Page 48 of Perfectly Petite Shorts
The patio door slid open, and Phil stepped over the threshold, his fingers skimmed along the edge of the doorframe as he entered. “Thank you,” he said quietly. Stopping just inside the door, Phil looked around. “Why is it so dark in here? Sedrick, are you—”
“Surprise!” That singular word echoed through the house, reverberating off the walls and sounding with the chorus of many familiar voices.
Jumping, Phil’s wings fluttered as he flew toward the ceiling. Grass green eyes wide, Phil blinked, his light pink eyelashes fluttering as the lights suddenly came to life, revealing a room filled to overflowing with his friends and family.
“W-what on… Goddess, what is all this?”
“Happy birthday, baby.” Sedrick broke through the crowd. Phil relaxed into his outstretched arms. Pressing his lips against Phil’s cheek, Sedrick growled, low and pleased. “You thought you could keep this from everyone else? You should really know better by now.”
Phil spluttered. “I…I never expected…”
Dillon huffed. “Well, you should have. You’re important, Phil. You’re the alpha mate.” Dillon said that as if it explained everything. To a burgeoning alpha werewolf, it did.
“We love you, Phil.” Ruthie raised her arms and Phil lifted her into his embrace. “You’re everything.”
“Oh, I…” Cheeks flushed, Phil was truly at a loss for words.
“Just sit back and enjoy it,” Sedrick said, his hand rubbing circles along Phil’s back and rubbing between his wings. “The kids worked hard and put a lot of thought into your birthday.”
“They did,” Peaches agreed as he flew toward his friend, crushing him in an embrace. “You have the best family, Phil.”
“We offered up the party bus, but the kids thought that might be a bit much.” Burt sounded disappointed but not hurt. “We were gonna put a big sign on the side of it and drive you around town. Everyone would have known it was your birthday.”
Phil paled. “That…that was very kind and thoughtful of you.”
“Think nothin’ of it. This is good too,” Ollie answered. “I’ve never seen party decorations like the ones Vander and Byx made. We need to ask what they charge. Could be somethin’ to make the bus a bit more festive. Come on, Burt, let’s go talk to the warlock and brownie. See if we can work out a deal. Happy birthday, Phil,” Ollie said as he offered up a wave, grabbed Burt’s shoulder, and took off toward Vander and Byx.
“They had a good time working out the decorations,” Parsnip said as he flew closer and offered his own hug. “They were happy to do it, and Byx thinks they can make a side business of it.” Parsnip sounded proud.
“It really is lovely.” Phil glanced around the room. Stars twinkled across the ceiling, with gaseous nebulas colorfully swirling in a distant corner. Harmless fireworks quietly exploded overhead. A few spelled out Phil’s name while others flashedHappy Birthday.
“He’s a talented warlock. Just don’t you dare tell him Isaid that. Now, I better get over there before Burt and Ollie fleece those two. I swear, Byx and Vander don’t know how to market themselves properly. Honestly, they’d give their skills away if left to their own devices.” Parsnip sighed and flew off.
Sedrick’s chuckle was low and deep. “That’s an interesting couple.”
“Not as interesting as us,” Phlox said as he sauntered up, Leon hot on his heels. “Happy birthday, Phil.” Phlox slapped Phil’s chest. “Pretty smart, keeping coy about your birthday.” Phlox winked, leaving Phil utterly confused. “I’ve gotta hand it to the kids. They’d make wonderful agents for the Magical Usage Council one day.”
“I’m gonna be alpha of the Voss pack.” Dillon quickly rejected Phlox’s suggestion.
“Oh, I know. I’m just saying, if you ever change your mind, let me know. You two have tenacity. You had a problem, and you logically worked through it.” Phlox tapped his temple with his finger. “Let me tell you, not everyone has that type of common sense.”
“Indeed, they do not,” Leon agreed. “My beloved has a valuable point.”
“Don’t I always?” Phlox’s light, teasing tone hinted at amusement.
“Of course.” Leon nipped at Phlox’s tipped ear and earned a playful swat for his efforts.
The loud murmurs drifted to silence as a bright, linear light cut through the room. Dillon could hardly contain his excitement as he shouted, “That’s Ray.”
“He’s got your present,” Ruthie exclaimed.
While Ruthie grabbed one hand, Dillon took the other and tugged Phil toward the growing rift.
“Ray’s here too?” Phil asked as he allowed himself to be led to where the fairy would make his entrance.
“We wouldn’t miss it.” Wendall was all smiles as he stoodbeside the rift, Trinket on his head and her tail wrapped around his neck. In agreement, Trinket opened her tooth-filled maw and barked a happy sound. “Ray’s sorry he’s late. He just had a little errand to run…” Wendall’s grin grew as Ray stepped through the rift.
“You didn’t have to come, Ray,” Phil protested. “I know you’re busy and…” Phil’s words trailed off to little more than soft, incomprehensible sounds. A choked, “M-mom? Dad?” filled the air before Phil threw his body into his parents waiting arms.
