Page 38 of Purrfectly Peculiar Pixie

“This is bigger than we thought, isn’t it?” Peaches asked while clinging to Lucroy.

“I am afraid it might be.” This time, Ray did sound apologetic or at least as apologetic as I thought fairies were.

Peaches let loose a heady sigh before slumping into Lucroy’s hold. “I don’t even know what to think any longer. I mean…who would want to hurt others like that? And for something as cheap as money.”

Money wasn’t everything, unless you were someone who desperately needed it. I figured several of the lower henchmen fit that bill but doubted those at the top did. It was all about greed to those selfish fuckers.

We stood and sat around, discussing a few more details and ins and outs of the last thirty-six hours. Interestingly, so far, no one else had been found at the compound Leon and I’d been taken to. There were no other captives or captors. It really had just been Oxley and Sylvie. That didn’t really surprise me much. Afterall, how many did you really need to take down and control your typical pixie? The sad answer was not many.

Leon sagged. By now I’d witnessed the change enough to know what it meant. The sun was up. It was past time for all good little vampires to go to ground.

Lucroy knew too and said, “I believe we have learned as much as possible. The sun is up.” All eyes tracked to Leon.

“Sleep does sound appealing.” Despite those words, Leon didn’t release me. If anything, his arm tightened.

Wendall left Ray’s side and said, “I’ve got one tub of dirty glasses to wash and then I’m done.” He started for the washroom, Ray hot on his heels.

Sedrick’s lip twitched. “Never thought I’d see the day when a fairy volunteered to wash dishes.”

Lucroy’s grin barely avoided showing fang. “It is certainly an interesting development.”

“Brilliantly understated as usual, Lucroy.” Sedrick shook Lucroy’s hand before he and Phil headed for the hall leading to the parking garage. Peaches flew off after them and gave Phil a crushing hug before zipping back to Lucroy’s side.

“Leon, you would inform me if you were unwell or adversely affected in any way.” It wasn’t a question and bordered on a command.

“I would,” Leon easily answered. “It is nothing that a good day of rest won’t solve.” I wasn’t so certain about that. I figured rest and blood and was curious why Leon left that latter part out.

Lucroy gave a single nod and said, “If you are ready, Peaches, I believe I would enjoy going home.”

With a friendly wave, Peaches flew off, keeping close to Lucroy’s side, leaving Leon and me alone. I could hear the faint sounds of glassware clinking in the sink, along with Wendall’s soft hums as he sang a tune I didn’t recognize. I didn’t hear Ray but knew he was there, at Wendall and Trinket’s side.

Leon’s gaze drifted toward the door leading to his underground sanctuary. He stood there, staring yet not moving an inch.

“Leon?” I finally questioned, unsure what his hesitancy was about.

“I find the thought of descending into that room unpalatable. I do not wish to leave you.”

Oh. “I think that can be remedied.” Honestly, the thought of walking up my apartment stairs and sleeping alone in the bed wasn’t nearly as appealing as it had been earlier. “I just need to grab some food, water, and my phone.”

Leon’s black eyes sluggishly blinked. “You would not mind?”

I shrugged. “I don’t see why not.”

This time, Leon’s gaze drifted down and to the side. “Many find sleeping next to a vampire during the height of the day unpleasant. Or, perhaps, disturbing. I would not wish to make you uncomfortable.”

I considered Leon’s words. The height of the day would mean when the sun was highest in the sky, when Leon was essentiallydeadto the world.

“You will not be able to wake me. It will be like sleeping next to a statue.”

“I’ve slept next to worse.”

Leon’s low rumble told me exactly what he thought of that.

“I’ll be back soon. Do you want to wait or head down first?”

“I’ll wait. There are security measures of which you are unaware. You will not be able to enter once the door is closed. Only Lucroy, Peaches, and I have access.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Not even Johnny?”

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