Page 23 of Purrfectly Peculiar Pixie

“I see,” Lucroy stated, and I knew, without a doubt, that he truly did understand. “Will this be a problem?”

“As I said, Frost and I discussed the situation. I believe he is wary but not unamenable to my affections.”

The corner of Lucroy’s lip barely twitched. “While that is excellent news, it is not what I meant. Frost is important to you. If the situation is as I believe, then I cannot imagine willingly allowing Peaches to place himself in danger. I would… It would not be pleasant.”

I wanted to huff. It was an antiquated reaction, a leftover instinct from my human life. “I will admit that I am struggling with Frost’s mission. I am uncertain if I can allow his capture. While I understand the importance of shutting down this ring, I do not relish the idea that Frost is being used as bait.”

“So far, very unsuccessful bait,” Lucroy said.

“I believe that was the reason for his daytime trip. Frost is attempting to appear as fragile and alone as possible.”

“Most reports are of pixies being taken at night or in the early morning hours before dawn. I find his daytime choice odd.” Lucroy cocked his head to the side.

Somehow, I managed not to squirm under his scrutiny. “There could be a reason he chose that time.”

“Oh? Has he learned something I am unaware of?”

“Not in the way you imagine,” I hedged before giving in. “Frost has gone out in the dark, alone, on several occasions. It is difficult, allowing him to appear so vulnerable with no one there to watch his back. I might have followed him previously.” I’d followed on every occasion but did not feel the need to reveal myself so completely.

“I see,” Lucroy answered after a few tense seconds. “Indeed, it appears we do have a problem then.”

Golden pixie dust filled the air before Peaches flew over the back of the booth seat, plopping down beside his beloved.

“What did I miss? You two look tensor than usual.” Peaches’s eyes widened as he brought his cup of honeysuckle mead to his lips. “Goddess, that is heavenly,” Peaches’s eyelashes fluttered, and he relaxed into Lucroy’s outstretched arm, snuggling in. Jealously slammed through me hard and fast. I wanted that.

I’d been jealous before, but it was a mere echo of the green monster currently stirring my soul. I did not begrudge Lucroy his happiness. I simply wanted something similar. Now that I’d found Phlox, I realized just how badly I not only wanted but needed it.

I craved the intimacy, the casual knowledge that I’d never be alone again, that there was a being within this world that treasured my existence as much as I treasured theirs. It was a clawing need, desperate for release.

Lucroy was correct. We had a problem, and that problem was me.

* * *

Itried not following, but it was impossible. Phlox went out again tonight. He didn’t tell me his plans. He didn’t need to. Every sense in my body was attuned to his every move and intention. I could call it what it was—obsession. It was as dirty word, one that I hated, and yet it seemed the most appropriate. Had circumstances been different, I do not believe Phlox would have minded my obsession. But right now, he was irritated.

“I know you’re there, asshole.” Phlox stood below a streetlight, leaning against the dirty surface, hands stuffed into the pockets of his loose pants. There weren’t a lot of souls out and about at five a.m. Most vampires had gone to ground. For those who enjoyed the night, the coming daylight also had them crawling back to their chosen homes.

Phlox huffed. “And if I know you’re there, then you can bet I’m not the only one. Goddess, Leon, this is never going to work with you breathing down my neck all the time.”

I wanted to say, “Good, because I don’t want it to work,” but Phlox would view that as selfish. That vice was difficult for a vampire to wrap their head around. As a general rule, selfishness was not considered a poor quality in my kind.

Throwing up his hands, Phlox stomped his foot before taking to the air again. “This is pointless. I’m calling it a night. Do you hear me, Leon? I’m going back to Dusk.” True to his word, Phlox’s flight plan headed back to Dusk. Stepping out of my darkened corner, I followed. I caught a few mumbled comments regarding overprotective vampires, stupid vampires, meddling vampires, and a litany of other disparaging words placed before my species designation.

I ignored them all while remaining stubbornly silent. Phlox added that dubious trait to his list as well.

Suddenly twirling, Phlox pointed a finger at my chest. Yellow rimmed his blue eyes, a sure sign he was furious. “You have to stop this. No one is going to go after me if you’re shadowing my every damn move.”

I gave a slow blink and remained silent.

“Goddess, you’re infuriating.” Phlox smacked his hand against my chest before wincing. Shaking out his hand, Phlox mumbled, “Fucking made of stone.”

“Are you injured?” I finally broke my silence.

“Just my damn pride,” Phlox grumbled. Sometimes my pixie didn’t sound very pixie-like.

Shoulders slumped, Phlox tilted his head toward Dusk and said, “Come on. Let’s get you home before the sun rises and fries your vampire ass.”

I followed, this time a little closer than before. I didn’t crowd Phlox, but it was a near thing. My pixie smelled divine. Not just his blood, but him.

---