Page 3 of Purrfectly Peculiar Pixie

“It is my work name, not my given one.” I didn’t expound upon what my given name was.

“Oh, I see.” Only it didn’t really seem like Peaches did.

“Welcome.” Phil stepped forward, holding out his hand. I took those extended fingers and gratefully returned the gesture. I stood within Phil’s home by his grace alone. Should Phil wish it, the house would kick me out.

“Thank you, Phil. Or would you prefer I call you, Philodendron?” I asked, wanting to be polite.

“Phil’s fine,” he answered with a smile. “Would you like introductions or do you already know all of us?” Phil asked, head slightly tipped to the side.

“I believe I already know everyone, but to be certain, I’d like to go around the room.” When everyone remained quiet, I started with the fairies “Hellfire Rayburn and Wendall Galen.”

“You may call me Ray if you desire.”

“Thank you, Ray,” I easily answered before moving on to my first pixie. “Peaches and his vampire beloved, Lucroy Moony, king of the Southeastern vampire nest.” Peaches lit up while Lucroy merely inclined his head.

Turning toward my second pixie, I gave what I hoped was a polite smile. “Phil and his mate, Alpha Sedrick Voss.” Shifting my gaze lower, I stared into prickly wolf eyes. “And this would be Dillon and Ruthie Voss. Dillon is an alpha in training, and it is my understanding that Ruthie is a dire wolf.”

Ruthie’s smile tugged her cheeks and scrunched her eyes. Dillon was far warier, just as I’d expect from an alpha. Grasping his sister’s hand, Dillon placed himself slightly in front of her. Trinket scurried up his body, perching on his head and disturbingly wrapping her tail around his small neck. I tried not to let it bother me considering how calm and dismissive Dillon appeared.

Arms crossed, Dillon’s gaze raked me up and down. Eyes narrowed, he ran a finger under his twitching nose. Eyebrows pulled down, a small v formed between. “You’re awfully small, even for a pixie.”

“Dillon,” Sedrick scolded. “You know damn well size doesn’t matter.” Disappointment laced Alpha Voss’s tone.

Dillon waved his uncle off. “I know Uncle Sed. I’m just pointing out he’s kind of tiny. I’ve never heard of a pixie working for the Magical Usage Council.” Dillon stretched his neck, sniffing my general direction. When he was finished, he looked even more confused. “He doesn’t smell like a pixie. I mean, he does, but…”

Ruthie stepped in to help him out. “He smells kind of like a cat too. It’s a weird mix. Do you have a pet cat?” she asked hopefully.

Grinning, I allowed a slight shift and my typically dark blue eyes flooded with yellow. I wasn’t a trick pony and didn’t plan on fully shifting, even to sate the curiosity of two adorable were children.

Dillon and Ruthie’s eyes widened, and Trinket let loose a hissed spat that could rival any feline.

“Shit,” Dillon cursed with awe.

“Dillon!” Sedrick scolded again. “What have I told you about using language like that?”

I heard Alpha Voss murmur something about troublesome dwarves and them having far too much influence on his young nephew.

“But look, Uncle Sed.” Dillon wildly waved his hand my direction. “Did you see his eyes? That’s not anormalpixie.”

Ray took the opportunity to step in. “Young Dillon is correct. Frost is not your typical pixie. He is, however, a representative of the Magical Usage Council and is here at their behest. Frost is a seasoned agent and I believe we are fortunate to have his aid.” Ray pointedly said the last part while staring Dillon in the eyes.

Dillon’s ability to hold that gaze was impressive.

My eyes eased back to my pixie blue. Partial shifting was as easy as breathing. Sometimes, it was too easy. When I was stressed or excited, parts of my body shifted. When I was younger, Auntie Tandra often found me in rather embarrassing partially shifted situations. No doubt she has multiple albums filled with photos of thoseadorableinstances.

Now that I was an adult and more in control of my emotions, I strived to remain in either full form. It was a point of pride.

Dillon hooked a thumb my direction. “You sayin’ he’s got what it takes, Ray?”

Wendall’s lips twitched as he tried not to smile. Ray’s grim mask never faded as he seriously answered, “I am.”

Dillon seemed to think that over for a few seconds before he gave a confirmatory nod. “Okay. If you say so. I just want to make certain they sent the best. Those pixie traffickers need to be taken down.” Dillon pounded his fist into his open palm. Agreeing, Trinket pranced on top of his head, shrilly cooing.

“Trinket wants her chance at them too. She’d rip out their throats without a second thought,” Ruthie added, reaching up and giving Trinket a praiseworthy pat on what I assumed was her head. Given her round body and lack of distinct shape, it was a little difficult to tell. I thought about warning Ruthie off after I’d seen the row of impressive teeth but decided against it. The children were obviously familiar with the scuttlebutt and their uncle didn’t have a problem with it.

Wendall’s complexion went slightly pale, and Peaches choked on a sound I couldn’t interpret. I had the distinct impression I was missing something but didn’t press.

“Why don’t you three head back outside and burn off a little more energy?” Alpha Voss directed.

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