do not know for certain I suspect. I spoke with Sedrick and Ray last night and they, unfortunately, agree with me.”

“That doesn’t sound the least bit ominous,” Johnny deadpanned. “You wanna talk privately or should I stay?”

“Your presence would be appreciated,” Lucroy answered. “I value your opinion.”

“As do I,” I agreed.

Johnny’s cheeks pinked but otherwise he remained silent.

“You left rather abruptly last evening. Does this have anything to do with why?” I asked.

“It does.” Lucroy sat next to me, elbows on the bar, hands folded, and chin resting within. “As you are aware, Leon, where vampires are concerned, time becomes a fluid entity. Nights run together and are often lost to us. That is the only excuse I can offer for not making connections earlier.” Lucroy’s eyelids slid closed and when he opened them again, crimson colored their margins. “Arie Belview is a weed I should have pulled long ago.”

Johnny’s lips pulled back in a sneer. “Alpha Belview. What has that jackass done now?”

“As usual, nothing we can currently prove, only speculate. I am concerned that by the time we can prove anything, it may well be too late.”

“Too late for what?” Phlox flew down the stairs, settling his bare feet on the floor when he reached the bottom. His dust wouldn’t bother Lucroy and me, but he abstained for Johnny’s sake.

I scooted my bar stool to the side, giving Phlox room. Instead of grabbing another chair, he hopped onto the bar and sat, feet dangling as they swayed back and forth. His bare ankles were too tempting, and I wrapped my hand around the closest one, rubbing my thumb along his flesh. Phlox sucked in a quick breath.

Ignoring my obvious affection, Lucroy answered, “There is a fair possibility Alpha Arie Belview is the mastermind behind the pixie trafficking ring.”

This time, Phlox’s inhale was more hiss than pleasure. “You have proof?”

Lucroy gave a miniscule head shake. “Circumstantial more than anything direct.”

Johnny’s grunt mimicked my own feelings. “Of course. Fucking asshole alpha.” Tossing his towel on the bar, Johnny pointed a finger Lucroy’s way. “He doesn’t even deserve the title. He uses his pack as cannon fodder and doesn’t give two shits when they lose their lives in his service. Sedrick would never act that way. Hell, you’re a vampire king and you don’t even act that way.” We all knew vampire kings and queens weren’t known for their altruistic ways. They protected nest holdings, but it was more in service to themselves than those they considered nestmates. Lucroy Moony really was different.

“Agreed,” Lucroy answered. “Regardless of our mutual opinions, Arie Belview will hold his alpha position until successfully challenged. That is shifter law and fairy law does not dispute it. As much as we all wish it weren’t so, Arie Belview is an imposing and powerful alpha. Precious few alphas could best him and that would be assuming Arie fought fair, a situation I am not willing to bet on.”

Johnny reluctantly agreed. “Sedrick could probably take him, but I don’t want to think about what would happen if he lost. And if he won…”

“He would be in charge of a pack he doesn’t want,” I finished.

“Exactly.” Johnny blew out a frustrated breath. “That pack’s gotta have a shit ton of issues by this point. I wouldn’t envy anyone that position.”

Phlox followed our conversation, silently taking everything in until he finally said, “I’m not nearly as familiar with Alpha Belview.”

“Consider it a blessing,” Johnny said.

Phlox gave Johnny an appreciative grin before becoming serious again. “What’s the circumstantial evidence?”

“Sylvie’s computer, for one,” Lucroy answered. “Hamish was unable to exactly pinpoint who she was communicating with, but he can track it back to within a one-hundred-mile radius of Rutherford Haven.”

“Seriously?” Phlox asked, leaning in enough that his silken hair brushed my arm.

“There is also the matter of what was discussed and Sylvie’s contact’s answer.” Lucroy glanced at me before saying, “We all know Leon wasn’t supposed to be taken. He was an unexpected passenger during Frost’s capture. When Sylvie tried to turn error into opportunity for profit, her contact’s answer was death.” Crimson flooded Lucroy’s eyes and Phlox’s inner cat growled. Johnny patted Phlox’s leg in sympathy. It was humbling knowing I would have been mourned by so many.

“Yeah, that pisses me off too. But like you said, Leon wasn’t expected. At that point, he was an unknown.” Johnny cocked his head to the side, truly contemplating the matter. “As much as I hate to say it, considering the illegal activity they were involved in, killing Leon doesn’t sound that out of character.”

“While that may be true,” Lucroy agreed, “the offered price for proof of Leon’s death was not. Her contact wanted Leon dead. They wanted proof and were willing to pay handsomely for it. Leon has survived long enough to have created enemies on his own. He is also my second, so Arie Belview is not the only possible culprit. However, the vast majority of those enemies are not located so near my territory.”

“If they were vampire—”

“I would have eliminated them,” Lucroy stoically answered.

Johnny agreed. “Damn right you would have.”

“So,” Phlox said, “what you’re saying is that Alpha Belview is the only one within your territory, or at least within the one-hundred-mile radius, that would react that way.”

“Precisely,” Lucroy answered. “And then there is the matter of Arie’s wolves frequenting the bar, along with the timing.”

My hiss rivaled Phlox’s cat. “Aurelia.”

“Precisely,” Lucroy confirmed against Johnny’s muttered “shit”.

Phlox raised his eyebrows in question, and I explained. “Last night, Lucroy asked me when Arie’s wolves began frequenting the bar.”

“It was after Aurelia’s appearance,” Johnny quickly filled in. “Maybe not straight away, but soon enough.”

“Unfortunately, Aurelia made an appearance in front of Arie Belview,” I explained. “From his reaction, it is safe to assume he was under the same assumption as the rest of us, that if djinn ever truly existed, they were no more. Djinn have mostly been relegated to modern-day fairy tales and little more.”

“More like nightmares,” Johnny said.

“Most fairy tales do read more like nightmares.” Phlox stared down at his bare toes, their nails so dark blue they nearly appeared black.

“True enough,” Johnny easily agreed, then the full horror of the situation hit him. “You mean to tell me Arie Belview is after his own djinn?” Color fled Johnny’s face, leaving him blanched and pasty.

“Worse. What I am telling you is that we believe Arie Belview has found a djinn.” Lucroy’s voice was devoid of all emotion. I envied the ability. Maybe that’s what three hundred more years into your second life gave you—the ability to eliminate the abject horror and fear your imminent death brought.