Page 84 of Perfectly Perfect Pixie

“Mr. Moony will be fine.” Lucroy’s voice wasn’t frosty, but it wasn’t warm either.

I’d learned a lot of vampire’s voices were like that. I’d been around Lucroy enough to notice the subtleties in his tone. Lucroy wasn’t as annoyed or disinterested as he sounded. Unfortunately, he didn’t sound very welcoming either.

“I’m Peaches, Lucroy’s beloved.” I shot forward, flying to Wendall.

Given that he wasn’t very tall, I didn’t have to hover high off the ground. Reaching for his hand, I grabbed it and shook. Maybe I was a little too vigorous. I hoped his arm didn’t fall off. I’d heard that could happen with zombies if they were allowed to deteriorate too much. Wendall didn’t smell gangrenous, so I hoped his animation was solid.

The tight lines around Wendall’s mouth and eyes relaxed. “You’re a pixie,” he blurted. Poor soul, maybe he hadn’t been reanimated as mentally bright as Muriel thought. “I mean,” Wendall rushed to clarify, “I know you’re a pixie. It’s just . . . I haven’t really seen many, and all of those have been from afar. You’re really pretty.” Wendall’s cheeks didn’t blush, but then again, he didn’t have blood running through his veins. Unlike vamps, zombies’ hearts didn’t beat any longer. They lay there, in an odd kind of stasis, just like the rest of the body.

I did blush. I also preened. “Thank you, Wendall.” I flipped my hair, dislodging the sprite. It zipped up, clicking loudly and scolding me.

Wendall’s eyes went even wider. “What’s that?” He held up a finger, trying to poke the speeding sprite.

I doubted I would have been fast enough to tag it either. Finally, my sprite took pity and landed on the outstretched finger. Wendall’s giggle nearly undid me. I turned and shared a gaze with Lucroy. There was no way we were sending this kid back to the zombie compound. The barely there nod Lucroy sent me said loud and clear that he understood and we were on the same page.

“Muriel, I believe we can find a place for Wendall . . .” Lucroy waited for a last name.

“Galen,” Wendall supplied. “My name’s Wendall Galen, or at least, it was when I was alive. I’m not really sure now. I mean, there was a death certificate and everything. I’m not really sure how it works.” Wendall shot a glance back at Muriel, deferring to her.

I had no idea how it worked either.

Muriel just waved us all off and said, “You can keep your name, but you don’t have to fill out tax forms, and you don’t have to pay social security or anything like that. The US government considers your monetary contributions complete. According to the law, zombies aren’t considered productive members of society.” Muriel pointed a finger in Wendall’s direction. “I see no reason to enlighten them that you’re different.”

Wendall slowly nodded. I wasn’t sure any of us truly understood, but as Lucroy said, it was best to appease Muriel, and she seemed certain enough for all of us.

Choosing to ignore the issue of W-2s, Lucroy folded his hands behind his back and asked, “Do you have any experience working in a bar, Wendall?”

“A bar?” Wendall looked around again, as if he were seeing the place for the first time. “No.” He vigorously shook his head. “I’m just nineteen. I’m not allowed in bars.”

Sweet goddess.This human was so young.

“Stupidest law in the whole damn country,” Johnny huffed, stomping a hoof. “Well, like the woman said, the United States don’t give a damn one way or another about you now, and I can damn sure guarantee fairy law don’t give a shit either. Come on.” Without another thought, Johnny swung an arm over Wendall’s shoulders and hauled him off to the back, muttering the entire way about foolish drinking laws and human idiocy.

Wendall had shot the covered body on the floor a disturbing look and licked his lips. Hunger was easy to recognize, even when one didn’t share it.

Lucroy must have caught the look as well. “I assume you will provide sustenance.”

“Of course. Wendall might be a mistake, but he’s my mistake, and I’ll take responsibility for him until the day I die.”

I wasn’t sure how long priestesses like Muriel lived. For that matter, I had no idea how old she was. I wasn’t even sure if Muriel considered herself human or not.

“I’ll keep him well-fed. Don’t you worry about that,” Muriel assured.

“Then I believe I can be of assistance. I’m certain we can find a place for Wendall here. I’ll speak with Johnny about finding Wendall living quarters as well. I’m sure we can find accommodations.”

“Thank you, Lucroy.” Muriel truly sounded grateful. “I’ve lived long and hard. I don’t make excuses for the decisions I’ve made or the things I’ve done, but that one . . . that one’s different. I feel guilty about Wendall. He deserved better than what he got.”

Without thinking, I said, “And we’ll make sure he’s treated well.” I didn’t know when I got comfortable thinking of myself as an integral part of Lucroy’s life and business. It was a little strange how quickly it had happened.

Muriel beamed. “Excellent. As I said before, Lucroy, you’re a lucky vamp. I’m glad you vamps finally pulled your head out of your asses and figured out pixies aren’t toxic.” Muriel threw a wink and sharp cackle in Lucroy’s direction. “Oh, I know about Horatio. I also know that story was bullshit, or at least had been twisted into something foul-smelling.”

With her hands fisted on her hips, Muriel became all business again. “I’ll get a couple of zombies in here. Zombies are strong. They can carry their meal on their own. We’ll get the place cleaned up in no time.”

Spinning around, Muriel headed out the door again. Leaving Lucroy and me alone. Or at least, I’d thought we were alone.

“Looks like Johnny’s taken to the zombie already,” Leon said while leaning against the bar. He’d grabbed a fresh bottle of blood and poured himself a glass. It was currently warming in the microwave.

“We need to find him living accommodations,” Lucroy answered, agreeing with Leon’s assessment of Johnny’s fixation.

---