Page 17 of Purrfectly Peculiar Pixie

Elbows planted on the table, Johnny set his chin in his cupped hands. “You’re right. I hate that you’re right, but that doesn’t make it less true.”

Little yips met my ears and Johnny turned just in time to welcome Trinket onto the table. The scuttlebutt scurried up his arm and settled into the crook on Johnny’s neck. Uproariously laughing, Johnny patted Trinket on the head.

“Hey, that tickles.”

Trinket heard the words and saw them as an invitation to wiggle more. Johnny laughed even harder.

“Sorry about that, Johnny.” With a half-full bin of dirty glasses on his hip, Wendall blew a section of bangs off his forehead. “It’s been a couple of days since we’ve been in, and Trinket’s missed everyone so much. She just can’t help herself.” Wendall’s words were full of affection.

“It’s okay. I missed our little lady too.” Knuckles roughly rubbing against her skin, Trinket leaned into the deep massage and let loose a round of gurgles that sounded somewhere between pain and pleasure.

“Hey, Leon,” Wendall greeted as he reached over and grabbed my empty glass of blood. It had taken me an embarrassing long time to force the liquid down my throat tonight. “Busy night?” he asked while clearing the table.

“Typical,” I easily responded. When I caught Wendall’s gaze, I was momentarily mesmerized by the blue waves rolling within. Aurelia’s intervention not only saved Wendall’s life but boosted his fairy DNA. None of us were sure what that fully meant.

Scanning the bar, I didn’t see Wendall’s other half and asked, “Is Ray here?”

Wendall shook his head. “He had to see Aunt Silvidia.”

Wendall’s casual mention of his aunt, otherwise known as the Fairy queen, was a constant source of amusement.

“Is everything all right in Fairy?” I asked.

“As far as I know. I think he mostly went to fill her in on the latest plan.” Wendall leaned over and whispered the last part. “She’s pretty concerned.” He frowned, holding out his arm. Trinket easily jumped from Johnny to Wendall, racing up his arm, nesting on his shoulder, her long, prehensile tail safely wrapped around his bicep. “To be honest, I’m not sure if she’s more concerned about the pixies or the fact that someone’s so blatantly ignoring fairy law. That’s not exactly fair. Aunt Silvidia’s really worried about the pixies, it’s just…you know, she’s not really used to being so…” Wendall waved a hand in the air, struggling to come up with the right word.

I understood. Attempting to quantify Queen Silvidia’s thoughts was not a prospect I envied.

“Anyway, she’s not happy,” Wendall finally finished.

Johnny grumbled. “An unhappy fairy queen is a risky affair.”

Wendall nodded. “Yeah.” Shifting his bin of glassware, Wendall perked up. “Ray should be here soon. He said he’ll come directly to Dusk when he’s done.” Wendall’s cheeks flushed, and his voice filled with delight. Outward signs indicated that relationship was going well.

“I’m glad I was able to come in tonight. I got to see Frost again. He’s doing a great job.” Wendall beamed. “I know I’m not supposed to let others see that I like him, but I don’t think it’s a problem to show him when we’re alone.”

If I didn’t know Wendall Galen was already well and truly spoken for, I might have lost control of my transformation. Logically, I understood Wendall’s phrasing was innocent. Logic was a difficult mistress to obey when instinct took over.

“He’s doing great,” Johnny agreed happily. “He’s quick on the uptake.” Johnny tapped a finger to his temple. “I’ve only gotta show him something once and he’s off and running. Truth be told, I’d like to have about three of him come the weekend.”

“If it’ll help, I can work this weekend.”

“Indeed, that would be fine,” Ray agreed, casually walking to our table and instantly wrapping an arm around Wendall’s waist. Without a word, Ray took Wendall’s bin, easing it out of Wendall’s arms and carrying the burden. Wendall didn’t protest. It was a common occurrence.

“Good meeting?” Wendall inquired, eyes wide and nearly begging Ray not to disagree.

Conflict raged within Ray’s crimson ringed eyes. “It was…expected,” Ray finally settled on. “Queen Silvidia sees the merit in our current strategy and will not interfere. My queen assured that her services and assistance are available when needed. Queen Silvidia did request she be given the honor of dispatching those involved personally.”

I considered Ray’s answer and said, “I would expect nothing less.”

“Nor I,” Ray easily agreed.

Johnny grimaced. “Well, I have to say, I don’t necessarily want to be around when this all goes down. Hearing about it secondhand will be good enough for me.” Fauns weren’t known for their bloodthirsty ways.

“Looks like our were friends have had enough for the evening,” Johnny said, gaze fixed on Dusk’s exit.

“Friends?” Wendall questioned and then nodded when he figured out Johnny was being sarcastic.

“They are coming in more frequently,” Ray added.

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