Page 97 of Purrfectly Peculiar Pixie

“My king would be disappointed, but he would understand.”

I’d learned that disappointing Lucroy wasn’t something that sat easily with my mate. He did not love Lucroy Moony as he did me, but Leon respected Lucroy and was loyal. It was one of my mate’s best qualities.

Reluctantly, I let Leon go and said, “We’d better head up there before I change my mind.”

Flying, I kept ahold of Leon’s hand as I made my way up the stairs. When the doors opened, music filled the stairwell, laughter hot on its heels.

* * *

Ooh, Peaches was right. Johnny’s cousin made the best honeysuckle mead. I sipped the sweet nectar and leaned back. My wings spread flat and wide against the back of the booth we’d all crammed ourselves into. Currently, I was content where I was. Peaches and Parsnip were out on the dance floor, flying high and spreading dust everywhere. A large group of dwarves were dancing underneath, just out of range of their falling dust. Johnny and Lizbeth ran the bar. They’d sent the other employees home given the smaller crowd.

Phil leaned against Sedrick. He looked nearly normal. I thought the area under his eyes still appeared a bit bruised, but his pink hair glimmered in Dusk’s low lights. They’d brought Dillon and Ruthie with them tonight and the children were out on the dance floor with the dwarves.

“They’re having a good time,” Phil lazily said while one of his fingers toyed with the diamond and platinum choker wrapped around his neck.

“Moon goddess only knows what kind of language we’ll be subjected to.” Sedrick’s voice was fondly gruff. “Burt and Ollie aren’t the best influences.”

“It could be a lot worse,” Vander offered before taking a large drink of burnt rum. “I’m always amazed Byx turned out so well. Georgiana gave her a strong base foundation that even I couldn’t ruin.”

“Idiot,” Byx said before sending a zap Vander’s way. He jumped and rubbed his arm, but Vander’s grin said he wasn’t upset. “I’m gonna go join the dwarves.” Byx downed her soda before she looked at me and said, “Phlox—is it okay if I call you that instead of Frost?” Byx looked around the table before her eyes settled on me. “I mean, if you’re staying and all . . .”

I’d shared my true name with everyone shortly after the battle with Arie. Most were used to calling me Frost. I wasn’t particular to either name and answered to both. Truthfully, I only cared what Leon called me.

“Phlox is fine,” I easily answered.

Byx gave a firm nod before scrunching her fingers in a gimme motion. “I think those meerkat hair clips still need a little work. Give them to me before we leave, and I’ll see what I can do.”

I touched the sleeping meerkats. That was mostly what they did. I didn’t mind so much. They were still super cute.

“You guys need any refills?” Wendall asked, a light bin of dirty glasses balanced on his hip.

“Sit down and take a load off,” Vander said, slapping a nearby chair.

Trinket cooed but Wendall shook his head. “Maybe later. I need to get back to the washroom.” Wendall’s grin widened. “Ray’s washing the glasses. I need to make certain he’s not screwing it up.”

Laughing, Wendall wove his way around the dwarves, wiggling his hips as he made his way past the bar and into the back.

“Fucking hell, I’d like to see that,” Vander said. “TheHellfire Rayburn—dishwasher. What we do for love.” Vander fingered the ring on his finger. It was lit up crimson and burned bright.

“Never a truer statement spoken,” Lucroy said as he came around from the back of the booth. His gaze settled on Peaches, a soft, fond smile tilting his lips. Settling into the booth, Lucroy’s gaze momentarily strayed to Leon and while his fond smile changed, the light in his eyes did not.

“Speaking of true statements,” Sedrick started, leaning forward and sounding serious, “I can’t thank you enough for what each and every one of you did. Without you, Phil would—”

“No thanks are necessary, my friend,” Vander quickly cut in when Sedrick’s voice wobbled. “Ambrose was desperate and naïve. Not every warlock has a Georgiana to keep them on the straight and narrow.”

“Queen Silvidia came to the house,” Phil said. “She asked if I wanted Ambrose killed.” Phil swallowed hard and shook his head. “I…I didn’t know what to say. I mean, I know what he did and that he was trying to kill me, but I couldn’t…”

Sedrick palmed Phil’s cheek. “Of course you couldn’t. You wouldn’t be Phil if you did.”

“You’re not mad?” Phil asked.

“Never,” Sedrick quickly answered before leaning in and kissing Phil.

Vander’s elbows landed on the table as he leaned forward. “Ambrose was an idiot, but like I said, he’s young. Honestly, I don’t think he fully understood what he was doing or its ramifications. Manipulating magic is like that. There are a lot of things you can do, but that doesn’t mean you should. Some of us learn that sooner than others.” Vander took another drink before slamming his empty glass back on the table. “Ambrose is going to stay in Fairy for a bit. I’ve agreed to take him in when Queen Silvidia deems it appropriate for him to leave. Fuck knows when that will be. From what I understand, time moves differently in Fairy. I could be dead before that day comes.” Vander huffed but didn’t seem overly concerned about it.

“How does Parsnip feel about that?” I asked.

“Relatively okay.” Vander grinned and leaned back while pointing a black tipped finger in Sedrick’s direction. “Besides, I’d say I got off easy. I’ve just got one wayward warlock to wrangle, unlike some of us at this table.”

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