Page 42 of Perfectly Petite Shorts
“You want to go with us to Dusk? Why?” Sedrick stared at his niece and nephew, his bushy eyebrows lowered with curiosity. “You’ll be bored.”
Dillon shrugged, acting like it wasn’t that important when he and Ruthie truly wanted to go. Dusk was too far for them to run to, at least while Phil and Uncle Sedrick were gone. They needed a ride and time to talk with Johnny. There was a good chance Wendall would be there too. Wendall was thoughtful and might have some good ideas. Plus, Trinket.
“Trinket might be there,” Ruthie excitedly answered,proving once again that Dillon and his sister were of a similar mind.
Sedrick took a moment to consider that. “She might, but there’s no guarantee. It depends on whether or not Wendall’s working tonight.”
“We’ll take our chances.” Dillon stood firm and changed tactics. “Is there a reason you don’t want us to go?” Fisted hands on his hips, Dillon cocked his head back and stared down his uncle.
Sedrick’s eyebrows shot heavenward. “No, not particularly.” Scratching his bearded cheek, Sedrick hollered, “Phil, you okay with the kids coming with us tonight?”
Phil walked down the hall, a basket of laundry tucked under his arm. “Yes. You two want to come?” Phil sounded just as confused as Sedrick.
“We’re bored, and Trinket might be there,” Dillon answered. It wasn’t a complete lie. He and Ruthie could find a lot more things to do around the house than at Dusk, but the lure of Trinket’s presence was true enough. They loved playing around with the scuttlebutt. Dillon and Ruthie probably wouldn’t be able to transform and rumble about in their wolf forms, but they’d still find things to do with Trinket.
“Oh.” Phil’s eyes widened, showing off grass green irises. “If you really want to, then I don’t have a problem.” Phil’s smile was fondly soft. “You know I always enjoy spending time with you, and if you and Ruthie are with us, I might be able to stay away from the house a little longer.” Phil had bonded not only with the house, but its occupants as well. While his main bond was with the home, having Sedrick or the children around offered a larger grace period before he began feeling ill.
Dillon shot a fist into the air. “Yes! Come on, Ruthie. Let’s get your hair sorted. We’ll be back in ten minutes.” Dillon took a look at Ruthie’s hair and amended, “Make that fifteen.” Grabbing his sister’s hand, Dillon draggedher to the bathroom to start taming Ruthie’s hair. He took his older brother and burgeoning alpha nature seriously. It was his duty and privilege to see to his pack.
“Well, if it ain’t the youngest Vosses come to see us.” Johnny tossed a towel over his shoulder, a wide grin splitting his face. Standing on the riser behind the bar, Johnny was tall enough he needed to lean over the bar’s surface to make eye contact with Dillon and Ruthie. “To what do we owe the pleasure?”
“Evidently, they’re bored at home,” Sedrick answered. “Plus, there was some hope that Trinket would be here tonight.”
“Well, my fine young werewolves, looks like you’re in luck. Wendall’s not here yet, but he’s scheduled to work tonight, so I expect him any minute.”
True delight fueled Dillon and Ruthie’s grins. “It’s been a while since we’ve seen her,” Ruthie said.
“I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you too.” Johnny leaned on the bar, his arms crossed and his chuckle pleased.
“Hey, I didn’t know you two were coming tonight.” Lizabeth sidled up next to Johnny. Her hair was a vibrant orange tonight and made it look like her head was on fire. Lizabeth had her typical studded collar on, indicating her human neck was off limits to Lucroy’s nestmates.
“They were bored,” Sedrick repeated. “You mind getting me whatever beer’s on tap and a glass of honeysuckle mead for Phil.” A loud burst of laughter sounded from the corner. “Looks like Peaches has already had a couple of glasses,” Sedrick jested, his voice fond.
“You got it,” Lizabeth answered.
Johnny scoffed. “Last I checked, he’s on his third. Iswear, that pixie has no restraint when it comes to my cousin’s mead.” Johnny sounded more proud than judgmental.
“Heard anything from Vander and Parsnip?” Sedrick asked while waiting for their drinks.
“Last I knew they were in Canada. Not sure what type of couple they’re filming. Byx is minding the store again,” Johnny answered. “They should be back in a couple of days.”
“Here you go,” Lizabeth said as she slid a tall glass of beer Sedrick’s way and a much smaller glass of honeysuckle mead.
“Thanks.” Taking a long draw from the beer, Sedrick sighed in appreciation. “That hits the spot. It’s been a week at the mine.” Sedrick shifted his head back and forth, cracking his neck before looking down at Dillon and Ruthie. “You two want something to drink?”
Dillon eyed Sedrick’s beer.
“Yeah, I don’t think so,” Sedrick said. “You’ve got another ten years before I wanna hear about your lips touching the edge of a glass of ale. You can have something nonalcoholic.”
Arms crossed over his chest, Dillon half-ass pouted. It wasn’t like he really thought his uncle would cave. “You got soda?”
“Do we have soda?” Johnny splayed his hand across his chest. “What kind a foolish question is that? Of course we’ve got soda.” Hopping off the riser, Johnny nearly disappeared behind the bar. Dillon and Ruthie heard the clopping of his hooves as he headed to the refrigerated section. When he came back, Johnny’s arms were laden with seven different types of soda. “Take your pick.”
Sedrick pinched the bridge of his nose. “Moon Goddess save us from the caffeine and sugar high.”
Johnny threw his head back and cackled. “I just sugar ’em up and send ’em home.”
Sedrick blew out an exasperated breath. “I’m well aware.” Turning to Ruthie and Dillon, Sedrick crouched down, so hewas on their eye level. “You guys wanna come to the table with me, or do you wanna hang around bugging Johnny and Lizabeth?”
