Page 174 of Wicked Magik

“Actually,” Sylvaine stood and buttoned his coat. “He was swayed more than you realize, pumpkin.”

He did not just call me pumpkin.

“What do you mean?” I wiped a tear from my cheek.

“I told Benedict if he helped me, I would tell him who his mate was, where he could find her. I also said, if he did not help me, I would make sure she would never find her...”

I gasped. “Father!”

He held up his hands in surrender. “But, my little squash, I never said I would kill her.”

I wiped my hand down my face. Meanwhile Mom laid her forehead on the table and tapped it several times until she kept it there. “Since this happened before our talk, I will let it slide. Don’t do this again, Sylvaine.”

“I am sorry, my beloved. I will never. It was only in our daughter’s best interest. Please—” Father directed his attention toward me. “My sweet pecan pie, may I please hug you, beg for your forgiveness for your friend. It is my fault, and I am sorry.”

Oryx huffed. “What is a pecan pie?” He scratched his snout.

I rounded the table and came toward my father. Thackery looked like he was about to explode with laughter. I didn’t see how any of this was funny. Benedict was dead, his head bitten off by my Oryx.

Father petted my head, “My sweet potato,…”

I grimaced. “Stop, why are you calling me weird names?”

Dad snorted and buried his face into mom’s chest.

“I am coming up with a pet name for you. Every father gives his daughter a pet name right? I am an autumn fae, so I thought something like autumn would be nice…”

“Vesper is fine. I’ve got more than enough nicknames to know what to do with. I don’t know what to answer to anymore. ‘Hey you,’ is just fine too.”

Father chuckled. “Fine.” He petted my head as I wrapped my arms around him. “Just so you know, your male can bring back Benedict, he just needs a new vessel to create and then I can tell Benedict where his mate is for all the trouble. No harm no foul.”

I rolled my eyes. Poor Benedict.

He probably peed himself.

“He did!” Oryx chirped. “And this pecan pie sounds delicious, I would very much like to taste it.”

Veylor snorted. “If that is what you wish, I will be sure to eat a whole pie so my blood is saturated in the taste.”

I groaned and rubbed my belly. “I will be most appreciative”

Chapter 58

Vesper

Two months later…

Outside the mansion, torches cast a gentle glow. It wasn’t the expected orange warmth of fire, but cool blue flames that danced as we passed. I couldn't resist reaching out. The flickering light enveloped my fingertips with a gentle chill rather than a burn.

Mom and I strolled through the garden, bathed in the ethereal glow of blue and purple light. The torches lined our path perfectly, illuminating each cobblestone beneath our feet. I smiled at the sight of our flowers—the ones Benedict, Oryx andI had carefully planted months ago—now in full, magnificent bloom.

I wrapped my arm around mom’s as we passed by the quickly growing trees that grew fruit in the courtyard. Laughter was heard from inside, even squeals of excitement.

It was a far cry from the last party that had taken place here months ago.

"That smile is suspicious," Mom said, jabbing an elbow into my ribs. Her head barely reached my shoulder as we turned the corner together. I quickened my pace, eager to show her the forgotten place I'd rediscovered—a spot guaranteed to bring out her laughter.

“Just thinking, how the last party ended up in disaster. Now this one is going to be the talk of the territories for years.”