Page 26 of Purrfectly Peculiar Pixie: Phlox's Story (Perfect Pixie Series Book 5)

Phlox

Leon and I enjoyed two days of strained peace. It was a little after four p.m. when my phone rang. The ringtone told me it wasn’t Auntie Tandra. It wasn’t the Magical Usage Council either. Leon stirred, his fingers immediately tangling within my fur. I’d shifted into my cat form and was perched on his chest. If we hadn’t been on Armageddon’s edge, I would have ignored the call and allowed it to go to voicemail. Given current circumstances, I couldn’t do that.

Stretching, I shifted back to my pixie form and answered the phone with a sleepy, “’Ello?”

“He’s made his first move.”

I sat up, sliding off Leon’s chest. Sheets wrapped around my lower body, I placed the call on speaker and allowed Vander’s voice to filter into the room. “I’ve got you on speaker,” I said. Leon’s awake enough to listen.”

“Hey, Leon. Sorry it’s so early for you, but I didn’t want to wait,” Vander said. His tone was deep, cool, and calm with just a hint of anxiety. With voices like that, had warlocks been so inclined, they would have made great school principals.

“It’s fine,” Leon said huskily. “It is not the problem it once was.” Leon’s fingers raked through my hair, fanning it out across his chest as he continued laying on his back. “What has happened?”

“Nothing bad. Yet.” Vander inhaled deeply. His voice was more distant, and I thought he was talking to Parsnip or maybe Byx when he said, “I’m getting to that.” Vander huffed before he said, “As predicted, the first shot came at Phil and Sedrick.”

“Are they okay?” I asked, not attempting to hide my worry.

“They’re good. It wasn’t a direct attack. Probably more of a fact-finding mission. Phil said he felt a something pushing at his bond.”

“Pushing at it? What does that mean?” I asked.

There was a rustling sound on Vander’s end and the next time someone spoke, it was Parsnip. “Phil said it was kind of an itchy feeling. He said it didn’t really hurt but was uncomfortable. The best he could describe it was like someone poking at the edges of his bonded area.”

“Around the house?” Leon asked.

“Yeah. The Voss household is locked down tight. Phil’s bonded with the house and a bit of the land extending away from it. When Phil told Sedrick what was happening, Sedrick ran out of the house. He stayed within the bonded area but wanted to see if he could sniff them out.”

“Did he?” I asked.

“Kind of. Sedrick said he didn’t recognize all the scents, but there was a hint of Arie Belview. Not enough to think he was that close by, but enough to let Sedrick know that whoever it was, they’d been around Arie recently.” Parsnip huffed. “It’s recon if you ask me. He’s looking for weak spots.”

If that was the case, Alpha Belview was going to be sorely disappointed. There was no stronger magic in the world than a pixie’s bond. I swallowed hard. I wasn’t as certain of that statement as I’d once been. Aurelia said she couldn’t get through a pixie bond, but also said there were creative ways to get around it. There was also the concern that Vander’s contacts came through with a possible warlock who’d agreed to try and figure out a way to break a pixie bond. If they’d succeeded… Goddess, I didn’t even want to think what that could mean.

Vander and Parsnip must have placed their phone on speaker also because Vander’s voice came through next. “I agree with Parsnip. Most likely it was a test of some kind.”

“That means that Arie must still be close by,” Leon said, finally propping himself up on his elbows. Leon’s pale chest was displayed, his washboard abs tight in his crunched position. My mouth watered and my inner cat preened. I was this gorgeous creature’s beloved, and he was my mate. Leon McMillan was a fine catch.

“Unfortunately, no.” Parsnip sounded exhausted. “According to Aurelia, the individual holding their object of attachment can be halfway around the globe and it wouldn’t matter. Djinn can transport to wherever they want, just like brownies and fairies.”

“Damn,” I muttered. “Do we really think Arie is on the other side of the earth?”

“No.” Vander sounded adamant. “That fucker enjoys doling out pain. He’s vindictive and when the final strike comes, he’ll want to be there to witness it. Arie Belview won’t be able to help himself. He’s all about the gloating, about the power, and about others knowing it was him that got the best of them. There’s no way he’ll be able to stay away.”

“Agreed,” Leon quickly answered. Since I didn’t know Alpha Belview like the others did, I would easily take their word for it.

“What about Peaches’s orchard?” I asked. “Anything from him?”

