Page 65 of Purrfectly Peculiar Pixie

Starting on his second glass of orange juice, Phlox waved his free hand in Lucroy’s direction. “Feel free to get Leon up to speed.”

Lucroy cocked an eyebrow but did as instructed. I sat there, listening and wishing I’d been present. This necromancer sounded intriguing. I would have also enjoyed witnessing Sylvie’s unmitigated pain.

Lucroy’s tale was entertaining until the topic of djinn entered the conversation. The thought that another was actively seeking one out was a horrific concept.

“You are certain it is a djinn they are after?” I asked.

“No,” Phlox answered instead. “I mean, I don’t think we’re certain. It’s just what makes the most sense. What fits.” Phlox’s lips twisted in thought. “Honestly, I don’t know what else it would be.”

“Nor I,” Lucroy answered unhelpfully. “And if it is something else, then I doubt our situation will be improved. The thought of anything being more powerful than a djinn is truly frightening.”

As a six-hundred-year-plus vampire who’d found their beloved in a nature pixie and now no longer even feared the sun, hearing Lucroy Moony admit he was scared of anything was eye-opening.

“And yet, we still do not know who this individual is?” I asked, gaze shifting from Lucroy to Phlox.

“No,” Phlox huffed. “Ray says Hamish is still working on Sylvie’s computer. Although he did get a message from Hamish earlier this evening. I think Hamish might have found something. Chances are it’s not just the fairy queen Ray will visit tonight.”

“Let us hope Sylvie’s computer bears fruit.” Lucroy’s dark eyes locked on mine when my attention was pulled to the edge of the bar room. “Leon?”

“Arie’s minions have returned,” I answered. They were coming in every night now.

“The same ones that left the note?” Phlox asked.

“No. There are only two this time and neither one was here that evening.” I’d yet to hear if Alpha Voss knew anymore regarding the note left. None of us were certain if it were a true cry for help or trap. From what I understood, Arie Belview was prohibited from harming Sedrick Voss or anyone Sedrick considered part of his pack. However, Arie might be able to get around that restriction if it was proven that Sedrick instigated the incident. Arie could claim self-defense which might clear the way for him to evade his fairy law oath.

“Lizbeth is currently taking their orders. I doubt it will be more than one beer each, if that.” Sometimes they simply ordered water.

Lucroy’s vampiric stillness intensified. Given his current position, Lucroy couldn’t see the wolves. Having spent the last two centuries with my king, I knew he was deep in thought and allowed him the time. Lucroy would speak when ready.

Phlox didn’t know that and slumped further into my shoulder. I cherished the small weight.

“Wait until you hear the rest,” Phlox mumbled, words slightly slurred. “If you think what Lucroy’s already said is—”

“When did Arie’s wolves begin coming in more frequently?” Lucroy asked, cutting Phlox off. My beloved appeared little more than slightly miffed.

“I would need to speak with Johnny, but I believe it was midwinter. Why?”

Lucroy went silent again before asking, “Was it after the incident with Arthur Stover?”

I contemplated the question. When you were essentially immortal, time became an interestingly fluid concept. Beyond the daily rise and set of the sun, time was of little consequence. The seasons blurred, the days and weeks even less distinct.

“I believe so,” I answered. “Although, again, Johnny would know more precisely.”

“The night Alpha Belview came into Dusk, when he was interested in Wendall’s unique zombie status, I believe you were part of that conversation, were you not, Leon?”

While time might move in shifting tides, a vampire’s memory for particular incidents within that timeframe was crystal clear. “I was.Although I did not arrive until after Aurelia appeared.”

“Do you remember what Arie said?” Lucroy’s tone could freeze the tropics.

“Of course. Are you looking for a specific comment?”

“Aurelia,” Lucroy answered.

“He was surprised. As most of us would be. He commented that djinn were little more than myth. I believe he was shocked to be in the presence of one. I believe it is also fair to say he was annoyed to be so out of the loop. The fact I knew of Aurelia’s existence and thought little of the fact grated.”

Lucroy’s attention suddenly shifted to Phlox. “When you were captured, you said Sylvie was speaking with someone regarding Leon’s worth.”

I easily recognized Phlox’s rumbled growl. His inner cat was very upset. “It wasn’t a phone conversation, but over the computer. Whoever she was talking to wanted Leon dead and offered to pay for the recorded images of his demise.” By the time he was done speaking, Phlox’s eyes glowed yellow and his words were little more than garbled hisses.

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