Page 56 of Perfectly Charmed Pixie

Silence once again met my ears. And just like before, it didn’t last long enough. “What are you after? Money? Is that why you’d turn over one of your own? Do you think protecting Parsnip will endear you to him, that he’ll continue to use you to make his little charms?” There was a mountain of snide condescension filling Lance’s voice.

“Considering Parsnip has ended his contract with you, what I’m after is of no concern to you. And, just to make my point clear, I am well aware of the damage your charms did to your client—damage that was not made clear to him in the contract.”

“What? That little pixie shit knew it would take a part of his life force to activate the charm. If he’s said different, then he’s lying. He—”

“Oh, he is aware of that and was very upfront about it. What he was also upfront about was that each activation took only a few days off his allotted total, not a fewweeks. What he is also unaware of is the constant drain the charm takes on his body while active, and that that drain worsens as the charm’s power fades and needs to draw more upon its wearer to remain active.”

“That…” Lance huffed and blustered. “You can’t prove any of that.”

“Oh, I think I can. I’ve got one used-up charm and another that’s still active at my disposal. If I can figure it out, then those on the council shouldn’t have a problem either. As for what Parsnip knew or didn’t know…a truth-saying charm should solve that little problem.”

Parsnip would never agree to something like that, and there was a good chance Lance knew it. But there was the slim possibility we were both wrong, that Parsnip would agree, and as soon as he did, Lance’s bacon was well and truly cooked, nice and crispy.

“Listen, I worked for that shitty pixie for six years. I made his charms and—”

“Inferior charms,” I clarified, wanting to pull Lance out of the lofty cloud he seemed to have placed himself on. “There were several inconsistencies. I wouldn’t go so far as to call it shoddy work. However, there was certainly room for improvement, and I easily made those corrections. I suppose it is possible that you performed to the best of your abilities. If so, then my apologies. I never truly like to put a warlock of lesser talent down.”

“Why, you little—”

“I’m hardly little. And what’s more, I’m hardly a defenseless and desperate pixie. I’m a warlock, Lance, and a much more talented one than you. Oh, and because she requested I inform you, I also have a brownie that’s become very fond of Parsnip. She’s more than willing to back up my magical skills.”

Irate huffing filled our phone connection. “You… You have no right. I was the one that pulled Parsnip’s ass out of the fire. I was the one that made his first charm. It was my ability that allowed him to land that job. I’m the reason he’s so damn successful. I deserve my fair share. I deserve more!”

“Oh, on that we certainly agree, although I doubt we would agree on exactlywhatyou deserve more of. As for the rest of your inane comments, you’ve been paid for services rendered. Most likely, far too much, but that’s beyond my current reach. The point is that you will not get another dime from Parsnip. Put him from your mind and find another source of financial stability. Your cash cow has found a new pasture. Are we clear?”

“Crystal,” Lance ground out. “You’ll get yours when Parsnip betrays you next. Don’t think you’re anything special.”

“Parsnip didn’t betray you, Lance. And you’re wrong. I am something special. I’m something very special indeed.” Before he had a chance to respond, I finished with “I hope you continue recovering from your injuries. Goodbye.”

I pulled the phone away from my ear and slammed my finger on the end button. My heart raced, but not painfully. I hated warlocks like Lance. Warlocks like him were the reason humans like Vera Livingston darkened my door. They continued our shady reputation and led to alphas like Arie Belview sending their minions in requesting horrendous charms.

If I could wipe the earth clean of warlocks like Lance, I’d consider my life well spent.

Flopping down into my favorite office chair, I scooted until my ass barely clung to the cushion. Legs stretched out, my arms lay relaxed along the chair’s armrests. Head tilted back, I stared at the ceiling, contemplating my next move. Or, more to the point, Parsnip’s next threat.

“Byx,” I called out, voice low but easily carrying through the curtain door.

“What is it?” she asked, voice closer.

When I twisted my head, I found her standing in the doorway, pushing the curtain aside.

“How we doing out front?”

“Medium. I’ve had a few customers. A human bought two cold-breaking charms, and Doctor Jay picked up that infectious sterilization charm you made him. Other than that, it’s been quiet.”

“Good. You think you can handle things for a few more minutes? I’ve got another call I’d like to make.”

“Sure. No problem.” Byx disappeared behind the curtain, the fabric swaying as it settled back into place.

Waking Parsnip’s phone up again, this time, I hesitated before placing this call. Solen was Parsnip’s fairy lawyer. Client privilege wouldn’t allow him to tell me much, but I was hoping I could get some useful information about my one and only’s stalker.

“Was there something else, Parsnip?” Solen answered on the second ring. Fairies had smooth, liquid voices. Some found them too monotone. I didn’t think that was it. I just thought they all sounded bored.

I cleared my throat and answered, “This isn’t Parsnip. My name’s Warlock Vander Kines. With Parsnip’s permission, I’m currently using his phone.”

“Is Parsnip unwell?” Again, there was zero inflection. It sounded as if Solen had simply wondered if it might rain today.

“He’s well enough. I’m not going to tell you he’s fine, but physically, he’s on the mend.” Inhaling, I decided to jump into things. “I’m going to tell you something that Parsnip isn’t aware of yet. I’m going to give you this piece of information so you understand that I’m not asking for information with any ill intent in mind. Parsnip is my one and only.”

---