“Not yet,” Parsnip said. “But I imagine it’s just a matter of time before—” Parsnip’s voice cut off. “Hold on, we’re getting another call now from Peaches. It’s on my phone so we can keep communication open with you. Peaches, what—” Parsnip’s words cut off again. I couldn’t hear what Peaches said but Parsnip’s occasional grunts and groans told me it probably wasn’t great.

While we patiently waited, Leon’s fingers continued sliding through the ends of my hair, lovingly combing the darkened tips. The gentle tug on my scalp was near coma inducing.

“Looks like we were right. Peaches just told me the same thing happened to him not five minutes ago.” Parsnip’s voice was full of anger. “Where does this jackass get off playing with others like this?”

“Don’t try and understand it, babe,” Vander soothed. “You’ll just give yourself a headache.”

Apparently agreeing, Parsnip blew out a frustrated breath but let his tirade drop. “Just like Phil, Peaches is okay. He said no damage done. Evidently, the sprites were in an uproar and are flying about, checking the boundary.”

“What about Aurelia?” I asked. “Did she make herself known?” She’d said djinn couldn’t necessarily sense each other which led me to believe she’d have to purposefully reveal herself.

Parsnip answered, “Peaches said she remained quiet. Arie Belview knows about Aurelia, but I don’t know if he’s aware she’s at Peaches’s orchard.”

“That’s an interesting thought,” Vander said.

“Very interesting,” Leon agreed. “None of us made it known that we gave Aurelia’s object of attachment to Peaches for safe keeping. Perhaps that is what the other djinn is truly looking for.”

I considered that. “It might be.”

“As much as I’d like it otherwise, Arie Belview isn’t unintelligent,” Vander said disappointedly. “You could be right. It would make sense that once Aurelia was in our possession, we’d keep her object of attachment somewhere safe. The best option would be with a bonded fairy. Phil or Peaches would make good choices. Sending it to Fairy might have been an option too.”

“Wendall didn’t want it,” Parsnip quickly added. “I don’t think he could stomach the idea of being another sentient being’s master. We all would have been okay with Wendall taking over Aurelia’s keeping. Peaches was the next logical choice. Phil and Sedrick have werewolf children in the house,” Parsnip explained. I couldn’t say I disagreed with their decision-making process. I didn’t think the Magical Usage Council had been aware of Aurelia’s resting area, but I understood the reason for the secrecy.

“And what of Erasmus?” Leon asked. “Can he tell if this djinn is similar to Aurelia?”

All of us were operating on the hopeful theory that all djinn, along with their objects of attachments, were made equally and thus equally vulnerable.

Parsnip remained silent for a beat before he answered, “He believes so.” There was a lot of hesitance in that statement.

“What’s wrong, Parsnip? Has Erasmus changed his mind? Does he now think returning the djinn’s essence to their body wouldn’t work or wouldn’t incapacitate them?” I asked, picking up on the tone change.

“Nothing. Not really. It’s just… Erasmus isn’t sure the djinn would survive the process. Returning their essence might be an immediate death sentence. There’s a chance they’d immediately age. Given that djinn are centuries old…they’d be dead nearly the instant their essence is returned. And even if that doesn’t happen, if they return and age doesn’t catch up with them, it will negate all their magical power. Erasmus believes all their magical bonds will be shredded, leaving them what they were.”

“Human?” Leon asked.

“Maybe. Probably.” Parsnip didn’t sound all that certain. “It’s Erasmus’s best guess. Aurelia looks basically human, or at least, humanoid. Her ears are a lot larger and there are some other changes, but Erasmus thinks that’s due to the magic filling her up. At the end of the day, none of us really know for certain.”

“Fuck,” I whispered. “Is there anything we do know for certain?”

There was a pause before Vander said, “Arie Belview’s a jackass. I know that for certain.”

Parsnip choked before bursting into laughter. I grinned, fighting the giggle filling my belly. Finally giving up, I joined in the vocal laughter. It was either that or cry. I, for one, would rather laugh in the face of catastrophe.

“A very true sentiment,” Leon agreed. While he didn’t openly laugh, his lips tugged in a distinct grin just short of showing fang.

Our giggling fit fizzled and while I felt a little lighter, I was still worried. I’d be an idiot not to be. “You two take care,” I pleaded. “From what I understand, Vander, you’re on Arie Belview’s shit list too.”

