Page 89 of Perfectly Perfect Pixie

Golden pixie dust filled our space, dissipating as it vanished into nothing. Collapsing forward, I laid on Lucroy’s chest, my release sticky between us. I didn’t care, and I got the feeling Lucroy didn’t either.

“So perfect.” Lucroy sounded drunk. “Perfectly Perfect Peaches.” Lucroy’s spent cock slipped from my body, leaving me feeling a little empty.

“I doubt anyone else feels that way,” I answered. “Besides my trees. Then again, I think they’re pretty perfect too.”

“Then it is as I’ve always suspected and the world is full of fools.” Lucroy’s fingers sifted through my hair, down my back, rubbing my skin where my wings attached.

“Goddess, that feels good.” Only pixies truly understood how strained our wing muscles could get. “Just so you know, you can massage me there anytime you want.” I laid my head against Lucroy’s chest, loving the feel of the rise and fall of his body beneath mine.

We lay there as night covered our little section of the planet. I didn’t know how I knew it was dark out, but I did. Maybe it was because Lucroy was so awake and lucid.

After a time, Lucroy asked, “How do you feel about eternity?”

I swallowed hard. “Honestly, I’m not sure yet. I’m happy to be with you. Right now, I don’t even know if eternity will be enough time. But . . .”

“But you will outlive those you love.”

Phil’s face flashed through my mind, quickly followed by Dillon and Ruthie. Quick on their heels were all the others I loved. Family members, friends . . . my trees. My heart clenched. “I’ll outlive my trees.” The thought had never occurred to me before.

“Quite possibly. But you will be here to watch new trees grow. You will be here to foster the land. Over time and with your care and direction, this land will be a lush and thriving paradise.”

The vice around my heart eased. What would it be like to watch a new generation of trees grow into adults? I didn’t know but found myself eager to experience it . . . one day.

Running my fingers over Lucroy’s shoulder, I said, “I can’t believe there aren’t more vampires. Humans have such short lives, and so many of them spend so much money and time trying to live longer and look younger. How are we not overrun by vampires?”

“Because very few are turned. Most vampire fledglings are humans that never sought eternal life. Vampirism is much like power. Those who seek it should not be allowed to obtain it. Vampires realized this early, and that knowledge has passed through the generations. Occasionally, mistakes are still made.”

“Freddie?” I guessed.

Lucroy hissed. “Frederick is a prime example. I can only hypothesize that his maker was fooled somehow. Regardless, he was a mistake that has now been remedied. Perhaps that is the true purpose of the vampire council—why fairy law has allowed for their existence. They remain to rectify our community’s mistakes.”

I took a minute to think that over. It seemed plausible. “I—”

High-pitched clicks and buzzing invaded our love nest. A bright light zinged back and forth. Brighter than any firefly, a sprite landed on a nearby root.

“Oh, for goddess’s sake.” Reaching over, I fumbled around and finally located my sleep pants. The translator was inside a pocket, and I slid it into my ear.

“Peaches! I’m sorry. I know I’m breaking our agreement by coming into your cottage uninvited, but my colony was worried. You’ve been asleep all day, and when you and your vampire didn’t come out when the sun set, we got increasingly concerned.”

It was the same sprite who’d gone with me to Dusk. Jumping and buzzing, the little sprite looked truly upset, and I suddenly felt bad for abandoning them.

“I’m sorry. I’m fine.” I looked down at Lucroy’s amused face. “We’re fine,” I grinned despite how dry and itchy my chest was. I needed another shower and didn’t think it would be difficult to convince Lucroy to join me.

“Oh!” The sprite zipped up and twirled. “You’ve mated.” It stuck its nose in the air and sniffed before broadly grinning. “I will let the others know the vampire will be staying.” A white streak shot out of our hole and disappeared somewhere above.

As I blew out a deep breath, a giggle escaped. “Oh my goddess, I think I should be embarrassed, but I can’t stop laughing long enough to feel ashamed.” My wings twittered, and golden pixie dust filled up our space again.

“Yes. They might be a little . . . intrusive. It will take some getting used to if I am to make this my home.”

My laughter died on my lips. Swallowing, I asked, “Is that okay? We’ve kind of talked about it before, but . . .” I looked around the underground space the roots had carved out. “This was okay for a temporary situation. Long term, I think we need a better solution.”

“Agreed,” Lucroy fiddled with the dark golden tips of my hair. “I believe, with the aid of your blood and our bond, I will have a greater tolerance for the sun, but an underground dwelling would still be preferable. I am not concerned. As I said earlier, I find this space agreeable. It will suit for the time being.”

I chewed on my bottom lip, still unsure. “And you don’t mind being away from the city, away from Dusk? I’d consider moving there if—”

“Hush, beloved. This is your home, and now it is mine. I cannot think of a more peaceful spot to spend eternity. Besides, I can make trips into Dusk when needed. Johnny and Leon practically run the bar as is. There will be times when I must travel for nest business, but otherwise, I see no reason why this cannot be home.”

The uncertainty I’d been languishing in faded away, leaving peaceful joy in its place. Leaning in, I kissed the corner of Lucroy’s lips, teasing their edges. “You know, Nirgal seemed rather taken with my sprite. As a thank you for coming all this way and revealing Horatio’s true story, and for dispatching Freddie, I think it might be nice to send him a little gift.”

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