It was mid-afternoon when Devin finally rose and joined her downstairs. She sighed in relief that his rapid healing abilities had already healed many of his bruises. She hoped the rest would be gone before anyone saw them. She didn’t want to have to admit that he got them because she stripped naked and then beat him to a pulp.
As Devin fixed himself his liquid breakfast, Nikki waited for the inevitable teasing about her night hug. But when he didn’t mention it, she wondered if he was even aware that she had done it.
In reality, he was more than aware. He liked his new blanket so much that he didn’t want to say anything for fear that Nikki would change her mind about them sharing the bed. While downing his drink and staring at Nikki, he said to himself, “Wing today, maybe she’ll press other more squishy parts against me tomorrow.”
The two spent a quiet afternoon together where they kept secretly stealing glances at each other. Whenever Devin was close to Nikki, he hummed a song that played while they had danced in the shower. At first he did it unconsciously but, when he noticed that it made her wings flitter, he did it just to watch their reaction. He was amazed how her wings responded as if they had a mind of their own.
His amusement was interrupted when Nikki whispered back at him, “Watch it, Vampire. I’m packing wings and I’m not afraid to use them.”
He caressed a long line down the wing closest to him and, as it curled against his touch, he accepted her challenge and replied, “Bring it on, Pixie.”
Their mini battle was interrupted when Nikki’s phone rang. Seeing the name displayed on the screen she answered, saying “Hi Jackie.”
After a brief discussion, Nikki handed Devin her phone and said, “Jackie would like to speak to you.” Devin took the phone and, to Nikki’s surprise the two talked for a very long time. Actually, Jackie talked and Devin listened. Although Nikki only heard the few words that Devin managed to slip in whenever Jackie took a breath, Nikki knew that they were scheming her escape out of her apartment and into Devin’s arms.
After Devin hung up, he tossed Nikki her phone and, while rubbing his ear, he said, “That Human can talk.”
“I assume that you two just planned my future. By the way, do I get any say?”
“No, but don’t feel bad. Neither do I. She has it all worked out, including an appointment with your landlord. When that Human sets her mind to something, she’s like a runaway train. There’s no stopping her.”
Nikki had to laugh and said, “It’s a gift. My poor landlord is doomed. If he doesn’t succumb to the power of her cleavage, she’ll keep talking until she wears him down. I’m not sure if she’s ever lost a battle.” After a brief pause, she asked, “So when is step one of this plan?”
“Tomorrow night. She wants us to bring boxes so that we can pack your things as soon as our meeting with the landlord is over.” Seeing Nikki’s eyes open wide, he added, “She told me that she didn’t want to give you time to chicken out.”
“Right now I have no choice but to agree to the plan. Like a puppy dog, wherever you go, I’m forced to follow. However, as soon as the curse lifts, I’ll move out.” She turned to look at the apartment door and said, “Speaking of the curse, do you think me beating you up helped ease it any? I slept great and woke up awfully chipper this morning.”
He replied in mock surprise, “What a coincidence. I did too. In fact, I woke to find my skin was sparkling like diamonds. I wonder how that happened?” His smirk told Nikki that he was very aware of his time as a Pixie wrapped burrito. Seeing her about to apologize for her actions and promising not to do it again, he gave her a gentle smile and said, “Whatever caused it, I won’t complain if it happens again. As to the curse, it’s my turn to test the curse’s current strength.”
Nikki watched Devin walk to the door and she held her breath as he stepped into the hall. Everything was fine until he took one step toward the elevator and the curse stabbed him hard. He was forced to quickly retreat back into the apartment and return to Nikki’s side. While one hand reached to Nikki to appease the curse, the other hand rubbed his chest and he said, “Damn. I wonder if this is what a dog feels if he gets zapped by an invisible fence?”
Nikki took his extended hand and replied, “It does pack a punch.” After she released him, she said, “Since I have complete faith that Jackie will get me out of my lease, this may be your last official night as a solitary bachelor. Do you want to go to Mistyx to drown your sorrows? I need to check in with Styx and Grippin anyway.”