“And proud of it,” Vander answered with confidence. “I find the company on that list most agreeable.”

Leon shook his head while I palmed my forehead. Warlock Vander Kines was one of a kind.

“You stay alert also,” Parsnip warned. “Arie’s not a fan of Dusk or Leon. Hell, he’s not a fan of the Southeast vampire nest. I don’t think you’ll be first on his list, but you won’t be far down the line. Then again, if he manages to take care of his first few targets, I doubt they’ll be much you can do beyond running and I don’t imagine that will do you a lot of good either. I think if Arie gets that far, the world in general is pretty much screwed.”

“I would never run,” Leon answered, offense clear in his voice.

“Me either.” The very thought pissed off my cat. Pallas’s cats and pixies might be small, but we were the epitome of mighty.

“Didn’t think you would,” Vander reassured. “Stay safe. We’ll call you when something else happens.” I noted Vander said when not if.

Wings spread, I lowered myself, draping my back across Leon’s chest. “This is a clusterfuck.”

“Hmm, I have encountered many such instances.”

“Me too. I still think this one’s a little different.”

Leon’s fingers danced across my scalp, lulling me to slumber. As my mind drifted, I said, “It sounds like Erasmus’s plan might work, but he’s reluctant to implement it.”

“Understandably so. Although I have yet to meet the necromancer, he sounds like someone afflicted by virtue. He would not take the possibility of killing another lightly.”

“The djinn might not die,” I said.

“True, but even still, returning to an unmagical state, with all its mortal shortcomings, may not be something a djinn desires. I highly doubt there will be time to ask for their opinion on the matter.”

I cringed realizing how correct Leon was. “I don’t suppose I’d want to be in that position either. But if I had to choose between them and you, that decision would be very simple.”

“As it would be with me, beloved.”

I fell asleep like that, tossed over Leon’s chest like a ragdoll, his fingertips raking along my scalp, petting me in my pixie form.

* * *

Lucroy called shortly after sundown. I woke hearing Leon’s voice on the phone. When he ended the call and placed the phone back on the side table, Leon sat there, elbows on bent knees and staring into the dark.

As I rubbed his back, Leon leaned into my touch. “What did he say?” I asked.

“My king has ordered Dusk closed for the foreseeable future. Lucroy is concerned.”

I sat up, scooting until my front was pressed against Leon’s back. “Did something else happen?”

“No. And that is the way Lucroy wants it to stay. He is concerned that Dusk will be seen as a soft target. It would be a much easier mark than Peaches’s orchard or Phil’s home. Attacking Dusk would be an understandable strategy. Injuring his nestmates would be an excellent way to draw Lucroy out. Possibly Sedrick as well.”

“It makes sense in a sick, twisted way.” Leon remained quiet and I wondered what else Lucroy had said. “Is there something else?” I wrapped my arms around Leon’s middle, hugging his granite-like body closer.

“I’ve been ordered to Peaches’s orchard. While my king cannot order you also, I would ask that you accompany me.”

“Hey, I already told you—where you go, I go. I didn’t want to hide out in Peaches’s orchard before because you weren’t planning on going. I’ve got no problem if you’re there too.”

While it was barely noticeable, Leon’s body relaxed. “It will be a crowded place. Evidently, Ray has asked Phil, Sedrick, and the children to go there as well.”

I pulled back, moving so I could see Leon’s turned face. “Why? Phil needs to stay at home. He’s bonded and can’t be away for long periods of time. Besides, his home should be as safe as Peaches’s orchard.” I was truly confused and concerned.

Leon’s fingers ghosted across my cheek. “That is true. However, it appears that Ray has discovered corroborating evidence that Alpha Belview did indeed find a warlock willing to attempt breaking a home-and-hearth pixie bond. According to Vander, the charm would need to be specific to a home-and-hearth pixie and, therefore, would not translate into usage on a nature pixie such as Peaches. Ray is concerned this warlock has made enough progress to be a danger.”

I sucked in a deep breath. “Can Queen Silvidia find this warlock and eliminate him?”

“She has tried, but just as with Arie, he cannot be found.”

The litany of curses that flew from my mouth would have either horrified or made Auntie Tandra proud. I wasn’t entirely certain which. What I did know was that I needed to call her. She was still in the dark regarding current circumstances, but I wasn’t certain when I’d get another chance and needed to let her know I might be going off the grid for a bit.

