Page 69 of Perfectly Perfect Pixie

Thrusting out his chest, Freddie pulled himself to his full height, nearly even with my own. Proud and clear, he stated, “King Lucroy Moony, I challenge you for control of the Southeast nest.” Leaning in, Freddie hissed, “And when I’m king, no one will dare disrespect me or the vampires I rule over.”

Frederick took his ruling aspirations from other vampire kings and queens. He would destroy all I’d worked to create.

Placing a single finger on Freddie’s chest, the vampire council leader pushed him back.

Freddie stumbled, catching himself before he fell into another council member.

“I’m afraid you will need to wait your turn.” Gaze flashing toward me, the council leader said, “Youth, so impatient to meet their fate.”

With the phone still at my ear, I asked Leon, “Did you hear all that?”

“I’ll call the others. The nest will be there within twenty minutes.”

Leon ended the call, and I lowered my phone. Sedrick had said this needed to end, but I doubted he thought his wish would be answered so quickly. Perhaps he truly had the grace of his moon goddess.

Pushing the need to run to Peaches into the darkest corners of my heart was one of the hardest things I’d ever done. He was my beloved. Peaches was my future. Without him, there was nothing. I would never allow Frederick to take over my nest. I cared for my nestmates too much to make that their fate. Peaches would never forgive me if I got myself killed because I couldn’t control my urges.

Thoughts of Peaches’s diminutive body, layered silks in cream and gold flowing around him as his wings hummed, the whole of the area shimmering in golden dust, Peaches’s finger attempting to punch a hole through my sternum as he scolded me for being foolish, brought a smile to my face. Instantly, my facial muscles relaxed. I could do this—for Peaches.

“Ladies and gentlemen, if you’ll follow me into the club, perhaps we can conduct our business in more pleasant surroundings.” I held out a gracious arm, offering more welcome than they deserved.

Flowing crimson robes followed me into the bar. Johnny came out of the back, stopping in the doorway, lips parted and eyes wide.

“Johnny, please contact our employees and inform them that Dusk will be closed tonight. A social media blast and a sign for the door are also in order. After doing so, I would like you to leave as well.”

Johnny’s mouth snapped shut, and his gaze swam through the sea of danger lurking over my shoulder. With a tight nod, he answered a clipped, “Yes, boss,” before he headed into the back again.

Turning, I leaned against the bar, acting as casual as possible when I said, “How can I be of service?”

It was game time, and I’d had centuries more practice than Frederick. I almost felt sorry for him.

Almost.

ChapterTwenty-Seven

PEACHES

Ifelt worse than shit. Not that I really knew what shit felt like, or if it felt at all. Probably not. The point was I felt terrible. Every one of my muscles ached, and my head pounded like I’d been repeatedly body slammed. Not that I truly knew what that felt like either. Pixies weren’t known for their brawling natures.

“Here, drink this.” Phil held up a glass of apple cider made from the apples harvested from my orchard. He seemed to think that would make my recovery quicker. I didn’t know enough to say he was wrong.

I drank the sweet juice. I wasn’t sure if it would help, but it tasted good regardless.

The sun had already dipped below the horizon. Brilliant rubies, oranges, and yellows lit up the sky. Twilight was upon us, and not long after, Lucroy would wake and head my way. I couldn’t wait to see him, and yet at the same time, I dreaded telling him what Bree did. I was angry, and yet in a way, I understood. Bree didn’t know that Lucroy was faking. She thought he was slowly killing himself and my blood was the reason. Could I really hate her for trying to save Lucroy?

No. No, I couldn’t.

“Lucroy’s gonna be pissed when he finds out what happened,” Sedrick said, lounging against a nearby tree.

We were still all outside, despite the dropping temperatures. I’d recover quicker out here, among my land and trees. The sprites had stopped hovering and were settled around my head and shoulders. Some of them had chosen Phil, and a few brave souls were camped out on Sedrick’s head. I wasn’t sure if he was aware or not and didn’t want to ask.

Phil chewed on his bottom lip. He was snuggled up on my right side while Sedrick had taken my left. They sandwiched me between them, all of us leaning against my favorite tree.

“He will,” I agreed. “He’ll also be sad.”

I doubted Lucroy would show that emotion, maybe not even to me, but that didn’t make me any less certain. Wind whispered through the barren tree branches. I’d felt their graze through my hair, touching my skin, since I’d woken. The tree was making sure I was okay and spreading the news through its roots to all the others. The wind sang with sorrow, all the trees expressing their concern.

“Fuck,” Sedrick growled. “I really wanted to rip the one responsible apart, but now . . .” He trailed off. I didn’t need him to finish. I’d told them what Bree had said, how sad she’d been. Bree had covered me with a blanket, but I didn’t think it was to hide me as much as try to keep me warm. She wanted me to die, but she didn’t want me to freeze during the process. It was an odd form of caring. I still wasn’t sure what to make of it. Most likely it was more to ease her conscience than truly offer me comfort.

---