Devin agreed and said, “That’ll work out well. Blade was going to give a few Vampires fighting lessons tonight and it’s a whole lot safer if you aren’t in the building.”
Shortly after they ate their dinner, they gave Blade the green light to use the apartment and they headed to Mistyx. It was still early so they were both initially surprised to see that the tavern was already full. They guessed that news of Nikki’s existence had spread and a new set of curiosity seekers were poised and waiting to see and touch a member of a race they all thought was extinct. Seeing the size of the crowd, Nikki planned to stay in her disguise, but her body had different plans. Outside of her control and to the delight of the crowd, she shivered off her Human camouflage and her Pixie side came forward.
Both Grippin and Devin helped keep Nikki’s admirers back, while Switch scooped her into the safety of his canopy. After a few people were unceremoniously knocked across the room by a branch when they tried to jump up into the branches, Nikki called down to Devin, “Looks like I’m in good hands up here. While I enjoy my birds-eye view, go do what we came here for and fill up your inner tank.”
Devin did as asked and, while he walked into the crowd full of his own admirers, Styx was lifted into the tree. Once he was sitting next to Nikki, he said apologetically, “Sorry about the chaos. I already have Cassie working on adjusting the tavern’s door spell to restrict entry for anyone that Switch or Grippin throws out. In time, they’ll learn to behave so you won’t be forced to sit in a tree like a bird.”
To make light of the situation, Nikki replied, “Well I do have wings and make bird sounds all of the time.” To demonstrate, she flapped her wings and, to the crowd’s delight, she covered everyone in Pixie sparkle. She apologized to those below her and then said to Styx, “I hope that the novelty of my presence will wear off soon. I hate causing you so much trouble.”
“It’s no real trouble. You’re great for business. But we need to remain diligent in ensuring your safety while you’re here.” He pointed down to Grippin as the large man flexed his muscles after happily tossing out the door a Vampire that was determined to climb the tree and get to Nikki. Styx added, “And look at the smile on Grippin’s face. It’s been more years than I can remember since I’ve seen him this excited about his bouncer job.”
She smiled down at her large, but quiet, friend and then patted the branch holding her affectionately. She said, “I couldn’t be in better hands.” While she watched Devin relaxing with his friends, she added, “I’m very grateful that Devin and I are still welcome here. Since my little sun issue, he and everyone else at the warehouse have become very protective of me. Since Devin can’t leave my side and he has to constantly fight his own Vampire instincts to feed on me, coming here gives him a break for a few minutes.”
“You’re both welcome here anytime you need us. If you’ll excuse me, I need to go back to work. If you need anything, just ask Switch.”
After Styx was returned to his spot behind the bar counter, Nikki watched the happenings in the tavern from above. To keep her entertained, she and Switch played a game. Nikki would point at someone she wanted to talk to and a branch would sneak up on the unsuspecting individual. He would pull them into his canopy and then plop them next to the Pixie.
While Nikki and Switch looked for their next target, Nikki found Alec staring up at her. He called, “Can I come visit next?”
She gave him a smirk and replied, “I think our current locations are just fine. By the way, what are
you doing here? I thought you left town.”
“I decided to stick around for a while. I wanted to make sure that you were okay.”
“I’m fine.”
“I know that I broke the rules, but I hope that someday you and I can talk. You’re the first Pixie I’ve met and I would like to get to know you better.”
“I think you got to know me quite well the other night.”
“I’m really sorry about that, but you’re unlike anyone I’ve ever met. You’re…”
She finished his thought. “Is ‘mouth-watering’ the phrase you were looking for?”
He chuckled and replied honestly, “Well, yes. That does fit, but I should’ve heeded Devin’s warning. Blade doesn’t threaten so I know that my actions could have cost me my life. I have you to thank for allowing me to live.”
She said honestly, “I’ve seen enough death in my life and I had no desire to watch another die.”
“I have so many questions I would like to ask you if and when you feel comfortable talking to me. You can even have a body guard if you like.”
