Page 19 of Perfectly Petite Shorts
“Y-yes, that’s true.” Peat’s confusion grew. None of this was news. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to—”
“To fly!” The sprite was right and wrong at the same time.
“I…” Peat’s gaze flicked from the sprite to Nirgal, hoping his vampire had a clue. Nirgal didn’t appear more knowledgeable and remained silent.
“Come. You will fly.” The sprite waved its hands at Peat.
“But I can’t. I—”
“You can’t, but we can. Come.” The sprite grew increasingly impatient.
“I believe you should go with them,” Nirgal said, loosening his arms.
“You know what they’re talking about?” Peat asked.
“No, but they seem very persistent.”
Peat huffed but decided the sooner he placated the sprite, the sooner he’d get Nirgal inside him.
Peat had barely taken two steps away from Nirgal when all the sprites descended on him. With a shocked gasp, Peat started to turn away, but instead of going after his dust, the sprites grabbed his clothing.
“What in the—oh!” Peat’s bare toes left the ground as he was lifted into the sky. The air danced around him as it flowed through his long hair. He wasn’t just hovering. He was flying!
“Come on!” one of the sprites yelled as they went even higher, flying over the treetops. “We’ve got you. Wee!” The sprites’ high-pitched laughter danced around Peat, Nirgal’s deeper base adding depth to the mirth.
“Goddess. I’m flying.” Peat threw his arms wide, joyous laughter erupting from deep within his chest. He’d never thought this would be possible. He never thought… It didn’t matter what Peat had thought before. All his earlier misconceptions were erased. There was only space for one emotion within him. Joy. Utter, inescapable joy.
Peat wasn’t certain how long the sprites held him aloft, buzzing around the forest while giving Peat a beautiful view of the château he’d claimed as his own. By the time he was returned to Nirgal’s waiting arms, Peat was drunk on happiness.
Wrapping his legs around Nirgal’s waist, Peat let his vampire cradle his weight. Honestly, Peat wasn’t certain he could stand on his own. His legs felt like wet noodles and his arms were shaky.
“I flew!” Peat needlessly said, unable to keep the excitement from his voice. “Did you see me, Nirgal? I was flying!”
“And you were a vision, beloved.” Nirgal peppered Peat’s cheeks with kisses.
“I love you. Goddess, do I love you. I love this land, the château, and the life you’ve given me. I can’t believe I get to spend Goddess only knows how long with you.” Peat’s heart was so full he thought it would burst.
“And I will thank your Goddess every day for bringing you into my second life.” Nirgal nuzzled Peat’s neck. “Let us go home and celebrate without so many prying eyes.”
Falling into Nirgal’s strong embrace, Peat settled in and allowed his vampire to carry him home. As they walked away, Peat looked over Nirgal’s shoulder and waved at the sprites, mouthing a silentthank you. The sprites buzzed around, zipping this way and that, creating a shimmering canvas of ever-changing art.
How was this Peat’s life?He may not know, but Peat wouldn’t second guess it. He’d bathe in the beauty of it and would fight tooth and nail to make certain the château was safe. That Nirgal and his nestlings were safe. And that the sprites and forest they called home were safe.
Home. That word meant something different to a home-and-hearth pixie. It meanteverything. But home wasn’t simply the brick, mortar, rocks, and lumber that made up the château. It was all the living and vampiric creatures the château and its surrounding grounds protected. And with a bonded home-and-hearth pixie, there could be no place safer for those Peat allowed within his carefully protected area.
On this land and within their home, there was no more powerful force than a bonded home-and-hearth pixie.
Magic’s Sight
GEORGIANA & VANDER
Vander
“Fix this.”
I stared at the colorful were-flamingo filling my doorframe, wondering how the charm I’d crafted went so damn wrong. It was just supposed to enhance the were-flamingo’s pink hues, not turn them neon bright. It also wasn’t supposed to affect their humanoid appearance. The guy looked like a throwback to an eighties rave party. That or he’d been out in the sun way too fucking long and gotten one hell of an interesting burn.
Shuffling my feet, I swallowed hard as my mind worked overtime. Considering the chances offixingthe issue were less than zero, I opted for the next best tactic—acting like nothing was wrong. “I don’t see the problem.” Crossing my arms over my chest, I mimicked my client’s posture.
