Page 13 of Perfectly Charmed Pixie

“No,” he answered hesitantly. “Not as a general rule. Just wondering what I can do for you. I—ow. Hey.” Vander’s head whipped around, eyes narrowed as he stared down at Byx. “What was that for?”

She mirrored my pose. “That was for being rude. Parsnip’s not like a lot of all those other social pixie assholes.”

I hid my flinch.

“He helps species. He has a show on Home and Kitchen TV. He designs homes for species that have bonded or mated. He helps them figure out how to arrange their homes to accommodate everyone’s needs.”

Byx was laying it on a little thick. She was also exaggerating what I did. I wasn’t the main designer. I helped, but mostly I was just the host. Still, I wasn’t about to correct her misconceptions. Not right now.

“Is that so?” Vander didn’t sound convinced. Or maybe he just didn’t sound like what I did for a living was as fantastical as Byx made it sound.

“It’s calledInterspecies Habitat,” I threw out, deciding I’d been quiet long enough. “It’s actually quite popular.”

Tossing his towel aside, Vander gave a small, apologetic inclination of his head. “Sorry. I don’t watch much TV.”

“It’s fine. Byx already warned me.”

Vander’s facial muscles relaxed. His charming grin eased my own tension. “I’ll bet she did. Byx is a little more up-to-date on things than me.”

“As if that’s a challenge,” Byx mocked, and yet there was so much love and sincerity in her voice that it negated any sting. I didn’t know what their relationship was, but it was clear affection lived there.

Vander chuckled, and I dipped when my wings momentarily stopped. He reached out to ruffle her hair but stopped when Byx’s eyes dangerously narrowed.

“Got it.” Vander pulled his hands back, palms out in surrender, before he turned his attention back to me. “So, I’m gonna take a wild guess and say this isn’t a social call. You came through my door for a reason. So, what can I do for you?”

Talk of getting down to business sobered me. My gaze instantly flashed toward Byx. She seemed like a nice enough brownie, but the fewer ears involved, the better.

Seeming to catch my drift, Vander said, “Why don’t you head upstairs, Byx? Last I checked, you’ve done enough this morning. A little rest is in order.”

“I—” Byx started to protest but was cut off by a firm look I couldn’t interpret. The two of them had a stare-off, and I knew Vander won when Byx’s shoulders drooped, head hanging.

“It was nice to meet you, Parsnip,” Byx said, already turning to hop off the riser that was undoubtedly on the other side of the counter. “I’ll keep watching your show.”

Vander watched her go, head slightly cocked to the side as if he were listening to something. Seconds turned into over a minute. Finally satisfied, he turned back to me and said, “She’s beyond hearing.”

I glanced around the very open shop. So far, we were alone, but it was a public place, and Vander Kines was open for business.

Again, he seemed to read my mind. “I turned the sign to temporarily closed. I’m not expecting anyone for another hour. Tell me what’s on your mind.”

Fisting my fingers, I held my head up, chest pushed out. I refused to be embarrassed by my need, and I’d tell myself that as many times as needed until I truly believed it.

“Before I begin, I need your word—spoken on fairy law—that you will not repeat what I’m about to say. That you will keep our conversation private, even if you don’t take the commission.”

Vander’s eyes widened. “Now you’ve got my attention. That’s an odd request coming from a pixie, even a social one.”

“Odd or not, that is the stipulation. I’m willing to pay well for what I need, but first, I require assurances that you will not speak a word of this to anyone. Secrecy is of the utmost importance, and if you’re not willing to swear on pain of fairy law, then our conversation has ended before it’s truly begun.” I wasn’t willing to bend on this. I’d been a fool when I’d negotiated with Lance. I hadn’t asked him to swear on fairy law. I’d been far too desperate. I was almost that desperate now, but not quite.

Vander cocked his head, contemplating my request. I was more relieved by his hesitation than bothered by it.

“That’s a big request. Before I agree, I need to know if what you want will harm anyone outside this room.”

That was easily answered. “No. No physical harm will befall anyone.”

Vander took a moment to take that in before he gave a slow nod. “Okay.” With the darkened tip of his index finger, Vander made an invisible sigil in the air between us. When he was done, he tapped the middle of it. The sigil flared to life, a violet, shimmering thing. “Place the palm of your hand on it.”

I hurried to comply. Vander did the same on his side, the sigil warmly trapped between us. Eyes briefly closing, Vander’s lips silently moved. The warmth briefly flared and heated before dissipating.

“It’s done. I’ve made a pact and filed it with fairy authority. My silence is binding.”

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