Page 29 of Perfectly Charmed Pixie

The effect was immediate. Phil’s shoulders straightened, lifting him to full height. “Thank you. And yours. I don’t think I’ve ever seen aqua before. It’s fantastic.”

It was rare. Even when it had been real. Preening, I shifted my hair, allowing it to fall over my shoulder, showing off its ombre to full effect. The three of us looked marvelous together. Peaches’s golden coloration was more common, but he was no less stunning for it.

“Divia’s definitely gonna be sorry she missed this.” Mike moved in a little closer, the camera by his side. I was glad to see he hadn’t filmed Phil. We hadn’t gotten permission from him to do so, and I tried to respect that not everyone was as comfortable with the camera as I was.

We stood out in the dying sun, chatting a little longer. It wasn’t uncomfortably cold, but with the fading sun, it would be soon. It was nice, and I was loath to leave. Jealousy surrounded social pixies. We knew we were often the pariahs of the pixie world—loved and hated in equal measure. An emotionally tough hide was a must for a social pixie. We had a bad habit of lashing out, of verbally belittling those around us before they could fire the first shot. We’d earned our reputations, but they were there for a reason.

With Phil and Peaches, I didn’t feel the need to do so. There was no ingrained animosity, no apparent jealousy. Maybe it was because they were both happily bonded pixies with loves of their own. It was nice being around such incredibly secure pixies.

“Good evening.” Lucroy’s melodious voice drifted across the darkening sky. “Did you have a good day, Peaches?” Lucroy pulled a blushing Peaches into his arms, kissing him without hesitation before nuzzling his neck. I’d noticed the healing puncture marks there earlier. Mike had made a point of getting them on film. Lucroy licked over the skin, humming in deep appreciation.

Phil and I shared a glance, both of us ready to leave.

Mike stood there, gawking like the uncouth human he was.

With an eye roll that was meant to be seen, I said, “Mike, I believe it’s time for us to leave. Perhaps you could head to the car and start stowing your gear.”

“Y-yeah…I’ll do that.” Only Mike didn’t move. He stood there, eyes glued to Peaches and Lucroy.

“Now,” I said, putting a bit more force into the word.

“Oh. Yeah. Now,” Mike sputtered before taking off, tripping on one of his feet in a hurry.

“I think it might be time to get a new camera person.”

“Oh, don’t fire him on our account.” Peaches sounded genuinely concerned. “I’d hate for someone to lose their job because of me. Lucroy and I weren’t offended. Were we?” Peaches stared up at his bonded mate, eyes wide and begging. I didn’t think the vampire would be able to disagree, and I was right.

“No. Not in the least. I see no reason to hide my affection from the world. The human can gawk all he wishes.”

Peaches beamed. “See? Everything is fine.”

Oh, to be that easily placated. I had no idea what that would feel like, for the biggest concern in my life to be that of a human cameraman I knew next to nothing about. Another shot of unwelcome jealousy spiked through my chest, working its way to my lowly, pounding head.

“Trust me, that would not be the only cause,” I said. Apparently, Lucroy wasn’t the only one affected by those wide, pleading eyes. “I’m afraid working closely with a siren is beginning to affect Mike in ways that may be unrecoverable.”

A siren’s song wasn’t as addictive as pixie dust was to ogres, but it was dangerous. Human males made stupid decisions and threw their lives away.

“Oh,” Phil answered, gaze tracking toward our now industrious human. “I didn’t realize. There’s a siren on your staff?”

“Divia,” Peaches answered for me. “She’s the producer.”

“Hmm, I can see how that would be a problem.” Phil’s gaze turned sympathetic. The sound of an arriving text message drew his attention. A soft, completely smitten smile lit his face. “That was Sedrick. He’ll be home from the mine soon. Apparently, Oliver’s family has offered to keep the kids for a few hours tonight.” Phil’s cheeks flushed rosy red.

Peaches made a sound bordering on obnoxious as he flew around, wiggling his ass this way and that while making a hip thrust motion that nearly had me doubled in half from laughing.

“Sounds like sexy times at the Voss household,” Peaches sang, continuing his oddly intriguing gyrations.

“Excuse my beloved, Philodendron,” Lucroy apologized though his voice was filled with more amusement than a reprimand.

“It’s fine.” Phil waved them off. “Trust me, I’m used to it. I’ll talk to you later. It was nice meeting you, Parsnip. Maybe we can all get together sometime while you’re in town. I’m sure Sedrick would love to meet you. Dillon and Ruthie would too.”

Phil took off, climbing back into his truck and rumbling down the lane.

“He’s very proud of his driver’s license,” Peaches stated, the words full of pride for his friend.

I’d been able to drive since I was of legal age.

The trunk of our rental car slammed, indicating Mike had packed everything away and was ready to leave.

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