Page 5 of Purrfectly Peculiar Pixie

“We will go another time,” Ray easily placated. “However, now is not the time. As you said, that was not Vander’s desire.”

“You’re right about that.” The voice was new and sounded oddly disembodied.

“Hey, Vander. How’s Tibet?” Sedrick leaned toward the computer, turning it so everyone else could see the screen. Vander Kines was a handsome warlock. He was young enough that most of his hair was still dark black, however his temples were shot through with gray. Hands clasped below his chin, Vander also had the typical blackened fingertips warlocks were known for. His tenor was deep and husky, another warlock trait.

“Cold as fuck. I’m still waiting for this show to go somewhere with a warm beach. I wanna slather my body with sunscreen and fry. Is that too much to ask for?” Vander’s words were harsh, but they hummed with fond amusement.

Sedrick chuckled and even Lucroy’s features softened. Genuine affection easily filled the room. It was an odd mix, to be certain. It was also a mix that worked and that’s what we needed.

“How is Parsnip?” Phil asked. Peaches scooted closer. He and Phil shared a concerned glance.

Vander’s sigh was heavy. “Depends on who you ask. If Parsnip were here, he’d tell you he’s fine. But he’s not here, so I’ll tell you the truth. And the truth is he could be a hell of a lot better. That’s why I wanted to do this meeting without him. His brother, Parsley, currently has two pixies recovering at his place. There was supposed to a third but…he didn’t make it. They got there too late, and he’d faded too far.” Vander swallowed and for the first time, I noticed the dark circles under his eyes. “It hit Parsnip hard and far too close to home. It’s not his fault. None of it is, but he feels responsible. Don’t ask me why because I’ve got no clue. All I know is that it’s true.”

“I’m so sorry,” Peaches said, head hanging and wings drooped. Lucroy was instantly at his side, pulling him close.

“Not your fault, Peaches,” Vander easily answered. “But I appreciate your concern.”

“I wish I could be there,” Peaches answered.

“I think we all do,” Phil added.

“And he’d like that, but you know how Parsnip is. For a social pixie, he’s not really that—”

“Social,” Peaches interrupted.

“Exactly. I think he needs some time alone. I’m trying to do that for him, but I’m also trying to make sure he knows he’s supported and that I will never allow anything like that to happen to him again.” Steel laced Vander’s voice and I pitied the fool who tried to take Parsnip from him.

Stepping forward, I saw the opportunity to introduce myself. “That is exactly what we are all trying to prevent, Warlock Kines.”

Vander’s attention snapped to me. Eyes narrowed and assessing, he asked, “Are you the representative from the Magical Usage Council?”

“I am. Agent Frost.”

“He’s a pixie,” Peaches needlessly added before he softly amended, “I think. I mean, I know he’s a pixie, but he’s also something else. Dillon and Ruthie say he smells like a cat, and he did something with his eyes earlier, but…” Peaches’s voice faded as he ran out of descriptive words.

What I was or wasn’t was not the important bit of information. “The council thought I would be the best choice. I assure you, I’m here to put a stop to this disgusting operation. Pixie trafficking is illegal and carries an immediate death sentence to anyone who’s not addicted to their dust.” Pixie dust was addictive to ogres and, as such, they were sent into rehabilitation programs. It was the ones who profited off that addiction that fairy law was truly after.

“Glad to hear it,” Vander said, voice deep and resonant despite the distance. “Like I said, this is all hitting a little too close to home for Parsnip. I told him I’d take care of the meeting and fill him in later. I think the fact he’s letting me get away with that says all we need to know.”

No one offered an ounce of argument.

“Now that we are all present, perhaps we can share information and formulate a plan.” Ray stepped in and moved the meeting forward.

“Indeed. I’m inclined to agree with Hellfire,” Lucroy answered.

Sedrick grunted. “Well, that should be easy on our end. Unless Ray’s got something to add, so far, we’ve got jack shit. Oh, we’ve got lots of feelers out and there have been a couple of times we’ve gotten a promising lead or two, but they haven’t panned out. Or rather, the lead disappears.”

“Or, more likely, is eliminated by a larger fish,” Vander said darkly.

“Someone higher up the power chain,” Lucroy agreed.

“That’s some damn fine micromanagement there. Whoever’s in charge, they’ve got their finger on the pulse of their operation and haven’t missed a beat yet.” Sedrick’s rumbled growl filled the room. The lights momentarily dimmed before flaring brighter. The low fire roared and burned hotter.

Rubbing his hands up and down Sedrick’s arms, Phil’s wings fluttered as he snuggled in closer.

“Sorry, Phil,” Sedrick apologized. “I didn’t mean to make the house upset.”

“Don’t worry about that,” Phil reassured. “Our home is only concerned, as am I. Besides, I think it was more a reaction to my emotions. I can’t help but feel threatened by what’s going on and I can’t hide those emotions from our home. It’s who I am.”

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