Page 11 of Purrfectly Peculiar Pixie

Ignoring my hastened heartbeat, I turned from the closed door and crassly said, “Weirdo.” I wasn’t really sure what I meant by that singular word, only that I hoped it stilled my stupidly racing heart. “Vampires are trouble,” I reminded myself. “Blood drinking, emotionally constipated, scary as fuck trouble.”

Snagging my bags, I headed for the bedroom. My phone rang again, the tone letting me know it was Auntie Tandra. This would be call number three. One more unanswered call and she’d be on the warpath. Auntie Tandra had contacted the Magical Usage Council on more than one occasion when she couldn’t get ahold of me. I needed to spare them the tirade.

Tossing my bags on the bed, I hit the accept button and followed my paraphernalia’s decent. The bed was firm, just the way I liked it.

“Hey, Auntie. Sorry I didn’t—”

“Are you okay, Phlox? I’ve been so worried. You promised you’d call when you got to your location, and you also said it wouldn’t be later than five p.m. It’s after midnight.” Underlying the obvious scolding was a wealth of fear. That fear halted the inkling of ire that worked its way free.

“Sorry, Auntie. I planned on calling but the timing didn’t work out. I couldn’t miss my rendezvous.”

Auntie Tandra’s sigh whispered across the line. “I understand, but I also worry.”

I swallowed hard. The last thing in the world I wanted was to make her worry. “I’m sorry,” I apologized again.

“No, no. I understand.” Auntie Tandra’s musical laughter eased my soul. “I’m glad you answered this time. I’m sure the council is getting fed up with me and I would have embarrassed myself again.”

“Nonsense,” I half lied. “They like you.” That comment wasn’t even a partial lie. Despite how demanding Auntie Tandra could be, members of the Magical Usage Council were just as smitten with her as Auntie Tandra’s adoring social media fans. Truth be told, I believe some of them were starstruck whenthePeltandra, stunningly golden social pixie maven, personally called them.

“Hmm, I suppose. Still, I’m sure they have more important issues to deal with than an overprotective auntie. I’m afraid Perovskia would have been much calmer than me. Your mother had a way about her. Sometimes I think that’s why we got along so well. I was all splash and drama and your mother was a dash of cool water that tamed my fiery personality. Perovskia evened me out. I try and channel your mother’s natural Zen qualities but…” She sighed again. “I suppose it’s a constant work in progress.”

I wished Auntie Tandra could see my grin. “Mom would have been proud of you.” I’d told her that a hundred times, maybe a thousand. Maybe I hadn’t known my mom, but I was as certain of that statement as I was the sky was blue.

“That’s my line,” Auntie Tandra predictably bantered back. “She would be so proud of the work you’re doing. Not that I really know what that is.”

“Auntie, I wish—”

“No. I understand and I’m not fishing.”

That was good. I could rarely tell Auntie Tandra what my missions were, not even when they were over. I was especially glad the council had forbidden me from discussing this one with her. After losing my mother to capture and fading, Auntie Tandra would be beside herself knowing I was actively seeking capture. It was a worry she didn’t need, especially when I fully planned on making it out of my eventual capture alive, whole, and with the weight of the Magical Usage Council, the Vampire Council, and Fairy law ready to fall like an axe on the perpetrators.

“Can you at least tell me if you’ve got a comfortable place to stay?” That was always one of Auntie Tandra’s concerns. I was happy this time I could genuinely relieve one of her fears.

“It’s a good place. I’m sitting on a perfectly firm mattress as we speak.” I bounced up and down a little, relishing in the lack of mattress movement.

“That’s a relief. If there’s a nice mattress, then that implies a roof over your head.”

I chuckled, the sound a little raspy. “That’s true.” I was glad Dusk was closed and the music turned off. I wasn’t sure how loud it was in the apartment but didn’t want to take the chance of Auntie Tandra hearing the sound. She’d be too curious to let it go and despite what she’d said earlier, Auntie Tandra would indeed go information fishing.

“I suppose I should let you go. I’m not sure what time it is where you currently are.” Auntie Tandra was on the West Coast, four time zones earlier than Rutherford Haven, Virginia. “Please contact me when you can.” I nearly folded under the begging tone lacing her request. I’d had my share of missions where I couldn’t contact her. Until my expected capture, this mission wouldn’t be like that.

“I should be able to contact you regularly for a while. If things go well, there will be a time when I can’t.” Hopefully, that time would be minimal. While I mightwantto be captured, that didn’t mean I planned on being a long-term prisoner. Quite the opposite. Then again, the best laid plans and all that.

“Okay. I’ll try not to worry, but I suppose we both know that will be impossible.” There wasn’t an ounce of reproach in her voice, merely concern beating around a core of unconditional love. Once again, I was reminded how lucky I’d been that Auntie Tandra had willingly taken me in when my mother died. Auntie Tandra never made me feel like anything other than a blessing.

“I’m sorry I worry you so,” I sincerely apologized. While I loved my work, I regretted the emotional toll it took on her.

“Nonsense. I’m fine. I’ve got thousands of adoring fans to soothe my wounded soul.” Although that was true, I knew Auntie Tandra would trade them all in to have my mother back and me safe.

“I saw your latest post. That new hair sparkle product looks beautiful, and the lighting was perfect.” Auntie Tandra was a social pixie through and through. She lived for compliments. Like nearly all social pixies, she could be vain and self-centered. What nearly every other species missed was that social pixies were also devoted parents who doted on their children. While we weren’t related by blood, Auntie Tandra viewed me as her offspring. She would burn the world down for me.

“Thank you, dear,” she gushed. “The sparkle is divine. It’s a bit pricey, but worth every penny. I’ve still got it in. I’m seeing how well it holds up in different conditions. I’ll add that information to my blog later.”

I didn’t mind stroking Auntie Tandra’s ego. I rarely gave her false compliments. Such things weren’t necessary.

“I’ll be curious to hear how this new product performs.” If it wound up being as good as she thought, I might purchase some for Parsnip. If I could get a signed autograph out of it that would be even better. A signed photo of Parsnip would certainly give Auntie Tandra something to crow about.

“I’ll be sure to post a few messages on there to you as well, sweetie. Take care and be careful. Don’t forget who you are. You are Perovskia’s blood and my chosen child. Your father’s blood runs through those veins—a proud and powerful shifter. Call on your blood, Phlox. Your heritage will not let you down.”

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