Page 90 of Perfectly Perfect Pixie

Lucroy raised a single eyebrow. “You wish to send him a colony of sprites?”

I shrugged. “It’s not like I want to uproot anyone from their home. I was just thinking that there are probably other sprite colonies in the same situation as mine. They’d probably appreciate a new, stable home, and I think it might do Nirgal some good. All that light to brighten his darkness. Living that long . . . I can’t even wrap my head around it.”

Cupping my face, Lucroy’s smile was soft, not even a hint of fang. “I am truly the most fortunate vampire in existence. I must send my maker a thank-you note for granting me my second life. Had I truly died centuries ago, I would not have known the wonder I hold within my hands.”

“If you send that card, let me sign it too. I think I owe them as much as you do.”

Inhaling, Lucroy’s chest rose as it filled. “Shall we get up and greet the night?”

With a sappy grin on my face, I stood, wings flicking. “How about we get up and greet the shower first.”

Joining me, Lucroy wrapped his arms around me, pulling me to his chest. “That sounds like a beautiful plan. And then you will eat a full meal and drink plenty of fluids. Afterward, we will walk your orchard so I may greet your trees.”

Once again, I was struck speechless. I had no idea how a vampire grasped the concept of how important my trees were to me. To be honest, I didn’t much care. Lucroy Moony did know, and more than that, he accepted and fostered that love. I’d been scared to explore this thing between us.

Phil was right. Just because Lucroy was a vampire and I was a pixie didn’t mean we didn’t fit. It took a little more effort and maybe a little more care, but it was worth it in the end. Spending an eternity looking into those midnight eyes was worth tackling any hurdle, no matter how big or small.

Maybe that’s what all love was like—looking fear in the eye and giving it the one-finger salute. Sometimes a leap of courage and a lot of faith paved the road to true happiness.

Epilogue

“Rutherford Haven? What kind of a shithole town are you sending me to this time, Divia? Parsnip stared into his silver-encrusted mirror, pulling at the strands of his aqua-green hair. The ombre color wasn’t exactly correct. It darkened too quickly toward the tips, making Parsnip grimace. Heart fluttering, he wondered if his viewers would notice. He’d need to speak with Lance. He was a gifted warlock, and goddess knew Parsnip paid him enough to do the job and keep quiet about it. He should damn well get what he paid for.

“It’s in Virginia, toward the coast but more inland than Norfolk,” Divia explained, her tone expressing her exasperation. “It’s a vampire and pixie pair. And not just any vampire, but the king of the Southeast nest, Lucroy Moony. Word has it he’s claimed a pixie as his beloved.”

“You’re shitting me?” Parsnip looked away from his mirror, focusing his attention on his phone. Thankfully, Divia hadn’t wanted to Facetime him. As a social pixie, Parsnip should always want to be visible. Social pixies lived to preen and be seen. Once, Parsnip had been that carefree, that confident. But that was years ago. Before he’d learned just how desperately addicted to pixie dust ogres could be.

Parsnip refused to think about those dark months. They were behind him. Sure, he might have some handicaps now, but money and magic could overcome a lot. He had plenty of the first and had found someone with an abundant amount of the second.

Parsnip was fine. He hosted one of the most popular television shows on Home and Kitchen TV. Who knewInterspecies Habitatwould hook so many viewers?

“I’m not shitting you in the least. I sent out some feelers. Turns out the pixie half of the pair, Peaches, is a fan of the show. He’s bonded to an orchard in the area, and his cottage needs a little vampire renovation. We’ve never had this couple mix before. It’ll be great for ratings, and you know it.”

Parsnip did know and also knew he couldn’t turn it down, even if he did have to head into parts unknown. It wasn’t like he hadn’t done it before. He’d flown all over the US, Canada, Mexico, and even a few countries in Europe and Asia. His bread and butter was in the US, though. As long as he could get a better charm, one that made his hair look perfect, then he was more than happy to step in front of the camera. Twitching his wings, Parsnip finally allowed a small smile. At least his pixie dust was the right color. Maybe Lance wouldn’t have to do much tweaking to the charm.

“All right. When do I leave?”

“The camera crew is headed there in three days. You’re not expected until the first of next week.”

“Hmm.” That should be enough time for Lance to work up something new and, hopefully, a little more stable.

“Is there a problem with the timeline?” Divia asked.

“No. I think it should work fine.”

“Good. I’ll send you the travel details. Let me know if you have any questions.”

“Will do.” Parsnip ended the conversation, gaze immediately traveling back to his mirror. It was an object he worshipped and loathed in equal measure. Other pixies didn’t know how good they had it. Nature pixies only cared about frolicking outdoors and playing with their plants. Home-and-hearth pixies liked to clean, for goddess sake. They couldn’t care less what they looked like. No pixy had it as hard as social pixies. The pressure to be beautiful, to be on all the time, to say all the right things, and give all the right looks . . . It was overwhelming. No one could be perfect every second of every day.

But Parsnip didn’t need to be perfect all the time. When the camera wasn’t rolling, when he was tucked away where no one could see, he didn’t need to be the perfect pixie. Not until the camera swung in his direction. Parsnip could manage that, and he could do it with flair and style.

No one would ever guess Parsnip wasn’t what everyone thought. Secrets were called that for a reason, and as long as the money kept rolling in and the charms kept coming, Parsnip could protect his from the ravenous masses.

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