Page 82 of Purrfectly Peculiar Pixie

We’d already stopped at the store and were winding our way through the country when Phlox’s phone rang. I recognized the tone as the Magical Usage Council. He answered after the second ring.

“Yes, we’re on our way now. I think we should—” Phlox’s heart rate spiked, and his hand gripped the phone tighter.

“Say that again.” Phlox’s anxiety changed, anger taking its place. “You can’t ask me to do that,” he flatly stated.

I continued driving, keeping one ear on Phlox’s wellness while we continued toward Peaches’s orchard.

“Let me rephrase it,” Phlox hissed, his voice slightly slurred through his dropped feline teeth. “I won’t do that.” His grip was so tight I thought the phone might shatter. “Why? Because he’s my mate, you moron. You cannot ask me to leave my mate behind. I won’t do it and Leon will not abandon his king.”

My grip on the steering wheel tightened. Phlox told me he loved me, but he’d never referred to me in the shifter way as his mate. “It’s not important when it happened,” he flatly stated. “Yes, I’m sure!” Oh, he was furious at that question. “You’re a mated werewolf shifter. How dare you ask me that!”

Phlox settled back against his seat. His wings desperately tried fluttering but kept hitting the back of the seat. Crossing his arms, he huffed. “I know I’m only half shifter, but I’m telling you, my cat recognizes Leon as my mate. And what’s more, I’m Leon’s beloved.” Those words rang with pride.

“You think?” Phlox asked in disbelief. “Yeah, that was a dumbassrequest. No, I’m aware this is news to you. Even if it weren’t I’d need to stay. My mission is to stop this damn pixie trafficking ring and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. Arie Belview is the apex of that pyramid and needs brought to justice. He’s going to pay for the pixies he’s helped capture and kill. Not to mention all his other crimes. When that moment happens, someone from the council needs to be present and it might as well be me.”

Phlox silently sat there, nodding and grunting now and again. Few words were spoken and soon enough, he ended the call. “Stupid idiots,” Phlox lamented. “The sheer nerve. Ordering me back to headquarters. As if I’d just pick up and leave my mate.” He hissed before huffing. I doubted Phlox had any idea what he’d just admitted. I considered leaving the comment alone but couldn’t.

“Mate?” I quietly questioned.

Phlox’s head whipped my direction, his long hair flying around his shoulders. Mouth parting, his cheeks flushed deep crimson. Finally clearing his throat, Phlox answered, “I didn’t realize it until recently. I don’t…I don’t always understand what my cat’s trying to tell me. We don’t always communicate the best. It’s a work in progress.”

Reaching across the console, I offered my hand. Phlox readily accepted the gesture, and I entwined our fingers. “I am honored your cat views me as such.”

Phlox’s grin lit his face. “I figured you would be. Well, maybe not honored, but I thought you’d be pleased. I have to say, my inner Pallas’s cat is nearly impossible to tolerate right now. The damn thing’s preening. Gloating too. It wants to rub all over you.”

I raised Phlox’s hand, peppering kisses across his knuckles. “You may do as you desire. I relish your touch no matter your form.”

“You…” Phlox was at a lovely loss for words. His cheeks puffed before he blew out a heavy breath. A soft chuckle passed with that breath of air. “I have no idea what to make of you, Leon. Who knew you were such a romantic?” Phlox winked. I doubt anyone before would have accused me of such affection.

The road narrowed when I turned down the dirt lane leading deeper into Peaches’s orchard and territory. I knew the moment we passed through his bonded barrier. The magic washed over me in welcome greeting. Phlox’s eased posture let me know he felt the same.

Phlox was a nature pixie and I briefly wondered if he desired something similar—a territory to call his own. He’d never mentioned it and had a more wandering spirit than other nature pixies. Pallas’s cats claimed territory as well, but I doubted it was the same. In time, I would learn the answer.

Another vehicle I didn’t recognize came into view and I assumed it was Vander and Parsnip’s transportation. Phil and Sedrick’s truck would be absent considering Ray planned on collecting them himself. I had a moment to wonder if they were here yet when two wolves tumbled through the distance. No, make that three. One was gleaming white, the second tawny gray-brown. The third wolf was much smaller and darker gray. They nipped at each other’s heels before heading off into the surrounding orchard.

“Looks like the Vosses are here,” Phlox said, leaning forward and staring out the window. “Goddess, I don’t think seeing them like that would ever get tiring.” Nose scrunched, Phlox said, “I thought there were just two children.”

“There are,” I answered before opening my door. The humid night air sat like a wet blanket against my skin.

“Damn, it’s still hot,” Phlox complained while pointlessly fanning himself. “Who do you think the other wolf was?”

“I am unaware.” Moving to the back of the vehicle, I pulled out bags of food. Phlox did the same on his side. “I would imagine we are about to find out.”

“You two need some help?” Phil asked. Sprites danced around him, diving here and there as they consumed his pink dust.

“There are a couple more bags back here,” Phlox answered. When Phil reached in and grabbed them, Phlox offered his thanks.

“Here, give me some of those.” Sedrick’s resonant voice echoed through the still night.

“I’ve got them.” Phil leaned in and kissed Sedrick’s cheek, just above his scruff. “Thank you though.”

Sedrick’s cheeks pinked, their heightened color barely visible above his dense scruff.

“We saw a third wolf,” Phlox said, the question hanging in the air.

“Here, give me the perishables and I’ll take them inside while Sed fills the two of you in.”

Before I could offer a protest, Phil deftly grabbed the food and headed inside.

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