“Maybe someday. I’m very aware of the draw Pixies have on your kind, but I do hope that someday our races can learn to live side by side. I want my people to come out of hiding.”
“As do I. You’re beautiful creatures and shouldn’t be hidden away.” Seeing Devin heading his way, Alec said, “Your roommate is about to happily throw me out of Mistyx, so I’ll leave you for now. Please consider my peace offering.”
Although she didn’t trust Alec yet, she replied politely, “I’ll consider it.”
Once Alec quickly walked away, Devin took his place and asked, “Nikki, are you okay?”
“I’m fine.”
“What did Alec want?”
“He just wanted to see if I had recovered from the other night. He told me that he’s sticking around town for a while and would like to get to know me.”
Devin’s growl informed Nikki of what he thought of the idea. “Don’t worry. I won’t let him near you.” He looked up into the branches and said, “Switch. If Alec bothers Nikki in any way, throw his ass to the street.”
Several branches stiffened around Nikki, preparing to defend her. Devin returned to his anxiously waiting buffet line, while Nikki went back to having Switch yank people up into his branches.
Jett had been watching and, when he realized what Nikki was up to, he called up, “Hey Nikki. Can I come join in the fun?” She couldn’t argue with his baby face. Moments later he was sitting next to her and helping her pick out targets with much enthusiasm.
After their routine continued happily for several hours, Devin returned and said, “Tanks full and Blade texted me that his lessons are over. Want to head back to the apartment?”
After Nikki agreed, Jett jumped back down to the floor while Switch carried Nikki to the entrance. Fearing there might be others lying in wait outside, Devin let Jett retrieve his car and pull up in front of the door. After Grippin was in place, Switch dropped Nikki into Devin’s arms and he carried her to the car in a flash of speed.
When they finally arrived at the warehouse and found a few unfamiliar Vampires lurking outside, Devin quickly pulled into the underground parking. After Bo walked up to Devin proudly confirming that the coast was clear of attackers, Devin allowed Nikki to get out of the car.
Blade heard the arrival and came out of his apartment. While Nikki played with Bo, Blade pulled Devin to the side and whispered so that Nikki wouldn’t hear, “We had some unwanted visitors earlier that Bo sensed were going to cause trouble. He took care of the issue quite effectively and I guarantee, as news spreads, others will think twice about trying to get in here. I just wanted you to be aware. Nikki’s popularity is growing, as we feared.”
Devin replied, “We ran into the same issue at Mistyx and Nikki had to spend the entire evening being held above the crowd by Switch. Styx told me that my godmother has some others from her coven helping her adjust the tavern’s barrier magic. Looks like she’ll have to do the same thing here. By the way, did you know that Alec is still in town and was at Mistyx? He behaved himself, but we need to keep a close eye on him.”
“I’ll take care of it personally.”
When Devin called to Nikki, she gave Bo a hug and then flew past the Vampires toward the elevator, leaving a trail of sparkle in her wake. Blade marveled at the sight and said, “That never gets old.”
Devin said, “Now that she has her strength back, her feet barely touch the apartment floor. Since she once again leaves a trail of Pixie dust wherever she goes, the apartment is starting to sparkle like the night sky.” Before he walked away, he added, “Unless the curse miraculously breaks through the night, we’ll see you tomorrow when you help Nikki move in.”
“I’ll be there. Nikki won’t be the only new tenant. Cassandra doesn’t think this curse is going to break any time soon and has decided to officially move in.”
Devin rolled his eyes and asked, “I wonder who’ll move in next?”
*~*~*~*
Nikki knew the next day was going to be trying so, shortly after getting into the apartment, she called it a night and went up to bed. Devin joined her in bed later, making Nikki stir. When she found both Cupcake and Devin staring anxiously at her, she gave them both a confused expression, unsure what they were waiting for.
Devin took the situation into his own hands and he pushed down the sheet, patting his exposed chest. Nikki knew what he wanted and, since she wanted the same thing, she said to Cupcake’s growl, “It’s okay, Sweetie.” After she moved so that she was lying on her stomach hugging a pillow, she extended a wing toward her bedmate.