“But what about Phil’s bond with his home?” I still wasn’t sure how Ray planned on getting around that sticking point.

“Phil is also bonded to Sedrick and the children. He will be fine for a longer period of time as long as they are with him. Should he need to make a trip home, Ray plans on transporting him there and back. Lucroy mentioned that is how Ray plans on getting them to the orchard to begin with. Traveling otherwise is considered too dangerous currently.”

“Yeah, they’d be much easier pickings as soon as they left Phil’s bonded area. I stand by what I said earlier: This is a clusterfuck.”

“I offer no disagreement.”

Sliding off the bed, I stretched my arms high, arching my back and sighing into the movement. Leon’s hungry eyes followed my every motion. Lowering my arms, I walked into his space. Leon’s knees parted, allowing me easy entry.

“Are you hungry?” I asked, cocking my head.

Leon’s desperate gaze tracked the length of my neck. It was as bold move on my part, or, at least that’s the way it felt. It was past time to make this offer. I trusted Leon. I needed to have faith in that trust. I needed to have faith in him.

“Beloved, you do not need to—”

“I know I don’t need to. I want to.” My personal wants and desires were the key. Leon would do nothing without that reassurance.

Leon’s fingers twitched before his body stilled. “I do not wish to harm you.”

I slipped onto Leon’s lap, my legs draped on either side of his thighs. “And that’s why you won’t.” Carding my fingers through his hair, my dull nails skimmed across his scalp. “It’ll be different than the last time.” I grinned, pushing all my trust into my eyes. “Peaches says it’s amazing.” He’d actually used a lot more colorful words than that. “I want the full vampire beloved experience.”

For the first time, I didn’t have to swallow down my fear as it no longer existed. “I’m not scared, Leon.” He could read my emotions and knew it to be true. “We don’t know what’s coming. You need to be strong and I . . . I want to know what it feels like to truly give myself to you.”

For a lot of species, that would mean sex. Not so in the vampire world.

Leon’s eyelids fluttered as his eyeteeth elongated. “Beloved,” the word whispered through his parted lips like a prayer.

Instinct tilted my head, exposing my neck further. Leon’s warm breath drew goosebumps. His tongue sweeping across my heightened skin sent shivers of pleasure racing down my spine before Leon’s teeth pierced my skin. The pain was instant, but it was immediately swamped by unmitigated pleasure. Had it not been for Leon’s firm hold on the back of my head, I would have lolled backward.

Indistinct gasps of desire breezed past my parted lips. My cock thickened and I couldn’t stop grinding against Leon if my life depended on it. My whispered pants grew in sound as well as frequency. Lost in a sea of pleasure, I groaned as my body found release, cuming in my pants.

Body lax, I realized Leon was licking the wound, sealing my skin and healing my languid body.

“Holy shit,” I managed. “That was . . .” I didn’t have the words and settled on, “wow.”

Leon’s soft chuckle reverberated against my skin. “Am I to presume this bite was preferable to the first time?”

“Yeah. That’s safe to say.” Easing away from Leon’s body, I stared into his crimson ringed eyes. “You know, I think it might be a good thing that it hurt the first time.”

Leon’s lips twisted into a frown. “How so?”

I gave my soiled pants a pointed look. “If it had felt this good, I would have had to walk around Sylvie’s compound with this in my pants. That would have been embarrassing and uncomfortable. And can you imagine what Ray would have thought?” I shook my head. “Nope, best this didn’t happen then.”

Leon’s grin barely hinted fang. “I concede your point, even though it still pains me that I brought you harm.”

Speaking of pain . . . “Would you like me to take care of that for you?” I asked while palming Leon’s firm cock. “I’ll even unzip your pants and everything.”

Leon’s jaw tightened and his eyes briefly flashed full crimson. “As much as I would enjoy that, Lucroy was most adamant that haste was of importance, and I need to notify the staff as soon as possible.”

“Shame,” I said.

“I promise we shall address this need in the near future.”

Pulling away, I stripped off my dirty pants, allowing them to fall to the floor. Adding a sway to my hips, I felt my long hair sashay across my bare ass as I walked away. While I understood where Leon was coming from, that didn’t mean I couldn’t make him regret his actions. Leon’s low, rumbled growl let me know he well and truly understood his loss.