“I do not believe Alpha Voss understood a true pixie’s need,” Lucroy said. “When he did, the alpha was quick to make amends for his misunderstanding.”
Peaches deflated as his ire melted away. “Yes. You’re right. Sedrick certainly made it right once he understood. It’s just… It was difficult, watching Phil put that awful fabric on and put on a brave, smiling face. It wasn’t him.” Inhaling deeply, Peaches’s pushed the negative feelings away. “Phil’s life has improved so much. He’s got everything he deserves, and yet he still doesn’t understand just how wonderful he is. I’m so happy the two of you know about his birthday and that you want to find the perfect present for him.”
Dillon checked the time, realizing more than he would have liked had already passed and besides learning Phil’s actual birthday date, he and Ruthie were no closer to figuring out a good present.
Lucroy caught the movement and saved Dillon the need to verbally intervene. “I believe the children are limited for time.” Lucroy diplomatically nudged the conversation forward.
“We are. Uncle Sed and Phil will be home soon, and it would be easier if Ruthie and I didn’t have to make up a story about why we came out here.” Dillon knew his uncle would be able to scent the orchard on them so it wouldn’t do to make up some tale that didn’t entail going out to Peaches’s home.
Feet about a foot off the ground, that didn’t stop Peaches from tapping his foot. “I’m thinking,” he said when Ruthie and Dillon looked expectantly up at him. Face flushing, Peaches said, “I think Phil would like some soft lingerie. Every pixie likes luxuriating in fine silks and since Phil is Sedrick’s mate… And I doubt that would be something Phil would think to purchase for himself.”
Dillon and Ruthie’s shared, horrified expressions made Lucroy’s lips twitch with amusement. “I believe that might be more of a gift for Alpha Voss than Philodendron.”
“Oh.” Peaches’s flushed cheeks darkened. “You might have a point.”
Dillon shuffled his feet, looking decidedly uncomfortable. “I don’t think that’s something that Ruthie and I should purchase.” While Dillon understood that Phil was the alpha mate, he didn’t want to consider what being amatetruly entailed.
Ruthie’s gag indicated she felt the same.
Peaches’s wings fluttered with agitation. “So, that’s a no to the lingerie. I still think it’s a lovely option. I’ll speak with Sedrick about it.” Peaches gave a firm nod to punctuate hisgood idea. “Now, as far as the two of you… Let’s see… Phil is a home-and-hearth pixie, and there’s nothing he loves more than his home and family. Maybe something for the house?” Peaches looked to Lucroy for help.
“I believe that is a lovely idea and much more appropriate for the children.”
Dillon’s eyebrows scrunched in thought. “But what does the house need? Phil already sees to all its needs, and that’s something he really enjoys doing.”
“Phillikescleaning,” Ruthie added, awe filling those few words.
“He does,” Dillon agreed while twirling a finger around his temple. “He’s crazy like that.”
Lucroy’s lips twitched again. “Indeed. It seems a blessing that Philodendron is so inclined as the two of you have made it abundantly clear you are not.”
“I clean,” Dillon defended, his chin jutted out. “When I have to.”
“Very magnanimous of you.” Lucroy’s dark eyes glinted with mirth.
“What does magnamos mean?” Ruthie asked.
“Never mind.” Peaches waved off his beloved. “Lucroy likes using big words. Now, as for the house, maybe something decorative? Something Phil would like but think too ostentatious to do himself.”
“What does ostat—”
“Fancy,” Dillon offered before his sister could further mangle the word.
“Ohh.” Ruthie’s eyes widened. “Like new curtains or a pretty wreath for the front door.”
Dillon’s downturned lips indicated he wasn’t sold on the idea. Checking the time again, Dillon cursed. “Damn it, we’re out of time.”
“You’ve been hanging out with Ollie and Burt too much.” Peaches lowered until his toes touched the porch.
Dillon shrugged. He’d heard that and a lot worse from his uncle too. The only difference was that his uncle acted upset when he did. “Come on, Ruthie. We better get going.”
Arms open wide, Ruthie gave Lucroy and then Peaches a big hug before she shimmied out of her clothes. Peaches and Lucroy were too used to the were children’s lack of modesty to comment. Naked, Ruthie quickly shifted into her dire wolf form. When Peaches pulled his gaze from Ruthie, it was to find Dillon equally naked, shoving their clothes into a bag. He slid the strap over Ruthie’s neck and then transformed himself.
“Exquisite.” Lucroy marveled at the transformed wolves. Closing the distance, his slender fingers slipped through Ruthie’s soft, white fur. “You are truly lovely, my dear.”
Ruthie nuzzled into Lucroy’s touch before woofing loudly. Bounding away, she only tripped over her long legs once before she was racing down the lane leading away from Peaches’s orchard and toward the road. Dillon was hot on her heels as they raced for home.
Dusk’s Delights