Devin was no longer hesitant and helped position the silk across his body right where he wanted it. Once wrapped up, he said, “Good night, my little Burrito Shell.”
Cupcake crawled up onto Nikki’s back and stretched out along the line between her wings. It didn’t take long before the room was filled with not only Nikki and Cupcake’s night sounds, but also Devin’s contented deep breathing.
The next day went by quickly and, before Nikki knew it, the sun was down and Devin was parking a borrowed SUV in front of her apartment complex. They found Jackie waiting for them and the three headed into the office. Between Jackie’s assets and Devin’s gift of persuasion, Nikki was out of her lease in record time. They then went to her apartment and packed the last of her belongings. Since she owned so few items, they were finished packing in less than an hour.
As Jackie taped shut the last box, she saw her friend staring out at her now empty apartment. She approached her and asked, “Nikki, are you okay?”
Nikki replied, “I’m thinking about the three things my mother taught me to do when I felt like my life was falling apart.”
“What was her advice?”
“The first thing is to cry my eyes out. After that, I’m to close my eyes and say thank-you for every moment of my life.”
Jackie asked with genuine interest, “What’s the third thing?”
Nikki replied, “I’m to take a breath and let that chapter of my life end.” After taking in a deep cleansing breath, she looked around the room and said, “I actually hated this place and it never felt like home, but it was mine. Now I’m starting yet another chapter in my life. I’ve done this so many times that it should be easy, but I’m tired of change. I want a place that’s mine today and that I know will be there tomorrow and the day after that.”
Jackie nodded over to Devin, who was standing by the door next to the small stack of moving boxes, and said “Maybe Devin can be that for you. I don’t think you know how much he cares about you. I’ve watched him. He’s an attractive man and that dimple of his has every woman he looks at in a spell, but his eyes remain locked on you.”
Nikki wanted to say, “Yeah, that’s because he’s being forced because of a curse. And odds were the look of longing was directed at the veins in my neck.” Instead she said out loud, “I can’t argue that he and I need to be together right now
, but long term? I really don’t think that I’m the one for him.”
“Don’t count this relationship out before it even starts. There’s no such thing as the perfect couple. Every relationship takes work. I would know. I’ve had more practice than I care to admit. There’s something different, almost mysterious, about Devin. Listen to your mother’s advice and give him a fighting chance.”
“I’ll try.”
When the women approached the door to carry boxes down, Devin stopped them and said, “Just add your boxes to the pile, sit back, and watch. Help has arrived.”
Nikki gave Devin a look when she saw the stairway full of the street boys they had ran into the first night Devin came to her apartment building. Before she could say anything, Devin announced, “I hired them to load the SUV.” When several of them stared at Jackie with longing in their eyes, he asked, “Jackie, why don’t you go down and supervise the loading to make sure they do it right?”
Seeing her adoring fans waiting for her answer, her face lit in a big grin and she said, “Will do.” She walked into the hall and commanded, “Come on boys.” She gave them her own killer smile and then put her unique flare into her walk. Every adolescent eye was locked on her curves as she passed by them. As she started down the stairs, the boys scrambled for a box and raced to catch up with her.
Once they were alone, Nikki leaned toward Devin and said, “I really don’t like you scrambling their brains, but I appreciate that you made them look happy this time.”
Devin replied, “Those glassy eyes and drunken smiles weren’t caused by me. They think Jackie is sexy as hell and actually begged me to let them help. If I let them, they would have paid me for the privilege. Her curvy parts offer their own form of magic, which has them completely under her spell. I think they’d follow her right off a cliff.”
After all the boxes were packed into the vehicle, Jackie gave each of her helpers a firm kiss on the cheek as a thank you. She left her admirers longing for more and approached Nikki. She took her friend into her arms and said, “As I said earlier, embrace this new life and that hunk of a man. And I want to hear all of the spicy details.” She then released Nikki and said loud enough so that Devin could hear, “Once you’re settled in, I expect an invite over for dinner to see the love nest.”
Mistyx Sonata (Mistyx Series Book 1) Page 22
