Page 64 of Perfectly Perfect Pixie

“Oh, he saw.” Leon sounded decidedly pleased. “Freddie’s on the hook. I don’t think it’ll take much to reel him in.”

“Good.” Using the wall tosteadymyself, Leon guided me to the door leading to my den. We both slipped inside. As soon as the outer door closed, the music disappeared.

“Fuck, I don’t know how you did that with a straight face.” Leon followed me down into my living room, the sound of the second door closing and sealing behind us.

“It was not easy. I made the mistake of envisioning Freddie’s head resting beside his body before he dissipated into ash. The image was most pleasurable. I almost made the mistake of smiling.”

I didn’t hide my pleasure now. I couldn’t wait to rip Frederick’s heart from his chest. I’d hold it up to him, watch the horror wash through his fading eyes before I sliced his head from his neck.

Thoughts of Freddie’s imminent demise whispered sweet dreams as I faded off to sleep. Soon, I promised myself. Soon it wouldn’t simply be a dream, but reality.

ChapterTwenty-Five

PEACHES

It was increasingly difficult to leave Lucroy—whether it was me who left him or Lucroy who left me. My chest felt hollow when we were apart and only managed to fill again when I saw him. I’d never imagined anything beyond my orchard could make me feel that way.

Lucroy had been distracted tonight. He hadn’t wanted me to come at all, but he’d also refused to visit me at my orchard. I couldn’t stand the thought of a night apart and had gone anyway. Lucroy hadn’t been happy when I’d shown up unexpectedly. I wasn’t insecure enough to think that he was displeased to see me. That wasn’t it. Lucroy was always glad to be with me. He just didn’t like the fact I’d called a rideshare and hadn’t allowed him to send out a car.

He was also pretty irritated that I’d ignored hisorderfor me to stay at home. I didn’t do orders, and Lucroy needed to learn that ASAP if we were truly going to have a future together. As far as I was concerned, this was a partnership, and I refused to be the weak link. Lucroy needed to wrap his head around that fact and get on board—pronto.

But in a way, I understood. Lucroy was worried about me, just like I worried about him. That’s what it meant to care—to love. Worry was part and parcel when it came to that overwhelming emotion.

Lucroy had thrown down the gauntlet yesterday. He was waiting to see if Freddie picked it up and was surprised when nothing happened. At least it hadn’t happened yet. There were still a couple of hours of darkness left, although Lucroy didn’t think Freddie would wait until this close to sunrise to make his move.

Not being a vampire, I had no idea. Pixies didn’t do this kind of thing. We were happy with what we had and saw no reason to reach for more. Social pixies might be a little different, but they still weren’t cutthroat like vampires and weres.

Inhaling deeply, I pulled the scents of the bar deep into my lungs. I didn’t hate the smell, but it wasn’t home. Loud music thumped through my chest. The crowd was dwindling, most heading off home while there was still plenty of night offering safe transport.

“See ya later,” Johnny shouted, his voice somehow carrying over the music as he waved, a damp towel in his hand. It looked like he was waving a flag of surrender. I hadn’t thought I could smile, but Johnny proved me wrong, and I waved back.

“Heading out?” Leon asked, even though it was obvious, and I knew Lucroy had already contacted him before I’d started climbing his stairs. Turning, my neck twitched, the slightest of stings from Lucroy’s latest bite. He’d fed tonight. I’d told him he could take more, but Lucroy had insisted it wasn’t necessary. Evidently, my blood lasted longer, and he didn’t need to drink as much.

“I’ve been away from my orchard longer than comfortable.” I shrugged. “It’s worth it, though.” Never in a million years would I have ever thought that possible.

“Best we get you back then.”

By now, I knew the way through the hallways leading to the garage attached to Dusk. Leon shadowed me as we walked to the garage entrance. He seemed a little distracted but remained ever vigilant. Leon stayed in the doorway, watching as I made my way to Lucroy’s Jeep. Bree saw me coming and moved to the back door, opening it.

“You know you don’t have to do that,” I said, sliding into the back seat. We’d had this discussion numerous times, and it never made a bit of difference. I should probably have stopped complaining.

“Just showing the proper respect,” she said, voice a little tighter than usual.

The driver’s side door slammed closed, and I jerked. My stomach rolled, and my chest felt tight. I wasn’t sure if it was leaving Lucroy or because I’d been away from my land for so long. Either way, I didn’t feel great.

Leaning back into the seat, I buckled up and allowed the hum of the vehicle to lull me. Bree pulled out of the parking garage, her driving a little jerkier than typical.

“Everything okay?” I asked with a yawn.

Bree had lightened up some during our trips and often told me what was going on in her life. She was pretty hush-hush about her past, but I’d learned enough to understand that she thought Lucroy and Leon had saved her and that she’d do anything for either of them. Sometimes she sounded just shy of worshipful.

“Everything is fine,” she answered.

I tried to catch her eyes in the rearview mirror, but she wasn’t looking at me. Bree’s gaze seemed glued to the road.

“Okay. You just seemed a little tense.”

“Do I? I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

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